News – Page 2 – Dame Catherine Harpur's School

Life after Dame Catherines – how children adapt to…

We have had two children go through Dame Catherine’s Nursery and School.

It was a big decision initially to ‘step out of the box’ of sending them to the local mainstream school, to a very small independent school. But the lure of no formal testing, small class sizes, no homework, and the family orientated environment was a huge influence in our decision.

News

We’re in the news! Art show piece in the…

From September’s Village Voice

Events

Fabulous Fete and 30th Anniversary Party

Margaret Whyte (headteacher) welcomed visitors to the fete which was officially opened by one of our current nursery children, Lucci, and one of the original ex-pupils, Sophie who cut our birthday cake (made by ex-pupil Darcey).

A range of traditional stalls were on offer, including ‘guess the number of sweets in the jar’ (sponsored by Fortey’s sweet shop in Melbourne), tombola and raffle, as well as the more unusual ‘guess the number of balloon in the MGB GT’…alongside children’s activities and reptile handling, courtesy of Gary’s Reptile Experience. Nursery children couldn’t believe their eyes when they arrived to find their classroom had been taken over by a bouncy castle…but all that energy was quickly replaced by cake and hot chocolates with marshmallows and cream.

We were very pleased to welcome the Ticknall Archeology Society along with representatives from Ticknall Gardening Club who brought along a selection of plants for sale.

We would like to thank everyone who popped in – it was great to see so many ex-pupils, parents, friends and family, as well as our neighbours in the village and visitors from further afield.

News

Why being born in the summer will affect your…

According to this BBC Radio 4 clip if your child is born in the summer the current school system puts them at a disadvantage that can continue throughout life.

At Dame Catherines, we allow gradual, part time and delayed starts to school for younger children (which can be combined with nursery attendance if needed) to help them settle in.

Then, because we teach collectively across Key Stage 1, our teachers tailor the learning experience to each child, in a small, friendly and nurturing environment – allowing them to develop confidence in their abilities.

If you think your child would benefit from this, we still have places available in our nursery and KS1 class for immediate entry.

Events

School Open Day Sat 7th Oct 10am-1pm

Parents' stories

Parents’ view

Why did you choose Dame Catherine?
I was initially surprised about the quality of the education system in the UK compared to my memories of school growing up.

Villiage Fete at Dame Catherine’s 2pm

Join us on the 23rd from 2pm at Dame Catherine Harpur’s school in Ticknall for a traditional village fete with lots of kid friendly activities and stalls.

Free, no booking necessary. All welcome.

Events

Melbourne Festival offering children’s crafts and activities

We had a lovely weekend at the Melbourne festival. Many parents and children came along to enjoy our painting activity – an example of the kind of thing we offer at the school.

Parents' stories

Parents’ view

I am the mother of two young boys, aged 5 and 7 who joined Dame Catherine’s School about 6 months ago. Despite the short time period, they are both flourishing at this school and have made new friends very quickly, with boys and girls of different ages. It gives me immense pleasure to see them going to school so happy and content. They are confident and secure in the knowledge that they will enjoy the teaching and get better at their work. I do not need the results of an Ofsted report to tell me DCHS is outstanding in their provision of an excellent learning environment, for any child.

Free stay and play under 5s – Tue 12,…

Join us for a free ‘play-and’stay’ session for under 5’s, Tuesday September 12, 19, 26.

Sessions running from 1.30 – 3.30pm and give you and your child the opportunity to experience our messy kitchen in the forest school area, play in the garden, dress up in the nursery or be creative at one of our activity tables.

Places are limited as we like to keep things small and friendly, so booking is essential to secure your place. Please email to book.

News

Summer holiday club in August

In August we run a Forest School holiday club with lots of fresh air and outdoor activities.

It’s a lot of fun and you can book for morning, afternoon or whole days for one or more days.

Keep an eye out for more details nearer the date.

News

End of year sleepover

Each year at the end of the Summer term we have a sleepover. Parents and kids bring tents, play the traditional game of rounders and BBQ sausages and marshmallows (with wine chasers).

In the morning we cook breakfast, pack up and say goodbye for the summer, ready to return for the new year in September.

News

Summer learning at Dame Catherine Harpur’s school

Here are some of the things we’ve been up to over the last couple of weeks.

Alumni stories

Emma, Dan and Jack Morris – ex- pupils’ success

My name is Emma Morris and I started nursery at DCHS in October 2002 and left the school the summer of 2011. I have incredibly fond memories’ of Dame Catherine Harpur school and believe that it shaped me into the person I am today.

Recently I spent a week with the school on the school trip to Wales. That’s me at the back in the middle. Not only was I reminded of the amazing times I had there but I remembered what’s so valuable and wonderful about DCHS. This is a school where your child is encouraged to be themselves, a school where kindness and empathy flourishes in the students and a school where you learn to believe in yourself.

No matter what your academic ability is you are encouraged to reach your full potential with all the support you need in a friendly and exploratory environment. I would definitely recommend an education at Dame Catherines.

I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Ashby Sixth form. I am hoping to study chemical engineering at Sheffield University. My brothers also went to Dame Catherine’s. Dan has just graduated with a first in Aerospace Engineering, and Jack has got a placement at JCB, and is halfway through his M-Eng degree.

News

Annual sports day

Our annual sports day was lots of fun as always, including a total soaking in the water fight!

Events

Free stay-and-play sessions!

Join us for a free ‘play-and’stay’ session for under 5’s, every Tuesday throughout September 2017. Sessions running from 1.30 – 3.30pm and give you and your child the opportunity to experience our messy kitchen in the forest school area, play in the garden, dress up in the nursery or be creative at one of our activity tables. Places are limited as we like to keep things small and friendly, so booking is essential to secure your place – email us at office@damecatherines.org
Refreshments provided!

Events

Gardening day

A lovely day preparing for summer and summer activities such as the holiday club and the art show. Thanks everyone for your excellent work! We found a newt (we think) and hopefully it will be happy in its new, cleaner, home.

Events

Triathlon

Last year we swam the channel – this year we are challenging the children to follow in the footsteps of the Brownlee brothers who helped each other over the finish line to take gold and silver in the triathlon for Team GB at the 2016 Olympics.

The Dame Catherine Mini Children’s Triathlon consists of:
• 20 minutes of swimming in the pool
• 20 minutes of running
• 20 minutes of scooting around the playground

Every child who takes part will receive a certificate.

News

Gelli Iargo

The annual school trip to Wales…

Parents' stories

Parents’ view

Finding the right school can be a minefield at the best of times, but when your children need to learn in a very special way, it is particularly difficult. Our search for such a school began at short notice, when our children’s school closed. We visited several well run schools, but somehow, they didn’t quite match up.

For more information or to book a visit...