The Grove Cross Country – Autumn Term 1

2020 has been a different year to say the least, so much so that it is changing the way we do things in everyday life. For many people The Cross Country at school holds a real mix of emotions and so the emphasis has really been on preparing the competitors as best as we can and try to keep a positive mentality towards taking part. This year due to the circumstances, The Cross Country was run across three days to ensure age groups could stay within their individual bubbles. This way we could open the doors to parents in an outdoor environment and there wouldn’t be too much of a social gathering!

Up first were the U10/11’s. The conditions were fair, being overcast and underfoot the grassy areas where firm. All-round some good conditions for long distance running. As mentioned, The Cross Country really does cater for all. Some individuals will really look to push themselves from a time perspective and look to finish in the best placed position they can, and others are looking to push themselves as hard as they can with an aim to finish the race. The U10/11s set off at a good pace with the usual suspects leading from the front. Once the runners got into their rhythm and second wind the field started to spread into these two categories. Tomas Garcia, Oliver Whittam and Emily Foster really starting to stretch their legs over the 1^st kilometre. Tomas all in all was able to pull away from the rest of the group and finish in a respectable time of 15:30.03. All the staff that where strategically placed around the 3km course were extremely pleased to see the determination and positivity the competitors had to complete the race. Special mention must go to Oyin Omotosho who really embraced this and pushed herself extremely hard.

For the first time in The Grove Cross Country’s history, the Juniors on the following day had a pace setter. Mr Thorne braved the elements and as a pace setter ran the record time which stands at 07:05s for the boys. A Record that has stood since c.2011. The aim was for Mr Thorne to show the competitors the importance of pacing and for those competitors at the front, just how hard they need to push themselves to hit that record time. It is very easy to be happy with where you see yourself when comparing yourself amongst your peers and so Mr Thorne was hopefully going to provide that further motivation. The excitement however got the better of a few and for a period of time where running ahead of Mr Thorne, something they would later regret! Matthew Coomber and Matilda Bradban put in a fantastic effort to win for the Boys & Girls. With Matthew running an impressive time of 07:29:86 It was extremely pleasing to see the effort all the juniors put in. With all of them completing the race.

The Seniors went into The Cross Country with a greater weight of expectation placed upon them with the minimum expectation for them to all finish and push themselves as hard as they could. They didn’t disappoint with a reduction of 10 minutes in their range of times as opposed to the U10/11’s range. Some strong efforts from Jensen Sharpe, Ahad Abdul Qureshi and Alice Alder with the remainder of the pack pushing themselves over the now wet 3km course. It was really pleasing to see the maturity that the Seniors took towards their preparation and mental application during the race. Something that I hope they can pass down to the years below them.

At the end of a busy week The Cross Country has provided all competitors with a goal to aim for. Fitness will always remain an integral part of the world of The Grove and the Sport & PE department would love to see all the competitors beat their times at the next event. Let's take this opportunity to learn and improve on areas we need to develop and remember The Cross Country is just as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. You can do it.

Mr Strong

We had our September 2020 Achievement assembly on Wednesday 30^th September. The children were able to watch the assembly live in each classroom with their form teachers handing out certificates and awards whilst Mrs Berkin (Principal) delivered the assembly from her usual spot in our school hall. Mrs Hodges was on hand with the piano ready for the monthly birthday song which was broadcast to the rooms at the end of the assembly. 

Beech and Holly have had a super outing in Loughton.
We wrapped up in our waterproofs, warm sports kit and wellies and set off on our search for signs of autumn and treasure. We decided not to let a little British weather alter our plans.

The children eagerly collected leaves of brown, red and orange, in all shapes and sizes along our way.

As we walked, we were able to discuss what we could see around us. It was lovely to hear the children discussing the refuge collection, prompted by the bags and green bins which had been placed on the verges along Redland Drive. The children talked about how they recycle at their own houses. We looked at the chimneys and windows, the size and shape of houses in comparison to our own and different kinds of vehicles we saw on the roads.

We excitedly trip-trapped over a bridge at The Green as we approached Loughton Pavilion and wondered if we would wake the sleeping troll, luckily, he didn’t seem to be home!

The children climbed, swung and slid down the slide. The drizzle not dampening their spirits as they laughed and played on the equipment, making full use of the pirate ship. We rested on the rocks for our lunch and Isabelle told Mrs Okwuadigbo that “today has been the best day ever!”

We continued the circular route around Loughton back to The Grove passing some perfect muddy puddles along the way making good use of our wellies.

The children were impeccably well behaved, and we were all very proud of them.

Well done Beech and Holly.

Mrs Okwuadigbo & Miss Ascough

Term Dates 2020/2021 

Autumn Term 2020
Staff Training: Tuesday 1st September
(School and Nursery Closed)
Staff Training: Wednesday 2nd September
(Nursery and Walnut & Maple Open)
School and Nursery Open: Thursday 3rd September
Half Term Activity Week: Monday 26th - 30th October
Term Ends: Friday 11th December
Activity Week: Monday 14th -Tuesday 22nd December School and Nursery Close: Tuesday 22nd December, 16:00 

Spring Term 2021
School & Nursery Open: Monday 4th January
(Term Begins)
Half Term Activity Week: Monday 15th - Friday 19th February Term Ends: Friday 26th March
Activity Week: Monday 29th March - Thursday 1st April School and Nursery Close: Thursday 1st April, 16:00 

Summer Term 2021
School & Nursery Open: Monday 19th April (Term Begins) Bank Holidays: Monday 3rd & Monday 31st May
Half Term Activity Week: Tuesday 1st - Friday 4th June Travel Week: Monday 12th - Friday 16th July
Term Ends: Friday 16th July

Iain Hovell – Chair (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Tasmyn Simpkins – Deputy Chair

The purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide counsel and advice to the School’s Leadership Team regarding the operation of the school.
The Advisory Board is comprised of seven members (current and past parents), and the length of service on the Board is typically two to three years.
The Advisory Board’s focus is the continuous development of pupils and staff at the school, in accordance with the school’s ethos:

"The Grove will provide excellent education and welfare within a creative family environment where each child and adult is stretched to achieve their full potential. We will enrich the human mind, body and spirit by delivering outstanding knowledge to all, alongside ideology and healthy living".

The Advisory Board meets at least once per term to review various aspects of the school and nursery including:

• The quality of education provided (curriculum and teaching);
• The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils;
• The welfare, health and safety of pupils;
• Suitability of staff and supply staff;
• Premises and accommodation;
• The provision of information;
• The way complaints are handled; and
• The quality of leadership and management within the school

ETA: 5:15pm (please see our twitter feed for further updates to the ETA during our journey)

Friday (Home Day!) Good morning, the children have packed and are gathering their bags in the holding marquee before breakfast. We have two more sessions of activities before our lunch and departure.

Group 1: Climbing and Aeroball
Group 2: Aeroball and Climbing
Group 3: Climbing and Aeroball
Group 4: Aeroball and Climbing
Group 5: Climbing and Buggy Building
Group 6: Buggy Building and Climbing
Group 7: Buggy Building and Climbing
Group 8: Climbing and Buggy Building

Our last night: We have finished our activities for today and as it is our last night of Travel Week 2019 we are going to have a camp fire. We will be uploading photos again later this evening.

Thursday Morning: Our last full day of activities begins; the children are gathering outside before we head over for our breakfast.

Group 1: Raft Building and Buggy Building
Group 2: Buggy Building and Raft Building
Group 3: Abseiling and Buggy Building
Group 4: Buggy Building and Abseiling
Group 5: Archery and Sports and Team Games
Group 6: Sports and Team Games and Archery
Group 7: Archery and Sports and Team Games
Group 8: Sports and Team Games and Archery

Thursday Afternoon:

Group 1: Sports and Team Games, Beach Games.
Group 2: Sports and Team Games, Beach Games.
Group 3: Sports and Team Games, Beach Games.
Group 4: Sports and Team Games, Beach Games.
Group 5: Aeroball and Trapeze
Group 6: Trapeze and Aeroball
Group 7: Aeroball and Giant Swing
Group 8: Giant Swing and Aeroball

Wednesday Morning: Another glorious day with plenty of fun activities!

Group 1: Archery and Orienteering, Group 2: Orienteering and Archery, Group 3: Raft Building and Orienteering, Group 4: Orienteering and Raft Building, Group 5: Raft Building and Problem Solving, Group 6: Problem Solving and Raft Building, Group 7: Trapeze and Challenge Course, Group 8: Challenge Course and Trapeze

Wednesday Afternoon:

Group 1: Abseiling and Coastal Walk, Group 2: Coastal Walk and Abseiling, Group 3: Archery and Coastal Walk, Group 4: Coastal Walk and Archery, Group 5: Abseiling and Challenge Course, Group 6: Challenge Course and Abseiling, Group 7: Problem Solving and Abseiling, Group 8: Abseiling and Problem Solving

Tuesday Morning: The time is 06:48am, all of the children are wide awake with excitement. An amazing sunrise earlier this morning and plenty of fresh air with a hint of coffee… We will be heading over for our breakfast once everyone is dressed and ready which will provide energy for our exciting morning activities below:

Group 1: Giant Swing and Survivor, Group 2: Survivor and Giant Swing, Group 3: Giant Swimming and Survivor, Group 4: Survivor and Giant Swing, Group 5: Jacob’s Ladder and Survivor, Group 6: Survivor and Jacob’s Ladder, Group 7: Jacobs Ladder and Riffle Shooting, Group 8: Rifle Shooting and Jacob’s Ladder

Tuesday Afternoon:

Group 1: Challenge Course and Sensory Trail, Group 2: Sensory Trail and Challenge Course, Group 3: Challenge Course and Sensory Trail, Group 4: Sensory Trail and Challenge Course, Group 5: Giant Swing and Rifle Shooting, Group 6: Rifle Shooting and Giant Swing, Group 7: Raft Building and Survivor, Group 8: Survivor and Raft Building

Monday: Please arrive by 8:00am to enable us to depart on time. We will be traveling to Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk for Travel Week 2019. We will publish daily updates to this page during the week and travel updates.

Evening update: Once we arrived at Bawdsey Manor we met with the team and introduced them to the children. We made the most of the fantastic grounds for our lunch and outdoor games. The children are all in bed asleep getting their rest before our first full day of activities tomorrow. The group photos are on our gallery website.

Photos: During Travel Week we aim to upload as many photos as possible, a selection of photos will be uploaded here, the rest will be uploaded to our gallery website. If you require a password reset, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if the data connection is strong enough we will also upload occasional photos to Facebook and Twitter. The Group photos will be taken and published after we arrive on the first day.

Photos Update: We have uploaded most of the photos up to Wednesday afternoon.

Beech and Holly had a wonderful trip to Paradise Wildlife Park. We started off our trip with a hands on experience where we met a tortoise called Usain, a bearded dragon called Spike and a very friendly rabbit called Moana. After our workshop we visited the big cats and watched the white lions sleeping on top of their rock. We were very lucky to see the cheetah being fed and we listened to the talk as they explained that she was quite lazy and didn't like to run even though they have set up lovely tracks and games for her. We discovered that they therefore only run out of necessity which was very interesting. We spotted some playful jaguar's and sleepy tigers from the tree top walkway and descended to discover meerkats warming up under the heat lamp.

Our next adventure was into the reptile house and the Amazing Amazon exhibition where we saw a huge Anaconda swimming in it's pool. We also spotted an alligator, pythons and toads.

After lunch it was onto the penguin pool where they were having a swimming race and jumping out of the pool. Then we saw the alpaca's, zebra's and we even crawled through the meerkat tunnel to get a closer look at another group of meerkats who were foraging for their dinner. We had a quick ice cream stop to restore our energy and it was onto the Land of the Dinosaurs! We had a very exciting ride on the Dino Express and came face to face with some our favourite dinosaurs. Some of us even got squirted by the dinosaurs which was very funny.

We had a fun packed day and saw lots of wonderful animals. Many of us are keen to return as we enjoyed it that much and even one member of Holly Room declared as we were heading home "this was the best day ever!" All in all it was a very successful trip and we all left with lots of new animal facts to share.

Mrs Collins

Today, during our Eco House Day, we are celebrating the wonders of the Earth, organised a plant sale in order to raise money for our current charity Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Katie, a fundraising volunteer, joined us on this special day to give our thanks and encouragement for all the past and future fundraising our School Council, children and generously supporting parents are engage upon. We had a very important whole school assembly and learnt the amazing work the Air Ambulance does every day, with the support of all who raise money for it to respond to all emergencies. There are 21 helicopters nationwide, along with cars and medics which will fly or drive to any serious emergency, which is usually due to road accidents. Katie’s presentation showed us the work of all the people involved, from pilots to doctors and paramedics. Iman, from Spruce, got to model and wear the official uniform, an all in one red suit to keep the wearer warm as they could be called out at any time of day or night. This was teamed with a very technical white helmet which also sported a microphone on it.

It was a very special moment and we are so thankful to everyone for the support given on this very special day to this charity and for our school.

Ms Casiraghi

On the 16th of October The Grove was pleased to host a delegation from Barclays and Barclaycard. They came to school to run a workshop with years 7 and 8 covering life skills and financial management. The sessions included:

Practical financial management.

With case studies and working exercises with the pupils covering:

Security Basics (PIN numbers, Passwords).

Online Security – scams via cold calling, social media

Good vs. Bad Spending Habits, checking statements, only withdrawing money required.

Budgeting, savings and basic accounting.

Self Confidence and Meeting challenges.

The Pupils then undertook group work on inspirational characters / success stories / heroes. Through discussing the character traits of inspirational people, the pupils were encouraged to analyse and identify the attributes that made these people exceptional. The kind of qualities that came out in the discussions were determination, leadership. The kind of people mentioned were Muhammed Ali, Christian Coleman (World record holder for 60M dash). Mr Owen

The students arrived keen and ready at school for six thirty AM, despite the early start they were full of beans and ready to go. We headed for the Channel tunnel and managed to get on an early crossing which was very good news as what awaited us at the other side was a huge traffic jam through Brussels. The students sang lots of songs and stayed in good spirits until we arrived at the hotel in the evening.

The students were out of the car and ready to go in ten minutes and after a quick dinner they were out on the slopes and ready to ski. The students had a fun couple of hours skiing learning some new techniques and skills. After packing up they were straight to bed and asleep in moments. 

The following morning the students were up early for a good breakfast and then straight out on the slopes for their morning lesson. They focused on their technique getting their arms forwards and engaging their body to ski down the slope with carving style turns and get ready for the gate training later in the day. They started to make progress in this before going in for a well-deserved lunch. The students headed out with us to warm up their legs and get ready for the afternoon gate training. We worked again on their technique before they went off to have their first run at the gates. 

In the afternoon the students had their first run at the gates completing some good times but still needed to work on their technique for turning into the gates. Luckily after dinner they had video analysis feedback to improve this.  

Looking at the video analysis the students studied their techniques and knew how to improve the following day. After an evening hot chocolate they were soon straight to bed sleeping through the whole night. 

Sunday morning came, and the students were up and out on the slope practicing some technique before going into the gates once more, where they started to use their body to turn and kept their hands up. The students stopped for an early lunch and were back out onto the slope ready for the final session. They hurtled through the gates trying their best to improve upon their scores from the previous day. After a final group picture, we were of the slope and ready for the journey back. 

The journey back was much quicker, we got back just after the scheduled time. All of the students were exhausted and promptly fell asleep as soon as they were with their parents. 

All of the students had a great trip and look forward to their upcoming competition later in the year. Mr Thorne and Miss Keates