THE LODGE Dec 2022
Issue 55
Message from the Head
The end of a year always provides an opportunity for thought and reflection, and as we ‘close down’ 2022 and look forward to 2023 the last 12 months have been really positive for the schools despite the turmoil and disruption going on in the world. Across the year we have been informing you of the progress (or lack of) with regard to the planned expansion of the Brades Lodge. With every term that has passed we have been teased
with a start and completion date ! Well … at last ... the work has started and the ground is being cleared ready for a 2 classroom modular block to be installed in the week beginning 19th Dec ! Let’s hope it all happens as it is supposed to from now on and the Year 8 and 7 students that are due to transfer from Shenstone can do so early January. Despite an Outstanding Residential Inspection outcome in March 2022, we have sadly seen the number of students in residence reduce to zero as the LA consider a ‘review ‘of the provision. We continue to wait and see what this looks like, and what the future may hold for this important part of the school. In the Summer our schools were again organising and participating in regional, Trust wide and National football tournaments, as well as the now famous ‘Soap Box Derby ‘ event. Whist we were
unable to achieve notoriety through winning medals and trophies, we did compete with spirit, hard work and a ‘good sport’ mantra ! As you know the Autumn term started with pace with a fantastic sailing trip,
visits to the
theatre, German Markets and many more off and on site curriculum and enrichment activities. We’ve continued to
develop our curriculum across the sites and have been pushing hard to
promote reading even further across the schools with the introduction of reading times for every class and age group. So, on that note, on behalf of all the staff at our schools we wish you a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
ADHD AWARD In September staff were trained by the ADHD foundation, to support our school in working towards the ADHD-friendly school award. Over the term, we have trialled standing desks,
in-
creased our use of sensory resources in classes, and ensured that movement breaks form part of our timetable. Please visit https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ resources and support about ADHD and the award. Dee Hart.
for more information, access to