Hello and welcome to our unique school!
At Guillemont, learning is really important because it helps us to prepare for the future. Our inquiry-led learning starts with a key question, which we gather the skills and knowledge to be able to answer through our lessons. In all our learning, we go on a Learning Journey, to help us build on what we have learnt before. We are encouraged to be curious about our learning and be flexible and resilient when things don’t work out at first. We are inclusive of everyone and enjoy working as a team to reach our greatest potential.
Our learning really comes alive through our trips and experiences. Each year, we celebrate World Book Day, STEM Day, Sports Day and have published authors come to visit, to name just a few events. Not only that, but each year group has a number of trips and hook days to look forward to, including Stone Age Day in Year 3 and a trip to the Living Rainforest in Year 6.
The fun continues as we take part in a number of residential visits, starting with a one-night camp on the school field in Year 3; building to a two-night stay at Ufton Court learning about the Vikings in Year 4; and finishing with week-long trips in Year 5 to Swanage and Year 6 to Grittleton House. These opportunities help us to build our character outside of school and encourage our independence. The staff are always there to help us out and encourage us to make every second count.
In our learning, we know we are making progress because we are given goals and challenges to work towards. We are encouraged to reflect on our learning and set ambitious goals. Our celebration assemblies allow us to mark our efforts and achievements each week. Also on a Friday, some children are invited to ‘Hot Chocolate Friday’ with Mr Shakespeare, where we get to share our achievements.
Our three school rules are that we are Ready, Respectful and Safe. These fundamental values run through everything we do in school, but also help us outside of school, whether it be at home or out and about. Our school is made up of a team of dedicated staff, who are our trusted adults that make us feel safe. We know that they are there to talk to if we need and lead a number of fabulous clubs, including a range of sports throughout the year, craft clubs, computing and choir (with a chance to perform at the O2!), to name just a few. We also have an active School Council who help to make the school even better and a team of Eco Monitors who help to look after our school environment. We have lovely grounds, including a pond, an outdoor classroom and a Blue Dorito (climbing frame!) and have a good selection of Huff & Puff equipment to use a break and lunch times.
Here at Guillemont there is no school uniform which allows us to show our real selves and learn comfortably. However, we do have a dress code to keep us all safe. Other things that make our school different are the chill-out room and aviary. Our chill-out room, with its coloured lights, interactive panels, music and comfortable seats allows us to take time to self-regulate and get ready to learn, if we are struggling. Our aviary, which sits next to our fabulous, vibrant library, with constantly evolving book selections, is home to a number of birds and guinea pigs. This space, which is open to everyone, allows people to care for the animals and take responsibility for them.
There are so many things that make our school special (too many to list, really!) but we hope this has given you some good examples. Please look at our school website and come for a visit to find out more and see for yourselves! We look forward to seeing you around our fabulous school soon.
