Since John Mason opened in 1961, many thousands of students have come and gone, and all of them have gained years of valuable life experience through a multitude of careers. The school is hoping that some of the ex-students might be willing to use their experience to help current students. This might be through online mentoring, visiting to speak to students, offering work experience placements, or many other possible contributions.

They would love ex-students to sign up to their new John Mason School Alumni Network. It could to receive the occasional newsletter, or a reunion event. However, you can also say whether or not you’d be willing to help further.

Ex-students can sign up online via a website: formerstudents.johnmasonschool.org or by the “Sign up” link on the new John Mason School Alumni Network Facebook page.

This project is being carried out in collaboration with Future First, a charitable organisation which helps school set up alumni groups and engage former students. Their video shows how a similar project works at another school: https://youtu.be/1vWhzT4T9ys

(Thanks to Friends Reunited for the pictures of ex-students of John Mason School.)

Carswell Community Primary School was presented with an award on 27 February 2015 for promoting peace, and is only the fifth school to be recognised as a Beacon Peaceful School.

The people giving the award said “The school is noteworthy for its vibrant, dynamic look and feel. Highlights include: the Head Teacher’s commitment to ensuring that staff aren’t stressed. The school works in partnership with a local project that supports schools, Trinity Learning, and together they have developed a sensory garden. Other noteworthy features include the very cosy nurture room and their play-based curriculum to age 6. Pupils have developed the THINK approach to communication (see photo above) …”

T = is it True
H = is it Helpful
I = is it Inspiring
N = is it Necessary
K = is it Kind
…

Larkmead School recently had an inspection by Ofsted, and the news is that their rating is “Good” in all areas. Under the new Ofsted framework, this is the first time that Larkmead has achieved “Good”.

Ofsted were particularly impressed that the school’s leadership, with strong support from Governors, had improved the quality of teaching so that ‘it is consistently at least good and some of it is now outstanding across subjects and all year groups.’

Mr Chris Harris, The Head Teacher, said “We know that Larkmead can, and should, be rated “Outstanding” and we will work hard to reach our goal.”

Thanks to Iain and Marilyn for letting me know.