Social Development

Social development is achieved at Ellwood by:
 
  • Fostering a sense of community with common, inclusive values (Assembly; Home-School Agreement; links with Rev Michelle),
  • Promoting racial, religious and other forms of equality (Racial &Equal opportunities policies )
  • Encouraging children to work co-operatively (PSHE,  Buddies, House points system, mixed sports teams)
  • Encouraging children to recognise and respect social differences and similarities e.g. where they live, different kinds of family models, age issues (RE; English, History, Geography and PSHE)
  • Promoting British Values
  • Providing positive  experiences e.g. special curriculum events, productions, school council, school sporting events, class Assemblies
  • Helping pupils develop personal qualities which are valued in life in modern Britain.
  • Providing opportunities to participate in the democratic process and participate in making community decisions (School Council; votes in class on a variety of issues)
  • Providing children with opportunities to volunteer and demonstrate responsibility 
Mock Trial at Coleford Police Station
 
Y5/6 Mock Trial This afternoon, 13 children took part in a ‘mock trial’ which was organised by Gloucestershire Magistrates Court. The children were given a script of the trial that was going to take place, which they had to read and learn. Some parts required outfits that would suit their roles. It was fabulous to see shirts and ties, smart dresses and every day clothing to help portray the characters.
 
In attendance at the trial, to help the children, were active magistrates, a judge and Gloucestershire’s deputy police commissioner. The children took the roles of the prosecution team and we went up against St. John’s on the Hill school, who were the defence team. Our team consisted of witnesses, a legal advisor, magistrates, prosecutors, an artist, a reporter, witness service team and a youth offending team.
 
The event took place at Coleford Police Station, where a court room is still set up, even though it’s not in use. Each member of the team was given a seat, which mimicked a real life trial, where they remained for the duration. In turn, the children took up their roles with confidence (and a few nerves). Every single one of the team were pushed out of their comfort zone and rose to the challenge when acting in their role. I couldn’t have been prouder of every single one of them. They showed resilience when under pressure and their hidden confidence shone through.
On Friday the Willow Year 5 children took part in a DT lesson at Dean Academy. They had a great afternoon practising their woodworking skills through making a pencil case. The children worked really hard and were very accurate with their nailing and measuring skills.
To celebrate children’s Mental Health Week, we took part in lots of activities during the week. This led into a whole school well-being afternoon. The children worked in mixed-age house teams and rotated around different activities and challenges. This gave them to opportunity to work with a range of different pupils and staff in various different contexts. 
As an 'act of kindness' in their PSHE lessons, Sycamore went out around the school locality and litter picked. They collected lots of litter and are very proud of how they helped the community, the school and the environment around them. Great work, Sycamore!
2023-2024 Achievements 
Football
Year 3/4 football tournament
Well done to the Ellwood football team who had a fantastic tournament. They unfortunately lost in the final to a very strong Offa’s Mead team.
 
Gymnastics 
Gymnastics competition

Well done to the children for attending the gymnastic competition yesterday and contributing to Ellwood School winning the trophy!

Robyn
Bella
Abbie-Grace
Florence
Tabitha
Isabella
Layla
Mercedez
Maisie
Edith
Ellis (for training)
All children performed exceptionally well. Please see the positions they came below.
LEVEL 1
Year 3
Robyn 3rd
Year 6
Bella Pegler 1st
Abbie-Grace 2nd

LEVEL 2

Year 5 & 6
Florence 1st
Isabella 2nd
Layla 3rd
Mercedez 4th
Tabitha 5th
LEVEL 3
Year 5
Maisie 1st
Year 6 Level
Edith 1st
They all did so well and we are so proud of them!
 
Cross Country Individual Race

A massive well done to the cross country team (Jack, Stan, Alfie, Brady, Josh and Macey-Rose)! It was a very tough 2k race however they all showed determination and resilience.

Special mention for Jack (Year 6) and James (Year 4) who both came 7th in their respective races so will advance to the county trials.
 
New Age Kurling team

Well done to the kurling team who were amazing in their year 3/4 competition at Newent! They won their group and came third overall.
KS2 took part in an athletics event as part of School Games. The children took part in multiple athletics events and demonstrated good sportsmanship and resilience. 
Year 5 took part in a STEM workshop hosted by Reneshaw, creating inventions that required a pulley system. With the opportunity to take part in the Knex Challenge Finals across Gloucestershire.