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Outfits included both typical rich and poor Tudors together with a very jolly Henry VIII. This cross curricular activity allowed the children to experience and enjoy a wide range of Tudor topics that will help them relate to their studies.
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Hats for Haiti - Total Raised £524
 Pupils and staff have joined together to raise money for Haiti after it was hit by the devastating earthquake on  January 12th. The theme for the fundraising day was “Hats for Haiti” and children from Nursery up to Year 6 wore a wide variety of hats, many of them homemade to show their support for the country.
Many children felt so strongly about wanting to help that they emptied their money boxes and brought in bags full of coins to put towards the fund.
Mrs Val Weddell Hall, Head teacher said “we wanted to do something special to raise money for the people of Haiti and the children came up with the idea of making hats to wear. Both children and staff have been really imaginative and creative, and we are delighted that their efforts will raise money to help such a deserving cause”
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School joins forces with the Rotary Club of Kidderminster to supply clean water to areas of natural disaster
We have been learning about the need for clean water when a natural disaster occurs and with the help of the Rotary Club of Kidderminster are putting together Aquaboxes that can be sent to such areas as soon as natural disasters  happen.
When disasters such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes occur around the world the most urgent single problem facing relief agencies is the supply of clean water. The Aquabox is a robust plastic box that contains water purification tablets, survival bags to keep up to four people dry and a wide range of essential items. The children are collecting items such as tools, cooking equipment, cleaning materials, washing products and things that a family would most need when they had lost everything. In addition to these essential items families that receive the Aquabox can use it to purify up to 1100 litres of polluted water, making it safe to drink, that is enough for a family of four people for about four months.
Cynthia Johnstone, Head of Early Years at Franche Community Primary School said “the children have really learned a lot about the need for safe water and the fact that there are many communities around the world who face natural disasters leaving families without homes and water for long periods of time. The children are delighted to help and put together the Aquaboxes. Working with the Rotary Club has been very informative for the children and they are going to follow the boxes and find out where they went and what communities they helped.”
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Children and staff from Year 6 have had an exciting launch to their Jazz and Rock and Roll topic. On Wednesday 4th Nov the whole of Year 6 dressed up in fashions ranging from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
Val Weddell-Hall, Head Teacher, said “This is a fantastic and fun way to launch a topic engaging both children and parents at the start. The children all look fantastic and have made such an effort to come in fashions from these decades, some making their outfits themselves.”
 There were many activities going on throughout the day for Year 6 including tie dye workshops, adding percussion to songs from the decades, and work around England winning the 1966 World Cup. They also used their ICT Skills to do Pop Art, Andy Warhol style.
At the end of the school day there was an extravaganza of music in the hall with musicians from Baxter College entertaining the pupils.
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Ray is pupils' champion
We are celebrating this week with Ray Porter after he was highly commended at an award ceremony at the House of Lords.
Ray Porter has run the Imagineering Club at Franche Community Primary School for 18 months and works with the Year 6 group of children on a variety of engineering projects. He was nominated by our Deputy Head David Shakeshaft and beat 5000 other hopefuls to be short listed for the National Science and Engineering Ambassador Awards organised by STEMNET (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network).
He gives his time every Wednesday after school to join the group of budding engineers who work on a variety of engineering projects that include working with kits to create and use items such as moisture detectors, fuse testers and a working telescope. They worked with circuit boards and where necessary use soldering equipment. Ray also arranges for the group to visit a local engineering company to see for themselves how science and technology is applied in the workplace and what sort of products are produced.
Recently the group visited XTA in Stourport who provide state of the art Digital Signal Processing. They were shown each area of the business and then had demonstrations of graphic equalisers and were delighted to hear about some of the artists that use XTA equipment such as the popular Dizzee Rascal. The visit was an enjoyable and inspiring way for the children to see the relevance of technology, science and maths in a local business environment.
David Shakeshaft, Deputy Head at Franche Community Primary School said “Ray is a true inspiration to the children in the Imagineering Club. His expertise and very patient tutelage really helps the children get the most from the kits and the club and we’re delighted that he has been recognised in this way.”
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Radio One's Newsbeat ask Franche Primary why they are so successful at bucking the trend and recruiting good male teachers
 Radio One’s Newsbeat Team visited Franche Community Primary School in Kidderminster today to see how they manage to attract so many male teachers and how this impacts the school.
Recent figures released due to the Freedom of Information Act have shown that more than a quarter of primary schools in England do not have a single male teacher. The Radio One Newsbeat Show, due to be on the BBC Radio One website by Monday and aired at 12.45 on Monday is looking at why young men may not be attracted to a teaching career in a Primary School and why it is so important for a school to have male teachers .
The team from Radio One interviewed and filmed parents and children throughout the morning together with the school’s five male teachers, two male trainee teachers and one male teaching assistant and asked why this school in particular had been so successful in recruiting male teachers.
Mrs Val Weddell Hall, Headteacher said “Firstly it is important to recruit the best teachers whether male or female and if they are male teachers it’s a bonus. Having enthusiastic male teachers at primary school helps the boys to see that they can achieve and make a positive contribution. It is particularly important to have such role models in their early education so that they have a positive attitude to study before they go to secondary school”.
She added “Our earliest attitudes are developed whilst at primary school and male role models are extremely important to encourage boys to enjoy and achieve”.
Franche Community Primary School is a successful school in many areas, one of which is Sport. There are both male and female Sports Co-ordinators in the school and a wide variety of sports that the children can take part in either during the day or in after school clubs, these include Rugby, Football, Netball, Basketball, Athletics and Swimming. Many of the children questioned by the Newsbeat Team felt that this was a very important reason why male teachers were a positive addition to their Primary School.
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Red Nose Day 2009
Once again pupils and staff got behind the Comic Relief fund raising Red Nose Day and held a variety of events to raise money. 
The day started with an assembly when Jack Billingham from 6H agreed to let teacher Mrs Hampson cut his hair. Deputy Mr Shakeshaft (wearing a bright pink wig for the day) offered a £20 donation if Jack allowed Mrs Hampson (shiny red pigtails) to cut his hair in assembly. There was a drum roll and the entire Upper School cheered as Mrs Hampson snipped with the sissors. Jack was delighted that his hair cut raised £52.07 he said "my £52 will be enough to pay for a carer for up to 40 children and maybe a mosquito net too" Jack plans to grow his hair again so that he can have it cut off next Red Nose Day when he'll be at Baxter College.
At breaktime there were buskers playing the drums and electric guitar while pupils from year 3 found that their Franche Red Nose Joke Books were very popular raising over £51.54. The homemade cake stall sold out in a few minutes during the break with only crumbs left on the table!
In total the school raise a fantastic £429.55 and this is how:
4W Firls - Funny Shape Game £7.70
Jack Billingham's Hair Cut - £52.07
Franche Red Nose Day Joke Book - £51.54
Year 6 Girls Cake Sale - £24.85
Guitar and Drum Buskers - £77.91
Own Clothes Donations - £215.48
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World Book Day - Thursday 5th March
Children and staff throughout school from Nursery to Year 6 dressed in their favourite book character to celebrate World Book day on 5th March. Characters included Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, The Snow Queen, Ironman, and a teddy from Little Bear's Special Wish.
To encourage enthusiasm about books even further pupils held a sponsored Readathon and school hosted a book fair from Monday 2nd March through to World Book Day. All children received a £1 voucher to use at the fair. For every book sold school received a commission to buy more books for school and 10% of all sales went to Comic Relief.
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Young Poets enjoy a morning at Kidderminster Fire Station
Class 2W from Franche Community Primary School enjoyed an exciting visit to Kidderminster Fire Station on Friday 6th March. The trip was organised to reward the children for winning the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Christmas Competition to write a poem about staying safe when using candles. 
The winning poem:
Candles cause many fires in the home at Christmas
A candle is dangerous if you leave it burning by itself
Never touch the flame of a candle because it burns hot
Don’t blow out the flame, use a snuffer instead
Let Mum or Dad light the candle
Explore how dangerous fire can be at www.firekills.gov.uk
Stay safe with Christmas candles
The competition was organised by Gill Pinder, Community Safety Manager who greeted the children as they arrived at the fire station. She said “Keeping children and their families safe from fire is our ultimate aim. Something as simple as a candle can cause a major fire. At Christmas families love to burn candles and we wanted to ensure that all children knew how to help keep their families safe by organising the poetry competition on candle safety.”
All Herefordshire and Worcestershire schools were invited to take part in this popular competition and class 2W won the category for ages 6 to 8.
Firefighter Jimmy Papworth spent the morning showing the children around the fire station and explaining to them the importance of the equipment and how it’s used. All the children then took turns at spraying water from the hoses and sitting in the fire engine.
 The highlight for many of the children was actually being able to hold the hose and  spray the water, but when asked what he most enjoyed William Weston aged 6 summed it up in one word “everything”.
Samantha Wilding 2W Class Teacher said “We have had the most exciting morning and would really like to thank Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and especially Firefighter Jimmy Papworth for making our visit so special”. She added “We receive regular visits from the Fire and Rescue Service at school and they always provide us with an outstanding educational service”.
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Franche Primary - Red Nose Day Joke Book 2009
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One of the many fund raising activities for Comic Relief to be held at Franche Community Primary School will be the sale of the first ever Franche Primary Joke Book.
The book is being put together by friends James Bendall and Felix Haynes both aged 8 and in Year 3. They will be selling their joke book during tuck on Red Nose Day 13th March for 20p.
Every copy will be numbered and those purchasing will be put into a draw to win a Horrid Henry Joke Book. James and Felix are hoping that their queue for the joke book will beat the queue for tuck on Red Nose Day and that everyone will come along and support their fantastic money raising idea. |
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Nursery Children Enjoy a Pancake Photo Shoot with the Kidderminster Chronicle
Children in Nursery have been enjoying making pancakes early this year as they posed for the Kidderminster
Chronicle Photographer last week.
The children made and ate their own pancakes with Nursery Manager Lizzie Lazenby and her team, she said "involving
the children with pancake making offers them lots of different experiences to enjoy and they have really loved sharing
them with their friends" she added "they are particularly excited about showing the photographer what they've made."
Shrove Tuesday is always a fun day at school when Headteacher Val Weddell Hall often cooks pancakes in assembly
whilst reminding the children about Shrove Tuesday is important.
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Its official: Franche is a good school!
Staff, governors, parents and pupils are delighted to have what they already know confirmed by Ofsted that Franche Community Primary School is a good school.
“Outstanding leadership from the Headteacher and senior leaders underpins the pupil’s good academic progress and personal development made over the year. The strong family ethos underpins all of the school’s work and there is a clear focus on high achievement” – Ofsted 2008
The three inspectors spent two days looking at the overall effectiveness of the school, its achievements together with the teaching and leadership.
Headteacher Val Weddell Hall was thrilled with the outcome saying “as a new school coming out of the Wyre Forest
Review it was important to us that the inspectors could see all the hard work that has gone on during the last year
and the achievements of the children. The inspectors were very fair and we felt that they achieved a good
understanding of our school” she added “I’d like to thank everyone involved who worked so hard throughout
the inspection and a special thank you to all of our pupils who should be very proud of their achievements and
their wonderful behaviour”
Click here to link to the full Ofsted report
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“Outstanding” across the board - Ofsted report for local childcare and nursery provider
Trustees, staff, parents and children at Franche 726 are celebrating today as their childcare provision for the 0 – 5s
has been awarded the highest possible grade of “outstanding” across all fourteen inspection judgements.
“In this inclusive setting, the needs of all children from birth to five are extremely well met by knowledgeable and caring
staff who place great emphasis on safety and well being” – Ofsted Nov 08
The provision includes TOTs for the 0-3s and Wraparound childcare for children aged 3-5 who attend nursery at either
the joined up services nursery at Franche or other local nurseries. Both offer childcare from 7am until 6pm for 50 weeks
of the year including full holiday play and childcare.
TOTs Manager, Sam Perkins, said “it’s great news. We have super children and are very pleased to have received recognition for the quality of care offered by our dedicated staff. She added “It’s also wonderful news for our parents
who entrust their children into our care”.
Also included in the inspection is the joined up nursery and Nursery Plus at Franche Community Primary School.
“Children at Franche are given the very best of starts to learning and development and are provided with excellent opportunities to help them make progress in all areas of learning. Activities are well chosen to stimulate enquiry and broaden children’s understanding of the world in which they live through first-hand experiences” – Ofsted Nov 2008
Lizzie Lazenby, Manager of the joined up nurseries at Franche was delighted that all the hard work and effort of staff
had been rewarded, she said “staff have been working hard for over a year now to implement the Early Years
Foundation Stage throughout the nursery provision and this has helped secure the “outstanding” result”.
She added “our children enjoy their time at nursery with exciting indoor and outdoor areas to explore,
enjoy and achieve. It’s fantastic to have this recognised by the inspectors”.
Val Weddell Hall, Headteacher at Franche Community Primary School was absolutely delighted she said
“it’s true partnership working superbly to benefit children and their families in our area”.
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It’s Happy Days again at Franche!
It’s Happy Days again at Franche Community Primary School. Earlier this year First News, the widest selling newspaper publication designed for school children brought Henry Winkler “The Fonz” to Franche Community Primary School to promote his children's books as part of the 2008 National Year of Reading. He visited the school as part of our countrywide tour when visiting six schools in total. First News organized a competition for all the children in the six schools and lucky Molly Harvey in Year 6 was the winner! The prize is a week’s holiday in Florida for Molly and her dad.
Mrs Val Weddell Hall, Headteacher at Franche Community Primary School said “we’re absolutely delighted for Molly that she’s won this wonderful prize. It was such a great day when “The Fonz” visited, one we’ll always remember here at Franche and we’re certainly very pleased for Molly that she has the opportunity to travel to the United States of America as a result”.
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Franche Welcomes "The Fonz"
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Henry Winkler "The Fonz" is visiting 4th July at 10am
Henry Winkler is visiting six schools nationwide to promote his children's books as part of the 2008 National Year of Reading. The aim of the tour is to promote the reading of fiction and non-fiction.
Henry's books are best sellers in America and focus on a ten year old boy, Hank Zipzer, who has dislexia. The books are full of fun and insightful adventures based on Henry's own experiences with learning difficulties.
He says 'just because we learn differently, that does not mean that we are not incredibly smart human beings. That's something I need every child to understand.'
The novels will be published nationally by Walker Books in the UK in August but early editions will be available when Henry visits and he will be happy to sign them at the end of the visit.
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Gigantic walking bus raises road safety awareness - Jun 08
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Brake Big Schools Walking Bus Challenge went on throughout the country yesterday as hundreds of schools took part in a road safety awareness day arranged by Brake the road safety charity.
At Franche Community Primary School pupils from Year 2 joined together in an attempt to break the record for the longest walking bus. 76 pupils took part in the walking bus picking up their class mates along the way.
Councillor Nigel Knowles who is Chairman of Governors at the school said "this morning's walking bus has been a great success. It has been a lot of fun for the children and also an excellent way to promote walking to school". |
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James receives the highest Beaver Scout award to recognise his efforts in a
variety of challenges - Jun 08
James Bendall aged 7 from Kidderminster has been awarded The Chief Scout Bronze award
from Beavers.
James a member of the KD6 Beaver Colony and a pupil at Franche Community Primary School completed six challenge badges: Promise, Outdoor, Creative, Global, Friendship and Fitness. These included activities from cooking to climbing. He prepared a folder which held evidence and a record of his efforts.
"I've really enjoyed my time at Beavers, especially doing these challenges" said James, he added "I've tried lots of new sports, learned first aid and raised money for charity and am
looking forward to moving up to be a Cub next".
The Chief Scout Bronze award is the highest award presented to a Beaver Scout.
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Persuasive writing works for Lauren - May 08
An exercise in persuasive writing made Lauren Field's dream come true this week when she received a letter and book from Sir Tim Rice. 
Lauren aged 10, a Year 5 pupil at Franche Community Primary School took part in a persuasive writing project as part of her literacy lesson and chose to write to Sir Tim Rice. She wrote "I love plays and drama especially Joseph, which you and Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber wrote. It's fabulous. How did you write it?" Sir Tim Rice replied by return of post telling Lauren that as it was 40 years ago he couldn't remember how he did it but hoped that his book would explain it all.
Mrs Phillippa Bateman, Year 5 teacher was thrilled for Lauren, she commented "Lauren is such a fan of Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Tim Rice that its been a dream come true for her and very exciting for the rest of the class."
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Youth Makes Music - Apr 08
Youth Makes Music is taking place at Kidderminster Town Hall all this week. This will be the fourteenth year of this popular music festival; bringing together local schools to join a 'celebration of music'.
On Monday night five local schools performed. St Wulstan's R C Primary School, Lickhill Primary School, St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Franche Community Primary School and Hagley Catholic High School. Each school showed a variety of skills from singing to dancing and playing musical instruments.
Glyn Casey, Music Teacher at Franche Community Primary School said "We are delighted to be able to take part in this event again this year. Our Upper School Choir performed their 'Taste of Ireland' which included three traditional Irish folk songs, Irish dancing that the children arranged themselves and pupils playing keyboards. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves".
The event was arranged by Wyre Forest District Council and sponsored by the Kidderminster and District Lions Club and Brintons. Proceeds from the event will go directly to local charity, Noah's Ark Trust.
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Bringing History to Life - Dec 07
Year 5 at Franche Community Primary School who are studying the Tudor period, had a taste of what life was really like when a team offering historical re-enactment visited the school.
The children spent the day dressed in Tudor outfits and enjoyed demonstrations of a wide range of clothing showing what the rich and poor Tudor children would wear. They also had a weaponry and armour workshop where children dressed in chain mail and armour and tried to lift some of the weapons which proved to be very heavy.
The full day of activities included making pomander/lavender bags and masks for a mask ball, together with singing and dancing. The children  also made marzipan roses to take home. Angela White who is a Year 5 Teacher at Franche Community Primary School was thrilled with the day's activities and said "it is really important to bring history to life so that the children can experience authentic activities and touch real items such  as the swords and axes. They will always remember the fun they had today which will help them relate to their studies during the year"
The Year 5 children used their Tudor costumes in their Christmas Pageant where Henry the Eighth was entertained by a court jester and many courtiers singing and dancing. Henry the Eighth demanded that Headteacher Mrs Val Weddell Hall joined him in a Tudor dance which delighted both children and parents who had come to watch the show.
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Friends remember Aaron 
Year 6 pupils at Franche Community Primary School organised and held Aaron's Afternoon Tea in memory of their friend Aaron Shaw who sadly died this September.
They made and sold a variety of cakes in the hall and from baskets around the school. They also held a raffle and face painting. All monies raised will go towards setting up a memorial garden at the school.
Dozens of children from all years joined in the afternoon tea with Aaron's mom and family members. After the event a balloon in the shape of a gold star was let off by the children after a moment of quiet when they all remembered their friend.
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Nursery children celebrate Diwali, festival of light 
 Diwali celebrations are underway at a Kidderminster Nursery. Children from the Nursery at Franche Community Primary School have been hearing stories about Diwali, festival of lights, which is one of India's most important holidays and are celebrating by wearing traditional Indian dress and taking part in a variety of activities.
"This week the children have really enjoyed the opportunity to learn about different beliefs and cultures. We have been making Barfi coconut sweets, Diva lamps and enjoyed traditional Diwali songs and dances." said Lizzie Lazenby, Nursery Teacher.
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Pudsey Bear joins in the fundraising effort - Nov 07 
In conjunction with Barclays Bank, BBC Children in Need's official Pudsey bear visited Franche Community Primary School on Wednesday and took part in a variety of activities running throughout the day.
He visited the Children Centre's Mother and Toddler Group before joining Nursery and getting involved with the Reception class, helping them with their numeracy lesson. He then went on to join a group of Nursery children in the Forest School.
All the children at Franche Community Primary School had a chance to meet Pudsey who was collecting money for Children in Need. He helped serve healthy tuck at break time and even found time to enjoy a hot chocolate drink himself before settling down to read Goldilocks with Chloe and Bethany from Class RVB. Pudsey also made a surprise visit to see members of the Computer Course held at the school.
A variety of cooking activities were held throughout the day with children from Nursery Plus, Reception and Year 6 all making "bear" related snacks. Pudsey also made music with the drum workshop being held in the Music Room.
Val Weddell-Hall, Headteacher at Franche Community Primary School is thrilled that Pudsey has chosen to visit them and commented that "Barclays have promised to match every penny that the children raise. We have enjoyed a day full of activities and fun for all the children at the Children's Centre, the school and in our 726 before and after school care facility"
Franche Community Primary School will also have a non uniform day on the official Children in Need Friday to help boost the funds raised and increase the amount that Barclays will match.
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Washed out fair back on (20/09/07) 
We will be holding our celebration fair on Sunday 30th September, from 1pm to 5pm.
As one of the many casualties of this year's heavy summer rain, Franche is now overjoyed to be able to finally open our gates in celebration with a very special guest, Kidderminster Harriers.
Headteacher Mrs Weddell-Hall said: "We were all devastated, cancelling as we did due to the extreme heavy rain. Celebrating now will be very special as it will be our first as a new primary school. The educational, personal and group opportunities this transformation has provided for our pupils, has already had a direct and positive impact on our whole school community."
Fair attractions include; arena displays, bouncy castle, bar, BBQ and hot pork rolls, basketball, panning for gold, face paining, balloon animals, football and lots, lots more.
Hunt for buried treasure in the forest or chill out in the school's purpose built tree house, whatever you decide to do, the event promises a whole host of family fun.
Said Mrs Weddell-Hall: " "As the children and staff embark upon a new phase of Franche teaching, learning and achievement, this fair will be a great opportunity to celebrate the old and welcome in the new. Come and join us, it's going to be absolutely wonderful."
For further information please contact the school on 01562 751788
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First Day at Franche Community Primary (10/09/07) 
Cheers as gates open for the first time
Franche Community Primary School opened its doors on Thursday 6th September, welcoming old and new children in their brand new uniform.
Formally a first school and middle school, Franche Primary is one of thirty schools reopening under the new two-tier school structure across the Wyre Forest ready for the new school term.
Headteacher Mrs Weddell-Hall said: "I must say a huge thank you to all our staff, parents, contractors, officers and volunteers for all their ongoing support over the summer break; we  couldn't have done it without you."
The pupils were really excited and enjoyed wearing their new uniform and exploring the school's classrooms and teaching resources now available.
Said Mrs Weddell-Hall: "A new term, a new school, excellent staff, extended pupil services and fantastic new facilities for all pupils. It's absolutely wonderful. We now look forward to a happy hard working school."
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Franche '726' welcomes pirates of the Caribbean (23/08/07) 
Grass skirts, sandcastles and swash-buckling pirates were the order of the day at Franche 726 summer club this week, from Monday to Friday, 24th August.
Based at Franche School in Chestnut Grove, Kidderminster, budding shipwrecked pirate activities included: a treasure hunt, limbo dancing, swimming, pirate boat making, an Hawaiian hula-hula dance competition and 'Jack Sparrow' fruit jelly-making.
Wraparound activity co-ordinator, Charmaine Coles, said: "The children love taking part in practical activities and this week has bee absolutely fantastic as they have all enjoyed creating their own pirate ship and taking part in the many pirate activities we have provided each day."
Tomorrow will see Franche 726 co-ordinator, Janet Deakin, prepare a captain's feast for the children when they will tuck into an island BBQ of pirate fruit salad and jelly, exotic fruit skewers, desert island sausages and Hawaiian pizza.
For further information about additional activities, please contact Franche '726' on 01562 751788.
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