The Hive Contents Atelier 21 community newsletter

a warm welcome 4

open days 5

meet the team 6

family forest day reflection 18

dates for the diary 19

what did you do at school today? 20

school transport service 21

if these walls could talk... 22

term dates 24

sports update 26 The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 4 5 A warm welcome Open Days to you all Our 2020 Open Days will be held on the following days I hope you enjoy reading about the and participators in their education, developments we’ve made in rather than it be something that’s from 9:30-11:30am preparing Atelier 21 for its grand done to them. And you want to be opening in just six months time. We more involved – have a read about are very excited to have chosen the the parents’ EvidenceMe app which paint colour, booked the contractors will give you a window into your Saturday 2 May* and begun gathering exciting child’s Atelier 21 learning like no resources for the school (I don’t other school can offer. Saturday 9 May^ currently have a dining room at the moment for all the boxes!). From So far I’m thrilled that all our classes booking rock climbing sessions, are almost full, and very evenly *Please note change of time from 10am-12noom, as previously emailed to some archery, trampolining, sports and balanced with roughly half girls and families. swimming for the whole school, to boys registered, and across all ages recruiting a full complement of from 4-12 years. I’ve had the ^Open Day to be followed by Picnic with Teacher event for 2020 starter families teachers, we have lots for you to pleasure of meeting most of our only. read about. future pupils and I was so impressed at their ability to make friends and We’ve been blown away by the level throw themselves into the activities of interest in our pioneering new on our first Family Forest Meet Up To book your space for either Open Day or for the Picnic event, school, and are happy to report day. They really are going to be a please email [email protected] stating which Open that we will very comfortably be fun bunch to work and learn with. Day and number of spaces required. Please note, spaces are meeting our targets for opening Have a look at the pictures of that with a community of around 40 event in this edition. limited. pupils at least. We suspect there might be a waiting list by that Stay wrapped up as we wish the point! It just proves what we rest of the winter to pass, and we If you cannot make these dates, additional Parent Tours will suspected, that the thirst for a new look forward to seeing as many of be available, details on request. way of educating is very real. you as possible at our Atelier 21 Parents like yourselves are yearning Community Volunteer and Family for a more respectful, responsive Picnic event. and meaningful educational experience which will help their Warmest wishes, children thrive in the 21st Century. Hayley Peacock You want your children to be drivers Head of School The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 6 7

Q1. I am really excited to be involved with enabling children to learn through enquiry and problem solving. The opportunities for children to meet the team engage with art, sculpture and digital media is amazing; alongside the appreciation of the outdoors and nature. QUESTIONS: Q2. Working with delightful Q1. What excites you most about the Atelier 21’s children and being part of their approach to education? lifelong learning journey. It will be brilliant working with such ello! an inspiring team of teachers, Q2. What are you most looking forward to about teaching partners and parents. Hworking at Atelier 21?

Q3. What was your favourite book when you were Taf Atkinson - growing up? Reception Class back home to hide under their Teacher: Forest School duvets. My dad used to read me Q4. If you had a choice between two superpowers, Leader, EYFS Lead, this story and when the bears being invisible or flying, which would you choose and Mother were on their way back he used why? to read it as fast as he could as Taff is a qualified teacher with if he were running like the bears. 30 years teaching experience,18 of which in primary years. Q4. I would choose flying. I can just imagine what I could see Q3. My favourite book when I from the sky and the places I was growing up was Bears in the could go just drifting on the air Night by Stan & Jan Berenstain. currents. It’s about bears who sneak out of their beds at night and follow a path up to Spook Hill navigating obstacles on the way. Once at the top they get scared and race The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 8 9

Q1. Implementing this innovative Jodie Webber - Laura McLoughlin approach to learning, staying connected to children’s theories, Reception Class - Class 1 Teacher: questions and genuine interests. Teaching Partner: Maths Specialist, I look forward to supporting Reggio Emilia Primary Teaching children to develop a growth mindset, their want to achieve Educator Lead, Mother and become the best person they can be with a wealth of Laura is a qualified teacher with knowledge about themselves and Q4. I’d have to choose 16 years teaching experience in the world! invisibility. Imagine how you primary years. could blow people’s minds, Q1. Having the freedom to be wow people and cause creative and tailor my teaching to mischief. I’d love to listen to children’s needs and interests. the children’s conversations and interactions when they don’t know you’re there. Q2. I am so excited about Wild Fridays and outdoor learning!

Q3. My favourite book as a young child was Polly and the Wolf by Catherine Storr - I remember laughing out loud at their adventures. Q2. To see children develop confidence in themselves, new skills and outlooks to life through Q4. I would love to be able to their experiences at Atelier 21. fly: I feel like flying would get me from A to B faster; there would be less congestion in the sky and Q3. Anything Roald Dahl- my carbon footprint would be especially The BFG. smaller! The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 10 11

Q1. I love that Atelier 21 is Q1. Being part of a democratic Rebecca Gooding - Lead recognising that learning doesn’t community where students and Teacher and Class 2 happen within the four walls of a teachers learn together. Being classroom and that children will able to nurture and encourage Teacher: Seceondary have the opportunity to learn in a love of learning that emerges Teaching Lead, English nature every week. As a Forest from a diverse and enthralling & Drama Specialist, School Leader I can see many curriculum. dyslexia teaching opportunities and benefits to trained, SEN trained, working in the great outdoors. Q2. Working in a community with creative minds and being excited Mother. Kelly Launder - Class about learning. I’m also looking Rebecca is a qualified teacher forward to the far away places with 20 years experience in 1 Teaching Partner: that the students’ enquiries will primary and secondary years. Forest School take us. I’d choose to fly, it Leader, WILD Fridays Q4. would be so cool to be able get stuck in to the mysteries of Coordinator, Reggio to see the world from up high the Famous Five - loved guessing Emilia Educator and to get to places quickly. the clues and see if I could figure It would also mean I could out whodunnit! wear a cape! Q2. Wild Fridays and supporting children to learn in a self-directed style. I’m also keen to see how Q4. Flying. I would love the supporting children to be more sense of freedom, to swoop and mindful through meditation soar - it always looks so cool affects their learning. when a super hero does it!

Q3. As a child I enjoyed reading The Famous Five collection Q3. Anything by Enid Blyton! I of books by Enid Blyton. The used to dream about climbing characters had many adventures the Magic Faraway Tree - even outside of their classrooms during though many of the places were their school holidays. quite terrifying. Then I used to The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 12 13

Q1. I’m so excited about Hayley Peacock - Q1. A school built around the giving back children their child that is not a box for a child voice at school through our Head of School and to be squashed into! Although democratic approach and endless Class 2 Teaching I do hope there will be lots of opportunities for agency and Partner: Educator, opportunities to play in and with Q4. Flying, which is weird self-direction in our project boxes. because I’m afraid of heights. based learning. Our model means Entrepreneur, I can only imagine it must be children’s educational experience Mother like scuba diving without all the is curated with them as co-pilots, heavy gear. rather than education being something that’s done TO them. Q3. I loved Judy Blume books and Enid Blighton, and To be honest, every part of what Mags Cummings - we are doing excites me! Goodnight Mr Tom – which is a beautiful story of childhood Class 2 Teaching bravery. Partner: Architect, Matron, Mother Q4. Definitely invisible. I could go and listen in on the most inspiring people in the world, Q2. Trailblazing new ways, that and also find out what my will unlock curiosity and nurture children get up to when they lifelong learning. think I’m not around!

Q3. Brolloks & Bittergal - a very scary South African fairy tale Q2. Working alongside the about two monsters who abduct incredible, creative minds of my children and eat them! Beautifully colleagues who never cease to written by the same author who impress me with their heart, wrote the National Anthem, CJ expertise and motivation for what Langenhoven. After many nail we do. biting adventures and bravery it does all end in a happy place. The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 14 15

Q1. Can I answer with Q2. Working with incredibly Q1. Our approach to education Dillon Howling - EVERYTHING? No? OK! I am most passionate and talented excites me as it provides a excited about the respectful and colleagues to create and plan creative multifunctional learning Atelierista: Artist, responsive approach Atelier 21 learning opportunities that are environment for individuals to Creative Director, are implementing for the students inspiring for all of the students. research, collaborate and develop Musicican, Sound and the revolutionary use of their interests while gaining depth Engineer, Graphic self-directed and project-based through their work. learning. Q3. In all honesty, my favourite Designer, Reggio book was the Children’s Q2. I am bursting with Emilia Educator Illustrated Encyclopedia, but in excitement over the prospects terms of a storybook, it was of working closely with everyone favourite being The Complete Cliffhanger by Jacqueline Wilson. Encyclopaedia of Butterflies by Wijbren Landman.

I believe that we have the Q4. Flying because then I could Q4. visit anywhere in the world ability to be invisible every day, whenever I wanted. so for me the freedom and joy of flying and seeing the world from new perspectives is the super power for me.

across all spaces in a creative Cansu Beagle - capacity, especially the atelier’s, DT/maker lab and production Part-time Teaching studio! Partner: Artist, Entrepreneur, Q3. I wasn’t the sort to jump into a juicy reading book while Educator, Mother I was growing up, I preferred factual books about the world, space, art and butterflies. My The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 16 17

Charlotte Bateman - Q1. Teaching transferable skills and competencies rather than subject matter alone, and the customised child-centered approach, rather than Pedagogical Support: a ‘one-size fits all’. Head of Little Barn Owls Nursery group, Q2. The opportunity to work Reggio Emilia with a passionate team dedicated to building a culture where Trained, Project- children can flourish and in a based Learning space that they look forward to Consultant coming into every day.

Q1. The learning community and Debs Hearn - School culture in which children are at Q4. Invisible – because being a the heart of their own education, ‘fly on the wall’ and observing is Business Manager: and the sense of power and fascinating. Plus I can get on a Facilities Manager, personal responsibility the plane if I want to fly! School Administrator, Q4. Invisible, definitely. Have approach instils. Mother you seen all the dead flies on a plane windscreen? I don’t fancy picking that lot out of Experiencing ground- Q2. Q3. I struggled with reading as my teeth. breaking work unfold before our a child. As encouragement my eyes, being a part of something Mum read poems with me from so innovative and special, and books like When We Were Very most importantly seeing children Young by A. A. Milne - The King’s develop a sense of adoration for Breakfast, Disobedience, and learning. The Four Friends being particular favourites.

Q3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett and The Runaways by Ruth Thomas The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 18 19

Atelier 21 Community Family Forest Day Reflection Volunteer Day – Sat 18 April 10-4pm LEECHPOOL WOODS, SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY We’ve had so many offers of help to get the school ready from parents, If you’d gone down to the woods grandparents and interested that day you’d have been in for a big individuals that we’ve decided to take surprise! you up on it! We will be hosting a volunteer day for anyone who feels You’d have seen over 60 adults and so inclined to come, for all or part of Family Picnic Meet-up – Sat children of all ages working in teams the day, and help tidy up the outside 9 May 12-2pm (2020 Starters on various woodland activities. From areas of the school grounds, revitalize Only) planters and plant up the garden spaces. Given this, we thought it a of forest based frolics. We were perfect opportunity for the children The Open Day on 9 May (9:30- blessed with good weather and the to play in the park together whilst 11:30am) will be followed by ‘Bring sun actually shone, which was just as supervised by some parents, whist Your Own Family Picnic meet-up’ in well given how many of Class 2 others parents help out with prepping Broadfield Park (weather permitting, ended up knee deep in the chilly the school. otherwise in the school) between 12- waters of the stream! Brrrr! 2pm. As well as being an opportunity to get to know your child’s class teachers better and ask any questions you may have, this is also an bridge building to bug hunts, journey opportunity for families with children stick making to den building. Hayley starting in 2020 to meet up, socialise and the full Atelier 21 Teaching team and get to know each other before welcomed 24 of our registered term starts. We do hope you will be families to the woods for a morning able to join us.

Thank you to all the families who joined us and made it such an Please drop an email to enjoyable morning. If you weren’t [email protected] able to be there, fear not. There are if you would like to join us for two further opportunities for families either of these events. to meet up, socialise and get to know each other, these being; The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 20 21

So what did you do at school School Transport Service today? Ours is the first UK school to As you may recall Hayley mentioning cost and logistical considerations. acquire this newly re-vamped in her presentation talk, the school We are keen to keep the cost of software providing Atelier 21 will operate a daily bus service to any service to a minimum with the As parents we ask this question and families with a rare and special be developed over time. From this service charge being set at a level to all too often hear only minimal words window into their child’s learning like ‘nothing’, ‘don’t know’ or ‘ate journey. We look forward to September we are committed to cover running costs. lunch’ in reply. Even the most demonstrating the software to providing a daily mini-bus service engaged and articulate of children you at the Parent Induction to and from the Horsham area, with We have therefore been consulting can on occasion give the impression evening being held on Thur 16 Jul the intention to expand the service our registered families to build a that their school day involved little between 6-8pm. to cover other areas in the future. better understanding of their needs more than staring at a blank wall for It is likely an early candidate for an and how they would ideally like hours on end. And whilst we know additional route will be the Burgess the service to operate. Our initial this not to be true, it’s nevertheless natural for parents to desire Hill area. consultation with families about meaningful insights into their child’s how best to structure the service learning experiences and progress. Any service we implement now or in is drawing to a close and we look the future will be provided on the forward to announcing more details To fulfil this desire Atelier 21 has basis of need balanced with operating of routes, pick-up / drop-off partnered with educational software locations, pricing, etc very soon. providers 2Simple and procured their award-winning on-the-go observation and assessment solution called EvidenceMe.

EvidenceMe allows our teachers to record observations of your child’s learning, map these observations to learning objectives, identify next steps for their learning, and share this with you via the Parent app. The app allows you not only to review the observations being made but provide your own feedback and comments. The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 22 23

After Mercury Radio merged with If these walls could talk... Heart FM, the house was left vacant BY and planning permission was granted DEBS HEARN to convert it into luxury apartments. Whilst Atelier 21’s synergy of Estate, with the single story democratic principles, project-based extension being added a little later in However the developer must have got curriculum, and self-directed study the 1860s. cold feet because in 2011, following can be considered ‘new school’, the a £1.9million refurbishment, it opened premises we are to call home are The main entrance is on the north as Discovery New School; one the very much ‘old school’. side, but the main facade is on UK’s first religious free schools. the east, where handsome bow- In 2014 following poor reports As you approach up the driveway fronted rooms look out over the lake the school closed and between 2016 through the trees, the bright from behind the column-supported and 2018 the premises were used by stuccoed brick walls and dark Welsh veranda. slate roof of the 19th century villa- the multi-academy trust TBAP as a style mansion rise up to greet you. During it’s long and colourful history residential centre supporting learners Broadfield House has at various times struggling with mainstream education. Listed as Grade II by English Heritage been a hunting lodge, offices for an After TBAP vacated in April 2018 for it’s architectural and historical oil company, a hotel country club, Broadfield House stood empty once importance, Broadfield House is set headquarters of Borough more, until someone with knowledge within the 30 acres of Broadfield Council, and a radio station. of the building heard Hayley Peacock Park nature reserve comprised of was looking for a premises for her new lakes and meadows. As a residence it has been a luxury Atelier 21 Future School. home to wealthy city merchant Broadfield Park itself is protected as George Sandeman (of Sandeman Port And the rest, as they say, is history. part of The Queen Elizabeth II Fields fame), an ostrich feather merchant, Challenge, operated by Fields in a retired diamond merchant, and Thank you to The Friends Of Broadfield Trust; a campaign to protect outdoor director of the Meredith & Drew Park for their help with compiling this recreational spaces in communities all biscuit company, which in it’s hayday history of the building, and their kind across the country as a permanent was the largest biscuit manufacturer permission to use these stunning living legacy of The Queen’s Diamond in Europe. With such past owners photos of the house and park, Jubilee. one can only guess at the guest list taken by their members. For more in attendance at the elegant soirées information about FoBP and their work The main house was built in 1830 hosted under it’s high ceilings. please visit on the extensive land of the http://www.fobp-crawley.org.uk/ The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 24 25 Term Dates 2020/2021

Here are our term dates for Autumn Term Autumn Term 2021 2020/2021. 1st Half Term: Thurs 3 Sep - Fri 16 Inset Days: Mon 6 & Tue 7 Sep You will notice there are 2 Inset days Oct First day of term: Wed 8th Sep at either the end or begining of each Inset Days: Mon 19 & Tue 20 Oct half term. This is due to the nature Half Term Break: Wed 21 Oct - Fri 30 of our teaching approach, which is to Oct have a ‘theme of learning’ per half 2nd Half Term: Mon 2 Nov - Fri 11 term. This requires that our teaching Dec team prepare both the classroom Christmas Break: Mon 14 Dec - Fri 1 environment as well as teaching Jan 2021 The School Day resources and learning activities for each separate half term in respect of Spring Term Reception: 9am - 3.15pm the forthcoming theme. Class 1 & 2 (Years 1 to 11): 8.30am Inset Days: Mon 4 & Tue 5 Jan - 4.15pm Please note, all dates are inclusive. 1st Half Term: Wed 6 Jan - Fri 12 Feb We have a slightly longer school day Pre-Term Dates in 2020: Half Term Break: Mon 15 Feb - Fri 19 so we can incorporate lots of self- Feb directed learning and also so we can Thur 16 Jul 6-8pm - Parent Inset Days: Mon 22 & Tue 23 Feb take the day at a slower and more Induction Evening 2nd Half Term: Wed 24 Feb - Tue 30 paced rate. Mar An evening to share information, and Easter Break: Wed 31 Mar - Fri 16 Please note, for children in Years 1 & in particular show you the EvidenceMe Apr 2 (up to age 7) there can be some journaling software, set up on your flexibility with regard a 4:15pm finish, mobile devices and ensure that you Summer Term if it feels a little too much for them know how to use it. initially. If this is the case please let Inset Days: Mon 19 & Tue 20 Apr us know and we can discuss an Wed 2nd Sep, 1-4pm - Pupil 1st Half Term: Wed 21 Apr - Fri 28 earlier finish time on a case by case Orientation Afernoon May basis. Half Term Break: Mon 31 May - Fri 4 An afternoon session without Jun parents, to allow the children an Inset Days: Mon 7 & Tue 8 Jun opportunity to familiarise themselves 2nd Half Term: Wed 9 Jun - Tue 13 with where they will be going the Jul following morning for their learning, Summer Break: Wed 14 Jul - Fri 3 Sep meals and self-directed study. 2021/2022 The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 26 27 Sports Update

As many of you will already know from Hayley’s presentation talks, Broadfield House is not only ideally located in secluded parkland close to major road links, but it is also a short 2 minute walk from The K2 Leisure Centre.

Spread over a whopping 57,000 square meters, the K2 boasts amonge its manyll facilitieso! an Olympic sized swimming pool, an H8 lane running track and a 12 meter climbing wall, plus all the usual courts, sports halls and pitches. This makes K2 the perfect partner to provide much of Atelier 21’s sports provision.

Starting in September the whole school will decamp to K2 to enjoy a 30min swimming lesson per week (grouped by ability), a 1 hour multi racquet sport session per week to include sports such a short tennis, badminton, table tennis and squash, and a 1 hour indoor climbing session in the climbing centre. For older children this includes the opportunity to work towards a climbing award, if they so wish.

There will also be kayaking lessons at nearby Watersports centre, where children can work towards earning their open water kayaking grades, again if they so wish.

We are also looking at partnering with specialist sports coaches to teach football, cricket and hockey, and sporting activities for future terms will include gymnastics and archery. The Hive, Issue 1 - February 2020 28

Contact Us

Atelier 21 – Future Schools Broadfield House Brighton Road Crawley RH11 9RZ

07823 558 419 [email protected] www.atelier21schools.co.uk