In September 2018 Bitham Brook was 25 years old! A quarter of a century has passed since we first opened our doors to 69 children and 4 classes.
Headteacher David Ross reports, “A diary kept at the time notes: ’02.09.93 – School opened with 69 pupils and 4 classes……The building was very attractive and pleasant to work in but the landscaping of the grounds had not been finished….. 24.11.93 – The school was officially opened by Mrs Pat Rugg. Mrs Young (catering manager) baked a cake to celebrate the occasion.’ Mrs Young is still at the school and still bakes a great cake!
“Our numbers have more than quadrupled since 1993 to 316 pupils and 12 classes and many of our former pupils are now sending their children to Bitham Brook! With spaces in most year groups, we look forward to our numbers continuing to rise as the nearby housing developments are completed.
“Among the many things to celebrate this year was the way in which our pupils have continued to support causes that are important to them. I am so proud of the way they worked together to raise £433 on Children in Need Day and £262 for Sport Relief. They also raised £181 after organising a non-uniform day to sponsor a child in Uganda. On Oddsocks Day during National Anti-Bullying Week our anti-bullying ambassadors held an assembly and reminded everyone to be kind to each other and to respect each other’s differences.
“One particular highlight this year was our ‘Bitham’s Got Talent’ evening in May, when our children provided top quality entertainment to a sell-out crowd. We donated the £150 raised to the Nick Jones Foundation for Bereaved Children. Nick is a former parent and governor of the school and we followed his recent Everest expedition with great interest.
“Our pupils have been active in the community, performing at All Saints Church for the Westbury Music and Arts Festival and for the Rotary and Lions concerts. Donations from our Harvest Festival were given to Crosspoint and we have set up a link with Westbury Court Care Home. Tyler the reading dog came in and stole the show on World Book Day and our pupils have been regular visitors to Westbury Library and Matravers School. When the children are out representing the school, they are often complimented on their behaviour.
“We have held Roman, Chinese, Medieval and French theme days to tie in with topics being studied and have visited the Bishop’s Palace, Farleigh Hungerford Castle, the Tutankhamun Exhibition, the Roman Baths, and Warleigh Lodge Farm, as well as our annual residential visits to Osmington Bay and Braeside.
“On the sporting front, our girls’ football team has seen a recent return to past form and our pupils have done well in swimming, football, Tag rugby, netball, cross-country, cricket and dance events across the county. We have achieved the Gold School Games Mark Award again this year for our commitment, engagement and delivery of competitive school sport.
“Our Breakfast Club celebrated its first birthday in October and we are now looking into offering paid after-school care next spring.
“Above all else, it is the children who make Bitham Brook the school that it is and they have once again done us proud in 2018. We are looking forward to another great year in 2019!”
