West Devon Football Finals

Wednesday 10th February 2010

As we set off for Tavistock College for the West Devon Finals, there was a definite feel of excitement and determination in the air.

We arrived with the children looking fantastic in their matching tracksuits and with them raring to go. Within seconds of reaching the astro-turf they were practising and communicating like a real team.

Each game was 12 minutes long and the children fought every second in every game. Wills James made several fantastic saves, with great skills and support shown from every other member of the team. Their hard work and efforts paid off as after four matches we were told we had made it through to the semi-finals! The children whooped and cheered as they jogged across ready for their next match.

It was clear from the start that this was going to be no easy encounter for either side. The opposing side’s attack was strong and unrelenting and yet our team did not let one goal through. They defended like champions, with more epic saves but also many clearances made from other members of the team. It was not until the final whistle was blown, after a nail-biting finish with a ball being saved by coming off the post, that the defence could finally rest for a second. We had drawn with no goals. The match was to be decided on penalties, a debatably cruel way to end such a great set of matches.

It was to be the other team that prevailed, however the children of Bridestowe Primary did me, the school and most importantly, themselves, incredibly proud.

A brilliant day, showing great football, well done Wills James, Ben Hore, Oliver and William King, Leon Horn, Jack Watson, Harry Hemsley, Daniel Turney and Nathan Tomkins.

A final word to say a big thank you for all the parental support – these events just would not be possible without you.

Miss Hodges



Bridestowe Brainy Barnowls

Congratulations to our two teams at the annual rotary quiz. They showed excellent skills in the first two rounds of maths and English. Bridestowe 1 were close second and keeping a good lead ahead of the rest of the teams. The next rounds of history and geography were tough, but they still did well against the other schools and Bridestowe 2 even overtook Bridestowe 1. Both teams did well in round five on the general knowledge. With only a few marks apart it was all down to the final round of science. Tension built as the runners up were read out and we knew we had a place in the top three. We won several of the rounds and overall came 2nd and 4th. The Bridestowe 2 team just missed getting into the finals. Well done all.

Mrs Burrage


SCHOOL OPEN Wed 13th Jan

We are extremely keen to get the school open and expect to do so tomorrow. We are starting later to provide more travelling time - please be aware that we may need to make a decision in the morning if adverse conditions affect the ability of people to reach school safely - latest forecast is for overnight heavy snow. Our heating problem has been largely resolved, main school as normal, temporary but adequate heating in Barn Owl classroom.
Please ensure your child attends with adequate footwear for the conditions - we will assess the playground etc in the morning. Please continue to monitor site/text etc. 
 

SCHOOL CLOSED 12.1.10

It is with regret that we must close the school on Tues Jan 12th. We have had three burst pipes repaired but our heating system is still not operating, despite a visit from engineers. They hope to resolve the problem by tomorrow afternoon (weather permitting); the latest forecast is for heavy snow in the Okehampton area around midday on Tuesday. Work for the children will be uploaded into the 'kids pages' on this site by tomorrow morning - Y6 will have work sent by email.
Looking ahead, with our heating fixed, we anticipate a normal school day on Wednesday - we shall endeavour to obtain sufficient, temporary heating if repair not complete.We cannot of course, at this stage, be certain of the weather conditions and access to school on Wednesday morning but the forecast does suggest a milder end to the week. We will take steps to minimize the effect of sub-zero temperatures on our heating supply system for the future, but I'm sure you can appreciate, conditions have been exceptional lately. We are all frustrated by the current situation and apologize for the inconvenience caused.

M.Brady



School is now CLOSED on Monday 11th Jan - our heating system has failed and we are expecting an engineer at some point today. We also have a burst pipe which flooded a classroom - plumber due today and we expect to rectify this problem. If we have heating problem resolved we shall be open tomorrow but you will be aware that weather conditions are forecast to be poor again. We shall monitor the situation and update you via text alert and this site. Radio Devon are also informed as soon as the school is closed. Once again, thank you for your understanding, lets hope we can get back to normal as soon as possible. please check this site for updates.

24.11.09

CHAMPIONS AGAIN! (Report by Miss Hodges)

Cross country at Alder Lake.

It was pouring as we arrived at Alder Lake, but spirits were not dampened as we registered and went to look at the course.

The Fun-Run was first, a course just under 1 mile, through flooded fields and even a not-so-shallow stream! The children lined up at the start raring to go with the other children cheering with shouts of encouragement. The weather only worsened but this didn’t stop the children. They all completed the course coming in having pushed all the way round, just brilliant!

The girls were next and the rain had eased but the ground was only getting boggier and more slippery. Again, the cheering as they started the race, could be heard for miles around! The difficulty of the course was emphasised as Georgia fell and although made a valiant effort to continue, was not able to due to a twisted ankle. The girls ran their very best and the screams of excitement raised to a whole new level as we saw Amy Pearce and Alice Graburn coming in first and second. Megan Shannon also completed the course, finishing in the top ten - a fantastic result!

Finally it was the boys turn. A now very wet, boggy and slippery course awaited them, and as if that didn’t make it tricky enough, the rain had returned. Even though the previous runners were now exhausted, we all stayed to support the boys and cheer them on. All boys completed the course, surviving loss of a shoe (Jack Watson) and getting through a now rather water-logged course. They all pushed themselves to the limit and Leon Horn was to receive a medal for coming in 2nd!

We sheltered away from the wind and rain and waited to receive medals, certificates and to hear the final results of the day. 5 schools took part in the cross country and results were given in reverse order. We were pleased to hear after all the effort we hadn’t come 5th. We hadn’t come 4th either. Nor 3rd. Tension and excitement began to build as we waited for 2nd place to be read out… not us! We had won the cross-country! The children were thrilled and the team spirit showed as they congratulated each-other and went to receive the shield.

To end the day we took photos the teams looking really smart in their (now slightly muddy!) brand new tracksuits. Smiles widened as a spectator turned to another and said “Wow, don’t they look professional.” – and I couldn’t agree more, their behaviour and attitude throughout the day made me nothing but proud to be there with them – well done all of you!



Children have been asked to draw or paint a picture about the meaning of Christmas (this is being done in school time). All their pictures will be displayed at the St Bridget’s Christmas Fair 11am-3pm on the 21st November in the Methodist hall (free entry). Rev Geoff Harris will be choosing a winning picture from each class, and St Bridget’s Church have bought some art sets as prizes. So why not come along and see your child’s masterpiece!

Visiting Author 12.11.09

Famous children's author KeithCharters came to visit us - what a fun afternoon it was! Keith is author of the very funny 'Lee' series of books. He was able to give the children some top tips for their creative writing - we are seeing the results in class already - well done children! 

Art Gallery opening 7.7.09

Formally greeted by polite children at the gate, carefully guided with decorative signage and blooming flower displays - so it was that visitors entered the Grand opening of the school's 'Art Gallery'. It isnt easy to get to an art gallery for curriculum purposes so we thought we would create our own. This was the culmination of months of hard work from the children and our inspirational, hard-working, residential artists, Beth Houghton, Ness Pearce and Nina Butler. Parents and other local community members received an invitation and were treated to some lovely art work from the Snowy and Barn Owl classes (don't worry Owlets, your time will come). Each week, these two classes receive dedicated art and design lessons with a thematic approach. As if the art work, much of which was framed and beautifully displayed on professional presentation boards, wasn't enough, there was pink champagne to enjoy as one perused! (ok, it was lemonade!). An addition to the exhibits was a fine collection of woodland art from our 'Forest Schools' initiative. It was a really lovely afternoon, there was a calm air as the background music accompanied visitors and children alike - even the Okehampton Times photographer had to admit 'I've never done one like this before!' The wonderful comments entered into the visitors book left us in no doubt that the day was well worth the effort. Thank you to all those who attended, the children were delighted to show-off their excellent work and thank you again to our 'artists' - your creativity is truly inspiring.
 

Successful SATs results!
 

We are delighted to announce that the hard work and effort of children in Y6 has been rewarded with a very good set of results in this year’s Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs). As a school we are very encouraged by the increasing levels of attainment achieved in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. The children are becoming increasingly familiar with their new surroundings for September, with regular transition days to Okehampton College. As well as a host of sporting achievements this year, the children’s confidence will receive a massive boost knowing that academically, they are ready for the next challenge. Well done boys and girls, and a huge thank you to parents and staff for their contribution in supporting and guiding the children towards success.
 

SPORTS DAY FUN IN SUN!
24.6.09

 

What a beautiful day for our 2009 Sports Day. In glorious sunshine we were treated to the athletic prowess of four new teams; in red - Typhoons, in yellow - Hurricanes, in green - Cyclones and in blue - Tornadoes. The afternoon began with a fully deserved lap of honour from all representatives of the 2009 sports teams. It has been a very successful year and parents/carers gave the children a great round of applause. On to the main business of the day as our four teams battled for track and field supremacy. Reds, Yellows and Blues were neck and neck for much of the event but the Green Cyclones set an early pace that could not be matched. With a mixture of fun and serious races, we were able to see not just the ability but also the determination of our children. The Owlets, Snowies and Barn Owls all performed to their best - emerging from their gazebo 'nests' to swoop around the circuit.
Its hard to look cool with a bean-bag on your head but the Mum's were keen to do so. After checking to see if bean-bag matched mascara etc in a communal circle, we finally got the race started - and a very exciting one it was! The Dad's race was a far more serious affair - no time for chat on the start line as the gents focussed and adjusted their bean-bags for greatest aerodynamic advantage (Portrait or landscape?). First Dad over the line was clearly on the edge of the rulebook with his inventive combination of 'Fosbury Forehead and forward thrust!
The Todddler's race was a joy to behold; if we were in any doubt that the Bridestowe 'sporty spirit' dynasty may not continue, our fears were allayed by the pre-schoolers! After behaving themselves impeccably (thank you Treetops staff), the youngsters lined up on the top bend, clearly dismissive of their ranking as 10 metre merchants in the programme. Apparently, somebody said 'run til someone says stop' - nobody did, so they kept going! Blasting through the winning tape, no-one was going stop their moment of glory. Five attentive girls had waited patiently for heat two to commence as the mob charged down the back straight - if you've seen the 'Lion King' sequence of wildebeests hurtling across the Savannah, your'e half way there! The girls launched and the 'charge of the pre-schoolers' was finally halted.
Exciting relay races brought an end to the main event with Patrick and Pamela holding aloft the silver trophy and leading the Cyclones on their lap of honour. By popular demand, a teacher's race was called for - no handicap required (draw your own conclusions!), it seems some old boy who still fancies himself as Sebastian Coe was allowed to win! With cream teas kindly provided by our invaluable FOBS members, a lovely afternoon drew to a close. Thank you all for your support and well done boys and girls - next year, we need an athletics team. 

SWIM TEAM RUNNERS-UP IN GALA!
19.6.09
 

Just when you think we can't be good at everything, our talented children prove just how versatile and competitive they are with another great sporting performance. Thirteen boys and girls represented the school at the Okehampton Pool for a gala event involving eight primary schools. We competed in a league of six smaller schools and enjoyed a wonderful morning of exciting races. There were many individual winners of heats but as has been the case so often this year, the collective spirit of teamwork from the Bridestowe children was evident throughout. The last heat was particularly exciting as it was a mixed relay featuring four boys and four girls - and guess what? We won! Team captain Liam Pyle was inspirational and there were fine performances from all our children. A special mention here for Daniel Turney who, as a year 3 child, has attended two sporting events this week. Overall, we finished as runners-up with Hatherleigh - a huge thank you is required for all the parent helpers, without your support we simply could not manage so many activities (Mrs Timms did a fine job as a marshall too!). This was our first visit to this event, with such a talented bunch of 'water babies' - I feel sure we will be back next year. The team in full: Liam (Capt), Brandon, Kieran, Patrick, Pamela, Megan, Wills, Amy P, Amy T, Georgia, Ellie (Nemo), Leon and Daniel.



 

CRICKET CHAMPIONS 2009!!
15.6.09
 

What a sporting year it is turning out to be! Yet another display of determination, athleticism and no shortage of skill - has seen our cricket team bring a brand new shiny trophy back to school! Ten children from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 won all five of their matches in the Lewdown Small Schools Cricket Tournament. Hot sun? No problem. Heavy rain? No problem, our intrepid travelling cricketers dealt with all conditions and once again did the school proud.

Results:
Bridestowe won all 5 games scoring a total of 389 runs.
Lew Trenchard won 4 games scoring a total of 353 runs.
Lydford won 2 games scoring a total of 302 runs.
Northlew won 2 games scoring a total of 273 runs.
Lifton won 2 games scoring a total of 251 runs.
Boasley Cross scored a total of 168 runs.

Our thanks go to Lewdown Cricket Club (who are benefitting from our budding stars!), Graeme Horn and Trevor Turney for their invaluable support and coaching - as well as staff members Miss Hodges and Mrs Whiteley. There will be a 'sports person of the year' award at the leaver's assembly this year - where do we begin with such a talented team of children? Well done boys and girls - exciting times!!
 

FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE SEES
TAG RUGBY TEAM REACH FINAL!!    22.5.09

A truly magnificicent performance by Bridestowe's Tag Rugby team saw them win seven games en route to a major final. The children took part in the huge Plymouth and West Devon Tournament at Marjon; this is part of a national competition that can lead to playing at Twickenham! A total of 72 primary and Junior schools were competing, split into small and large schools. As part of the small schools group, the team won all 5 of their group stage matches, putting them through to the knock-out stage. After a terrific morning of Rugby (results below), the team fought hard to win their quarter-final tie and earn a place in the last four. A wonderful semi-final followed against an excellent Yealmpton side. 2-0 nil down early on, it looked like an uphill struggle, but with tremendous spirit - Bridestowe fought back! The lead see-sawed as each team took advantage but the final whistle blew with Bridestowe victorious at 7-6. After such an emotional semi-final, the team relaxed and prepared for the final against a superbly drilled Ermington team. Although always in the game, Bridestowe could never get in front and finished as gallant runners-up losing 9-7. Our amazing run to the final was made possible by a combination of skill, athleticism and a huge desire to succeed; with every member of the squad scoring a try! Special thanks to Graeme Horn for leading the coaching of the squad - thanks also to Charlie Ewen and Miss Hodges for their support. We are all extremely proud of a great team effort, played with the right spirit. This really was a whole team effort - the boys and girls gave everything they could. Here is the Bridestowe 'Maroon Machine' squad of which we are so very proud; Patrick, Megan, Pamela, Amy, Leon, Liam, Brandon, Kieran, Jack and Blake.

Results:
Bridestowe 7 v 4 King's School
Bridestowe 8 V 2 Mount St
Bridestowe 8 v 1 Plym View
Bridestowe  8 v 4 Hatherleigh
Bridestowe 6 v 0 Shaugh Prior

Quarter-final:
Bridestowe 6 v 4 Milton Abbot

Semi-Final:
Bridestowe 7 v 6 Yealmpton
 

FINAL:
Bridestowe 7 v 9 Ermington

Football and Netball Results   15.5.09

Football: Bridestowe 10 v 3 Boasley Cross
Netball: Bridestowe 10 v 6 Boasley Cross

Congratulations to both teams on their excellent victories against our local rivals. Both games were played in an excellent spirit and our thanks go the children, parents and staff of Boasley for making the trip and for their sporting attitude - well done everyone!

Summer Trips Planned 2009!!
 

We have trips planned in June and July to Wembury and Dawlish Warren. Owlets will be visiting Wembury on 11th June. Snowy and Barn Owls will visit Dawlish Warren on 16th July. Please refer to the details sent home with your child.
 

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS 2009!!

Congratulations to our Cross country team for winning the local primary schools championship at Boasley Cross recently; this is the third successive year that we have been champions!

TAG RUGBY CHAMPIONS 2009!!

A fantastic team effort at South Tawton saw Bridestowe finish as champions in an event of fifteen teams! We are now looking forward to the West Devon Championships at Marjon, Plymouth on Friday 22nd May.