Page 8 - Moravian Messenger July 2018

We are delighted with our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, with headmaster Tom Brooksby describing the outstanding feedback from inspectors as 'a full team effort and a great achievement'.
The key findings of the inspection, which took place over three days in February, concluded that pupils' academic and other achievements are good and the quality of their personal development is excellent.
Tom expressed his gratitude to all involved in the school community: 'This excellent report is the culmination of the hard work and commitment of our pupils and staff over the last few years. It rightly recognises our many achievements and sets us on an exciting course into the future.
Inspectors highlighted our pupils' strong
academic results, their well-developed skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT and their strong work ethic. They went on to acknowledge pupils' 'excellent levels of self-knowledge, self-esteem and self- reliance' and their 'excellent awareness of the wider social context in which they live'.'
The School's Trustees and Governors were equally delighted. Amanda Redgate is the Chair of Governors and said: 'It is heartening and gratifying to read how accurately the report captures the crucial essence of Ockbrook School; a fine achievement.'
Helen Springall, Deputy Head, added: 'It is very pleasing to read judgements such as 'standards in extra-curricular activities are high and participation rates are excellent; pupils have excellent capacity for making
© Ockbrook School
decisions and their excellent behaviour is a reflection of efficient and sensitive pastoral care'. Our pastoral system is at the centre of all we do at Ockbrook and it has been recognised as first rate.'
Tom concluded: 'This glowing report is nothing less than Ockbrook School deserves, but we are not complacent here and we are already planning new strategies that will improve our wonderful school further still. Ockbrook has a proud history and a tradition of success dating back over two hundred years but, right now, we have our sights set firmly on our bright future.'
Claire McMain
Personal Assistant to the Headmaster at Ockbrook School
Ockbrook School Report
Congregation News
80
Swindon
During March, our congregation joined with friends from the Quakers, to provide a Lent lunch in Swindon town centre. Later in the month we travelled to Bath Weston for
a joint Maundy Thursday service.
Shortly afterwards, we held our annual Easter Fayre in the church, which was followed by a lively Easter fun day for the Beavers and Rainbows. Lots of crafts, activities and an egg hunt.
The Rainbows enjoyed a visit to the co-op for
a fair trade evening, which included a chance
to sit in a police car (whilst sounding the siren and activating the blue lights!) after the police were called to an incident whilst we were there. The Beavers have been making the most of the good weather, with visits to the local parks, making bug houses and flying kites. Paul invites both groups to regular parade services and involves all the children with lively puppet shows.
During April, we hosted our first MWA Away Day: our small circle has been planning the day for some time. We hosted the executive committee in our own church, on the Friday, for their meetings. The following day, we moved to a local UR church for the away day. Rev Moyra Davies gave an inspiring address on our theme 'the power of living water' and Sr Patsy Holdsworth led the communion service. The six workshops ranged from a legal talk, to a walk to learn about the Wiltshire Moonrakers.
MWA Away Day at Swindon
Our minister, Paul, led a singing workshop, and the group shared with us a lovely rendition of the piece they had learnt. It was a wonderful day of worship and fellowship.
During May, we were saddened to hear of the death of Br Michael Robinson, a lifelong member of Swindon Moravian Church. Although, having moved from Swindon some years ago, Michael and his family made the 60 mile trip from Dorset, every month, for communion Sunday, plus other services, activities and meetings. He was a kind,
humble man and a talented musician - always willing to play the organ and piano. Michael will be greatly missed by us all and our thoughts are with Pat, Pauline, Bill, Amy and Clair.
On 13th May, we enjoyed visiting Tytherton for their anniversary service, led by Sr Patsy. A lovely service, followed by a feast! It was also lovely to see Brs Peter and Pete Gubi, no strangers to the Western District.
Sr Sandy Mundy
© Sr Sandy Mundy