FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes it's difficult to know what to ask, so here are some recent questions that have been raised by prospective parents.
Does Bowdon Church have a Forest School?
Forest School is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking, with the majority of lessons taken outdoors in all weathers. We do not run a Forest School, but Reception children do spend a lot of time outside discovering and learning through play within our school grounds every day. As the children go through school we have a variety of events and activities that focus on outdoor learning including pond dipping in our school pond, bug hunts, fire pits and nature walks. Learning outdoors is an important part of our curriculum and we do embrace some forest school type activities but from Y1 to Y6 these are not timetabled weekly.
Does Bowdon Church have any events like summer fairs / disco’s? Any PTA events?
Does Bowdon Church have any events like summer fairs / disco’s? Any PTA events?
PreCovid we had a full calendar of PTA events including Christmas and Summer fairs, PTA Ball and Auction, Bingo night, pop up circus etc. Now we are slowly getting back up to speed PTA events will begin to reappear and a PTA Ball is being planned for the Spring Term. At Christmas time the teachers organise a Christmas party for the year group, which takes place during the school day.
Are there any clubs such as gymnastics / dancing?
Are there any clubs such as gymnastics / dancing?
School clubs vary from year to year and are dependent on staff availability and demand. Please see here for our latest offer www.bowdoncs.org.uk/school-clubs
What languages do you offer?
Currently French is taught in KS2, focusing on vocabulary and conversation. Songs are introduced in KS1. We are considering future language clubs www.bowdoncs.org.uk/french
Are there any school trips?
Are there any school trips?
Teachers usually organise trips throughout the year to support the curriculum but also invite visitors into school to lead activities in school, such as the Young Shakespeare Company, Quidditch and Gauntlet Birds of Prey, Eagle and Vulture Park.
Reception often visit 'Imagine That’ in Liverpool or the Sealife Centre. Other school trips include places such as Chester Zoo, Dewa in Chester, the cinema, Red House Farm, Stockport Air Raid Shelters and Tatton Park, we also take the children on walks from school around the local area and visit St Mary's Bowdon throughout the year. Looking at past newsletters will give a good overview of previous events www.bowdoncs.org.uk/stream/newsletters
In Y5 and Y6 we also take the children on a residential visit www.bowdoncs.org.uk/y6-residential
Due to COVID19 restrictions we have been unable to take the children on as many visits (April 20 - June 21) as we would have normally organised but we are looking forward to getting back to our usual bookings in 2021-2022
What are the arrangements for breakfast and after school childcare, are these run by Kids Collective or by the school please and how do we apply to get on the waiting list for next year?
In Reception the school runs and organises after school childcare and you would receive a booking form in the Summer term prior to starting to book a place 4:30 or 5:30pm collection.
Kids Collective run Breakfast Club and you would need to contact them direct to enquire (follow the link below for further information)
Kids Collective also run after school care from the end of school up to 6pm onsite for Years 1 to 6. This is booked direct with them. For further information see this page https://www.bowdoncs.org.uk/wraparound-child-care/
How will I know how my child is progressing in school?
There are two formal parents' evening (usually in November and March) and a written annual report in July. Staff are around at the end of the day when you collect your child and are often able to answer short queries. If you feel you would like to discuss any concerns we would encourage parents to contact their class teacher to request a meeting, giving an overview of areas of concern. Our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) team are also on hand to help with advice and support. www.bowdoncs.org.uk/send