Great Chesterford Church of England Primary School

Welcome to our school

Great Chesterford School was founded in 1849 to provide education according to the principles and practice of the Church of England. In 1970 an extension comprising four spacious teaching areas was opened and two further classrooms were added in 1981. The attractive original building now houses the school hall, used for assembly, PE and as a dining room, and the school kitchen. A seventh classroom and an Audio, Visual Aids and Music room has been provided in the old school house, which also contains a children’s kitchen, technology area and the school offices.  A recently completed new building provides an additional teaching area.  The school has a library and an IT suite.

The school is attractively placed in the centre of the village, and is surrounded by hard and grassed playing areas, trees and shrubs.

Aims and Ethos

The aim of all church schools is to provide the best possible education for each child within the context of a caring Christian community.

We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which will enable each child to develop confidently to the best of his/her ability.

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Class R      Class 1      Class 2      Class 3      Class 4      Class 5      Class 6

O Lord bless our school,
That working together,
And playing together,
We may learn to love thee
And to love one another.

Recorder Club
Lunchtime recorder clubs are open to children from year 4 upwards. Those led by Mrs Bowden, Mrs Beecheno and Mrs Levy take part on Tuesdays while Mrs Urie’s group meet on a Thursday. Children need a recorder and a book both of which can be purchased from school at cost. Children in Mrs Levy’s group are given the opportunity to play during Friday assemblies and on other special occasions.

Netball Club
This club is held for children in years 5 and 6. It is on Thursdays after school from 3.30pm – 4.15pm. We generally meet in the playground but if it is wet we have a quiz in Mrs Shingleton’s classroom! The club runs from the autumn term until the summer half-term. The main aim of the club is to have fun, keep fit and learn netball and team skills. We also play friendly matches against other schools when the children get to meet other people and enjoy a slap-up tea!

Football Club
Football training takes place most Wednesdays after school on the school field. Ian Rush (no, not the Liverpool legend!) and Andy Coombs from Cambridge United Football Club teach children a variety of skills and organise matches each week. Over 30 children (half boys, half girls) regularly attend this club. It is especially pleasing to record that so many girls are enjoying and playing football. There is no doubt that the quality of coaching is having a beneficial effect on the school football teams which continue to enjoy great success. Forms can be obtained from Mr Brown. The club cost £3 per session.

Pottery Club
Starting Wednesday November the 3rd there will be a pottery club for year 4. If there are places available they will be offered to children in Year 3. The club will take place from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. The children will learn the properties of clay and make models. These will then be fired in the school kiln and glazed. The children attending will be asked to bring an apron or suitable art shirt as the work can be messy! It is hoped that at the end of each term there will be a small display where the children can show their parents the models they have made.

Country Dance Club
Country dance club takes place in the school hall on Thursday afternoons between 3:15pm and 4:00pm. It is currently open to children in years 3 and 4 and runs during the autumn and spring terms. PE kit needs to be worn for the dance club. The children learn a variety of different country/folk dances and enjoy the opportunity to use traditional movements, figures and steps.

Rounders Club
Children in year 4 and 5 have the opportunity to take part in rounders club during the summer term. It takes place on the school field from 3:15pm on Thursdays. A game of rounders is played each week and skills in batting and fielding techniques are taught. PE kit needs to be worn by the children participating.

Cricket Club
Cricket club takes place during the summer term and is open to Year 6 boys and girls. It is hoped that this club helps to prepare Year 6 for the Saffron Walden Kwik Cricket League which the school takes part in. The emphasis is on developing match skills such as fielding positions, running between the wicket and captaincy. Two team captains decide all key decision to prepare them for the league. This year we intend to use the village cricket pitch to give the childnre greater experience of playing on grass. The children (and Mr Brown too!) seem to enjoy the challenge of this most traditional game.

French Club
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School Band
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Parents are encouraged to dress their children in the school colours of navy blue and white. Suggested items, which may be obtained from most department or chain stores, are: 

White blouse or shirt

Navy skirt or pinafore, or navy or grey trousers

Navy jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt

Navy sweatshirts and navy or white tee shirts may be obtained from the Friends Association. Click here for more details.

 Summer -         Blue and white dress or white or pale blue blouse/shirt

   and grey or navy shorts

 All children will need a PE kit, and a bag in which to carry it.

White tee shirt and Navy shorts            Plimsolls - essential for indoor use

 Older children:

Football boots or hockey boots or strong trainers

Warm top

Swimming costume - towel - all children need a swimming cap

 Art and craft:    Overall, old shirt or apron

The wearing of casual clothes or sportswear during normal lessons is discouraged.
All items of clothing should be named and jewellery should not be worn.
Please discourage children from bringing expensive watches or toys to school, as they may become lost or damaged.

The Friends organise, with the help of the Mrs Brown and her team in the office, the sale of School Uniform.  Uniform is available through the office or at one of the publicised Uniform Sale afternoons.  Payment can be made by cash or cheque made payable to The Friends of Great Chesterford School.

Sue Butler is our “Merchandiser” and requests for items can be passed to her through the School Office. A proportion of the sale price goes into the Friends funds.

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Sweatshirts (Navy Blue with School Emblem) are available in sizes 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 priced £8.50 and small adult £11.00

Polo Shirts (White with School Emblem) are available in sizes 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 priced £7.50 and small adult £8.50

P.E. Shorts (Navy Blue) are available in sizes 46/51cm (18/20”), 51/61cm (20/24”), 66/71cm (26/28”), 32/34” and 34/36”

Sun Hats (Navy Blue with School Emblem

£3.00              Baseball Cap            (one size – adjustable)

£3.00              Legionnaires Cap     (one size – adjustable)

Bookbags – Available either in Red or Blue and are priced at £3.00