Personal Development
Sussex Road Primary School strives to provide a programme of wider opportunities that are well suited to the school's context and the needs of the pupils. Forest School, OPAL, residential trips and positions of responsibility are just some of the ways in which our core curriculum supports personal development. In addition to this, our children are encouraged to represent the school and its community in events such as the Mayoral Debate and sports competitions.
Mayoral Debate
Each year, four of our Year 6 children are invited to join six other schools from the local area for a debate in the council chambers, chaired by the Deputy Mayor for Tonbridge and Malling. Most recently, the children shared their views on whether the school day should be lengthened to give us Fridays off, whether we spend too much time on technology and whether homework is necessary. After each debate, the children cast their votes. They concluded that the current school week was preferable to a three-day weekend with four longer days at school, we probably do spend too much time on technology - although it does have its uses, and despite not necessarily being enjoyable, homework is necessary. The children also have the opportunity to see inside the mayor's parlour where lots of decisions that affect the borough are made.
eWaste Project
Pupils at Sussex Road Primary School worked with the local community to raise awareness about how much electrical waste is thrown away unnecessarily. The six-week project began by educating pupils and families about the alternatives to putting electrical waste into landfill. Pupils developed their understanding of where they can take items to be recycled and repaired. Year 5 pupils had the challenge of repairing old games consoles; their reward was to play the game once in working order! For several weeks, the school collected electrical waste from our families and the wider community. This was then collected by Tonbridge and Malling Borough council, to be recycled. Pupils learnt about local Repair Cafés and the range of items that can be given a new lease of life for free!
Performances
Throughout the year, there are opportunities for children to perform to others. In Year R, go on a 'Santa Claus Hunt', singing songs to their parents and peers. Year 1 perform the Nativity, developing their public speaking skills. A selection of Christmas songs are learnt and performed by children in Year 2. When children reach Year 3, they are invited to audition for the KS2 Talent Show. Not only does this allow the children to experience an audition, it provides the opportunity for pupils to experience and manage the emotions that come with that process. Our school choir spend weeks preparing for their 'musical' that is performed in the Summer term to families. For children who love a choir experience, KS2 children are invited to participate in Young Voices. In Year 6, all children perform under the direction of a professional actor in their 'Play in a Day'. With no script, this is a fully inclusive experience where very pupil has the chance to shine.
Tonbridge Community Day
This exciting annual event sees the Tonbridge School community work with local primary schools. They welcome more than 600 children from thirteen local primary schools, who are hosted by Year 9 boys, to enjoy a fantastic day of activities. Activities range from Art to Zen Zone, Biology to Wheelchair Basketball, aiming to inspire all those involved to try something new. Everyone comes together for a concert by the Symphony Orchestra in the Chapel before a finale which this year saw duck herding on the main cricket pitch.
Science in Schools
Every year, children from Sussex Road Primary School are invited to the Tonbridge School Science laboratories over a three-week period. The aim is to provide the pupils with an experience that cannot be catered for at primary school and inspire and build enthusiasm about the prospect of studying STEM subjects at secondary school. Tonbridge boys organise and supervise hands-on activities for the children, who are presented with new, fun and exciting opportunities to learn about science.