Caring Curious Courageous

Enabling all children to learn and grow

Dear Families,

• Rising Costs, Fixed Budget: While our government funding remains fixed, increasing costs mean we must be creative to provide the best for our children.
• Unique Funding Challenges: The Vineyard School receives less per-pupil funding than many schools across the borough and nationally.
• Bridging the Gap: The growing gap between funds received and what we need challenges us, but our collective efforts can ensure a rich, fulfilling school experience.
• Community Impact: This is an opportunity for our strong, supportive community to come together and make a big impact. Every contribution, big or small, enhances learning opportunities and creates a special environment for our children.

Frances Bracegirdle

Headteacher - headteacher@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

The Vineyard Extended Day Provision 

We are excited to let you know that bookings are now open! Please check your School Money account if you would like to book your child/ren in for any sessions. More information about this can be found here. You will also find our code for various tax free childcare accounts we are registered with. If you are using this platform, please email edp@ with how to pay for this.

Thank you to all of the children who submitted an entry to name the club. We were very impressed by the creativity of the submissions. At this time, we didn't feel that the submissions were right for the club and so will stick with 'EDP' (Extended Day Provision) for now. Once the club is up and running we will review this. 

If you have any questions about the club, please contact Alice McArdle- edp@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

Alice McArdle - Assistant Headteacher

Teaching and Learning at The Vineyard

The Power of Random Questioning in the Classroom
Encouraging Engagement and Supporting Learning at The Vineyard

Random questioning in primary schools is a teaching method where teachers ask questions to children at random during a lesson, rather than only calling on those who raise their hands. This technique helps to increase participation and engagement from all children, as it encourages them to stay focused and be ready to answer at any moment. At The Vineyard, teachers use a fun and fair system where they draw children's names from a jar of lollypop sticks to select them at random. If a child is unsure of the answer, they can "phone a friend" or the teacher will engage in dialogue with them, providing guidance and support to help them work towards the answer. The focus is not on getting the answer "right" but on learning together, and if a child doesn’t want to answer at that moment, they can give a non-verbal signal to pass on their turn.

The main benefit of random questioning is that it provides immediate feedback to the teacher, allowing them to quickly spot any gaps or misconceptions in children's understanding. This helps the teacher address these issues on the spot, preventing confusion from spreading further. By using random questioning as part of our teaching and learning model at The Vineyard, we ensure that every child is engaged and supported in their learning journey. This method encourages participation, boosts confidence, and fosters a supportive classroom environment where making mistakes is seen as a part of the learning process, not something to fear.

Impact Observed
The impact of using random questioning at The Vineyard has been significant. Just last week, Headteachers from two local primary schools observed our classrooms during external monitoring of teaching and learning. They commented on the heightened engagement and the positive learning culture they witnessed. "The atmosphere was more purposeful and engagement was heightened," said Harry Page from East Sheen Primary School. This feedback reflects the success of random questioning in creating an environment where children are more actively involved in their learning.

Ms Reilly and Mrs Dempster 

Assistant Headteachers for Teaching & Learning

Green Team's Book Swap 

Last Friday, the Green Team hosted a book swap across the whole school. This event was very successful and the children were so excited to be able to take a new book home! Thank you to the Green Team, Ms Collier and Mrs Henn for organising the event.

Easter Assembly 

With Easter just around the corner, we are looking for families to come in talk to the children in an assembly about Easter to KS1 or/and KS2. 

Family assemblies are always a really exciting and valuable opportunity for the children to learn about a festival. 

If you are interested, please email Mrs Bartlett using year5@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk