Friends of Godstowe is a group of volunteers who organise social activities and events for the school. Through this, we aim to ensure that all Godstowe children, parents and guardians feel, and enjoy, being part of our school community.
In addition, any money raised by events and activities is used to support the school in funding items which are considered ‘the icing on the cake’. The Friends Fund (previously known as the Annual Development Fund) is managed by the Friends.
Each form also has class representatives who co-ordinate with the Group - please click here for more information and to see how you can get involved. All parents are welcome to attend meetings, particularly as wider support is often needed to help with events. We do not represent parents in matters to do with the running of the school itself, although the class reps meet with Mr Gainer once a term for ‘Headmaster’s Questions’ – an open question and answer session.
The Friends of Godstowe may also contribute to the Development Fund, which is separate and run by the school. Its purpose is to fund major development, such as the new sports hall.
The Friends Fund
The money that we raise through our events is spent on items that are either not covered by fees and are seen as ‘the icing on the cake’ (such as playground equipment), or things that we can make happen sooner than would otherwise be possible (such as the refurbishment of the swimming pool).
The Friends regularly ask Mr Gainer and the staff to put forward any requests they may have to the committee. Parents and children are also encouraged to make suggestions.
The Friends review these requests and decides where the funds should be spent. The aim is to ensure that there is:
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a fair spread of funds across the school, by year-group and department
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the best possible return on spending
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benefit to as many pupils as possible
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spending on items of both high and low value.
We always need parents to help on an ad hoc basis who are not necessarily Friends Group members.
The Friends organise:
- Christmas Fair - November
- Children’s Disco - January
- Quiz Night - March
- Rounders Match - May
- Golf Day - May
- Summer Ball - July, alternate years
- Summer Fete - July, alternate years
- Charity Cake Sales - throughout the year
- Coffee Mornings - throughout the year
- Plant Sales - Autumn and Spring
- Christmas Offers
- Hoodies
- Godstowe Memorabilia
The Friends Fund
Examples of items purchased with funds raised by Friends of Godstowe include:
Nursery & Lodge
Sandpit, water tray, cooker, sink and corner unit, play house, adventure castle, play kitchen, dolls’ house, puppets, excavation kit, dressing-up chest, play fishing set, counting kits, buggies, prams, play cars, lorries, vans, digital microscope, five interactive whiteboards
Form I & Form II
Laptop, portable CD player, outdoor play equipment
History/Geography/Science
Airfix model kits and paint, two interactive whiteboards and software, Ohaus scales
English/Languages/RS
CD player with ipod dock, DVD player for use with interactive whiteboard computer, Television and DVD player, Language Laboratory upgrade
Art/DT/PE
Three sewing machines, two digital cameras, mannequins, laminator, CD player, gym mats, trampettes
Boarding Houses
Digital photo frames, digital cameras, vegetable patches
JK Hall
New sound equipment including radio microphones
General
Gazebos for events, library refurbishment, bean bags and DAB radio for IV’s common room