Issue 16

The children (and staff) all set off with excitement to the Dorset coast and arrived at Purbeck Valley Farm, their home for 3 days, just in time for lunch. Wetsuits, life jackets and helmets were then distributed and they set off for Swanage Bay where the children took part in some warm up activities in the sea prior to getting in the kayaks. A great afternoon was had by all and it was nice to hear some of the locals comment on how lovely it was to see the children enjoying themselves and playing so nicely together. Once back at camp the children enjoyed a campfire. 

They had an early start the next day with breakfast served at 7:20am. Following that they got their wetsuits on ready for a full day at the beach. The morning was spent creating a beach obstacle course and building rafts with their instructors that successfully stayed afloat! This was followed by an afternoon of paddle boarding fun and games and the opportunity to spend some of their tuck money on ice creams and lollies. Once the children had finished their pasta supper it was straight back in the minibuses for an evening of crabbing at Swanage Bay. A determined and persistent approach led to a grand total of four crabs finding their way into our nets before the end of the activity. The children were certainly ready for their beds the tents appeared much quieter than night one! 

The Land and Wave outward bound adventure trip is a fantastic way to start year 5. It encourages teamwork which not only builds character but also boosts self-confidence and self-esteem as they overcome obstacles they might never have encountered in their daily routines. 

After receiving an invitation on the evening of the 7th September, Year 1 arrived the next day dressed as explorers excited to launch their new topic of Jurassic Giants. The classroom was a hive of activity as the children prepared to go on a dinosaur hunt. The expedition began with the children following dinosaur footprints arounds the school grounds, listening to dinosaur roars coming from behind the pond reeds and finding some hidden dinosaur eggs. Upon reaching the Year 1 tree, the children became palaeontologists. They worked together to chip away and discover fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Later in the day the children initiated their own learning by asking themselves what they would like to discover during the term, and shared interesting facts that they already knew about dinosaurs. The day jump starts our new topic on jurassic giants where through cross curriculum links the children will uncover how fossils are formed, how the Earth has changed since the Jurrasic period and the life of Mary Anning.  In Science they will look at animals and habitats as well as learning about carnivores, herbivores and omnivores. Throughout the topic the children will explore a variety of different texts which the English curriculum is based upon. 

On Thursday 8th September Year 2 had a marvellous morning up, up and away! They had a joyful day filled with curiosity and wonder. They played parachute games, made predictions and carried out a flying teabag rocket science experiment and thought about how a hot air balloon works. In their English lessons they made hot air balloons; thought about places they would one day like to visit and their own wish for the future. As a year group they all enjoyed a walk to the avenue of trees, blew bubbles and watched them float up, up and away!  

Jamie Littler introduced Chandlings Prep children to the wonderful fantasy worlds of Frostheart and his brand new series: Arkspire. 

Arkspire is a city obsessed with magic. The five Arcanists, a group of all-powerful magicians, have protected the great city for as long as anyone can remember. Within the hustle and bustle of its cobbled streets lives Juniper Bell, a thief who would do anything for her family - even her unbelievably annoying sister, Elodie. Then one night, something incredible happens...

Jamie told us all about his journey as an author and illustrator, and how his ideas were born. He showed how he brings his characters to life through illustrations, and the children were able to draw alongside him as he demonstrated the process. 

It was fascinating to see some of Jamie's preliminary drawings and early drafts. Jamie also showed how he now uses technology to create many of his illustrations using a tablet. Pupils had a wonderful time drawing Cinder, one of Jamie’s characters, and helping him to create a new "Arcanist" character. 

Jeans for Genes day is always a fun day at Chandlings Prep and everyone loves coming to school in their jeans (including the staff ) but it does have a serious message behind it.  

It is the annual fundraising campaign for people affected by a genetic condition. The monies raised on Jeans for Genes Day provide grants for day-to-day support, equipment, respite and events which bring together affected children and their families.  There are between 4,000 and 6,000 diagnosed genetic conditions and it is estimated that one in 25 children is affected by a genetic condition and therefore 30,000 babies and children are newly diagnosed every year. 

We are delighted to announce that we have raised over £1200 this year for this fantastic charity. 

Our first Feel Good Friday of the term had rather a mystical quality about it as the fog descended onto the school.  But as always Mr Brooks and Miss Hemsley got everyone going with their upbeat music and aerobic routine. Feel Good Friday is part of the Wellbeing Programme at Chandlings Prep School and contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of the school community, bringing students and staff together in a fun fitness session ready to start the day ahead!