Issue 18

Year 1 had a very exciting trip the the Natural History Museum in Oxford as part of their 'Explorers' topic. They began with a dinosaur detective session where they got to handle real dinosaur bones, teeth, fossilised faeces and eggs! After which they uncovered how scientists use their discoveries to build a picture of what the world would have been like with dinosaurs. They measured themselves against different dinosaurs and found out how you can measure a dinosaur based upon his footprint. Finally, they toured around the Museum on a dinosaur hunt and saw lots of other interesting artefacts. 

Year 3 enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea inspired by the book they have been reading this half term,The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber. It is set in Cornwall (hence the Cornish afternoon tea!) and is about the legend of a fisherman called Tom and his cat called Mowzer (which is why the children brought in their cuddly toy cats.) They go out to sea in a storm, calm the storm and then bring back fish for the hungry villagers. Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed the scones, jam, and clotted cream and were amazed by the incredible nautical table decorations. 

The Year 3 Informal Concert christened the newly refurbished auditorium. We were wowed by performances on the piano, guitar, violin, harp and acting. The informal concerts provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to show what they have been learning within their one to one lessons either in or outside of school. This was for many, their premiere performance on their instrument, in front of a supportive audience of family, friends and staff. 

As autumn began, our whole school came together to celebrate Harvest with a time of thankfulness for all we have been given. We had an incredible response to our appeal and the tables in the hall were piled high with gifts for Asylum Welcome. The children had all spent time outside during their RE lessons reflecting on what they are thankful for and each class produced a 'thankfulness paper chain.’ 5W helped create a beautiful display of all the produce and then packed it all into boxes ready to be taken to the charities. 

Mrs Williams took her classes on Harvest walkabouts around the school and up to the kitchen garden looking for things we can be thankful for. 

This year for Diwali, the Reception children have made a card influenced by traditional symbols and decorations. For their card, they chose their colour schemes and stamps and assembled the composition. The clay lamps were made in the shape of a leaf, again influenced by traditional forms for the festival of light, and painted with a base colour and decorated with gold or silver metallic pens. The children are very proud of their work. 

The Nursery children had so much fun in the Woodland on their special autumn afternoon. The Nursery Woodland was full of spooky activities to stimulate their senses and get their imaginations flowing.  They all arrived in their costumes and enjoyed 13 different activities including making potions, hunting for snakes in jelly, apple printing pumpkins, making and wearing witch's hats as well as decorating some spooky biscuits.  There was even a mystery box with some spooky surprises inside!