Issue 32

Year 1 embarked on an exciting journey through time at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. The highlight of the trip was an engaging workshop that brought the world of dinosaurs to life. Our children learned about the first dinosaur discoveries, imagined the sounds that once echoed across prehistoric landscapes, and explored how these magnificent creatures lived millions of years ago.

To add to the experience the children had the rare opportunity to handle genuine fossils. They marvelled at the texture of dinosaur eggs and carefully examined a variety of fossilised bones. The adventure continued as they explored the museum's vast collection, uncovering more dinosaur skeletons and fossils, each telling its own story.

As part of the Year 6 Informal Concert, the audience was treated to a diverse array of performances, from the delicate strumming of guitars and upbeat tones of drums, to the graceful notes of the harp.

These concerts serve as a vital platform for our children to showcase their progress in individual lessons, both within and outside the school curriculum. For many performers, this marked their debut in front of an audience, making it a significant milestone in their musical journey. The supportive atmosphere created by proud families, encouraging friends, and appreciative staff, helped calm any nerves and allowed our young talents to shine.

The arrival of autumn heralded our annual Harvest Festival, a cherished tradition that unites our entire school community. This year's celebration was particularly poignant, with an overwhelming response to our appeal for donations.

Our hall was transformed into a cornucopia of generosity, with tables overflowing with gifts destined for Asylum Welcome. In preparation for the festival, the children engaged in outdoor reflection during their RE lessons, contemplating the many blessings in their lives. Each class channelled their gratitude into creating unique 'thankfulness bunting', vibrant symbols of our interconnected appreciation.

The festival culminated in a collaborative effort to arrange a stunning display of the harvested goods. Our older pupils took on the responsibility of carefully packing the donations into boxes, ready for distribution to local charities, ensuring that our community's generosity would reach those most in need.

Just before breaking up for half-term last week, our Nursery children had a fantastic time celebrating Autumn Fun Day in the Woodland area! Both the teachers and children got into the spirit by dressing up and having their faces painted as they explored a variety of creative autumn-themed outdoor activities.

Year 2 visited Blenheim Place for a Marvellous Maths workshop during which the children worked collaboratively to solve a variety of mathematical problem-solving tasks. They also had the chance to explore the palace and identify different 2D and 3D shapes. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Year 5 and 6 have just sent their first letters to their French penpals! Year 5 children created poster-style letters introducing their families, favourite colours, and where they live. They’ll have the chance to meet their pen pals when they move up to Year 6.

Meanwhile, Year 6 children wrote more detailed letters sharing insights into their daily routines at school. They’re especially excited for the Summer Term when they’ll meet their French pen pals in person and enjoy an afternoon together during their trip to France.

As you can see in the photos, the letters sent by the French students are written in English, and our children reply in French. A fantastic way for everyone to practise their language skills!

We were thrilled to welcome Fergus McDonald to Chandlings Prep where he captivated the children with stories of resilience, adventure, and courage! Fergus shared his experiences of climbing the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and his recent participation in the Ocean Globe Race 2023. The Ocean Globe Race challenges sailors to navigate 27,000 miles across the globe using only traditional tools like sextants, teamwork, and sheer determination. No GPS, no high-tech gear!

Starting in Southampton, this eight-month journey spans four legs, crossing the Southern Ocean and the three Great Capes. Fergus’s stories of grit, teamwork, and pushing limits inspired our children to reach for their own “summits” in life, whatever they may be.

Our Reception class has been busy creating beautiful poppies in honour of Remembrance Day. They have been learning about the significance of the poppy and collaged poppies as well as finger painting some poppy pictures too.

Last summer, our Head Groundsman Mr Maskrey took on the exciting project of transforming the nursery playground. The goal was to create a safe, all-weather space featuring a wooden play ship and gazebo to offer shade during sunny days. The renovation began on the last day of the summer term with the removal of the old shed and fencing, and continued throughout the summer holidays. In late September, the gazebo was finally completed with its roof covering, much to the delight of the nursery children who eagerly watched the progress. Now back at school they’re loving their new playground, especially the slide which has quickly become a favourite!

During the half-term break Mr Maskrey installed a new basketball hoop on the hardcourt area, adjacent to the bark chip playground. This was made possible through the generous contribution of Year 6 parents who funded the project. The children have been thoroughly enjoying it, making the most of the new hoop during breaks.