Year 2 had a fantastic time at Tring Museum. During our workshop, the children classified animals by observing their skin, then grouping them into the correct category. We had lots of time to explore the museum. We used our new knowledge to talk about the animals we found and discussed why they fitted into each group. We even had the chance to sketch some of our favorite animals. Tristan thought the video explaining how animals were discussed was disgusting but interesting. Queenster said she thought the day was really fun but some of the animals were a little scary.

At the start of the new school year, it is a good opportunity to share with you information about the curriculum we deliver at Nash Mills.  This week, we will look at Music.

At Nash Mills, we use a teaching tool called 'Charanga', which gives each class a number of songs, videos and tasks to complete each lesson.  It also helps pupils to develop an understanding of some of the key musical vocabulary, including tempo and pulse.  Throughout the school, pupils access learning through Charanga which also helps to ensure that, by the time the children are in Year 6, they have had a progressive curriculum, which builds on what they have learnt before.

We also see performing as a key skill that pupils should develop through music lessons.  The school funds a music teacher for the year, which provides the opportunity for our Year 3 class all learn the recorder and Year 4 the ukulele.  This allows them lots of opportunities to perform to others and to really develop the skill of playing alongside others.  We hope that lots of pupils will take these skills onto further musical learning in the future!  The confidence gained from performing is also important, giving our children the skills to stand up in front of audiences.  This year we have introduced half-termly music showcases, where the classes will come together to share what they have been learning in music and to perform in front of the rest of the school.

We also have a range of peripatetic music opportunities, where individual pupils or small groups can learn instruments.  This can be from any age and a number of instruments are offered, including piano, clarinet and ukulele.  For most, there is a charge for this however for some, including those pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, there is grant funding which can support costs.  More information about this can be found on the Herts Music Service website.

As with our entire curriculum, more information about what we teach at Nash Mills can be found on the curriculum pages of our website.  Please do have a look if you would like to learn a little more! 

Two wider achievements to share this week...!  We are always pleased to hear about what you have been up to out of school, please do share!

Ffion's Reading Surprise!  I did the summer reading challenge and won the prize draw. So I got to go on a poetry workshop led by a famous poet, Joshua Siegal. He read lots of his poems. I even wrote my own poem called 'Oh, apple I love you so'.  I got a poem book called 'Who let the words out?'. And he signed it for me. It was very fun!

Scout Cooking Competition - A huge well done to the three Year 6 pupils (and one past pupil) who came second out of about twenty teams in the Scouts' Ready Steady Cook competition last week.