Yesterday, our Year 3 children were off to the woods on an exciting trip to Willow Wood Forest School. The focus of the session was an important lesson in fire safety and controlled fire management. Under the expert guidance of the Forest School instructors, the children learned:
How to safely prepare a fire pit.
The essential elements needed to start a fire (fuel, heat, and oxygen).
Crucially, the safe procedures for managing and extinguishing a fire.
This practical experience was both thrilling and highly informative, giving the children an understanding of a fundamental skill. This outdoor learning directly connects to their current History topic, 'Prehistoric Britain'. The children have learnt that fire was not just a tool, but a lifeline for early humans. They discussed how people in prehistoric times relied on fire for: Cooking food (making it safe and easier to digest), warmth and protection from the elements, light in the darkness, and protection from wild animals. By safely handling the tools and seeing fire in a controlled environment, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity of our ancestors.
The practical steps involved in fire-starting and safety will also be put to use in their English lessons. The students will be using their knowledge to write a detailed instructional text on how to safely build and manage a fire, reinforcing their learning across different subjects.
This week in Reception Art, our youngest learners had a brilliant, hands-on opportunity to explore the world of paint through exciting finger painting!
The children loved getting their hands messy as they learned about texture and mixing. They had the chance to truly experiment with colour, creating wonderful palettes as they worked.
We saw fantastic results as they decided whether to create something abstract (focusing on colours and shapes) or figurative (painting recognisable people, animals, or objects). The freedom of the activity encouraged great creativity and exploration.
This week, our school was incredibly fortunate to host the inspiring visitor, Stuart Laurence, who delivered a series of impactful workshops across different year groups. His sessions focused on crucial aspects of identity, empathy, and positive social interaction, leaving a lasting impression on our pupils. The children engaged brilliantly in the collaborative workshops and we are so proud of their maturity, empathy and insight.
This week, the kitchen staff, led by the wonderful Nicola, received a surprise, unannounced visit from the local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) for their routine food hygiene inspection.
We are proud to announce that, following a thorough check, our school kitchen has once again maintained the maximum rating of 5 (out of 5) on the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. This top rating signifies 'Very Good' standards of hygiene.
Maintaining a consistent 5-star rating, especially under the pressure of a surprise visit, is a true testament to the commitment and hard work of Nicola and the kitchen team. Their dedication to cleanliness, safe food preparation, and organisation is outstanding and ensures that the tasty, nutritious meals served every day are also prepared in the safest possible environment.
It's official: Friday lunchtime is the funkiest time of the week! The playground turns into a dance floor, thanks to Mrs. Blomley. She leads the fantastic Funky Friday tradition, putting on the music and getting everyone - children and teachers - to boogie along to their favourite tunes. Thank you, Mrs Blomley, for injecting such great energy into the end of our week!