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World Book Day Special: An ‘Amaze-keel’ Visit from Jim Smith!
World Book Day Special: An ‘Amaze-keel’ Visit from Jim Smith!
We are beyond excited to announce that for World Book Day, St Stephen’s will be hosting a very special guest to visit our children in Years 3 - 6: the award-winning author and illustrator, Jim Smith!
Jim is the creative genius behind the legendary ';Barry Loser' series, which has won both the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Laugh Out Loud (Lollies) Book Award. Whether your child is a long-time fan of Barry, Bunky, and Nancy, or is looking for their next favorite series, this visit promises to be a lot of fun!
Who is Jim Smith?
Who is Jim Smith?
Before he was an author, Jim had a fascinating career in graphic design. You may have already seen his work without realising it - he is the artist behind the quirky branding and cartoons for Puccino’s coffee shops!
This background is why his books are so unique. Jim doesn't just write stories; he engineers them with bold fonts, speech bubbles, and groovy layouts that make reading feel as fast-paced and visual as watching a cartoon. Beyond the world of Barry Loser, he is also the creator of the hilarious Future Ratboy adventures, the Super Weird Mysteries, and his latest series, How to Be a Genius Kid.
Understanding ‘Keel Speak’
Understanding ‘Keel Speak’
In Barry Loser’s world, everything is keel (that’s Barry-speak for "cool"). Jim uses this unique language - or Keel Speak - to create a wonderful sense of belonging, making readers feel like they are part of a secret club who "get" the jokes. This clever wordplay shows children that language can be flexible and fun, which is a brilliant way to boost their confidence in their own writing. Most importantly, it lowers the stakes by taking away the pressure of being perfect or cool in the traditional sense; in these books, being a 'loser' is a badge of honor! This links beautifully to our school vision, as we aim to build each other up in love and learning by celebrating everything that makes us who we are and reminding our children that our individual qualities are our greatest strengths.
What’s Happening on the Day?
What’s Happening on the Day?
Jim will be spending the morning with us, sharing his stories, talking about his journey from a doodler to a prize-winning author, and showing the children how to draw in his signature style.
Jim will also be holding a book signing session. It is rumored that when Jim signs a book for a child, he doesn’t just write his name - he also does a super-speedy portrait of them right there on the page! It’s a wonderful, personal keepsake that truly brings the reading for pleasure experience to life.
We hope that Jim’s visit will serve as a reminder that creativity is a superpower. For children who might find long walls of text intimidating, Jim’s doodle-heavy style shows that storytelling belongs to everyone.
Pre-order your books on ParentPay by Thursday 12th February:
Pre-order your books on ParentPay by Thursday 12th February:
How to Order: Please complete your purchase via ParentPay by Thursday 12th February. We are unable to accept orders placed after this date.
Barry Loser: Total Winner! (£8.99)
Three bite-sized, full-colour stories packed with adventure and silliness. When Barry’s parents ban gaming, he has to think outside the box to prove he’s a "Total Winner." Includes "how to draw" sections to help children create their own comics!
Follow this link to order: Jim Smith - Barry Loser Total Winner! - Graphic Novel - £8.99
Genius Kid Goes Viral (£9.99)
GK and Flea bring science to life in this hilarious fact-filled book. They explore everything "viral" - from computer glitches to internet fame. It’s a perfect mix of science, humor, and daydreaming, designed specifically to engage curious minds.
Follow this link to order: Jim Smith - Genius Kid goes Viral - Graphic Novel - £9.99
Supporting Our Local Bookshop: The Alligator’s Mouth
Supporting Our Local Bookshop: The Alligator’s Mouth
We are proud to be supporting The Alligator’s Mouth in Richmond to supply the books for Jim Smith’s visit.
This wonderful independent children’s bookshop is a true local treasure. Their name comes from a brilliant Lemony Snicket quote: “A book is like an alligator's mouth. If you see one open, you often end up disappearing inside.” The shop is staffed by experts who are passionate about matching the right book to the right child. Whether your child is a fan of graphic novels like Barry Loser or is looking for their next big adventure, we highly recommend a visit.
Half-Term Idea: Why not pop into Richmond over the break? The shop is a magical space for children to explore, and they even offer biscuits on request!
Where to find them: 2a Church Court, Richmond, TW9 1JL
Year 5 Vector Artists
Year 5 Vector Artists
This term in Computing, Year 5 have been developing their digital design skills by exploring the world of Vector Drawings.
Unlike traditional digital sketches, a vector drawing is created using a series of mathematical lines and shapes. One of the most important concepts the children mastered was layering. They recognised that to create a complex image, they had to build it up 'object by object' - layering shapes on top of one another to create depth and detail.
The children have produced some groovy nature-inspired vector drawings. By breaking down natural forms - like leaves, petals, and trees - into simple geometric shapes, they have gained a new perspective on the patterns found in the world around them.
The Magic of Mastery: Maths in Year 3
The Magic of Mastery: Maths in Year 3
Have you ever wondered how children transition from simple counting to complex geometry? At St Stephen’s, we use the Mastery approach - a way of teaching that empowers every child to truly own a mathematical concept.
Following the curriculum guidance from the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics), we break big mathematical ideas into 'Small Steps'. We focus on making the foundations of a topic rock-solid so that every new layer of learning is supported by total confidence. This approach gives our children the time and space to think like mathematicians, exploring a concept deeply until they reach that wonderful "aha!" moment.
Spotlight on our Year 3 Angle Detectors!
Spotlight on our Year 3 Angle Detectors!
Our Year 3 mathematicians have been putting this mastery approach into action as they begin their journey into the world of Angles. To bridge the gap between abstract ideas and the real world, the children have been busy crafting their very own Angle Finders using card and split pins.
By physically moving their finders, the children are developing a tangible feel for the 'amount of turn' in an angle. The classroom has been buzzing with Angle Detectors hunting for right angles - the 'quater turn'.
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