This term Reception are considering the question ‘would you prefer to live on land or under the sea?’ To help them with their pondering they had the most wonderful voyage of discovery at Marwell Zoo. With a keen focus on describing what they could see, hear and feel, the young explorers relished learning interesting facts about the amazing array of animals big and small that they came across and the habitats they call home. One way they did this was to work together to find the various ‘discovery boxes’ in order to learn as much as they could about the different animals from around the world. Naturally, there was much excited chatter on the journey back to school as the children recalled all the wonderful things that they had seen!

Rosie Snagge, Reception Class Teacher

Year 1 were this week tasked with learning a new sound in phonics, spotting the new sound in words and being able to blend words containing the new sound. The key element, which the children really took on board, was the importance of understanding what they heard; listening carefully to the sounds and being able to hear them in words. The children eagerly joined in learning the new sound and they all did well decoding words. In phonics lessons, the children learn the skills they need to tackle new words which enables them to read any kind of text fluently and confidently and to read for enjoyment.

Jessie Millsom, Year 1 Class Teacher

To support their theme – Our Natural World – Year 2 took to the great outdoors, with a view to improving the biodiversity of a chosen area of forest school. Embracing and developing the science curriculum outside the classroom and working collaboratively with their friends, Year 2 set about achieving this goal with their trademark enthusiasm. Not concerned about getting their hands dirty, they delighted in combining clay, compost and seeds to create wildflower seed bombs. After these seeds germinate and flower, the children will be able to see the fruits of their labour as they will have physically enhanced the natural environment, which will then attract greater numbers of pollinating minibeasts.

Shirley Jervis, Year 2 Class Teacher

To kickstart their topic Life Below Water, Year 3 took to the woods to create an ‘ocean’ using natural resources. After discussing what you might find in a large body of water, whether all oceans are the same and what different layers you may find there, the children were challenged to use their imaginations to generate ideas after being given a clear brief. Using natural resources found on the woodland floor, it was wonderful to witness such willing teamwork as the children not only took responsibility for completing the task but also relished being back together after the Easter break and really engaged with their learning.

Henrietta Platt, Year 3 Class Teacher

Year 5 put their best feet forward during PE this week, as part of the House 1k ‘marathon’ challenge. After a crucial warm up, each child ran a kilometre as fast as they could, aiming to contribute to their House’s overall time. The combined efforts of all runners will determine the collective time it takes to complete a full marathon distance of 42 kilometres, making it not only a true test of determination and athletic prowess but also teamwork. Whether sprinting through the final stretch or pacing themselves for the long haul, every participant gave their all for their House. But it was not just about speed, it was about spirit too. Cheers and encouragement could be heard echoing across the field as children rallied behind their fellow housemates, pushing them to reach new heights and achieve personal best times. Now the children must be patient as they await the results of the remaining year groups.

Rob Dilworth, Year 5 PE Teacher

In geography this week, Year 6 have been busy studying microclimates; understanding what they are and what factors influence them. Working as a collective to share ideas, the children gave considered opinions as to why they felt that urban areas may be hotter than rural areas. And armed with a deeper understanding of microclimates and their influences, the children took to the school grounds armed with light meters, rulers and wind-measuring devices to ascertain the best position for their beloved ‘Benny the bench’.

Emma Dunn, Year 6 Class Teacher

Year 7 have been getting to grips with the past tense in Spanish and this week continued working on personal presentations about holidays they have been on. As part of their task, the children studied a video in their target language to use as an inspiration for their presentations. And they demonstrated great awareness and the need to really concentrate on the spoken word as they picked up a lot of information without the need for too much support. The upshot is that Year 7 gleaned some excellent ideas as they prepare to put the finishing touches to their projects.

Jo Longshaw, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

The countdown to the end-of-year production has begun for Year 8. The children will take to the stage to perform School of Rock in July, and this week saw them busy preparing for auditions, which are due to begin next week. Their objective was to work in groups to prepare a scripted scene, rehearse the songs Teachers Pet and Where Did The Rock Go?, as well as learn a dance routine. And they really worked in harmony to achieve their goals, demonstrating what a talented cohort they are. I wish them well for their auditions, but I know there are some difficult decisions ahead.

Sarah Baird, Head of Drama