The Reception children got a taste for cooking over the campfire at forest school this week. The inquisitive young learners were delighted to discover that they could make mini bread rolls using just two ingredients – flour and Greek yoghurt. Having carefully digested the recipe, the children set about working together to mix the dough before rolling it into little balls for Mrs Jakeway to cook over the fire. And having waited patiently for the rolls to cool down, keeping a very close eye on them as they did so, the children decided it was an ideal snack after a busy afternoon in the woods!

Natasha Jacklin, Reception Class Teacher

With our maths topic being length and height, Year 1 have spent the last week exploring how to measure. We began by comparing differences in height and lengths of objects around the classroom, using key words such as longer, longest, shorter and shortest. The children used cubes to help them equate measurement before moving onto rulers to measure each other’s feet. Teamwork is always central to everything Year 1 do in and out of the classroom and the children worked effectively together to answer questions about length, taking real pride and gaining a sense of achievement in supporting each other’s learning.

Hannah Feery, Year 1 Class Teacher

In science this week, Year 2 were tasked with identifying and naming the different parts of a daffodil and gaining an understanding of their purpose. To do this, and after the plant was carefully dissected by a teacher, the children used magnifying glasses to explore the tiny elements which can be found in this colourful spring flower, such as the ovule (where the germ cells are stored). After studying their plants, the children showed great attention to detail by sketching pictures of a daffodil and carefully labelling the key parts.

Charlie Millsom, Head of Year 2

Year 3 took to the basketball court in PE this week. The objective was to teach the children the set-shot technique and then apply this to a conditioned game, and it had the desired effect as the focused children met with a good deal of success when aiming for the basket, proving that rewards can be gained through practise, effort and enthusiasm. As well as gaining confidence through more accurate shooting, Year 3 also gained a greater insight into the rules of the game and discovered that they could move up the court more effectively when passing the ball and playing as a team.

Jo Gordon, Head of PE

Year 5 have been reading Beowulf this term, looking at the myth and legend of the monster Grendel and how he terrorized Heorot, the great Mead Hall. Inspired by Beowulf’s heroics in saving the Danes and King Hrothgar from their terrible ordeal, Year 5 have been creating their own legend. Letting their imaginations roam free, the children included a monster, a hero or heroine and a sorrowful king in their impressive tales which were set long, long ago. The children discovered that meticulously planning their story was key, carefully considering the elements needed for a successful story such as language and description.

Robert Grech, Year 5 Class Teacher

Young actors in Year 6 showed real versatility with a wonderful performance of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice in Wonderland. Joined by Year 5 for what turned out to be a colourful and spectacular play, the older children performed not just one role but two as they were split into an ‘Alice’ cast and a ‘caterpillar’ cast to ensure that each child got to perform in a major role at least once. The children showed real resilience, determination and enthusiasm to learn their lines, learn dance moves and bring their characters to life. The performances were a real tour de force on what was a tough week for the children, with two full dress rehearsals to pre-prep audiences and then three performances of the ‘real thing’ in front of parents. The children brought real flair, charisma and charm to their roles, as well as getting the chance to use so many brilliant props that they had lovingly made themselves.

Sarah Baird, Head of Drama

Using their new Version 2 Micro:bits, Year 7 have been learning how to write a program and transfer it to what is essentially a mini computer. The programs can be written to sense, measure or log areas such as light, temperature, sound or movement. The children showed great initiative and curiosity to get to grips with the explore buttons, light-emitting diodes, networks and simple circuits. As with any new tech and coding, it wasn’t all plain sailing, but Year 7 showed great resilience and determination – even when faced with the dreaded syntax errors!

Richard Dunn, Head of ICT

The U13As ended their season with an impressive 5-1 victory against Barrow Hills. The girls have made great strides with their football throughout the season, and Wednesday’s win followed hard on the heels of victory over Westbourne House the previous week. Imogen K was at the heart of things once again, scoring a hat-trick and leading the team by example. But all the girls played their part in securing the win. Amelie K scored her first goal of the season while Ella G completed a flowing team move to round off the scoring. Daisy A made some fine saves in goal while Polina D and Sophie Z impressed in defence.

Danny Parkinson, U13A Girls’ Football Coach

Impressive teamwork and a strong passing game helped the U13B girls to a fine 3-0 win against Lambrook on Wednesday. The girls have demonstrated real enthusiasm and togetherness all season and this was the perfect way to end what has been a good season during which the girls have improved their all-round games week on week. Good levels of communication between the players throughout matches, as well as taking on board instruction during half-time team talks, has been central to the continued improvement.

Jo Gordon, U13B Girls’ Football Coach