Inspired by reading the lovely book Handa’s Surprise, Reception had the delightful experience of tasting exotic fruits such as mangoes, figs, pineapple and papaya at forest school. Having correctly identified each fruit in turn, the attentive children paid close attention to the description of each fruit’s texture and flavour before sharing their thoughts and preferences in a taste test, through either a thumbs up or thumbs down. Needless to say, most thumbs were pointing skyward!

Natasha Jacklin, Reception Class Teacher

In their science and topic lessons, Year 1 have been focusing on the process of turning plants into food. Having dissected a flower to get a close look at all of its key parts, the children embarked on a fascinating discussion to establish the role each part plays. After gaining a sound understanding, the children then got creative to produce their own 3D flowers with all the parts clearly labelled.

Hannah Feery, Year 1 Class Teacher

In art this week, Year 2 engaged in learning a new decoupage technique, which involved tearing, sticking and collaging. This activity was integrated into their ongoing study of oyster shells, onto which the children carefully stuck their colourful tissue paper to produce effective and vibrant artwork. By the end of the session, during which the children were fully engaged in their task, the children experienced new ways to create pattern using different materials.

Kim Martin, Year 2 Art Teacher

Within their summer term topic of ‘Life Below Water’, Year 3 considered various impacts humans have on coral reef ecosystems. After listening to David Attenborough’s message on the eve of his 99th birthday about the vital importance of our oceans, the children created posters about the significance of coral reefs and the threats that they face. Considering two key coral sites – The Maldives and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the children used personal knowledge and classroom resources to draw attention to these threatened areas and consider ways in which the coral can be restored to better health.

Henrietta Platt, Year 3 Class Teacher

In maths, Year 5 were tasked with calculating angles on a straight line and around a point. Working in pairs and sharing ideas, the children consolidated their knowledge of calculating angles while solving a loop puzzle. Once angles were calculated they had to find the corresponding clue that led them to the next question. As always, the activity ended up being highly competitive, with two teams eventually completing it at exactly the same time.

Danny Parkinson, Head of Maths

In geography, Year 6 refreshed their map work skills, focusing on four and six-figure grid references. They engaged enthusiastically with challenging tasks, demonstrating determination and resilience. With the group showing improved accuracy and confidence in locating features on maps, it was another great step forward in both geography and orienteering. A fruitful lesson also included a presentation aimed at finding a suitable spot within the school grounds for ‘Benny the Bench’, with diligent pupils taking into account aspect and microclimates.

Simon Gunn, Year 6 Geography Teacher

In English, Year 7 continued working on their set text, Susan Cooper’s King of Shadows. Set in Elizabethan England, protagonist Nat travels back in time to experience Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. In the classroom, the children successfully analysed a section of the novel to produce an extended comprehension answer. Year 7 will now use the novel as a starting point for many pieces of work, and their work has very much whet their appetite for an exciting trip to The Globe in two weeks’ time.

Lucy Hendry, Year 7 English Teacher

The new cricket season may only be at the fledgling stage, but Year 8 have already put in some encouraging performances. The boys and girls have been working hard during PE and Games lessons to refine their batting, bowling and fielding techniques, with skills built up and polished over a number of years at Highfield and Brookham, and this was evident during some excellent matches against Farleigh on Wednesday and in the girls’ win against Great Walstead in the IAPS Girls’ Cricket Championship on Thursday. But aside from improving their on-field skills, the children also demonstrated a genuine and heart-warming desire to support and encourage each other during matches, something they needed no encouragement to do.

Richard Dunn, Year 8 Head Cricket Coach