The Courier

To start our Jack and the Beanstalk topic off in English, Class I planted beans in pots, decorated a castle and attached the castle to a skewer to allow their beans to climb up through the clouds to the castle just like a beanstalk. We then set about writing instructions for planting a bean using first, next, then and finally. Some great instructional writing took place and we are all excited about caring for our plants and watching them grow. 

After researching information about owls and writing a non-fiction report, the children were asked to be TV presenters and report back to the class on their findings. We watched a David Attenborough documentary so they knew the style we were looking for in a nature presentation. The children worked in small groups and had to decide who was saying what, the order they would go in and then practise it as a whole group.

We filmed the presentations as if it was real life TV and the children totally rose to the occasion. There were nerves but watching the videos back, you would never have known. A great exercise in building teamwork, a range of communication skills and the realisation that even when things are hard or scary, if you push through the tough parts, you get the rewards of success in the end.  

Class I Parents will receive a link via Flickr to view the presentations.

In DT this week Class I have designed and made their own fruit pictures. You can see from the colourful designs they had lots of fun!

Class II children have this week, for the first time, practised for Hats Off without their script.  We are really excited about sharing our words, our actions and our songs with the school, our families and visitors next week. 

We think you're all going to love it!

In PSHE one of our warm up games was to get the hoola hoop around the circle without breaking the circle. Much laughter accompanied some very good team work as we helped each other.

We have been reflecting on how we have changed since starting Class III and what we have achieved and are proud of so far. To help us appreciate that change has to happen for something to improve or adapt, we are watching with anticipation our five new members of the class! Updates to follow!

Faris has taken the time this week (excuse the pun!) to explore the history and design of clocks, following our maths objectives last week. We were fascinated by the video he shared and the facts he presented. He was awarded a Junior da Vinci for creativity for his efforts.

Class IV completed their letters as WW2 evacuees this week. They really grasped the essence of the events of the evacuations; describing the upset of the journeys, some travelling as far as Australia others to the countryside locally.

The children captured the relief of being posted with kind people or distant relatives and the upset at being separated from their families.

All the children worked very hard and they’ve shown a real empathy with the time period we’ve studied and I’m pleased that some of the children have been happy to share snippets of their letters with you here.

In art this week Class IV have created their own clay fantasy houses.

Class IV suffered a gruelling 40 minutes of silence on Wednesday, but they all managed it without exception!

Now time for them to collect their sponsor money please.

Well done all.

Today Miss Bowen will be finishing her eight week placement at Crescent school. She is a Warwick University PGCE student who is on her final placement before she becomes a fully qualified teacher.

Miss Bowen has been teaching many subjects in school, assisted in sport, contributed to clubs and built a wonderful rapport as a form teacher with her class.

The staff at Crescent and pupils in Class VI wish her well and good luck on the next steps in her career, as she now applies for jobs and to have her own class.

The children presented her with a card and some gifts to show their appreciation.

The children are enjoying Happy Lunchtimes with lots of new 'circus theme' toys.  A big thank you to the FoC for providing the funds to purchase these. 

The children are having lots of fun testing them all out.

It was lovely to hear the children from Pre-Prep (Reception to Class II) reading in the Library this week during their rehearsal for the Open Morning production.

Wonderful reading by all.

Crescent School

Year 1 and 2 children love to chill out after swimming on a Tuesday lunchtime with Story Club.  Maisie found this week's story very relaxing while for Emily the ending was a real surprise!