News

Foundation Musicians And Vocalists Perform The Climb

Princethorpe College Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw, and musicians from across the Foundation, including Crescent School, have risen to the occasion with a fantastic finale to the end of the school year. In a third virtual concert, the Summer Sing And Play, the schools’ vocalists and musicians deliver an awe-inspiring performance of Miley Cyrus’ magical and moving ballard The Climb.

Together nearly 90 pupils and staff perform this beautiful song, the lyrics of which describe a difficult but rewarding journey, the challenge to keep the faith so appropriate for the term we have all just experienced.

I may not know it, but these are the moments that I'm going to remember most, just got to keep going.
And I’ve got to be strong, just keep pushing on!

There's always going be another mountain I'm always going to want to make it move,
Always going to be an uphill battle, sometimes I'm going to have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb!

We hope you agree that it just says it all. The wonder of virtually sharing music together has been an experience we will remember for years and years to come.

Gil Cowlishaw, explains, “Arranging the piece for the whole Foundation was a huge challenge, as I had to ensure that there were accessible parts for all the musicians across all three schools. The main body of the song has taken a lot more cobbling together, but it has definitely been worth the effort though, as the end result is, frankly, wonderful! There are pupils, from Reception right up to Upper Sixth, and staff representing all three schools including the Head of the Foundation, Ed Hester. The Climb will serve as a heart-warming and inspirational reminder of this singularly unusual term in the Foundation’s history.”

A huge thanks to Gil and the wonderful Foundation vocalists and musicians. What a wonderfully entertaining and inspirational end to the 2019-20 academic year!

You can watch the performance here: https://vimeo.com/434676980

Zahra Has Zoomed Through The Library

Zahra has been zooming through the school library!

Year 3 pupil, Zahra is one of the most eloquent eight-year-olds you will ever meet and she has developed a wide vocabulary and understanding of grammar, from her love of reading.

From fact to fiction, from classics to comedy, Zahra has devoured 143 books this school year, with an astonishing quizzing average of 97%. With a reading age well above her chronological age, she has also been able to complete 34 vocabulary quizzes which have fed into her day to day writing and her superbly structured story writing.

Well done Zahra.

Daniel Is At Nine Million Words And Still Counting

Last year, Crescent School pupil, Daniel Ovens Gibbs, read an impressive six million words and 65 books. This year 11-year-old Daniel has gone one step better. As we approach the last weeks of the summer term, Daniel has just broken through the nine million words mark after reading an astonishing 106 books this school year.

Daniel is modest about his achievement saying, “I love reading – it takes me into a world of adventure and stimulates my imagination. My favourite time to read is in the evening; it helps me wind down after the day.”

Some of Daniel’s favourite reads this year have included, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Earthsea Saga (series of books) and The Lantern Bearers – all great mystery and adventure stories full of drama and suspense to captivate their reader.

Outside of school, Daniel reads most days but, just like any other boy, he also plays sports such as hockey, tennis and sailing and finds time to practise the piano and flute.

Assistant Head, Sarah Webb, who leads on literacy at the Crescent School, explains, “We have a very positive reading culture here at Crescent, it is cool for boys to read, many of our boys in Year 6 have the reading age of a 16-year-old. There are just so many good books out there for boys to read these days.”

The Crescent’s approach to literacy is supported by Renaissance’s Accelerated Reader system. Children take a quiz after reading each book that tests their understanding. Its approach promotes reading for pleasure whilst ensuring the children read appropriately challenging books. It also totals up the books and words read.

Sarah, continues, “Pupils from Year 3 onwards take part in the reading challenge and can quiz daily on the computers before school. We find the boys respond really well to the competitive nature of the challenge. Daniel has been our top reader for several years, but it is an absolutely awe-inspiring achievement that he has read nine million words this year.”

Farewell Mr Phillips

Today we said farewell to Mr Matt Phillips who has been a popular member of staff here at Crescent since 2007. Over the years he has developed his roles from being the Year 3 form tutor and Head of PSHE and Citizenship, to becoming a master of Computing and a force to be reckoned with as Head of Games.

We are all so thrilled that most of us have been in school at some point over the last few weeks to share our thanks, share memories and send him on his way knowing how much he will be missed and what impact he has had on so many here at Crescent.

When such a long-standing teacher leaves his post, it is natural to consider what legacy Mr Phillips will leave behind. I'm sure you will all have your memories and favourite quotes from him and it was evident from the Memory Book that the children have learned such a lot from him, have enjoyed being with him and are so thankful for all the opportunities, experiences and achievements they have had under his leadership.

We wish you well, Mr Phillips and we hope you enjoy reading these messages of good luck and heart felt poems from the children here at school.

Mrs Stapleton
Head of Wellbeing

 

Year 5 Into Year 6 Holiday Work

All of Class 5F will have received a pack of work to keep their brain working and ready for the 11+ exams early next term.

The pack contains the answers so there is no need to return the work.  Also there is a copy of War Horse by Michael Morpurgo which needs to be read by the start of next Term, if your child has already read it then please read another book based around World War One.

I can't wait to welcome you all back in to Class 6W in September.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Home Learning Books Return And Seesaw

When we prepared for lock down, we distributed books for home learning thinking we would be back in school in a few weeks, take them in and review them for assessment. With the implementation of Seesaw we have been able to to mark and feedback efficiently. However, we would still like to have the books returned in September please. This will enable us to track back if children have any gaps in their learning caused by lock down. Please keep hold of them if you can over the holidays.

Parts of Seesaw will be archived over the summer so if you want to save a copy of your child's journal please see the article in The Courier today.

Pupils' Home Learning Codes will become invalid around the 10 August 2020, we can issue new ones next term.

Thank you for being so supportive of our home learning provision during this unusual time.

Ms Forth
Deputy Head
Head of Curriculum

Book Recommendations

I know many of you are often looking for book recommendation for over the Summer Holidays so please see the websites below for ideas:

Books for Reception – a collection of great picture books for EYFS children aged 4-5 in UK primary schools. Picked by teachers and librarians, this reading list contains stories and poems by Michael Rosen, Steve Weatherill, Jeanne Willis, Oliver Jeffers, Julie Fulton, and more.
 
BBC Newsround asked what books its viewers have been getting stuck into while they have been at home and they received hundreds of comments and videos.
 
Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Reading Over The Summer Holidays

We are always trying our best to encourage children to read, hoping to create a life-long love. There are so many distractions in life so I am always looking for ways to motivate children. I have discovered a summer reading challenge and a reading club that some of you may wish to do.  Take a look, have a go and I look forward to hearing how it went.

Scholastic Kids Club

Love books? Love fun and games? Love freebies? Then you'll love our online Scholastic Kids' Club. It's a place where you can read about books, get your hands on lots of games and activities, see what's hot and grab FREE stuff in our giveaways and competitions

Summer Reading Challenge

Parents and children can sign up to our easy-to-use website and create their own profile at sillysquad.org.uk from 5 June onwards.

  • They set their own challenge to read any amount of books during the Challenge, with children being encouraged to read anything that makes them happy – whether it be comics, joke books, poetry, fiction or non-fiction; in digital or print format; from e-book lending through the public library service or from what they already have at home.
  • Each time they finish a book, they add it to their profile and write a review. They are rewarded with activities and incentives along the way, such as online badges, games and videos. 
  • Families are encouraged to join in and ‘Get Silly’ with downloadable activities, games, quizzes and more. With new content to enjoy each week, the fun will continue throughout the summer to keep families engaged. 
  • They receive a downloadable certificate once they’ve completed their challenge!
Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Learning Support Summer Reading Challenge

During the summer holidays, 10–15 minutes of reading with your child every day is one of the best ways you can help them with their learning. Aside from the educational benefits, regular story time can also be ten minutes of respite from hectic family life to curl up, read and talk together. By all means ask questions and discuss tricky vocabulary, but don’t be afraid to lose yourselves in a good story too.

Helping your child to enjoy reading is an important goal in itself. Attached is a fun colouring activity to fill in as a reminder to show there are various genres of reading materials out there for your child to read and enjoy!

Mrs Brazier
Learning Support
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Seesaw - Useful Top Tips

As we come to the end of the year, here is a link to show you how to download all the work on your child's journal if you would like to keep a copy. Some or perhaps all work will be archived before the start of next term, so you have plenty of time

Archive Student Journal
 
Ms Forth
Deputy Head

First News

We receive First News in school every week for the children to peruse. As they are currently unable to deliver printed copies, they are sharing the newspaper as a PDF: 

First News

I hope you are all enjoying this great newspaper, even as an adult, I enjoy reading it.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

Uniform For Next Term Reminder

Should you require any new uniform items for your son or daughter in readiness for September we are now offering virtual Uniform Shop appointments via Zoom over the summer holidays. Please complete the form for current parents on the Uniform Shop tab on the top menu of My School Portal https://princethorpe.myschoolportal.co.uk/section/270 and the Uniform team will be in touch to arrange a suitable appointment with you.

As normal, items can be added to your pupil account or payment can be made by credit/debit card at the end of the appointment. We will then give you a collection date and time.

Attached is the uniform list for your information, green text items are to be purchased from the school shop. Please note the following:

  • Class 2W will require white trainers for PE   
  • Class 3Y will require various items for sport/PE including the tracksuit and standard ties
  • Girls moving into Class 5F can now wear skirts for winter uniform
  • Gumshields and shin pads are mandatory for PE/Sport in Years 3-6 and we recommend base layers

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

 

Virtual Assembly Links

Please find below the links to all the 'virtual' assemblies that have been sent to Pupils during Home Learning.

Monday 23 March 2020 Assembly 23 March 2020
Friday 27 March 2020 Assembly 27 March 2020
Monday 20 April 2020 Assembly 20 April 2020
Friday 24 April 2020 Assembly 24 April 2020
Monday 27 April 2020 Assembly 27 April 2020
Friday 1 May 2020 Assembly 1 May 2020
Monday 4 May 2020 Assembly 4 May 2020
VE Day Assembly  VE Day Assembly
Thursday 7 May 2020 Assembly 7 May 2020
Monday 11 May 2020 Assembly 11 May 2020
Friday 15 May 2020 Assembly 15 May 2020
Monday 18 May 2020 Assembly 18 June 2020
Friday 22 May 2020 Assembly 22 May 2020
Friday 5 June 2020 Assembly 5 June 2020
Monday 8 June 2020 Assembly 8 June 2020
Friday 12 June 2020 Assembly 12 June 2020
Monday 15 June 2020 Assembly 15 June 2020
Friday 19 June 2020 Assembly 19 June 2020
Monday 22 June 2020 Assembly 22 June 2020
Friday 26 June 2020 Assembly 26 June 2020
Monday 29 June 2020 Assembly 29 June 2020 
Friday 3 July 2020  Assembly 3 July 2020