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  • Year 3's Thrilling Trip to the Polka Theatre!

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    Our Year 3 students had an incredible adventure at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, where they watched the lively production of Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts. This play, adapted from the beloved book by Katie and Kevin Tsang, brought to life a story that the children had enjoyed reading in class earlier this year.

    Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts follows the tale of Sam Wu, who insists he’s not a scaredy-cat (even though he kind of is). The story takes a twist when a trip to the Space Museum goes terribly wrong, and Sam embarks on a mission to prove he is a fearless space adventurer. With his pet snake sidekick by his side, Sam faces his fears and battles the Ghost King in a thrilling and humorous quest.

    Miss Garcia, our Year 3 lead, was thrilled with how the visit went. "The production was absolutely fantastic! It was wonderful to see the children's faces light up as they recognised scenes from the book and saw their favourite characters come to life on stage. It truly enriched their understanding and enjoyment of the story."

    Our Year 3 students were buzzing with excitement after the performance. Here’s what some of them had to say:

    • "It was so cool to see Sam Wu on stage! I loved how they made the ghost scenes funny and not too scary," said Luca.
    • "I think the part where Sam tried to be a space adventurer was the best! It made me laugh a lot," shared Oli.
    • "Seeing the play made me want to read the book again. It was so much fun!" added Mya.

    We are incredibly grateful to the Polka Theatre for this wonderful opportunity. The visit not only brought a much-loved book to life but also inspired a renewed love for reading and storytelling amongst our Year 3 students. A big thank you to everyone involved for making this an unforgettable experience! Well done, Year 3, for being such enthusiastic and attentive audience members!

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  • Year 6's Dino-Mite Adventure at the Polka Theatre!

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    On Friday, June 7th, our Year 6 students had an unforgettable experience visiting the Polka Theatre to watch the vibrant production of The Colour of Dinosaurs. This spectacular show was perfectly timed to complement their Science topic of Evolution and Inheritance, offering a dynamic and engaging way to explore the prehistoric world.

    The show was a rip-roaring, prehistoric science pop gig designed to captivate curious humans of all ages. Have you ever wondered what a dinosaur might do in a day? Or what they actually looked like? What colour were they? Did they have stripes and spots, or were they really green like in the movies? These were just some of the fascinating questions the production addressed.

    Five amazing musicians, alongside famous palaeontologist Dr. Jakob Vinther, took the students on a journey into the multi-coloured world of dinosaurs with soaring music, catchy songs, and mind-blowing science. The children were enthralled from start to finish.

    Miss. Ballantine, Year 6 lead, shared her enthusiasm about the trip: "The Colour of Dinosaurs was not only entertaining but also incredibly educational. The students were able to see their science lessons come to life in a way that was both fun and memorable. It's wonderful to see them so excited about learning."

    Our Year 6 students were equally thrilled by the experience. Here’s what some of them had to say:

    - "I loved the music and how they made the dinosaurs seem so real!" said Sofia.
    - "It was amazing to learn about the different colours and patterns dinosaurs might have had," added Aaliyah.
    - "Seeing the palaeontologist explain everything was so cool. I feel like I understand evolution so much better now," shared Kaisy.

    We are so grateful to the Polka Theatre and Dr. Jakob Vinther for providing this incredible opportunity. The visit has undoubtedly sparked a deeper interest in science and the prehistoric world amongst our students. Well done, Year 6, for being such enthusiastic and inquisitive learners!

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  • Year 6 Ninja Workshops: Preparing for Secondary School

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    Our Year 6 students have recently participated in three enlightening Ninja workshops designed to help them transition smoothly to secondary school. These workshops focused on understanding and managing anxiety, which is a common experience during this important change.

    Session 1: What is Anxiety?
    In the first session, the children learnt about anxiety and why we experience it. They discovered that feeling anxious is a normal response to perceived threats, rooted in our body's evolution. Mrs. Ballantine, Year 6 lead, explained, "The children now understand that although anxiety can feel unpleasant, it's a natural and non-dangerous response. This knowledge is empowering."

    Session 2: The Worry Trap
    The second session delved into the three components of anxiety: anxious thoughts, anxious feelings, and anxious behaviours. The children explored how overestimating danger and underestimating their ability to cope can maintain anxiety. Miss O'Sullivan, our SENDCO, noted, "Teaching the students to identify and challenge their anxious thoughts is a crucial step in helping them feel more in control."

    Session 3: Relaxation Techniques
    In the final session, students practised various relaxation techniques to manage anxiety in high-stress situations. They learnt fun and effective methods such as squeezing a lemon, stretching like a giraffe, and controlled breathing. "These techniques are simple yet powerful tools that the children can use whenever they feel overwhelmed," said Mrs. Ballantine.

    Our Year 6 students found the workshops incredibly helpful:

    - "I learnt that it's okay to feel anxious and now I know how to handle it," said Liam.
    - "The relaxation techniques are really fun and make me feel calm," shared Rafael.
    - "I feel more ready for secondary school and less worried about getting lost or making new friends," added Aiden.

    We are proud of our Year 6 students for embracing these workshops and equipping themselves with valuable skills for their future. Thank you to the Ninja workshop team for making this experience both educational and enjoyable!

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  • London Broncos Visit

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    This term, our school had the fantastic opportunity to welcome the London Broncos Rugby League team! They came to share the importance of staying hydrated and delivered engaging assemblies to the whole school. The children were thrilled to learn from professional athletes and were delighted to receive their very own water bottles to help them stay hydrated.

    During the assemblies, the London Broncos emphasised how vital it is to drink plenty of water, especially when participating in physical activities. Their message was clear: staying hydrated helps keep our bodies and minds healthy and strong.

    After the informative sessions, the excitement continued as the London Broncos invited us all to their upcoming match in September against the Leeds Rhinos. This special invitation has everyone eagerly anticipating a fun and thrilling day out.

    Miss Ballantine, our PE lead, was particularly enthusiastic about the visit. "Having the London Broncos here was a fantastic experience for our students. It’s not every day that you get to learn from professional athletes about the importance of hydration and healthy habits. The children were inspired and motivated, and we’re all looking forward to the match in September!"

    Our children were equally thrilled. Here’s what some of them had to say:

    - "I didn't know how important it is to drink water all the time, not just when you're thirsty," said Sam. 
    - "Getting to meet the London Broncos was so cool, and now I can’t wait to see them play," added Lily. 
    - "I’m going to make sure I drink more water every day, especially during PE," shared James.

    We are so grateful to the London Broncos for their visit and for teaching us such an important lesson about hydration. The new water bottles are a great reminder to keep drinking water throughout the day. 

    We can’t wait to support the Broncos at their match in September and cheer them on against the Leeds Rhinos! A big thank you to the London Broncos for an unforgettable experience!

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  • Y6 Growing Against Violence

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    Our Year 6 students recently participated in an enlightening Friend vs Friendly workshop delivered by the Growing Against Violence (GAV) organisation. This workshop aimed to educate our pupils about the exploitative nature of gangs, dispelling the myths that gangs are merely conventional friendship groups offering protection.

    The GAV facilitator, Guy, was fantastic and really enjoyed meeting our Year 6 students. The workshop focused on helping the children create positive peer pressure to reject gang culture while providing essential personal safety advice.

    ### Key Learning Objectives:

    - **Recognise the Difference Between Friendship and Friendly:** Students learnt to differentiate between true friendships and the superficial friendliness that gangs often use to recruit members.
    - **Understand Gang Exploitation:** The workshop highlighted how gangs exploit young people and why they should not be seen as typical friendship groups.
    - **Safety Strategies:** Practical strategies were discussed to help students keep themselves safe and avoid gang involvement.

    Before and after the session, students were asked several questions to gauge their understanding and attitudes towards gangs and safety. The results showed a promising shift in their perspectives:

    #### Pre-Workshop Responses:
    - **Who would tell an adult if you or a friend was being bullied?** 56
    - **If your friend told you they were joining a gang, who would get help and tell an adult?** 68
    - **How many people think by joining a gang it means you get lots of friends?** 0
    - **Who would tell a teacher or adult if they knew someone had brought a knife into school?** 77

    #### Post-Workshop Responses:
    - **Now, who would tell an adult if you or a friend was being bullied?** 83
    - **Now, if your friend told you they were joining a gang, who would get help and tell an adult?** 83
    - **Now, how many people think by joining a gang it means you get lots of friends?** 0
    - **Now, who would tell a teacher or adult if they knew someone had brought a knife into school?** 83

    The increase in numbers shows the positive impact the workshop had on our students' willingness to seek help and report dangerous situations.

    Miss Ballantine remarked, "The Friend vs Friendly workshop was incredibly valuable. It's vital that our students understand the dangers of gang culture and how to protect themselves. The session with Guy from GAV has certainly empowered them."

    Our Year 6 students also had some insightful thoughts to share:

    - "I learned that real friends wouldn't pressure you into doing bad things," said Liam.
    - "It was helpful to know what to do if I ever feel unsafe," added Raven.
    - "I feel more confident about telling an adult if something's wrong," noted Dani-Girl.

    We are so proud of our Year 6 students for their engagement and thoughtful participation in this important workshop. Their increased awareness and understanding will undoubtedly help them make safer and more informed choices in the future. Well done, Year 6!

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  • Y5 Wonderdome

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    This term, our Reception and Year 5 children embarked on a cosmic journey through their topic and science lessons by delving into the wonders of space! We were thrilled to welcome a mobile planetarium show to our school, transforming our hall into a gateway to the Universe.

    The planetarium show was an engaging and immersive experience that brought the mysteries of the skies and the thrill of space exploration right to our students.

    For our Reception pupils, the show took them on an exciting tour of the planets, shared tales of brave astronauts, and showcased the sheer power of rockets. "I loved flying past the planets! It felt like I was in a spaceship," said Emma from Reception. Miss Smith added, "It was wonderful to see the children’s eyes light up with curiosity and excitement. The show truly ignited their interest in the world and Universe around them."

    Our Year 5 students had an equally awe-inspiring experience. The show provided them with a greater understanding and appreciation of our position in the Universe. From introducing the sheer scale of the Universe to demonstrating how the Moon moves through its phases, the presenters made complex concepts easy to grasp. Milan from Year 5 exclaimed, "I never knew the Universe was so huge! The part about the Moon phases was really cool." If time allowed, Year 5 students also got to ask their burning space-related questions.

    Mr Lillie was particularly impressed, noting, "The WonderDome experience was truly awe-inspiring. It sparked a desire in the students to learn more about space, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm."

    We’re so proud of our budding astronomers in Reception and Year 5. This cosmic adventure has undoubtedly sparked a lasting interest in the wonders of space. Well done, everyone!

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  • Y3 Ancient Egypt VR Workshop

    Published 16/07/24, by Adam Gilbert

    This Spring term, our Year 3 children embarked on an exciting journey back in time to Ancient Egypt. Through a fantastic virtual reality workshop, they got to explore this fascinating period of history as if they were really there!

    The children were thrilled to step foot inside a reconstructed tomb, where they could see ancient artifacts and paintings up close. They even witnessed a whole city brought back to life, bustling with activity just like it would have been thousands of years ago. One of the highlights was being within touching distance of the majestic Pyramids of Giza.

    Miss Garcia said, "The virtual reality experience was incredible! It brought history to life in a way that books and pictures simply can't."

    The Year 3 students were equally enthusiastic. Oliver shared, "I felt like an explorer discovering treasures in the tomb!" Elizah added, "Seeing the Pyramids so close was amazing. I can't believe how big they are!"

    We're so proud of our Year 3 historians and can't wait to see what adventures they'll embark on next! Keep up the great work, everyone!

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  • Year 3 Spotlight - Summer 1

    Published 11/06/24, by Adam Gilbert

    Year 3 have had a busy term! We have been incredible mathematicians learning about fractions, finding equivalent fractions, adding, and subtracting fractions and solving fraction word problems. We have been learning to tell the time and looking at duration of time.

    In science, we have been amazing scientists learning about light and used our observation skills to recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object.

    We have been excellent Geographers learning about climate zones, there was a lot of knowledge to learn, and we have been super impressed with their understanding. To end this exciting unit of work we worked in groups and acted out being a meteorologist broadcasting the daily weather conditions. The children did an amazing job using key language from our geography lessons. Ask your child about the climate zones, and which climate zone the UK is in, you will be impressed!

    In our English lessons, we have looked at many different genres of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. We have produced some fabulous and creative writing using expanded noun phrases, interesting word choices, similes, metaphors, personification and ‘show don’t tell’ techniques.

    In Art we have been creating abstract sculptures and have made our fabulous art designs using a variety of modelling materials.

    We are incredibly proud of all the children and their amazing learning!

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  • Year 4 Spotlight - Summer 1

    Published 11/06/24, by Adam Gilbert

    This half term, we have become persuasive writers! We have been generating and creating ways to convince people to visit different locations such as the cinema and seaside. We even had a go at creating our own radio advert using our persuasive techniques. We also looked at a story called 'Wolves in the Walls' in which we explored the use of powerful adverbs and alliteration.

    In Maths, we have been very busy, looking at place value and decimal points which are one of our most challenging units in Year 4. We have also begun exploring geometry, where we have learned all about the angles and names of triangles and quadrilaterals. Feel free to quiz the children on these topics when you can! Next half term, we will be learning about position and movement which will focus on translation and movement of shapes.

    In Science, we have been studying human digestion within our 'Animals including Humans' unit. The children had a fantastic time creating their own digestive system using a bag, tights, bananas, biscuits, orange juice and water. The children described the investigation as fun, disgusting and fascinating, and I’m sure you can see why from the images below. We also learned all about our teeth, their functions and why its so important to look after them.

    PE has been great fun and engaging this term, we have been looking at performing a headstand, which many of the Year 4's have been very good at and have supported each other very well. With the coaches, the children have been getting ready for the cricket season, learning different bowling, batting and fielding skills. Summer 1 has been action packed for Year 4 and we can’t believe there is only one half term left until Year 5! We are all looking forward to a fantastic last half term.

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  • Year 5 Spotlight - Summer 1

    Published 11/06/24, by Adam Gilbert

    This half term we channelled our inner spies when delving ourselves into the world of Alex Rider - the schoolboy spy. We created our own gadgets, designed our own spy and villain and then wrote a story based around stopping a plot to blow up Buckingham Palace.

    In Maths, we started the half term looking at tackling the tricky topic of angles where we learnt to measure, draw and categorise angles. Next, we tackled the topic of position and movement where we looked at being able to describe how shapes had been translated and reflected. We have finished this half term with the topic of measurement, where we have been converting between different units.

    In Science, we have been looking at the changes that happen from being a newborn all the way up to growing old. When we asked the children to guess what age is classified as old, we were inundated with a range of different responses. The best by far was from Harry in 5L who guessed 28. We were also very lucky to have a visit from the 'Wonderdome' which coincided with our previous topic of space, the children were able to see close up what the planets look like and were all very willing to share their knowledge with the visitor.

    In Art, we have been exploring creating a range of different portraits using a range of different medias - check out some of our favourites.

    We cant believe we only have half a term left before they are in year 6! Lets have a great last half term.

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  • Year 6 Spotlight - Summer 1

    Published 11/06/24, by Adam Gilbert

    We are so proud of our Year 6 children and how hard they have worked all year in preparation for their SATs tests. They have shown exceptional attitudes towards their learning and worked their socks off in school- even attending before and after school booster sessions.

    Despite there being lots of Maths and English over the term, there was still time for tennis and disco dancing in PE, learning about trade around the world in Geography, making memory boxes in Art and learning about the government, voting, money and much more in Citizenship! 

    We were also given a visit by GAV (Growing Against Violence), a charity working with young people across London to educate them on youth violence and staying safe in the comminity and online.

    'I learnt how to recognise the signs of when people are trying to get you to join a gang'- Primrose, Year 6 pupil.

    'I learnt how dangerous gangs can be to people who aren't even in them!'-Elsie, Year 6.

    The students were also asked questions before the facilitator delivered the session and then asked updated questions after the session had been delivered with some pleasing results.

    Year 6 students (83 STUDENTS):

    Pre delivery Q1

    Who would tell an adult if you or a friend was being bullied?

    56

    Pre delivery Q2

    If your friend told you they were joining a gang, who would get help and tell an adult?

    68

    Pre delivery Q3

    How many people think by joining a gang it means you get lots of friends?

    0

    Pre delivery Q4

    Who would tell an teacher or adult if they knew someone had brought a knife into school?

    77

         

    Post delivery Q1

    Now, Who would tell an adult if you or a friend was being bullied?

    82

    Post delivery Q2

    Now, If your friend told you they were joining a gang, who would get help and tell an adult?

    78

    Post delivery Q3

    Now, How many people think by joining a gang it means you get lots of friends?

    0

    Post delivery Q4

    Now, Who would tell an teacher or adult if they knew someone had brought a knife into school?

    83

    Some children were chosen to take part in a football workshop which focused on raising the profile of girls in football with Lioness and ex Chelsea player, Carly Telford. They found out their Year 6 production is going to be The Greatest Showman which they are all very excited for.

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  • Lioness' Visit 🦁​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 02/05/24, by Adam Gilbert

    Thank you so much to Carly Telford for finding the time to visit us today! She was an inspirational guest who visited some of our (very lucky) Year 5 & 6 pupils. They got to take part in a workshop full of skill based activities, Q&As and even finished with a nail biting penalty shoot out at the end! Carly spoke to the children about the importance of never giving up and how important it is that girls shouldn’t ever be afraid to get stuck in within the sport! 🦁⚽️

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