Class 1
Class 1 have enjoyed learning about Toys this term as part of their History and Science lessons. They have conducted lots of experiments and discovered what the best material to use for a broken umbrella might be. As well as this they have learnt about the toys their grandparents and parents used to play with and how they differ from the toys they have today. We have also enjoyed a Science STEM morning making rockets this term and found it really exciting to see how high and how far we can throw them.
Class 2
Along with the rest of the school, Class 2 celebrated Safer Internet Day where we thought about how to stay safe and be respectful online. Pupils completed quiz’s, considered how to stay safe when online and who they could turn to for help. They created fun recipes for respectful relationships with online peers and if they play online games, how to do this safely.
Please visit the NSPCC website for further information on how to help keep your child safe online.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Class 3
In Class 3, we have been studying the early civilization of Ancient Egypt. We have learned so much and linked this topic with our Art and English and we have really enjoyed learning all about it! We have been busy finding out about where Egypt is in the world and how long ago ancient Egypt was, what the landscape was like and how it impacted people’s lives, what their way of life was like, burial traditions, and the significance of pyramids.
In Art, we looked at papyrus paper and hieroglyphics. We even made our own version of papyrus paper and drew Egyptian-style pictures on them! We then looked at a cartouche and learned that this is a nameplate for wealthy Egyptians, which had their name on in hieroglyphics. After studying what our own name would look like, we then made a cartouche out of clay and carved in our hieroglyphics for our name. Although we did still have to initial these with the English alphabet, just to be sure on whose was whose!
Throughout the topic they the pupils have been able to look at the Egyptian resources loaned to the class by the Wilson Museum in Cheltenham.
The final aspect of the topic was planned to be the making of Egyptian bread on Friday!
Class 4
Class Four have had a spacetastic term! We are still in the middle of our science topic of Earth and Space, during which we have explored our solar system in depth. Children have worked with friends to research and plan their own posters about a chosen planet. We cannot wait to further enhance our learning with a visit to the National Space Centre and a workshop visit from Diatom Dave next term.
In Art, the children in Class Four have been analysing and evaluating famous artwork by Andy Warhol and creating their own PopArt pieces. Photographs of our finished pieces will be shared on Twitter soon!
Class 5
Class 5 enjoyed a day with the American Museum of Bath’s outreach team. They participated in a range of activities linked to their geography topic: North America. The day’s activities were based around a road trip across USA which included an interactive learning session, an object handling session with drawing, a craft session and a reflective session looking at the values of Native (north) American indigenous groups and recent inspirational people using the feathered headdress as a leadership symbol.
This week they were able to begin carving their totem pole designs in soap – keep an eye on Twitter for their creations!
We are now able to keep you up to date with what is happening in school through our Twitter account. The feed is live on the school website so please have a look to see what pupils have been doing in school. Please follow us to keep informed.
Bulletin
To further enhance communication, rather than a long bulletin at the end of the term we are planning to send out more regular short newsletters. For diary dates please keep an eye on the website.
NSCPP Number Day
We all enjoyed dressing up for Number Day with creative maths themed clothes, numbers, shapes and symbols. Thank you to all who supported their children with outfits. We managed to raise a fantastic £227.12 which will go to supporting the work of the NSPCC. Some of the work they are currently doing in school relates to its Speak out Stay safe programme to help children understand what abuse is and what to do if they are scared or worried. For more details please see their website:
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/speak-out-stay-safe
RE timeline
This week pupils have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the chronological order of events listed in the Old Testament. In separate class groups they were able to go into the hall and view a timeline of events, helping pupils to be able to remember visually the order and context of Bible stories they are taught.
Food Bank Friday
Thank you to all those that have been supporting Food Bank Friday every month. We continue to receive generous donations and this time were able to send over 83.84kg of goods. The North Cotswold Foodbank is getting busier each year and they feed many local families who have found themselves in desperate need. The majority of the clients are low-income, working families and they are all deeply grateful that others would consider them at a very difficult time in their lives.
Sharing Assembly
Parents with slightly older children will remember school before Covid when we had regular assemblies that parents could attend. These were an opportunity for the children to showcase their work in class, give them an opportunity to gain confidence in standing in front of their peers and family and speaking to an audience. We are sure you will agree that these are important aspects of a child’s education, in addition to being a fun and rewarding opportunity for parents and pupils! Covid guidance allowing, we intend to introduce these events back into the diary. Please keep an eye on ParentPay messages and dates on the website for when these will be scheduled. We will try to give as much advance notice as possible as we are aware that some parents will need to book time off work.
PSA
Our Parent Support Advisor, Mrs Baker, is available in school every Friday morning. She is able to offer friendly, confidential and non-judgemental support and advice on family and school matters. She can be contacted on tb.willersey.gloucs.sch.uk to arrange an appointment.
The school dog, Margot, also comes into school every Friday with Mrs Baker. She has been trained to work with children and has been chosen for her temperament and hypoallergenic coat.
Attendance
To enable pupils to fulfil their potential pupils need to attend school regularly to benefit from their education. Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind. Children with poor attendance tend to achieve less in both primary and secondary school. Equally, starting the school day after their peers due to late arrival is disruptive for the individual and the class group.
We will therefore be asking parents to provide a reason for late arrival by completing the late book. We also ask for parents to ensure that holidays are not booked during term time and pupils attend school regularly if they are well enough to do so (following the latest Government Covid guidance).
Parent Governor
A vacancy for a parent governor exists on the governing board. The governing board has a vital role to play in maintaining school and pupil performance and ensuring that resources are used well to give every child the best possible education. Please consider volunteering for this role. Further details and nomination forms will be issued at the start of term 4.
PE staff
We are sorry to be saying goodbye to Mr Jones as he moves on from Blockley School to a new role in a secondary school and thank him for the many years of service here.
We are excited to announce that we have engaged Mr G Stotesbury to start at the beginning of term 4. Some pupils have already met Mr Stotesbury as he has completed induction days in school, shadowing Mr Jones and getting to know the pupils. We are sure he will be an asset to the team and we look forward to welcoming him.
Knex Challenge
Blockley School takes part in the Gloucestershire Knex Challenge, competing against other schools. This event is for pupils in Class 4. The first part of the competition took place on Thursday with pairs of pupils competing against each other for a place in the final. Well done to Lottie and Pola who won a place in the final. Covid restrictions permitting this will be held offsite with Renishaw engineers judging the entries, alternatively a virtual final will be held. Good luck to the pupils with their designs!
School Council
Our school council meet regularly with representatives from each class putting ideas forward for ways to make improvements to the school. Following their suggestions we are reinstating Huff and Puff activities for lunchtime that had to be removed at the start of Covid. We have also been able to purchase a new basket ball net for lunchtime games. The School Council will also be fundraising for World Down Syndrome Day on Monday 21st March and further details regarding this will be out in due course.
Class 1 visit
Class 1 are looking forward to visiting the British Motor Museum on 8th March. In Science this term they have been learning about Everyday Materials. At the museum they will take part in two workshops during the day and have time to explore the history of cars. The first session will be an interactive movement and materials session with a tour on the 1923 bus and a special bus driver. The second session in the afternoon will involve handling of different objects.
World Book Day – Thursday 3rd March 2022
Children will be invited to dress as their favourite book characters for the day and will receive a £1 National Book Token.
Science Day – Friday 18th March 2022
A whole school celebration of the sciences taking place at the end of British Science Week. Workshops will take place in each class and children are invited to dress up (science themed).
Down Syndrome Day – Monday 21st March
We are looking forward to supporting Down Syndrome charities on Down Syndrome Day. The school council will help lead activities to support this important cause. Get ready to dress up!
Term 4
We will welcome all pupils back to school on Monday 28th February and are excited about the enrichment activities planned for the rest of the year that will enhance the learning for all pupils. In addition, we are looking forward to including the family in your child’s learning journey through the regular newsletters, Twitter feed and, Covid permitting, open days and drop in sessions where you can see your child in school. We are looking forward to working with you in Term 4. Have a very happy holiday and a good rest.
Blockley C of E Primary School