A busy term…
World Book Day
When dark nights and winter chill were still upon us, all were able to enjoy coming into school in our comfy clothes to evoke the sensation of snuggling up with a good read. Pupils were able to remember and share their favourite books in class during the morning. In the afternoon pupils were treated to a cosy story time in the twinkly lit hall (thank you FOS for putting up the lights).
Research collated by the Book Trust shows that reading…
Reading supports children to overcome disadvantage.
- They will experience better educational mobility and social mobility.
- Those growing up in poverty are less likely to remain in poverty as adults.
- Throughout school, they are more likely to overcome the barriers caused by disadvantage.
Better mental wellbeing, social skills and strong relationships
- They feel more secure and develop deep bonds with parents/carers.
- They have healthy routines and habits.
- They have better socio-emotional skills.
- They have better mental wellbeing and self-esteem.
Speech and language milestones and doing better at school.
- They have better brain development, attentional and cognitive ability.
- They have better school readiness and knowledge about the world.
- They have better speech and language development and literacy skills.
- They make more progress across the curriculum.
Developing imagination, creativity and empathy.
- They have more empathy.
- They are more imaginative and creative.
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/impact-and-research/Research/the-benefits-of-reading/
Reading review
Edwin recently reviewed an early copy of a new book ‘Felix and the Future Agency’ and wrote the following review ‘Showcases how much work the imagination can do – action, adventure and a slight element of truth – the perfect bedtime read for anyone who likes that sort of thing’. He received a reply back from the publishers to say that they were passing this to their editorial team.
Science at Kingham Hill
Our year 5 and 6 pupils were able to enjoy a science filled afternoon at a Junior Science Quest event at Kingham Hill School. They were able to move around different science stations: helium lab, oxygen lab, nitrogen lab, hydrogen lab, rocket launch, dry ice demonstration.
Pupil First Aid
Cotswold First Aid were able to come into school to deliver first aid lessons to all pupils in an age appropriate way. Not only does this give pupils the skills to help others, it also gives them the best knowledge to help keep themselves safe from harm. A vital life skill.
Science Week
Following our visit to the Science Quest the whole school were able to participate in science activities. The week started with a visit from Diatom Dave and his crazy science experiments which thrilled all! Pupils participated in science activities during class time and were able to enter the science poster competition in their own time with the theme ‘Change and Adapt’.
Winning posters…
Reception: 1: Cooper, 2: Sybil, 3: Phoebe
Key Stage 1: 1: Anna, 2: Lazlo, 3: Coralie
Lower Key Stage 2: 1: Annabel, 2: Heidi, 3: James
Upper Key Stage 2: 1: Emily, 2: Ava, 3: Sophie
Gloucestershire Music for Youth Local Festival
Class 4 were able to learn the clarinet this term. They were able to showcase their work by participating in the Gloucestershire Music MFY Local Festival 2025. There were pupils from age 5 though to 11 at the event with a range of instruments: samba, ukulele, clarinet, recorder, brass and string instruments. Parents were not permitted at this event but they were able to hear the class play at school in a brief performance in St George’s Hall.
Panathlon
The Panathlon Challenge is a national charity which provides sporting opportunities for over 17,500 young people each year. Primary Panathlon sports include parachute popcorn, polybat, precision bean bag, new age kurling, boccia blast, flight path, skittles, slam dunk, Messi football skills and table cricket. The local event took place in the sports hall at Chipping Campden School. Each school takes a team of 6 pupils who work together as a team to try and gain as many points as possible at a round robin style of activities which are timed. The individual games are managed by pupils from Chipping Campden School, under the guidance of the Panathlon team. Team work is key as is enjoyment.
Well done all those who took part this year.
Class 3 Forest
Class 3 have had fun in the forest this term, putting into practise their learning on Andy Goldsworthy.
Gloucestershire Young Photographer
Brilliant entries from all those that took part but the following entries were commended and selected for inclusion in the display that will be shown at the awards presentation.
Rafe: Shining Stamford Bridge
Lottie: The Climb
Cassian: Royals at Twilight
World Down Syndrome Day and Children with Cancer
Thank you for your support for these charities as we came to school in our pyjamas with brightly coloured odd socks. We are pleased to say that we made a donation of £85.55 each to Down Syndrome UK (World Down Syndrome Day) and Children with Cancer UK.
Walk and Wheel to School
A great effort from all those who are managing to walk and wheel to school. The scores keep going up! Keep up the good work.
Class 5 Museum visit
Class 5 had a visit from the American Museum of Bath to enrich their history topic. Thank you to FOS for the funding the event instead of a coach, as this wasn’t needed as the museum outreach team came to Blockley.
CCS Indoor Athletics
We sent a team of 20 pupils drawn from years 3- 5 to Chipping Campden to the Indoor Athletics event. Brilliant teamwork, thank you for representing Blockley so well.
Year 1 porridge
Year 1’s have been looking at and writing instructions over the past couple of weeks. The pupils have written instructions on how to make porridge, linked to the story ‘The Magic Porridge Pot’. The pupils have then had a go at following their instructions to make their own fruity porridge.
School Kitchen
We are pleased to say that the kitchen has once again been awarded a 5 star Food Hygiene Rating (the top award).
Youth Speaks
Two pupils have been selected to speak at this year’s Youth Speaks event in Chipping Campden on the topic of Sometime…
Easter Service
We are looking forward to ending our term with an Easter Service in Blockley Church. The service will be at 9.10am on Thursday 10th April and parents/carers are welcome to join us.
Support
Being a parent isn’t always easy and there is support and advice available.
Parenting
Glosfamilies Directory | Parenting
SEND
Glosfamilies Directory | Parent and Carer Workshops
Podcasts (some information is applicable for Cornish residents but lots of other useful information)
Empowered Parenting Podcasts – Cornwall Council
Keeping Children Safe Online
Keeping your child safe online | Gloucestershire County Council
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/game-safe-guide-to-help-young-people-game-safely-online/
We hope you all have a wonderful Easter.
Term starts on Monday 28th April.