We are looking forward to the prospect of a slightly sunnier week and the chance to enjoy some time relaxing with the opportunity to meet with family and friends once again. We have enjoyed having the pupils in school for the whole of the term enabling some really interesting topic based, cross curricula learning to take place. Our value of service has been clearly demonstrated by a number of our pupils this term with some being awarded Merit Certificates in school for their noticeable service to others. As indicated by the recent communication in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, schools are required to maintain their bubble system and COVID safety measures so pupils will return after half term with the same practices in place, staggered start/end times and classes separated.
We will welcome pupils back into school on 7th June.
Class 1
Class 1 have had a very busy term learning all about Space. We loved learning about Mae .C. Jemison and even sent her a tweet to ask about her time in Space.
We have also been very busy learning about Plants and Growing, this term we had 5 caterpillars to look after, 3 of them turned into beautiful Red Painted Butterflies and when we released them they flew straight into the flower bush to watch our P.E.
We would like to thank the parents of Blockley for all the donations of toys and clothes we have received, we very much appreciate it.
Class 2
Class 2 pupils and staff have been busy growing their sunflower seeds, with some thriving more than others which is providing a valuable learning opportunity. Growth has been measured and the conditions needed for our plant’s survival discussed. Well done for all your efforts and we can’t wait to see the flowers, however tall they are.
Pupils have been busy designing a fruit/vegetable salad which they are going to try and recreate over the holiday. We hope they are tasty and we are looking forward to hearing about the finished product.
Class 3
We have been studying electricity this term with the opportunity to create our own circuits, considering what conducts electricity and how a switch works.
The human body has been another topic, looking at our body parts, how we function and what we need to survive. We have been able to use our bodies to good effect through our PE sessions when we have been learning to play Rounders.
Class 4
Class Four have had a busy and productive term. Our history topic of World War One has been an emotional rollercoaster with the children exploring a range of sources including photographs, video footage and letters from the front line.
We have furthered our knowledge of the topic through the story War Horse and are looking forward to a visit to a local war museum in the new term.
This term the children in Class Four also took part in the KNex challenge. Our winners were Noelia and Mali (both Y4 pupils). The girls are looking forward to creating a piece of work to be judged in the regional finals next term.
Class 5
Class 5 – as ever – has been very busy and engaged with a breadth of learning. Much of this term’s learning has centered around the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the African American Civil Rights Movement. As part of our learning, we have discovered that not only was Bristol very involved in the trade triangle but its influence was as close as Bourton-on-the-Hill and Lower Slaughter with connections to plantations on Caribbean islands.
Class 5 are very proud of two of its members: Imogen and Solomon, who, following their success earlier in the year in the Primary Mathematics Challenge, recently entered the UK Junior Mathematical Challenge. This challenge was open to pupils up to Year 9. Those attaining a very high score have been invited to enter the ultimate challenge competition. We wish both mathematical wizards the best of luck in June!
Gloucestershire Young Photographer Competition
Thank you to Sebastian, Lilie, Thea and Perdy for representing the school in this year’s Gloucestershire Young Photographer Competition. The Winning entries, and any other photographs selected by the judges, will be shown at a Virtual Awards Ceremony, on Friday, 18th June. Good luck to you all!
NSPCC – Number Day
The whole school had a wonderful curriculum enrichment day on Friday 7th June raising money for the NSPCC by participating in their Number Day. We all dressed up in our number-themed outfits and enjoyed many fun practical maths activities linked with Raymond Briggs wonderful Jim and the Beanstalk.
Thank you for your donations. We were really pleased that we were able to donate £199.66.
School Photographs
If you wish to order leavers or class photographs please do not forget to place your order with the photographers.
Walk to School Week
The car park was quieter during our Walk to School Week, so it was very evident that pupils were making a big effort to walk to school, even if they did not live locally. Thank you for your support.
Bikeability
Year 6 pupils are able to participate in Bikeability training sessions after the holiday. This gives them the opportunity to learn to be safe on the road and navigate hazards appropriately.
Day Visits
We are looking forward to being able to take the pupils on educational day visits next term as the restrictions have lifted for these events. We will keep you informed regarding the places that each class hopes to visit.
COVID 19 – Contact tracing
As during previous holidays, we are being asked to ‘contact trace’ for Covid-19 cases. Therefore, if your child develops symptoms of Covid-19 while in school or afterschool on Friday, Saturday, Sunday then please follow the government guidance, self-isolate, book a Covid-19 PCR test and inform Mr Pudifoot via head@blockleyschool.gloucs.sch.uk. Once the result is received please let the school know. This will ensure that the school can assist in identifying close contacts and advising self-isolation, as the individual may have been infectious whilst in school.
Where symptoms occurred more than 2 days since the person was last in school, this does not need to be reported to school. Where this is the case, staff, students, parents and carers should follow contact tracing instructions provided by NHS Test and Trace.
Have a wonderful week and we will see you on Monday 7th June.
Blockley School Staff