Key stage 2 classes were lucky enough to have been joined recently by the Year 10 drama students from Neatherd High School, who gave us the first preview of their upcoming performance of Hansel and Gretel. It was a fantastic experience and really enhanced the children’s understanding of the story, which was our focus for World Book Week. Not only did we get to watch the students perform, but we also took part in a drama workshop. The students said that our children’s ideas were so creative that they were going to use some of them in the actual show! Many thanks to all from Neatherd and we wish you all the best for the play…break a leg! 
Children’s Work
Don’t worry, be happy!
Reception and Key Stage 1 have had a fantastic first day of World Book Week. Today, we explored an Anthony Browne story, ‘Silly Billy’. Poor Billy worries about everything; shoes, hats, clouds and even giant birds. Until one day his Grandma gives him a worry doll. This story inspired us to make our own worry dolls and share our everyday worries. The children made wonderful dolls, wrote about their worries and even acted out some ‘worry doll’ stories they composed together. Great work everybody 👍
Whales class mono-printing workshop
Year 1 & 2 have been experimenting with a new printing technique in their art workshops with Mrs Randle. They created ‘seasons’ inspired prints, drawing foxes, leaves and hedgehogs.
Year 2 have been adding another layer to their mono-prints. Using oil pastels to create more texture , pattern and colour. They are such an imaginative and creative group! Mrs Randle
Jelly Bean Porridge
After exploring oats in our creative area, we started talking about how our grown ups make porridge at home. Some children explained they had jam in their porridge whilst others had chocolate, this discussion inspired us to make our own porridge! We wrote a list of ingredients and instructions. A child then said “I wonder what happens if we add the jelly beans we used in Maths?” We couldn’t believe it as we watched the porridge turn pink! 
Jammy halves and quarters
We had great fun exploring fractions this week, focusing on halves, quarters and thirds. Whales class thoroughly enjoyed working out different ways to make a half and quarter using bread and jam. After some fantastic thinking, problem solving and reasoning they were allowed to eat their ‘maths’ work! Yummy 👍
A tree for all seasons
This half term Whales class have linked science and art by creating birch trees through the seasons. The children have thoroughly enjoyed their weekly art workshops with Mrs Randle. They used resist techniques with salt, watercolour and oil pastels to show the changes in colour, landscape and wildlife.
Whales in the ocean
We have been exploring watercolour, brusho and collage to create our own whales, sharks and oceans. The beautiful tropical islands are now on display in class.
Shadow play
We had great fun exploring shadows on Tuesday afternoon. We made shadow puppets and then investigated using torches and different surfaces to see where we could see our puppets best. We discovered that we could make our shadows smaller or bigger depending on how close we put the torch. As it was a sunny afternoon we could make really big shadows on the playground. We had fun making shadow monsters, letters and played shadow tag. Some children discovered they could make their shadow disappear!
Bird Spotters!
This week the children have been fascinated with birds! As part of the Big Schools’ Bird Watch we made our own bird feeders and have been busy recording the different birds that have visited us in school!
Learning to draw birds
Here is just a sample of the wonderful birds we have been learning to draw as part of the Big Schools’ Bird watch. Fantastic concentration and attention to detail. We just love them – what talented children we have!