Transcript Autumn Newsletter 1 2014 - Shobnall Primary School

SHOBNALL PRIMARY SCHOOL
Dear Parents
We have pleasure in presenting the Autumn Newsletter which
brings you the latest information and the range of activities
which have been happening within the School during the first
half of the Autumn Term 2014/15
NURSERY
The Nursery children have all settled
very well into school life and Mrs
Curran and I are delighted with them
all. It is great to see all the happy,
smiley faces in the morning eagerly
coming in to school.
This half term topic has been ‘All About
Me’. The children have been learning
about their senses and how we use
them. They have been talking and
using their mark making skills to talk
and write about the things that make
them happy and sad.
During our pattern week, the children
used Autumn Colours to make
repeating patterns and at the end of the
week, the children and staff dressed in
a variety of patterned clothes.
The children have also used their ICT
skills to ‘paint’ a symmetrical butterfly.
During our ‘Autumn’ topic, we have been
on a walk around the school looking for
signs of the changing season and used
conkers to make some super prints.
We are once again collecting
the ‘Let’s Grow’ vouchers. The
collection box is in the main
entrance of school. The
catalogue has now arrived and
new plants and equipment have
been added this year – We
thank you all in anticipation for
your participation in this
scheme.
RECEPTION
Helping your child at school’ meeting for Reception
Class parents. On Monday 15th September, Mrs Farrington
and Mrs Gilbert met with Parents of the children in Nursery
and Reception.
Aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
were explained including guided reading, daily phonic time
and the use of topics as a vehicle for children’s learning.
Mrs Farrington explained how
Parents can compliment teaching
and learning in class by reading
daily with their child and joining
children to complete the activities
sent from School for aspects of both
literacy and mathematics.
Parents were informed as to how
they can support the assessment
process through both School and
home involvement and shared a
Learning Journey book, which
celebrates children’s achievements
throughout their
Nursery and Reception year.
Parents have also been asked to
complete an information sheet which
gives information about children’s
interests and some ‘Good news
bubbles’ to keep us informed of
achievements at home.
Reception children have been learning about themselves
and their families this half term and have been using their
senses to explore the world around them. Children have
painted pictures of their faces from mirror observations
and have created a representation of their face using fruit!
They have used writing to communicate their ideas about
staying clean and healthy and have made a book about
how to get dressed. The daily ‘phonic time’ activities
have begun.
Nursery, Reception and Key Stage One are collaborating
to produce artwork and written work on the story of ‘The
Smartest Giant in Town’. Please look out for the
fantastic work that will be displayed in the corridor. The
large art was produced by Year 1. The children have
thoroughly enjoyed using a variety of different mediums.
Children have shown interest and enjoyment as they
engage in activities to develop pre-reading and writing
skills. Most importantly the children are settling well into
the routines and transitions for life in Reception class and
are certainly showing good social skills as they interact
with each other during the day.
YEAR 1
The children have all settled into Year 1 and have coped
well with the transition from Reception. They have all
produced a portrait of themselves and have written in a
speech bubble about what they want to be when they
grow up. These are on display in the classroom.
In Literacy, the children
are learning to orally retell the story of ‘The Little
Red Hen”. They have
successfully used a story
map to aid their recall of
the story. We have also
been learning about
rhyming words using the
characters from the story.
In Numeracy, we have
been learning to count
forwards and backwards
in ones using Counting
Joe to help. We have
also been looking at the
values of different coins.
The children have now
been given an Education
City Pass, so they can
complete their numeracy
homework on the Internet.
If it is possible, please
encourage them to use
the site.
Helping your Child at Home Meeting
Mr Gordon and Miss Cooper would like to thank all the
parents who attended the ‘Helping your Child at Home’
meeting this half term. Useful websites were popular
with the parents so please find the list below:•
Phonics play
•
Oxford Owl
•
BBC Science Clips
•
BBC Learning Zone
•
Topmarks
•
Topic Box
•
Mathszone
YEAR 2
This term, Year 2 have done some fantastic literacy work
on using instructions and have made some delicious rice
crispy cakes by following a set of cooking instructions.
Within Numeracy, we have worked on counting and
understanding numbers. In particular, we have focused
on our 2., 5 and 10 times tables. This has resulted in
some super children being able to recite their times
tables really well. Well done Year 2!
In Art, we have
been learning all
about the natural
world and the
class have created
some super print
work using the
leaves which we
found around the
school. The
display has been
placed in the Year
2 classroom as the
children are rather
proud of their art!
YEAR 3
I’m really proud of all of the Year 3 children who have
made a great start to Key Stage 2 following a successful
transition period.
In literacy the children
have been learning
about stories by author
Michael Foreman and
have enjoyed looking at
the various features in
his books. They
worked hard to plan a
story based on one of
his books entitled ‘I’ll
take you to Mrs Cole!’ I
have been impressed
with the way in which
the children have
developed their initial
ideas from their plan
and to bring their
stories to life. A great
start to their story
writing in KS2!
This half term, in numeracy, the children have been
developing their understanding of place value. They have
successfully partitioned numbers and used these skills to
support themselves when solving addition and subtraction
questions. They have also been learning about symmetry
and enjoyed discovering many symmetrical objects in the
outdoors. The children did very well when sorting a variety
of 2D and 3D shapes by using both Venn and Carroll
diagrams. They have also focussed on their 3 and 4 times
tables and have all become much more confident in their
recall of these tables.
Our science topic this term has been learning all about
rocks. The children have enjoyed identifying various
features of rocks and sorting them into categories. They
were surprised by some of the results of our investigation
where they discovered some of the properties of
different rocks. Children have also engaged in work
involving the change in rocks over time and the
development of fossils. We will conclude this unit of
work with a focus on soil.
YEAR 4
This half term in Literacy,
Year 4 have been writing
their own Shipwreck
Stories. The children
have been trying to
imagine the events that
would take place around
a shipwreck such as the
initial dramatic events out
at sea, the search for
food and water, the
struggle to construct a
shelter and finally how,
and indeed if, their
characters could ever get
off the island!
In numeracy, Year 4 have been testing their addition,
subtraction and multiplication. They have been
attempting to solve tricky word problems using methods
such as the number line, the column method and the
grid method. The children have also learned how
important regular reading is in word problems. This is
due to the fact that many of the problem solving
activities they come across rely on their ability to
uncover what the question is asking them to do.
The Anglo Saxons and Vikings
have ventured into the Year 4
Classroom this half term! The
children have been learning
about why they initially came to
Britain and where they settled.
Unsurprisingly, the children
were particularly interested in
the Viking gruesome method of
‘settling’ in new lands!!
Our history unit for this half term is entitled ‘Crime and
Punishment’. In this unit, we have learnt about the laws
and punishments associated with different periods in
British History, from the Roman period to present day.
We learnt to place different periods in history on a timeline
and to develop our understanding of how laws and the way
in which crime was punished changed over time.
Within Art, we have been
learning about the artist,
Georgia O’Keeffe. We looked
at a wide range of her artwork
and discussed how she
enlarged images, including
flowers. Mrs Taylor, Chair of
Governors, brought in some
flowers from her garden which
we sketched. We then took
photographs of these flowers
and enlarged them and used
them as the starting point for
our picture. We have
experimented with a range of
media, including pastels,
crayons, fine liner pens and
pencil.
In Science, the children have been very busy learning all about
sound. In particular, we have explored how sounds are made,
how they travel and how they are heard. Most recently, the class
have investigated the differences in the hearing of animals. We
now know all about how sounds can be heard at different pitches
depending on the type of animal.
YEAR 5
In Literacy, we have been
studying classic fiction by
Rudyard Kipling. We looked at
sections of ‘The Jungle Book’
and read several ‘Just So
Stories’. We found out that
animals are important
characters in Kipling’s stories
and we analysed the language
and structure his stories have.
We then moved on to planning
and writing stories of our own.
In numeracy, we have been following the new National
Curriculum. We have covered a range of mathematical skills,
including rounding numbers, ordering numbers, understanding
place value, multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 and
using addition and subtraction.
In Science, our topic has been
‘Forces’. We have learnt about
gravity, and have learnt that Sir
Isaac Newton discovered the
existence of gravity. We have
also learnt about friction and we
conducted an investigation in
which we used force meters to
measure the force needed to pull
a shoe across different surfaces.
We also carried out an
investigation to test the air
resistance of different paper
spinners.
Year 5 have been
attending weekly
swimming lessons at
the Meadowside. This
continues from the
lessons they had at the
end of Year 4.
Children have been
working hard to
develop their
swimming skills and
are working towards
achieving their
swimming certificates.
YEAR 6
I have been so impressed with the speed and ability
that the Year 6 children have settled into their final
year at Shobnall. The children’s writing has shown an
increased sense of maturity and I have been
absolutely delighted with the vast majority of the
levels achieved by the children.
The children are acting upon the advice given through both
marking and class discussion and this has definitely been
evident in numeracy where the children are now using
their skills in annotating to help and support their learning.
I am continuing to look forward to seeing the children
progress as the year goes on and hopefully we can
continue to replicate the achievements of previous year 6
classes.
As always, the topic of
World War 2 has motivated
and inspired the children and
they have all been set an
extended homework project
to support this aspect of the
curriculum. I have no doubt
that they will respond over
the coming weeks with a
wealth of creative and
inspirational projects which
really do demonstrate the
skills that the children
possess.
Whole School Photograph
The Whole School Photograph was due to be taken on
Thursday 16th October 2014. Unfortunately, the weather took a
turn for the worst – remember the gales and the blowing wind –
and the last thing we wanted to do was place young children on
banked seating. With this in mind, we have re-arranged the
whole school photograph to be taken in spring when the
weather will hopefully be better.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Every year, we celebrate Harvest Festival at St. Aiden’s
Church. It is a special time where the school comes together to
think about the harvesting of crops. Our service of singing,
reciting of poetry and readings reminded us of all the good
things we have. The children collected their silver coins to
share with others who are not so fortunate. We were delighted
with the generosity shown by the children and families as the
total amount raised was £182.74. Funds raised will go to a
farm for Africa project called Footprints Orphanage and
Academy. Please view the website to view the worthwhile work
which is undertaken by this charity which has been set up and
is run by a former Burtonian, Mrs Kerry Watson.
KS 2 Helping your Child at Home
Shobnall Primary School runs a series of meetings
targeted at supporting both new and existing parents in
their role of supporting their child at home. It is fabulous to
see supportive parents at this meeting and this year was
no exception. However, we do understand and appreciate
that from time to time attendance at these meetings may
be difficult due to numerous reasons. Please may I take
this opportunity to remind you that should you wish for
further ideas and supportive materials which will, in turn,
further enable you to support your child then please do not
hesitate to ask either the class teacher or the school office.
Transition Meeting – Year 6
Children in Year 6 participate in a transition process which
gradually introduces them and their parents to their future
secondary schools. This process involves Teachers and
Teaching Assistants meeting to blend practice and ensure
continuity and progression. Your child’s safety and
happiness is of paramount concern and to ensure that this
transition is positive, Mr Donaghue, the Head Teacher from
John Taylor High School, delights in the opportunity meet
and speak with Year 6 parents. This year, the meeting took
place on Friday 3rd October 2014 and parents took the
opportunity to ask questions. During years 5 and 6, we build
in opportunities for greater independence and responsibility
so that our children are ready to meet the challenges and
changes they will encounter. Mr Donaghue’s visit is part of
the effective transition we have established.
CLUBS
Science Club
The children in Years 3 and 4
have enjoyed taking part in
Science Club this half term.
They have taken part in a
variety of activities as well as
learning about the ‘Science’
behind them. Children have
managed to stab a potato with a
plastic straw (not as easy as it
sounds) and written secret
messages with invisible ink!
They enjoyed having rocket
races with balloons and were
intrigued by our homemade lava
lamps. I am really pleased with
the children’s positive attitude
towards the club and their
interesting thoughts on the
activities they have taken part
in.
Badminton Club
Badminton Club continues to
be a popular choice with our
Year 3 and Year 4 pupils.
They are becoming very adept
at developing their overhead
and underarm hits as well as
developing confidence and
motivation to tackle those
unexpected shots! The group
have gelled together well and
children have also learned
valuable skills such as selfawareness, co-operation and
the confidence to trust.
TAG Rugby
This term, in TAG rugby club, we
have had some super training
sessions and have found some
promising young Johnny
Wilkinsons! The team are
growing in strength and their
tenacity showed in their first
tournament on 16th October
when they won their last match 32 against St. Mary’s. The Team
were extremely close in one of
their other matches just losing
out to John of Rolleston.
Playground Games
Well done all of you! A great
display of teamwork.
Year 3 and Year 4 children have enjoyed the playground
games during after school club. They have learnt a variety of
new games including splat, fruit salad, red letter and swim
fishes swim. Splat was one of the most popular games and
bought out the children’s competitive spirit.
Board Games
Well done to those children who have attended the Board
Games Club. We all had a great time learning new skills and
playing some exciting, enjoyable board games. The children’s
favourite game turned out to be “Hit the Hat!” Which required
the children to be on the ball with their observation skills,
dexterity and speed!
Thank you for all those children who attended
Knots and Shelters After School Club
Mrs Farrington and Mrs Roberts have spent this half
term with a group of enthusiastic Year 1 and Year 2
children learning a new skill. The children have really
enjoyed the process of learning how to tie many
different knots and in the process have made a
friendship band and picture frame out of sticks.
Unfortunately, when it came to building a shelter, the
weather changed and we experienced a very heavy
downpour of rain! However, not to be put off, we had
two groups working together to create two shelters in
the classroom. Amongst the laughter and competitive
spirit our shelters were created and admired by all.
Drawing Club
The children have drawn
pictures of their own choice
and we have looked at
VanGogh’s ‘Sunflowers’.
They have drawn pictures of
teddy bears and looked at
symmetry in pictures and
drawn their own symmetry
pictures. The children have
all worked very hard and
produced some amazing
work. Well done to all the
children who have attended
the drawing club!
Art Club
Children from Year 5 and Year 6 have
attended a weekly art club with Miss
Odell. We have completed a range
of different activities. First of all, we
produced some ‘scratch’ pictures, in
which we covered a piece of card with
colourful wax crayon and then
coloured over it with a black wax
crayon. We then scratched off a
design. In the second week, we
looked at some pictures of pavement
art done in chalk crayons on the
interactive whiteboard, and we then
went out onto the playground to make
some chalk pictures of our own. Next,
we did some rubbings of different
surfaces in the school environment
and then in the classroom we made
our own background of a rubbing
using pieces of card. Our most recent
activity has involved creating
resistance drawings. We drew a
design on a piece of card using a
white candle and then used
watercolor paints over the top to
reveal the design.
After School Hockey Club
Hockey Club has been very productive this term with
Year 5 & 6 concentrating on game awareness. The
children have looked at special awareness, pass and
move to beat the player (2 v 1) and defensive skills.
The group have worked very
hard and grown in
confidence & skills.
Well done everyone
Netball Club
The children have been working
incredibly hard throughout the duration of
the netball club and I have been very
impressed at the speed with which they
have picked up the basics of the game.
Large numbers at the club often make it
difficult to really teach the pupils the
positions and restrictions on the court but
I have been so impressed with the
patience that all children have shown
when not actually playing.
Unfortunately, due to the downturn in the
weather and the gale force winds and
torrential rain we had on Tuesday 21st
October, we were unable to participate in
the Dove Valley league tournament as it
was postponed. We are now very much
looking forward to competing and testing
our skills against other schools when this
is rescheduled
Dove Valley Football Tournament
On Saturday 4th October Shobnall entered two teams into the 6-a-side
Dove Valley Tournament. 12 children made the journey to Rolleston
ready to represent their school. Both teams put in fine performances with
the A team winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 1, only going out on goal
difference. The B team, mostly made up of children who had never
previously played competitive football, also performed well.
Unfortunately they lost all 3 of their games but showed
great team spirit and were awarded the ‘Fair Play Award’.
This was awarded to the children because of their
impeccable behaviour, cheerful attitude in the face of
defeat and perfect sportsmanship throughout. All 12
children represented their school wonderfully and were a
credit to it’s staff, pupils and parents. Well done to all
involved!
Football Club
Shobnall travelled to Anslow for their third game of the
season on a blustery and wet Thursday night. Unfortunately,
due to a few very late drop-outs we were only able to field 6
players. However, thanks to the wonderful sportsmanship of
Mosley, we were able to play with our full quota of 7 players
after they offered one of their players to join us for the night.
With the addition of ‘Archie’ to our ranks, we began the
game positively and took the lead 10 minutes into the half
through Tobias, 0-1 at halftime. Shobnall again started the
second half well and were unlucky to concede from a long
range shot midway through the half. Numerous chances
came and went for the visiting team with Tobias in particular
finding his path blocked by Mosley’s young goal keeper who
was in fine form. The game finished 1-1 and after
exchanging three cheers both coaches and parents alike
were in agreement the game had been played in wonderful
spirit. Many thanks again must go to Mosley and especially
‘Archie’ for their outstanding hospitality.
Fire Service Visit
With Bonfire Night very much on
our minds at this time of year, the
children in Year 6 were treated to
a visit from the Burton Fire
Service who were conducting
their education programme
through the “Operation Good
Guy” scheme.
The children listened to a safety
talk on fireworks and were able to
recognise the dangers of
fireworks should the rules for
safety not be adhered to.
Forest Schools Twilight Training for Staff
Mrs Farrington is currently undertaking a qualification to become a Forest School Level 3
Practitioner. Forest Schools are an exciting opportunity for children to experience nature and learn
outdoors. On Thursday 11th September, Mrs Farrington took all the staff to a local wooded area
and gave them a forest school taster session. Fun was had by all as staff were seen running
through the forest playing games, learning how to light fires and the safety measures involved
building shelters and using tools for whittling sticks (to heat up marshmallows!!) There is
something quite magical about learning in a woodland environment and our aim is to provide all
children with the opportunity of experiencing this and at the same time developing life long skills
such as perseverance, independence and responsibility.
Internet Safety
Thank you for those who attended the internet safety meeting held at school. For those of you who couldn’t make this event,
please see the details below regarding age appropriate internet safety guidance.
‘Under 5’ checklist
‘6 to 9’ checklist
START setting some boundaries now - it’s never too early to do things like set
limits for the amount of time they can spend on the computer
KEEP devices like your mobile out of reach and make sure you have
passwords/PINs set up on them for the times you might lend them to your child...or
for when they simply get hold of them themselves!
CHECK the age ratings and descriptions on apps, games, online TV and films
before downloading them and allowing your son or daughter to play with or watch
them
EXPLAIN your technology rules to grandparents, babysitters and the parents of
your child’s friends so that they also stick to them when they’re looking after your
child
REMEMBER that public Wi-Fi (e.g. in cafes) might not have Parental Controls on it
- so, if you hand over your iPad to your child while you’re having a coffee, they
might be able to access more than you bargained for
SET the homepage on your family computer or tablet to an appropriate website like
Cbeebies
CREATE a user account for your child on the family computer with appropriate
settings and make the most of Parental Controls and tools like Google
SafeSearch
AGREE a list of websites they’re allowed to visit and the kind of personal
information they shouldn’t reveal about themselves online (like the name of
their school or their home address)
DECIDE time limits for things like using the internet and playing on games
consoles
BEAR in mind what older siblings might be showing them on the internet,
mobiles, games consoles and other devices and agree some rules as a whole
family
TALK to other parents about their views on things like what age to buy kids a
mobile and don’t be pressured by your child into letting them use certain
technologies if you don’t think they’re old enough or mature enough...no matter
how much they pester you
FAMILIARISE yourself with age ratings and descriptions on games, online TV,
films and apps, so that you can be sure your child is only accessing ageappropriate content
‘10 to 12’ checklist
‘13+’ checklist
MAKE sure you’ve set some tech boundaries before they get their first
mobile or games console - once they have it in their hands, it can be more
difficult to change the way they use it
REMIND your child to keep phones and other devices well hidden when
they’re out and about to minimise the risk of theft
TALK to them about what they post and share online – written comments,
photos and videos all form part of their ‘digital footprint’ and could be seen
by anyone and available on the Web forever
DISCUSS the kind of things they see online - this is the age when they
might be looking for information about their changing bodies and exploring
relationships, for example
HOLD the line on letting your son or daughter sign up for services like
Facebook and YouTube that have a minimum age limit of 13 - talk to other
parents and their school to make sure everyone is on the same page
REMIND them that they shouldn’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do
face-to-face
DON’T think it’s too late to reinforce boundaries or teach your child anything
about technology - they might think they have the know-how but they still need
your wisdom and guidance
TALK to them about how they might be exploring issues related to their health,
wellbeing and body image online - they might come across inaccurate or
dangerous information on the Web at a vulnerable time
DISCUSS how they behave towards others and what they post online and don’t
shy away from difficult conversations about things like pornography and other
risky behaviours, such as sexting
GIVE your son or daughter control of their own budget for things like apps and
music but make sure you have agreed boundaries so that they manage their
money responsibly
DISCUSS things like downloading and plagiarism so that they understand
what’s legal and what’s not
ADJUST the settings on Parental Controls in line with your son or daughter’s
age and maturity - if they ask you to turn them off completely, think carefully
before you do and agree in advance what is acceptable online behaviour
PARKING AT THE ALBION
As you know, we are very fortunate in that the Albion Public House allows all our parents to use
their car park for both am and pm drop offs and pick ups. A number of pubs no longer offer this
facility. We know that you are grateful for this benefit but, if you are able, why not express your
gratitude by popping into the Albion for a quick drink or a bite to eat. In fact, why not consider
the Children’s Halloween Party which the Albion is holding on Friday 31st October (see below).
CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN PARTY
at The Albion Public House, Shobnall Road
FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER
6PM START
A DDDDARRRING DISCO,
FRIGHTENING FANCY DRESS COMPETITION,
GOULISH GAMES,
ENJOY OUR FRIEKISH FINGER BUFFET
AND SSSSCCCCARRRY SWEETY STATION
TAKE AWAY YOUR GOBLINS GOODY BAG
£3 PER CHILD
BOOK YOUR SPACE AT THE BAR
Sad Farewells
It is always sad when we say goodbye to a member of staff and this is no exception. Mrs Dawn
Boss will be taking on a new role at Burton Hospital. Mrs Boss will be hugely missed by the
staff and children in her roles as Teaching Assistant, Lunchtime Supervisor & Cleaner. I hope
you will join us in wishing her every success and happiness in her new role.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
School Closes on Thursday 23rd October 2014 for the October Half Term and re-opens on Monday 3rd
November 2014 at 08.45am
YEAR 6 PARENTS ONLY
Ensure Secondary School Applications are completed for your child and returned by 31st October 2014 –
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/
(homepage  Parents & Families  Admissions to School  Secondary Admissions)
REMEMBER your bag for Kingswood on Monday 3rd November
PARENTS please pack this ‘with your child and not for your child’.
The staff at Shobnall Primary
School would like to take this opportunity to wish you
a safe and happy half term break