Year 2 have spent the last two days visiting the scout hut. The first day was Sycamore’s turn and then the second was Willow’s chance. The children absolutely loved it. Many of them were very brave and mastered the climbing wall. The teachers were very surprised with how confident some of the children were at this. We also built a fire and learnt about the things we need to make a fire. Once we had built it we cooked sausages and marshmallows. They were really yummy.

Year 4 have had another fun packed day as part of their Celts and Romans topic. We had lots of brilliant costumes in school today and all of the children looked great. This morning they had a chance to watch some videos on the relationship between the Britons and Romans in this country as well as solve a time line activity to place the key events of the time in order. Miss Grove also spoke with the children about the way Roman roads have shaped some areas in our country, sharing the way in which they were constructed by the Roman people. To model this, the children used cereals to represent stone and gravel and other sweet treats for the rest. Do you know any Roman roads in our local area?

The children also had the opportunity to explore Roman Gods and Goddesses - there was a very strong connection to the Greek Gods we looked at in our previous topic. We explored this further and began making some Top Trumps cards for our favourite God or Goddess. We will be continuing these over the next few weeks. Another project that was started this afternoon was some Celtic Knot initial art. The children have been evaluating and sketching Celtic knot designs in Art this half term and will be completing this learning with a big A3 piece of their own initial, using all the inspiration they have gathered over the last few weeks.

Within all this, we also managed some cooking! The children made some Roman buns that were soaked in honey and made with Ricotta cheese. They also had some pancakes with honey and dates.

Overall, a fantastic day! Have a look at the pictures to see us in action. 

Today, Year Four had The Treehouse Theatre Company visit school and put on the production of ‘The Romans Are Coming!’ During the morning, the children were split into four acting groups that took their turn to go up to the hall, grab their props, learn their cues and lines and get well and truly into a Celtic or Roman character. Each of the four scenes were so filled with rich Historical knowledge – there were a lot of moments where we were all surprised and excited by what we were learning. There was also songs and laughter … we particularly liked the different characters that Ben showcased. The children had only a short time to learn where their scene came in the play as well as how to bring their lines and actions to life!

Whilst not in the hall, the children completed some Roman numeral activities, painted Roman shield designs, used art straws for Roman columns and read lots of texts all about …. The Romans! Then in the afternoon came the big performance (after our vocal warm up and getting into costume). The children were absolutely mesmerised by Ben’s performance and Miss Grove and I were blown away by Year Four’s enthusiasm, acting skills and ability to get involved. It really was a brilliant day – so much to take in and inspire us.

We know we are very lucky to have experiences like today – it certainly is a day to remember, for adults and the children. We look forward to working with The Treehouse Theatre again in the future.

Today our pupils are at the Anvil rehearsing ready for the 2 night show being held tonight and tomorrow. Our children are working hard to perfect their lines, moves and notes! We can not wait to see you in action - it is always a highlight of our year. 

Here is a cheeky preview of our dancers... I will endeavour to post more tonight or tomorrow after I have watched the show!

Thank you to all of you  who came to cheer our children on during sports day on Friday. Our children did us proud during the different events didn’t they? Almost all children striving to try their hardest and beat their personal bests. And boy, weren't we lucky with the weather!! Especially with the lead up to Friday having rain each day. Like I said on Friday, the kids will be involved in team events on Monday and all of the scores will be added up.

It was pointed out that some of you couldn't hear me speak at the end despite me trying so hard to project my voice… so if you know of anyone who is willing to donate one of those megaphones, it would be hugely appreciated and it will stop me being croaky the following day too!! :-)

Good Luck to all of our pupils during their sporting events on Monday! We are looking forward to seeing you being supportive, determined and showing lots of grit again! 

After a fun packed evening, the children slept amazingly well! No-one was up throughout the night, apart from a couple of toilet visits! Whispering voices were heard from 6am and the children were allowed out of their sleeping bags at 6.30, when the lights were turn on by the museum staff. 

All of the children were up ready to pack their sleeping bags, roll up their mats and get dressed. This was a great time to see the children persevere with packing their bags back up- especially those pesky sleeping bags as squeezing a sleeping bag into a small bag is almost an impossible mission!!!

Once everyone was washed and dressed, it was then time for breakfast before packing the minibuses ready for Day 2.

Whist Mr Wood and I went and got the day’s lunches, Mrs Holdsworth, Mrs Sheers and Mrs Folan took the children inside Chichester Cathedral, which is just across the road from our over-night stay.

It was soon time to leave for Emsworth where we were having our boat trip. BUT...the black clouds were gathering and we had our fingers crossed that the rain would hold off BUT no... Once we arrived in Emsworth, the rain started. One of the harbour volunteers spoke to us about the natural history of the area before we boarded and set off. It was a lovely experience for the children and they enjoyed the I Spy activity. 

What a great trip Hawthorn Class....all of the adults were super proud of you! We hope you have many happy memories. 

Today Year 2 enjoyed a themed day for their topic 'Wish You Were Here'.

The children thought about what activities we take part in on the beach. They had a carousel of tasks and a turn at each one. These included water play, a sand castle challenge, volley ball and making boats. They really enjoyed all the activities.

The children then looked at a box from Hampshire Wardrobe. In the box were various artefacts from seaside holidays. They discussed what each item might be and then thought about how it might be used.

Year 2 also painted pictures of beach huts using watercolours. They looked at what a beach hut was and it's purpose. Finally, they used different techniques to paint their own beach hut.