It was a rather sad start to the last half term of the year today as both Mr B and Miss Ellacott broke the news to the children in both assemblies that Melody, our lovely white chicken, had died in the night. The children were told of her death and were then given the chance to talk about how it made them feel before sharing their favourite memories of her. Some children talked about how tame she was and how they cuddled her and fed her sweetcorn before they were all reminded about how it is important to talk to an adult if her death made them feel sad, either about her specific passing or if the news made them think about other deaths or sad experiences they may have encountered.

Later in the KS1 assembly Mr B was also able to share some happier news as he shared the fact that the strawberry plants the children had cared for had produced a wonderful harvest of fruit over the half term break. The children were amazed by the size of the strawberries but were then asked to think of the what to do with them as there wasn’t enough for every child to eat one. The children discussed the problem with talk partners and suggestions included cutting them up into small pieces, selling them or buying more strawberries to add to the numbers. In the end there was a unanimous vote that the strawberries should be given to Pickles, the remaining chicken, in order to cheer her up following the death of Melody.

As the day continued, in Year Two the children were busy working on Mr B’s challenge of trying to recruit more pirates. They spent time before half term thinking about the different roles you could do as a Pirate and today they were busy making their stall ready to show Year One on Thursday. Prior to today children had to apply for the role they wanted and give the reasons why they think they would be suited to the role.  There have been an array of jobs going on from dress makers, accountants, cleaners and first aiders. All have been busy thinking about the qualities they need to do each job and enjoyed thinking of exciting ways they can promote their jobs to others.

In the nature garden the children in Squirrel class had great fun reading to Koda the dog. He was very impressed with their expression and bank of sight vocabulary! Year One were also busy planning, designing and making their new role play areas. Squirel class chose an underwater theme and had great fun painting fish and underwater creatures. Rabbit class decided to make Tilddler’s School and painted lots of friends for Tiddler using of paper plates.

Meanwhile, in 6S, the children investigated facts about Francis Drake and the children in Year One worked in the allotment before Mr Smith hosted another table tennis club in the upstairs hall after school.

Throughout the day work had continued in the main car park as a new car park fence and gate was installed. The gate will add an extra layer of security and will be enhanced further by the various CCTV cameras which were also installed today at each of the entrances of the school.

After school the teachers took part in a ‘Prevent’ refresher training session. Prevent training is a statutory training programme which provides practical help to schools in order to recognise vulnerable members of the community and aims to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism by ensuring they are given appropriate advice and support.

Finally, in the evening, the downstairs hall was full of parents of Year Five children who came along to hear Mr B and Miss Ellacott talk about the 11+ and secondary school application process. Thanks to everyone who made it along. The notes from the presentation will be uploaded to the website tomorrow.