Today in our EYFS classroom, we’ve been exploring the fascinating world of light and dark through a hands-on investigation with torches. It’s been a glowing success—literally!
This activity was rich in opportunities for speaking and listening. Children described what they saw, made predictions, and explained their thinking. We introduced vocabulary like bright, transparent, and shadow—and they loved using these new words in context.
Investigating torches has truly lit up our classroom with excitement and discovery.. Stay tuned for more bright ideas from our EYFS adventures!
Year 6 had an amazing time at The Briars, where they grew in faith, spirituality and relationships through their exciting enrolment in the Agents of Love Academy. Throughout the week, they completed a series of missions that helped them explore what it truly means to be an Agent of Love—learning about saints, liturgy, prayer, inspirational religious people and the importance of teamwork. They even created and led their own liturgies, and took part in peaceful morning and evening prayer each day. Outside, they enjoyed lively outdoor team-building games, danced the night away at the disco, and, of course, absolutely loved the delicious food. It was a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone!.
Love Shone Down
The King, The Light, The Wonder
Spirit of Peace/Faith/Hope/Joy/Love
We Have Seen the Light
Come to Us, Jesus
Magnificat
Prince of Peace
What a Beautiful Name
This Promise is for You
With One Voice the Angels Sing
Go Tell It (Gloria)
From making maps to celebrating Odd Socks Day, this week Forest School has been a wonderful reminder of how outdoor learning and positive mental health go hand in hand.
The children used maps to follow our route up to the Forest School Base. After sharing a snack, they thought about how to feel calm and happier – hugging trees, watching leaves dance on the trees, clouds race across the sky and deep breathing were all great ideas. Time to explore, climb trees and play with friends before returning down the hill to school.
The children have absolutely loved learning about fireworks and how we can enjoy them safely. As part of our learning we have:
💥 Firework Pictures
Using black card, bright paints, and plenty of imagination, the children created their own firework display pictures. We experimented with different tools — from cardboard tubes and sponges to brushes and even forks — to make bursts of colour that looked just like real fireworks lighting up the night sky!
🍪 Firework Biscuits
Our creativity didn’t stop there! The children decorated some firework biscuits. Using plain biscuits as a base, they decorated them with icing and sprinkles to make colourful explosions of sparkle.
A fun morning had by everyone!
What an exciting afternoon! The children explored health, caregiving and what happens when we visit the doctor—all in a safe, playful way. The doctors set up interactive stations that showed our children exactly why good habits are so important for staying healthy!
- The Mighty Toothbrush
We learned that our teeth work hard for us—smiling, talking, and eating! The biggest lesson was mastering the two-minute clean. Using fun, oversized models, the doctors showed us how to brush every surface: front, back, and the chewing tops.
Key Takeaway: We need to scrub away the sugar bugs twice a day to keep our smiles strong!
- Hand Washing Detectives 💧
Germs are sneaky! Using a special UV light, the children got to see how much dirt hides on their hands. This hands-on lesson is crucial for preventing tummy bugs, sniffles and sneezes!
- Exercise Explorers 💪
The Teddy Bear Doctors reminded us that our bodies are meant to move! We had a mini-workout where we jumped, stretched, and wiggled just like our teddy bears needed to do to get strong hearts and bouncy legs. We learned that exercise is good for our heart and lungs.
- Talking to Doctors: The Confidence Boost 🤗
This was the most valuable part for reducing potential anxieties. Children got to role-play being the ‘caregiver’ for their teddy. They practiced:
- Telling the doctor what was wrong with Teddy (using clear words!).
- Letting the doctor use a stethoscope to listen to Teddy’s heart.
- Helping to bandage up their bears.
Year 1 had a fabulous time on our school trip to Rushcliffe Country Park. We had a very busy day exploring the woods, looking for signs of Autumn and imaging what it would be like to live in the woods like Robin Hood and his Merry Men. In the afternoon we did a materials scavenger hut finding everyday materials around the sensory park and investigating how they had been used. To finish our day off we had a play on the play park which the children loved! The children were amazing and did the school proud whilst out and about. Thank you again to our parent helpers, without your support the trip would not have been possible.
The Eco Team have had a busy start to the year with their Fairtrade Fortnight campaign. They gave an assembly to the whole school to tell them about Fairtrade. Fairtrade is a system which aims to make trade fairer in developing countries. They ensure that workers have fair wages, safe working conditions and stronger rights. They also ensure that farmers receive the best price for their goods.
This years campaign was all about promoting Fairtrade tea. The Eco Team decided that the best thing to go with a cup of tea is cake! They told everyone about a whole school competition where children could choose to bake a cake at home using Fairtrade ingredients and then take a photograph to send in to the team. Children could also decide to make a Fairtrade poster to explain why it is such a worthy and important campaign.
We had lots of entries of amazing bakes and informative posters. The Eco Team are looking forward to choosing some winners and giving out Fairtrade prizes in Celebrate assembly.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part!
This term we have been lucky to have Basketball coaching with Jimmy! He has taught the children the main skills needed for a game of Basketball which has led to a final tournament in our final lesson
Year 3 had a brilliant day at Bestwood Education Centre last week. We learned so much about the Stone Age with a fully immersive experience. During the morning, we got into tribes and competed to build tents. Then we painted our ‘Cave wall’ did some willow weaving and even had a go at sawing a pendent.
We were more than ready for lunch! In the afternoon, we dressed in animal skins and built Stonehenge, decorated our medallions and made a clay pot! What an exciting day.
