Week Ending 18th March 2011

Sharing Assembly on Tuesday was well attended, and enabled some children to share their achievements, with their families.

In the afternoon, some Middle School children organised games activities, for Rabbits Class. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon, and all involved had fun.

Younger children, in Otters and Squirrels, had fun pond dipping, and were elated, when they found "Fred and Frederika" frogs, and "Nanette" the newt!

There were lots of creepy crawlies around this week too, as Rabbits were investigating mini-beasts. The children designed tracks for them to travel on, and incorporated maths, science and D.T.

Hedgehogs have been enjoying the story of "Jack And The Beanstalk," and turned a Hedgehog into "Jack."

Badgers have been continuing their research into Egyptians, and are very knowledgeable about that era.

Our allotment now has carrots and mange-tout growing, as well as what has been previously planted.

Week Ending 11th March 2011

This week our foundation topic has been design and technology. Younger children have been busily making cards and gifts for special occasions. Afraid that no more details can be given, due to the secret nature of some gifts! (Mother's Day, of course.) Older children have been sewing money containers - wallets and coin purses.

Our allotment has been prepared for planting, and peas, beans and spinach are now under the cloche. The rhubarb crowns are shooting and so we look forward to rhubarb crumble and custard. Next week the pond will be the centre of some scientific research, so it has been cleaned and tidied, ready for lots of little "Squirrel and Otter" visitors.

On Friday, a visitor from the Greensand Trust held an assembly and left a "hands-on display for the children to investigate over the next few days.

Dates for you diary:

* Next week, there is a Sharing Assembly on Tuesday at 9.00am in the School Hall.

* On 1st April, our Academy celebrates with visiting scientists and musicians.

* On 6th April a children's disco, after School.

* Also on 6th April, a cookery demonstration at 7.00pm. Please try to come along, and enjoy some tasty tit-bits!

Week Ending 4th March 2011

On Wednesday, E.B.L.S. celebrated World Book Day. Children and Staff brought along books with a "colour" theme, and dressed up as a character from their chosen book. Costumes ranged from clowns, Red Riding Hood, rainbow fish, to wicked witches!

The special day revolved around the colour theme, and the children participated in many exciting activities. A selection of these activities included:

* Dancing to "drum" music, as Elmer Elephants.

* Papier Mache hot air balloons

* Pop-up puppets

* Red Riding Hood story books

* Spanish songs and colour activities

On Thursday evening, Hamsters staff kindly invited parents and staff from other pre-schools to a "story-telling event", which took place in our Pre-School. They explored new and exciting ways of telling stories to children, which included puppets and other story-telling props. Everyone agreed it was a very enjoyable and successful evening event.

Week Ending 18th February 2011

Half term is upon us! Hope you all enjoy the break with your children. Perhaps the sun will be kind and shine on us!

On Tuesday, there was a Sharing Assembly in the Hall, when quite a number of children celebrated their efforts in English / Maths / R.E. / Art and behaviour.

Friday was an exciting day, when we entertained some students from University. we look forward to seeing them next half term.

This week, Otters have been having a lovely time, decorating t-shirts. They explored the nature trail, collecting all sorts of natural objects - twigs, leaves, stones, feathers and even an egg shell - and used these to make vibrant printing designs, which are now beautifully displayed outside their classroom.

Key Stage one pupils have been making a variety of puppets in D.T., ranging from monstrous monsters to fantastic fairies! ... and as for Rapunzel... well can you spot her by our entrance?

Key Stage two children have been making wind up toys ... take care as you walk, in case one shoots by!

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Week Ending 11th February 2011

This week has been kinder to us, weather wise, so some children have enjoyed planting little plants that will give a splash of spring colour, soon. Keep your eyes open, as you approach the main entrance!! The Nursery allotments have also now been "dug over" by many pairs of willing hands.

Younger children have been investigating printing and weaving, so do look out for wonderful printed designs, and seasonal weavings, around our School.

Rabbits have been considering a variety of "Special Times" - Hannukah, Shabbat and Holi. On the "curved" glass window there is a selection of stained glass menorahs, and by the dome, a mobile depicting the Stars of "Holi." Please do take time to absorb the children's bright colourful and thoughtful work.

On Thursday, Badgers took part in the K'Nex Challenge, where their task was to build a bridge strong enough to hold a can of coke. They investigated a variety of different bridge designs, including swing bridges, suspension bridges and vertical lift bridges, and enjoyed reproducing them in miniature. The two winners will now go on to the next round of the competition.

On Wednesday, two new governors enjoyed a tour of the School, and the children were delighted to show how hard they were working, but having fun at the same time.

Week Ending 4th February 2011

Our Foundation topic this week has been R.E. Children have enjoyed thinking of the story of the Creation, and how our wonderful world evolved.

Younger children set off some Chinese lanterns in the grounds, on Thursday, to celebrate Chinese New Year. Then the cook created a Chinese lunch, which many of the children thoroughly enjoyed.

Bulbs are popping through in our grounds, and shrubs and trees are showing signs of growth... how nice to think that Spring is nearly here.

Our hens continue to lay eggs that have been used this week in delicious quiches for lunch.

It will soon be time to use our bird-hide... so if anyone out there has some binoculars that they could donate, we would be most grateful.

Week Ending 28th January 2011

This week, we welcomed visitors to our first Sharing Assembly of 2011. Children celebrated achievements in most subjects, and there was a wide range of exciting things, from jumping frogs, flying parrots, to bear caves and Tudor houses.

Pre-School children and Hedgehogs have been "in the dark," this week, as their topic was "Light and Dark."

There was a delicious aroma of toast wafting along the corridors... something to do with material changes?!!

Our allotment has been dug over ready for the new Spring planting. Bunches of carrots made their way to the kitchen, and were the main vegetable on Thursday's menu. The children voted them the best carrots ever grown!

Henrietta, Florence and Rosie continue to entertain us, and are still laying lovely, brown eggs.

Another apple tree has been planted in the orchard, so another type of apple to be munched on.