Week Ending 1st March 2019

What beautiful warm weather we enjoyed for the first half of this week.  It really felt as though spring had sprung, or even that summer had been summoned early!  We really can't remember another occasion when playtime has been on the field as early as February.

Rabbits Class took advantage of the weather and decided to solve a science question which they wanted to find the answer to..."'do shadows change throughout the day?"  So on Tuesday they went outside and measured the shadow of a bottle which was half filled with sand.  They did this for hourly intervals throughout the day, drawing around the shadow of the bottle and measuring it.  On Wednesday they talked about their findings, drew a table and graph and discussed the patterns of the results.

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The sunny weather was also perfect for Squirrels Class' annual visit from Dunstable Fire Service on Tuesday.  The firefighters spoke to the children about fire safety, and showed them some of their protective clothing and equipment, then took them outside to have a look around the fire engine.  Each child had the chance to hold the fire hose and spray a jet of water high into the air - great fun for all!

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There was more excitement for Squirrels Class on Wednesday, when they enjoyed a wonderful day out at Tring Natural History Museum.  The visit tied in with their Science topic for this term which is "Animal Habitats", and they learnt all about animals from the Arctic and Antarctic regions.  Please enjoy a lovely account of the day written by one of the children:

"On Wednesday 27th February, my class, Squirrels Class went on a class trip.  We went to Tring Natural History Museum to learn more about Arctic and Antarctic animals and to learn their habitats.

The Cool Quick Coach Journey

First we got on the coach and left the school at 9.15.  The coach driver's name was Daniel.  The coach was really cool it had tables and there was heating, a sink, and a speaker.  It took 20 minutes to get to Tring Natural History Museum.

The Arctic and Antarctic Animal Workshop

First we walked by a giant polar bear. Then a man called Paul led us into a room that was our workshop.  Then Paul showed us a polar bear's skull. Then he asked us where polar bears lived. Then Paul talked about the differences between the Antarctic and the Arctic. Then he split us into three groups to have a look and answer some questions about Antarctic and Arctic animals things. Then we told Paul our answers.

Lunch

Because it was nice and sunny we had our lunch outside.

Drawings

After lunch we had a look at some animals and tried to draw them.

Looking Around the Museum

When I was looking around the museum I saw a komodo dragon, a giant moa, a python and a badger.

My favourite part was the workshop because I liked looking at  different animal things."

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Following on from International Week last week, on Thursday, Mr Matthews came in to give an assembly about his recent travels in India.  He presented a slide show of some of his many photos and spoke to the children about all he had seen and experienced.

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On Friday afternoon the children enjoyed their Choices and Enrichment sessions.  One of the groups has been working hard on a fantastic project since the beginning of term - making bird boxes.  And this week four boxes are just about finished, with three more on the way!  One they have all been painted and varnished, they will be placed in the Forest area, and we hope will become homes for our feathered friends.  We are looking forward to some bird watching as the spring progresses!

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Week Ending 22nd February 2019

What a lovely sight to welcome us back after half term - Otters Class' cakes for the Bake Off!

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It has been International Week at Eaton Bray Academy, and each classroom has been transformed into a different country.  The children have moved from country to country throughout the week, exploring and enjoying a variety of cultures.

Australia - In Australia, the children found out about the Great Barrier Reef, investigated indigenous Australian animals, and looked at the lifestyle and culture of Aborigines. They also learnt about the climate history and tourist attractions. They collated the information so that a fact file book could be made.

China - The children had the opportunity to view lots of real Chinese artefacts and to paint and write Chinese words using brushes and ink in the Chinese style.  They used chop sticks to eat (noodles and maltesers!), and tried on Chinese clothes.  They were lucky enough to be visited by a Chinese speaker, who taught them some Chinese words and phrases and brought real Chinese food for the children to enjoy!

Germany - In Germany the children painted the German flag and listened to the National Anthem.  They listened to the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin then made masks of the characters in the story.  The children learnt some phrases in German from a fluent German speaker, including how to count in German. Hedgehogs children have been answering the register in German, including the dinner register (Mittagsessen oder Brotdose).  They also built the Brandenburg Gate in wooden blocks.

India - The children researched India and completed a fact file of geographical information – continent, population, neighbouring countries, mountains, major rivers, currency, climate and landmarks. The children researched the Taj Mahal and explored a wide range of artefacts.

Mrs Matthews' husband and daughter Alex are currently in India, sending out daily updates, photos and blog and diary entries from the rural village of Sarenga in West Bengal. The children looked at these blog entries to find out about everyday life in Sarenga, finding out about the mission hospital KSN and the girls’ hostel in the grounds.

Italy - In Italy the youngest children made fresh pasta and Italian flags.

Mexico - In Mexico the children made masks and tasted some delicious Mexican foods: salsa, guacamole, spicy bean rice and tortilla chips. They located Mexico on a map and looked at a fishing village called Tocuaro. They wrote a postcard home about their exciting Mexican holiday.

United Kingdom - The children explored the different language and dialects of our country, and looked at the variety of different homes, work, food and traditions.  They investigated the UK tradition of having a picnic, and enjoyed a picnic in the classroom.  They also explored democracy and how it works in the United Kingdom, researching the role of PM, speaker, ministers and backbenchers.  Finally the children learnt about famous inventors from the UK, researched UK sport past and present, and found out about famous UK authors.

United States of America - The children learnt about New York, and made Statue of Liberty crowns. They investigated food from the United States, and tasted bagels, cherry pie, hot dogs and milkshake. They also painted American flags and wrote menus.

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Picking up on the theme of democracy, which is one of our British Values, on Friday the children held an election.  Each class was tasked with nominating someone that they found inspiring.  This could be a famous or non-famous person, from history or the present day, and then a secret ballot was held where all the children had the chance to vote for who they thought was the most inspiring from the shortlist.

The chosen nominees were rather interesting...

     Nominated by Hedgehogs - Pudsey Bear
     Nominated by Otters - Lauren Steadman
     Nominated by Squirrels - All the teachers at Eaton Bray Academy
     Nominated by Rabbits - Prince Harry
     Nominated by Badgers - Simon Cowell
     Nominated by Foxes - Lost Voice Guy
     Nominated by Deer - David Walliams

Following the ballot the votes were counted and verified, and the winner of the EBA most inspirational person election was as follows...

Congratulations to Lost Voice Guy (Lee Ridley) whose success and comedy inspires people to achieve their ambitions despite all the difficulties.  You have greatly inspired the children of Eaton Bray Academy.

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Week Ending 8th February 2019

A busy week to round off this half term!

On Monday it was Squirrels turn to impress us with their Bake Off skills.

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On Tuesday, Otters and Squirrels classes enjoyed a drama session delivered by Perform, a local children's drama group that meet in Heath and Reach on Tuesday afternoons.  The children all became superheroes, acting out scenes in character, and everyone had great fun!

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As part of their work on the Anglo Saxons, Foxes Class have been learning about the poem Beowulf this week.  They have done some wonderful creative homework on this topic.

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Hedgehogs Class had a lovely treat on Wednesday.  They took a trip in the minibus to Pets at Home in Dunstable, where they enjoyed looking at all the animals.  Even more excitingly, they also chose a new pet hamster for the class to adopt and look after.  Dasher the hamster now has a lovely new home in Hedgehogs classroom, where he will be much loved and cared for.

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After school on Thursday, the children enjoyed a Movie Night organised by the PTA.  The younger children had a lovely time watching Peter Rabbit, and the older ones saw Johnny English Strikes again.  There were hot dogs and popcorn on offer, and a great time was had by all.  Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising and running this event.

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Later this year, as part of the Science curriculum, Hedgehogs, Otters and Squirrels classes are hoping to hire an incubator and eggs from a company called Living Eggs, so that they can observe eggs hatching and care for the new born chicks.  The chicks will stay at school for a short while, then will be re-homed in line with the company's ethical re-homing policy.

In order to raise money to do this, the children took part in a sponsored "Chick Walk" on Friday morning.  Everyone dressed in bright yellow clothes, made special chick hats and masks, and walked circuits of the school grounds.  Unfortunately, the weather was terrible - strong winds and icy rain - but that didn't dampen the spirits of the children, who kept going with smiles on their faces.  We really think they deserve their chicks after that effort!

Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends who have sponsored the children - we hope that we will raise enough for the project to go ahead - fingers crossed!

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Friday was an exciting day for Badgers Class.  They welcomed a visitor from Affinity Water, who came in to run a day of educational games and activities related to water use and conservation.  In the morning the children enjoyed a "pop-up playground" with water themed Snakes and Ladders, Top Trumps, Twister and Bingo.  After lunch they took part in activities where they worked out how much water they generally use in a day, and found out ways that they can reduce this.  

Thank you to Affinity Water for an an informative and enjoyable day.

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Have a wonderful half term, we will see the children back on Monday 18th February.