Dear Parents and Carers,
Amazing News!
On Monday, Jack (our Lead Boy) received the result of his Grade One Piano Exam. I know he was delighted (and Class Four were certainly delighted) to find out that he had earned a 'Distinction' - the highest possible grading. Needless to say, Jack was very modest about his achievement, but he did say, "I do feel proud that I actually did it. Five weeks ago I would not have been able to do so well, but I have put in a lot of dedicated work over that time. It was actually a year ago that I learnt my first pieces." Really well done, Jack - amazing effort (and plenty of talent).
This week
Following the excitement of last week (and Jack's achievements apart) this week has been far more 'normal'. The children have been working hard to finish projects in different subjects as we come towards the end of the term. They have also begun to put their ideas together for the Easter service. I have been super-impressed with the KS2 children's work in PE this half term. In units of work on 'Invasion Games' the children have really developed skills, knowledge and tactics for playing basketball. Here is what Grace from Class Three had to say in her reflection this week: "What went well was that my knowledge and understanding of basketball helped me while playing. I scored loads of baskets with my team during the matches and I used my tactics - passing the ball when I was marked."
Test Week
Equally as impressive has been the children's attitude towards their end of term tests this week. Everyone in Y1 to Y6 has really got stuck in and shown great perseverance and resilience. The outcomes help to inform teachers' next steps in planning for the Summer Term as well as indicating progress over the Spring Term. For the Y6 children, these have been their last practice SATs before the real thing in May. They are 'old hands' at tests now and are very calm and thoughtful whilst doing them. There has certainly been some impressive progress shown, but they all know that they need to work hard still, in a final push towards the real SATs.
Exmoor Challenge Walk
In less than perfect weather (hopefully it will be better on the actual day), our five hopefuls set out on Tuesday for the second practice walk on the moor itself. This is an important day as our children are taught map-reading and how to use a compass as part of the walk. The day is led by A level students and staff from Petroc, and we are grateful to them, but it is organised by Mr Manning from Witheridge Primary Academy: huge thanks go to him. After some consideration, Isaac has decided he wants to step down. So, that means that High Bickington will be represented in May by the team of: Daniel, Freddie R, Evelyn and Esmay. Go well you four - you've got this!
Exmoor Zoo Trip
What a great day out Class One had at Exmoor Zoo on Wednesday. According to the children the highlights were:
Marnie "The zoo was good and I liked seeing the capybaras"
Rowan "I loved seeing the parrots, they were noisy"
Harry "I like seeing the Exmoor Zoo beast and the monkeys that were shy"
Reading Choices
This week, it is Year Four's turn to share their favourite reads:
Ezra - I would recommend 'How to Train Your Dragon' as it is a very unique book with lots of action. I love the front cover.
Zoe - I love 'Dork Diaries'. They are full of drama and lots of characters! The author writes really good paragraphs.
Madeleine - I also love 'Dork Diaries'. 'Puppy Love' is about Nicky and Brandon who take care of seven abandoned puppies ...
Lily - And I also love 'Dork Diaries'! I have the whole series. I have read some of them and want to read them all by the end of the year - they are really good books!
Aubrey - My favourite book is 'Bunny versus Monkey'. It is funny and well written. It is sometimes a bit odd, but I love it!
Grace - My favourite book is 'Fantastic Mr Fox'. I like how Mr Fox does things that are really risky and I enjoy his friend who is crazy.
Amelia - I have many favourites, but one is 'Picklewitch and Jack. Picklewitch is funny and I like Claire Barker - the author: she came to visit our class.
Evie - 'Oliver Moon' is the book I would recommend. The title character is kind, brave and can ride on a broom stick!
Mason - David Walliams - 'The Demon Dentist' This is really creative and I love the illustrations in it.
Sonny - I love the Animal Ark series ... You can imagine them being real life.
Imogen - I like a book called 'Supper' because it's funny.
Share the Story
We are fortunate indeed to have Rev Tracey and her dedicated team of volunteers coming in to school to 'Share the Story' in Collective Worship. The mini plays and performances that they put on around a story from the Bible are so captivating for the children. I know that a great deal of work goes into the planning and organising of these worships (right in the middle of the day too!) and we are super-grateful. Thank you!
Collective Worship
We are up to 'P' for Present in our 'A-Z of Children's Wellbeing' this week. That's not present as in a gift, but present as in being in the here and now. We talked about how worrying about the past or, more often the future, can be wasted energy. Yes, of course, it is important to think about the past and often to plan for the future, but unnecessary worry only harms our mental health. Worrying about an up-coming spelling test or Ofsted inspection does no good at all - especially as these events usually turn out to be fine anyway! In the story of the storm on the sea, Peter begins to worry and drowning until Jesus reminds him to focus on Him in the present. Here is our prayer for the week: God of the past and future, I choose to be present today. Help me to be fully here and receive the gift of your presence, I pray. Amen.
Next Week is a busy one!
Non-Uniform
Monday is a non-uniform day. Come to school in whatever clothes you would like to wear (Easter bonnets are more than welcome!) in exchange for an Easter Egg for the PTA.
Rock Steady
The usual end-of-term Rock Steady gig will take place next Monday afternoon at 2:45pm in the Church Hall. Although this is primarily for the children and the families of performers, there is usually a bit of space if you are thinking Rock Steady may be good for your child and want to come along and find out what it is all about.
Tuesday - BaaB
Mr Norton is out all day on Tuesday at the Senior Leaders Day. Mrs Kennard will be covering him in Class Four in the morning and Class Three in the afternoon. BaaB will be taking place after school until 4:30pm. Please come along and have a look at the incredible work your children have completed in their books.
Gymnastics Event
The seven girls from Year Four are all off to Falcon Gymnastics Academy next Wednesday with children from three other TEAM schools. I know you will have a fabulous time ... Let us know how you got on next week.
Easter Collective Worship
Easter Collective Worship will take place next Thursday afternoon. It will combine songs, Easter work from each class, a talk from Rev Tracey and our usual handing out of 'Star' certificates. Please do come along to the Church at 2:30pm if you can possibly make it.
PTA
Collective Worship will be followed by a cake sale in the Church Hall. Many thanks to PTA for organising this: as always, there are bound to be many delicious cakes to buy!
Good Friday
Of course, next Friday is Good Friday and the first day of the Easter holiday ... School ends for the term on Thursday!
Have a great weekend,
Rob Norton
Head of School
