This week Pre-School have been reading and retelling the story of Owl Babies. The children read the story and learnt the character’s names. They have also been creating paintings of the owls using cotton wool and pegs. We have also been focusing on our one-to-one correspondence when counting and recognising numbers to three.
In Reception in maths this week, we have been learning about 3D shapes. We went on a shape walk to look at all the different shapes we could find in the environment. Surprisingly there weren’t many pyramids around Edge Grove! The children have also been using 3D shapes in their construction and having to think very carefully about what shapes they could use to represent different objects.
This week Year 1 have enjoyed reading the story, ‘One Snowy Night’ by Nick Butterworth. Over the course of the week, they worked collaboratively to retell, order and sequence the main events from the text. The children thoroughly enjoyed the speaking and listening aspect of Literacy, and in particular, acting and singing the story to an audience.
The children in Year 2 have been extremely engaged this week learning about WW1 and WW2. They have been writing letters as soldiers from the trenches and been plotting the locations of the countries involved in WW1 on world maps. They have been asking lots of questions to further their learning and have been shocked at the harsh reality of both World Wars.
The children have also had a wonderful week in Forest School. We learnt a new game called Squirrels and Dreys where the children had enormous fun in teams of squirrels collecting conkers. Many of our activities are subject to change depending on the weather so we watch the weather forecast very closely. This week we have used our fabulous shelter on a number of occasions avoiding some very heavy downpours, the next minute running in the warmth of the autumn sunshine.
Year 3 - Bonfire Night may have been delayed this week but this did not stop Year 3 pupils from putting the finishing touches to their fireworks poetry. Boom! Bang! Sizzle! Their poetry was filled with onomatopoeic words and exciting alliteration. In English lessons Year 3 started to explore the story of ‘Escape From Pompeii’. The children used their archaeology skills to solve clues to discover where the story takes place. Year 3 wrote some beautiful descriptive phrases describing Pompeii and its surroundings.
In maths lessons this week the children were solving subtraction equations and word problems using the column method. Towards the end of the week the children were challenged to answer addition and subtraction word problems using their knowledge of the written method.
Year 3 continued to investigate rocks in science lessons this week. The children were learning about the differences between man-made and natural rocks. Did you know that bricks date back to 7000 BC? Year 3 were able to identify how man-made rock had been used at Edge Grove. In topic lessons the children were looking at real life case studies of volcanoes from across the world. They used fact files to help them to answer geographical questions.
Rehearsals are in full swing for ‘Bah Humbug!’. Year 3 have been using their music and drama lessons to rehearse their songs ready for the end of term production.
There was much excitement this week in the games department as both girls and boys took part in away football matches at Westbrook Hay.
The children have been busy in art lessons preparing poppy inspired artwork for our Remembrance Day service on Friday. Thank you to all of the children who have completed work at home too.
Year 4 - It has been another exciting week in Year 4 with lots of learning and rehearsals. It has been wonderful to see the children learning their lines but now they need to focus on developing their characters by using projections and pronunciation. From Monday, the children will not be able to have their scripts so GET PRACTISING!
In forest school, the children have had lots of fun making leaf bouquets and plant pots out of used newspaper. They have learnt about the importance of reusing materials and using materials that are more eco-friendly.
Fables have been the focus in English. We have read a selection of fables looking at the characters’ traits as well as evidence that shows how a character is feeling. Morals within the fables have sparked good classroom discussions about kindness.
In maths, children have been cracking codes to solve problems involving the 6 and 9 times tables. They have continued to work on word problems underlining important words and familiarising themselves with different mathematical vocabulary.Year 5 and 6 - On Friday this week, we took part in the remembrance service. We listened to a powerful poetry reading performed by the Year 8 pupils and took part in the two-minute's silence outside by the poppy art installation. I would like to highlight the mature way that the Year 5 and 6 pupils carried themselves during this service, they set a fantastic example for the younger year groups.
A special mention needs to go to the chamber choir who performed beautifully. Well done to Amelie S, Devika S, Keavy M, Ophelia P, Sophie G, Sienna D, Sofia P, Madison W, Thomas B, Miriam R, Wucheng L, Emily M, Dotty W, Dylan S, Eashan B, Freddie B, Kavya I and Zara B.
Here is also a note from Edge Grove Journalist, Miriam R in Year 5, telling us about a visitor to girls games this week:Mr Shillings, director of hockey from Haileybury, paid a special visit to us to teach the Edge Grove girls some fantastic hockey skills that he said would help us win every single match we play! At the end of the lesson, we played 1v1 matches and all of us had improved our tackling!
We were all so excited when we heard he was coming. We are all looking forward to seeing him again and using our new skills in hockey matches.
Year 5 had a fantastic theatre trip recently to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Edge Grove Journalists, Oliver K, Dotty and Ishaan wrote about their experience here:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Theatre Review by Oliver K
Year 5 went on a school theatre trip to see the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was an exceptional theatre trip because of its acting, music and costumes which I felt went above and beyond. At first I felt nervous and excited because this was our first ever theatre trip at school however, these feelings were replaced by joy when the show started.
The ecstatic music was created by an entire orchestra and played by the actors, as well as, the musicians. Painted in black and gold was the backdrop of a clock and its rings. One of the props was used in three different ways: a skirt (used by the White Witch), a sheet (to cover Edmund), and a tent (for the houses of Mr Tumnus, Mr and Mrs Beaver). A table and ropes were used to tie Aslan and hold him still for his death. Coincidentally a piano was used for two roles as well: one an instrument and the other as a lamp post.
My favourite character was the White Witch because she was a strong woman whose voice was as cold as snow. Her clothes, as her name suggests, were white. They were used to great effect when she was lifted into the air and her servants performed complicated formations with her dress. Watching this I felt in awe!
Overall, the show was a great experience and left me with many happy memories.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Ishaan DOn Thursday the third of November, Year Five went to watch The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London. The production was directed by Michael Fentiman, a Grammy award nominee, and starred EastEnders actress Samantha Womack.
This fantastic actor-muso show filled me with ecstasy because of the brilliance of the performance! The actors brought the characters they were portraying to life, and the music was simply incredible.
The props in particular were marvellous, especially the giant, mechanical puppet of Aslan the lion - it was so realistic it felt as if you were actually in the story!
It was a pleasure to step through the wardrobe and into the magical kingdom of Narnia for a mystical afternoon of adventure with Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they waved goodbye to wartime Britain, and said hello to a talking faun, a cruel White Witch, and a mighty lion.Theatre Trip by Dotty W
What a magical experience! The lighting, music, costumes, and general atmosphere really transported you to Narnia.
The Music:
The music was like the punctuation of the story, breaking up the dialogue, making the story more interesting. The music also changed, depending on what was happening in the storyline. Synthesisers were used for the synthetic darkness of the white witch, along with more electronic sounds to make her sound spooky. In contrast, scenes featuring the woodland animals had more joyous flutes, bells, and woodwind instruments to celebrate their joy and innocence.
The Lighting:
The lighting was the backbone of the show; it gave the show an atmosphere. At one point it was completely dark in the theatre, and at other times (happier times!) the whole theatre was lit up brightly. The directors also used the lighting to show the difference between the two worlds: 1940s London and Narnia. London was quite dismal and dark, whereas Narnia was cold, but bright, with snow on the ground everywhere.
The Costumes:
The costumes were mind-blowing, dazzling and spectacular…especially the puppets! There was a two person Aslan puppet, painted in gold, yellow and orange. Aslan was dressed up in golden furs and (fake!) animal skins. The White Witch was clothed in flowing white and silver dresses, often with a crown, cloak or cape to emphasise her importance. Mr Tumnus only wore a jumper, exposing his goat legs. He also had a pair of dazzling, spiralled horns jutting out from his hair.
Overall, I thought it was enchanting and ethereal and l would give ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ five Stars!***** l highly recommend it to anyone who likes adventure, mystery, or magic!
Last week we had the opportunity to hear original work from some of our Year 8 pupils when they performed extracts of war poems that they had written for the Remembrance Service. These can be heard here accompanied by original music composed by Karl Leutfeld, Director of Music: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YTTEM0HBSLC3V89OQKwA0JNfF2BgwGxg?usp=share_link
Well done all!Edge Grove Journalist, Luke in Year 8 has written this report about Remembrance Day:
By Luke, Year 8
Remembrance Day is the time of year where the country falls silent at 11 o’clock to reflect on the efforts made to fight off Germany from invading Poland after receiving information to not set foot on their countries land again. Although told these commands would be put in place, they weren’t taken seriously. September 1st 1939 war was declared on Germany. England was at war.
Year 8 decided to take part in remembering the ones who fought in the country's name in battle against Germany. Following this we took on the challenge of writing up anti-war poems reflecting on what one might have felt throughout their time on the battlefield. Our poems were supported with charcoal art pieces blurred out behind tracing paper, which had a work layered on top of it. Some stanzas of our poems were chosen to be read out in remembrance assembly to form one big puzzle of one. While reading, we were accompanied with Mr Leutfeld musical talent, who expertly wrote a war piece played on piano perfectly in sync with our reading.
All: Jamie, Oliver, Rex, Freddie, Nike, Henry, Shay and Nefe all set the mood grimly, with lines in it such as:
Jamie: Erupting with roars and cheers, If Only they knew the terror and fearOliver C: But the new boys hesitate, scared for their lifeRex: Trying to be a killer. Let me STOP!Freddie: We all heard the whistle, “Up and over boys!”Niky: It’s an attack! Mere children scrambling, To load their guns, Yet I was left fumbling.
On Friday night we had five Year 5 and Year 6 boys taking part in the Merchant Taylors School Rugby Week Barbarians festival. The boys were met on arrival by MTS boys and staff and were put into separate teams and taken through their paces in a training session. The teams then, in true Barbarians fashion, played against each other in mixed teams made up of all the boys from the schools and local rugby clubs that attended.
It was a great evening and the boys and parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Friday was also a good night for Edge Grove swimmers with Dotty in Year 5 and Koby in Year 6 competing in the English Schools Swimming Association East Area gala. Dotty won the breaststroke gold medal and she and Kobi both got silver medals in the 100m IM. Dotty also placed 4th in the Free and 4th in the backstroke.
Finally, well done to everyone who took part in fixtures last week. You can read the Match Reports here.
Music - Both the Prep Chorus and Chamber Choir came together to sing a stunning, moving rendition of ‘If there is to be Peace’ at last week's Remembrance Service. Well done to everyone involved.
Year 3 & 4 are making excellent progress and sounding fantastic in their Bah Humbug rehearsals. All music and lyrics are available to practise at home on their music Google Classrooms. Only 2 weeks to go!
