The Roundup - Edition 95

This week, Monte (Nursery) have been exploring how animals adapt to survive the winter months. The children learned about hibernation and how different species use features like fur, feathers, or blubber to stay warm. They brought their ideas to life by creating hedgehogs using modelling clay and pasta, experimenting with a variety of materials to represent these adaptations.

In Forest School, Monte (Nursery) enjoyed sowing seeds, including beetroot, pumpkin, and sunflower, carefully labelling and watering their pots. Their curiosity and creativity shone through as they built imaginative structures, made bird food soups from the last seasonal berries, climbed trees, and observed wildlife like ladybirds. These hands-on experiences encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and a sense of wonder about the natural world.

This week, K Group (Reception) have been immersed in an exciting exploration of rainforest environments, comparing them thoughtfully to their local surroundings in Letchworth. The children embraced their roles as young explorers, carefully packing backpacks with essential items needed for a rainforest adventure.

Building on this theme, K Group (Reception) developed their observation and reasoning skills by matching footprints to the correct rainforest animals, before extending their learning into maths. They explored concepts of height and length by comparing rainforest animals using 3D and multi-link towers, with one creative approach seeing Noah use a long outdoor pipe to measure the impressive height of a giraffe.

Creativity flourished through junk modelling, as K Group (Reception) designed and constructed their own rainforest animals, thoughtfully adding features and details. It has been a week full of curiosity, imagination, and hands-on learning.

This week, J Group (Year 1) have enjoyed a rich and varied programme of learning, filled with creativity, exploration, and discovery. On Tuesday, J Group (Year 1) continued their topic work on Peru, bringing their learning to life by constructing detailed models of Machu Picchu, demonstrating both care and imagination.

Midweek, J Group (Year 1) ventured to Arunwood for a memorable outdoor learning experience. The children carefully harvested rhubarb from the well-established school patch, learning how to safely pick and prepare it by removing the leaves and keeping the edible stems. Their time outdoors also included exploring the daffodil maze, smelling violets, and enjoying the Forest School orchard. Here, J Group (Year 1) developed practical skills by learning to tie reef knots for fishing lines, taking care to respect the pond environment and its wildlife, including newts.

In science, J Group (Year 1) demonstrated excellent curiosity and critical thinking as they classified animals into fish and amphibians, discussing similarities and differences and comparing their lifecycles. Their “zoom in/out” activity sparked further interest, as they examined the centre of a poppy before heading outside to compare it with blossom in the school grounds. The children showed great enthusiasm for observation, spotting ladybirds among the flowers and asking thoughtful scientific questions throughout the week.

This week, H Group (Year 2) took part in a meaningful and memorable Forest School session, centred around fire and cultural understanding. After carefully revisiting fire safety rules, the children gathered around a fire to enjoy hot chocolate. As the fire settled, they learned about Persian New Year traditions, discovering how fire symbolises strength, renewal, and good fortune, while also representing a chance to leave behind the past. Some children even had the opportunity to safely jump over the embers, embracing this symbolic act of welcoming new beginnings. The celebrations will continue later in the week with a storytelling session to deepen their understanding.

Alongside this, H Group (Year 2) continued to develop practical skills, with many children enthusiastically practising knot-tying techniques in preparation for their upcoming canal visit. It was wonderful to see such eagerness and collaboration during their final Forest School session before the Easter holidays.

Back in the classroom, H Group (Year 2) made excellent progress in maths, focusing on odd and even numbers. The children demonstrated strong engagement and confidence as they identified patterns and applied their understanding with enthusiasm.

This week, F Group (Year 4) enjoyed a memorable and reflective Forest School session. The children gathered to build a fire, where one member of the group was given the special opportunity to light it as a way of marking their final Forest School session at St Chris. With care and concentration, they successfully struck the match and lit the fire, much to their own delight. The group then came together around the fire circle to enjoy hot chocolate, followed by a range of activities and games. The session ended with a thoughtful reflection, as F Group (Year 4) discussed how to respond when things do not go to plan and considered strategies to overcome challenges.

Back in the classroom, F Group (Year 4) have been exploring the theme of dragons in Chinese art. The children have been thoroughly engaged in designing and sculpting their own Chinese dragons using air-dry clay, showing great creativity and attention to detail. Their impressive creations are well underway, and there is much excitement to see the finished pieces ready for display.

F Group (Year 4) enjoyed an exciting trip this week to Hobbledown, where the children spent the day exploring, learning and taking part in a range of adventurous activities. It was a wonderful opportunity for F Group (Year 4) to experience learning outside the classroom, and they represented the school brilliantly with their enthusiasm, engagement and excellent behaviour throughout the day.

One of the highlights of the visit was a workshop on habitats and adaptations. F Group (Year 4) impressed the session leader with their knowledge and thoughtful contributions, demonstrating how well they understand the ways animals adapt to survive in different environments.

Although a couple of planned activities could not go ahead due to time constraints and some rainy weather which made certain areas slippery and unsafe, the day was still full of memorable moments. F Group (Year 4) made the most of their visit, returning with plenty of stories about their adventures — and perhaps even some requests to return again in the future.

This week, E Group (Year 5) made the most of a beautiful morning during their Forest School session, embracing both practical learning and imaginative exploration. They began by learning how to tie a timber hitch, a versatile knot used for activities such as creating swings or securing hammocks. The children showed impressive focus and perseverance as they practised, demonstrating real determination when mastering a new skill.

Building on this, E Group (Year 5) allowed their learning to develop naturally into a range of creative and collaborative activities. Their ingenuity was evident as they used natural and available materials in inventive ways - charcoal became a tool for writing, while boards and pallets were transformed into hoisting systems and gates. The session provided a valuable opportunity for each child to explore the outdoors in their own unique way, fostering independence, creativity, and resilience.

In addition, E Group (Year 5) reflected on a special visit from a parent last week, which enriched their topic on India. The children learned about Sikhism, exploring key beliefs and cultural practices. They also enjoyed a hands-on experience preparing coconut barfi and tasting a variety of Indian foods, including samosas and onion bhajis. A highlight for many was learning how to tie a patka, deepening their understanding of Sikh traditions in an engaging and memorable way.

This week, our U11's represented the school with enthusiasm and determination at an U11 netball festival held at St Francis. For many of the pupils, this was their first experience of a competitive match setting, making it a particularly exciting and valuable opportunity.

The team played four matches in total, securing two draws and narrowly losing two games by just one goal each. Throughout the festival, the team demonstrated clear progress from their training sessions this season, alongside excellent teamwork and resilience. Their positive attitude and strong sense of sportsmanship were evident in every match, making it a fantastic experience for all involved.

Our U11 football team put in a fantastic performance to secure a 4-0 win against Stonehill PS. The players showed great teamwork throughout the match, with several of them stepping into different positions and adapting brilliantly. Their confidence on the ball and fantastic passing moves created plenty of chances. It was a great team effort and a well-deserved result. Well done!

This week, D Group (Year 6) have been enjoying an exciting and enriching residential trip in and around the historic city of York. They arrived in high spirits and quickly began their adventures, starting with a visit to York's Chocolate Story, where they explored the city’s rich confectionery heritage.

On Tuesday, D Group (Year 6) travelled to Whitby, making the most of the sunshine with time on the beach, followed by visits to the arcades and, of course, some well-earned chips. Throughout the trip, the children have represented the school brilliantly. Hotel staff and tour guides commented independently on their excellent behaviour and positive attitudes - praise that reflects just how well they have conducted themselves.

Their itinerary has been packed with memorable experiences including a visit to the National Railway Museum after a hearty breakfast, a workshop at Barley Hall and a visit to The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring, which sparked plenty of curiosity and fun. Evenings have been just as enjoyable, with games night providing a chance to relax together. A fantastic residential experience full of learning, laughter, and lasting memories.