What a wet, muddy week! Despite the poor weather, it has been another super week at Swainswick, full of fun and creativity. We have continued to focus on perseverance as our Christian value. This week we thought about valuing the support of others and encouraging others to keep going. We shared examples of how we could do this, such as talking it out, making a plan, trying another way and being positive, and resolved to support each other in the week ahead. We also liked a

In Apple, we have continued to learn about Yayoi Kusama. This week we created our own clay pumpkins. We developed our skills with clay, focussing on rolling and joining clay segments to form a final piece. They look amazing! Earlier this week, we were inspired by pictures of the Great Wall of China and as part of a morning task activity, created our own version. In Science we explored how materials can change shape, testing a range of materials. We reflected on whether these

This week, Hazel have been working really hard on their maths. They have been exploring arrays using play-doh and Lego, and practising multiplying a three-digit number by a one-digit number. We have also been looking at different methods we can use and discussing which ones we prefer. In Geography, we have been recognising symbols and using what we learnt to draw our own maps in art. You’ll have to wait until next week to see the beautiful map pictures!

This week in Oak Class, we started the day with a cheerful fact.  On Thursday, we learned about nature: Daisies close their petals at dusk and open them against dawn, marking the beginning of a brand-new day.  Our busy Thursday continued with an outside science investigation to find the relationship between the volume of sound and the distance from the sound source using a decibel meter.    Continuing with “brainercise” this week, the children challenged their body and brain

It's been a busy week, full of investigations, swimming and special visitors! In assembly, we continued to think about our Christian value, perseverance. We discussed how when something seems challenging, we can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps to help us get started. We reflected on any challenges that we are currently facing and what our first step could be. Remember, a journey won't start without that first step.   A message from Mrs Simmons Whilst I haven

It has been an energetic week in Oak Class with afternoons at the swimming pool.  We are proud of how the children conducted themselves – quiet and polite on poolside, with impressive perseverance in the water.  The children developed their swimming strokes and tackled continuous swimming to build stamina. Oak Class have also started looking at North American Art with the artwork of John Singer Sargent.  In a challenging technical exercise, the children were given half of a S

Apple class has been full of investigations and questions this week! Reception have investigated mass and capacity, using balance scales and our new potion bottles. They even made their own balance scales using the outdoor equipment. In Science, we investigated the properties of different materials, using our scientific vocabulary and conducting a comparative investigation. Finally, we have continued our learning about the artist Yayoi Kusama by making polka dot collages and

Hazel Class have had a wonderfully hands‑on week of learning. Science sparked plenty of excitement as the children explored how electricity flows through a complete series circuit. They experimented with bulbs, buzzers and motors, discovering how each component behaves when the circuit is correctly connected. There was a real sense of achievement as lights flickered on, buzzers buzzed and motors whirred into action. The children also enjoyed using switches to control their ci

W e’ve had a super start to the term. All of the children have settled back into school really well, and with fantastic positive attitudes for the term ahead. Our value for the term is ‘perseverance’. During our collective worship on Wednesday, we reflected on what perseverance means and how we persevere every day. Linked to our new value, we have also been thinking about our growth mindset, reminding ourselves that it is important to have a positive attitude about trying new

It has been a wonderful first week of the new term.  We hit the ground running, getting straight back into classroom routines and exploring a New Year focus on wellbeing. We have started to explore the value of brain breaks and movement breaks as a way of resetting during lessons.  We have learnt how these mental and physical breaks help us stay focused, manage energy levels and improve our learning by giving our minds a chance to “reset” between tasks.  And a huge thank you

We have had a fantastic first week back and it has been wonderful to see the children so settled and enthusiastic. As you know, the children have been taking part in swimming sessions this week, and their behaviour and attitude have been absolutely impeccable. They have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the pool and should be very proud of themselves. In English, we have begun our exciting new class text, Shackleton’s Journey  by William Grill. The children have been fully imm

Apple class have started the new term by reading the book 'Cloud tea monkeys'. We were inspired by the Royal Tea Taster, who travelled the country to find the best tea to present to the King. The children decided to test their sense of smell by investigating different types of tea! The children were amazing at picking out different ingredients in each type of tea and used fantastic vocabulary to design their own magical cup of tea that they could share with the King. We have

It’s been a jam packed week with lots of festive fun all round! On Monday, we celebrated together at Swainswick Church with our whole school Christmas service. It was wonderful to hear from readers in Oak, enjoy beautiful musical performances from children across the school and hear from Reverend Cath. It was great to hear reflections about this from families on the gate, who shared, “It was magical, such a lovely festive feeling at school,” and “Joyous! Lovely to see and hea

Buddies in Oak and Apple class shared a Christmas party on Thursday. Everyone had lots of fun playing pass the parcel and enjoying some party food. Father Christmas even made an appearance!

On Monday, we held our Christmas service in Swainswick Church. We heard from readers in Oak class, who shared the Christmas story from the perspective of different characters. They had written the work they shared in recent English lessons. All of the children contributed a musical performance- we heard 'Carol of the Bells' from Oak class, and 'Jingle Bells' from Hazel and Year 2. Apple class sang, "Bethlehems gone Baarmy!" and Hazel class shared a special Christmas poem they