The whole school took part in the annual event ShWimbledon (Shellingford’s Wimbledon!) last week. All classes were involved in competitive sessions and mini coaching games led by the Faringdon Tennis Club. The coach commented that the children's behaviour was outstanding and that they are a credit to the school.
Class 1 and 2 had a great day at the Winchester Science Centre with lots of hands-on activities and space-themed workshops. The highlight for many was the Planetarium Show, where we got to take a trip into space to learn more about the planets in our solar system before heading into deep space to learn about other galaxies. It was definitely 'out of this world'! (Mrs Roberts – Class 2 Teacher)
Class 4 enjoyed a visit to the Museum of Oxford to compliment the work that they have been undertaking in class on their topic, Oxford - city of spires. During their visit they investigated the many ways in which transport has affected the geography of the city from the construction of the canal and the 'canal city' of Jericho that was subsequently built to support it to the factories and industries that developed following the construction of the railway. Today, a busy road network serves Oxford and pupils used maps to identify how roads are connected and noticed that industrial units, park & ride facilities and factories are all built within easy access of these arterial roads. Following their visit to the museum, Class 4 pupils stepped into the fantasy world created by Philip Pullman, following in the steps of Lyra and her daemon, Pan, walking her Oxford and identifying significant landmarks connected with both the city and the university. It was a wonderful day! Many thanks to Mrs Mann for supporting us on the day and to FoSS for their support in providing the coach. (Mrs Sucksmith – Class 4 Teacher)
We welcomed the return of Roots to Food in May. Each class was involved in a hands-on practical cooking session which focused on what makes a healthy and nutritious meal of Tandoori Chicken with a Bombay Saag Aloo. The children learnt how to prepare different foods and the principles of food safety and good hygiene. Here’s what the children got up to!
The whole school marked Ascension Day on Thursday 22nd May and held a service at St Faith’s Church in Shellingford. Parents and friends of the school were invited to join the children and staff in reflecting on this important transition in the church calendar.
We marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation. The children wrote prayers, poems and messages of peace and placed them in a candlelit ‘Pot of Peace’ on the green outside the front of the school. The school gathered for a one minute silence under the tree and Alex in Year 6 read a poem. This was followed by cupcakes, squash and the whole school forming a ‘80’ on the school field. A box of paper, jam-jars and tea lights were placed under the tree for parents, family friends and members of the community to write their own ‘message of peace’ over the weekend.
‘We had an amazing time at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre last week and every second we made a memory. When we arrived we had different teamwork challenges to complete. Our favourite moment was when ‘Storm Merritt’ (our teacher) poured water on us. We also visited the WWII bomb crater and Miss Long surprised us! On the Roman Day we dressed up as Celts and Romans and had great fun!’ Written by Eva & Phoebe
Our Easter Service was led by the children and staff in Year 3 and 4. It was based on the traditional hymn ‘ All Things Bright and Beautiful’ and the events of Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. Staff and pupils read passages from the Bible and reflected in prayer. We sang a number of joyful Easter songs and it was a lovely way to end the Spring Term and for the school community to celebrate Easter altogether.
We were very impressed with the number of entries for the Easter Bonnet Competition at the end of last term. Clearly much effort and creativity had gone into the designing and making:
We invited an Screen-Printing artist into school to work with each class over two days. The children learnt about the process, created a design and printed their image.
