At the Lower School this week, we have been thinking about the power of imagination and how we use ‘imagining’ to help us with our learning. The children listened to a story about ‘Treasures in the Garden’. The story was about two children who travelled to see pirates, mermaids and fairies in their garden. The children were able to identify that the children were really in the garden playing and were using their imagination. We then shared examples of how we can use imagination to help us, not just when we are reading and writing but in other subjects too. For example, if we are designing something, then we might imagine what it looks like before putting it on paper. The children are working hard using this new skill in their learning this week.
At the Upper School, we have been thinking about making links to support us to understand new concepts. We looked at how our prior knowledge supports us to understand a text using context, and how it can also help with making sense of new vocabulary – using root words or making links to similar words that we know to work out the meaning. To illustrate this, we discussed the words, captivating and resplendent. Do talk to your child about how they have used their ‘making links’ learning power to help them this week!
Blue Class Assembly
On Thursday morning, Blue Class delivered an excellent class assembly to their parents, carers and the rest of Year 1. The children used their learning in English and science to produce an excellent retelling of ‘The Three Little Pigs’. The pigs used their science knowledge to explain to the audience why the material they chose would make a good house. It was a wonderful assembly! If you would like to read more about the assembly click here
Hawthorn Class Assembly
Hawthorn class wowed us with a fantastic assembly based on the Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers. They retold the story of Barnabus who lives in a secret lab, underneath the shop ‘Perfect Pets’. He is a failed project and dreams of one day seeing the world above ground. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom — and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.
They also weaved through the story snippets of learning throughout last term such as, a speech in the role of Boudicca and also an explanation alongside pictures of their night lights inspired by their science work on electricity. Thank you Hawthorn for retelling such a magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong. They ended with golden nuggets. The last one being: perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends. A big shout out to Ilyas who played the character of Barnabus brilliantly. He spoke with confidence and clarity! Well done, we are very proud of you!
Well done Hawthorn class and a big thanks to Mr Shipley and Ms Isaacs who supported them to deliver such an inspiring assembly.
Indigo Class Trip to South Norwood Lakes
On Tuesday, Indigo Class visited South Norwood Lakes. Whilst there, they completed a nature trail, fed the birds and ducks with food they had made in class the day before and had some playtime. They also got to have a picnic lunch in their classroom. The children had a lovely morning. Thank you to our parents and carers who came along to help on the day.
Cypress Superstars
At the Lower School, we have had lots of visitors come to the office to show us their wonderful work. George in Turquoise Class came to show his fantastic sketch of Samuel Pepys that he had completed at home. We were amazed with the shading, tone and sketching. Ms Binks knew who it was straight away. In Ruby Class, Luis, Rose and Raymond have been working very hard on their handwriting and produced some beautiful work. Max, Louiza, Julia and Rosie in Blue Class came to show their systematic working in maths. They had used this approach to identify all their number bonds to 20. Kara and Bilal in Orange Class also cam to share their ‘Bog Baby’ writing. They had used their sounds to help them spell words to describe where the bog baby lives and what it needs.
At the Upper School, a big well done goes to Sycamore class, who have been enjoying their Spanish lessons and learning more about Spanish culture. When I came to visit them on Thursday morning they were enjoying a salsa lesson! What a brilliant way to start the lesson – and the day! Ms Simadree and Ms Sa Walmsley were also showing off their talents, guiding the class through the dance! Jay Jay in Sycamore has been exceptionally focused in his reading sessions this week. He used his retrieval skills to answer some tricky questions and also worked hard to ensure his work was well-presented. Cavani has written a suspense filled adventure story. He used the literary devices taught in class to add a very thrilling section to his story! I can’t wait to read the rest, Cavani! Check out our gallery to take a look at our superstars!
Betty, Mina, Kavell, Charlotte, Ted, Louis, Jacob, Elias and Gabby from Holly class came to show their very detailed and beautifully presented story books. They have written alternative versions of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. They have used expanded noun phrases, complex sentences, fronted adverbials, wit and charm to bring interest to their writing. It was a pleasure reading your stories! Emerson has also been working with great focus and effort to produce some impressive maths, English and thematic work. You have made your teacher and I so proud with your ‘can do’ attitude of late. Keep it up!
BLP Cup
Well done to Oak Class who won the BLP cup this week. They have been capitalising on resources to ensure they are successful in tasks given!
Word of the Week
Ignas wrote a fantastic sentence incorporating the word introverted into an ambitious sentence. Great job, Ignas! Please ensure you get your entries for Word of the Week into the entry box before 9am on Monday for a chance to become a ‘Word Wizard’ and win your very own rosette!
Cypress Upper Garden
Museum Day
Our annual Pegasus Museum Day takes place on Friday 9th February. We hope many of you will be able to join us to see some of the amazing work the children have been producing during their thematic lessons. To see details about the Upper School click here and for the Lower School here. We look forward to seeing you on Friday.
Multi Sports Festival – Access Sport
We’re excited to announce that Access Sport are hosting an inclusive multi sports festival on Saturday 17th February 2024.
This free event is for d/Deaf, children with a disability and neurodivergent children and young people and their families. We will have community clubs from Bromley delivering taster sessions including boxercise, tennis, Zumba, yoga, archery, football and much more. This is a great opportunity to try different sports and get involved in club sessions that take place locally during the week and weekends. Medals will be given out to all participants!
When: Saturday 17th February 2024
Where: Bromley College (indoor sports hall), Rookery Lane, BR2 8HE
Time: 11 – 1 pm
Age: 5 – 25 years old
Cost: free
Register: http://bit.ly/BromleyMulti-SportFestival24
(Participants must be registered before attending)
There will be a Changing Places Portable Toilet outside the venue. Please bring your own sling if you wish to use the hoist – https://www.revolootion.org.uk
Please note we are unable to arrange travel to/from this event for participants, but there is parking available on site.
We ask parents/carers/guardians to stay with their children at all times during the event.
We wish all our children and families a lovely weekend.
Ms Binks, Mrs Carpenter and the Cypress Team
