Year 1 and 2 took part in the training program, aimed at reducing the number of scooter accidents. The training is lively and fun. It took place in the playground and then the children were taken onto Dunfield Road.
The children enthusiastically helped Post Office engineer Tommy Flowers to build Colossus, the world’s first programmable computer. They found out how this clever technology cracked secret coded messages and learnt about codes and ciphers to understand the principles of early computing technology. During the workshop they worked as a team to reconstruct a human Colossus and reveal its vital role in the D-Day landings. The children also had a chance to ride the Mail Rail and experience a journey back in time through the original tunnels and station platforms of London’s 100-year-old postal railway.
The children visited Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington, where they were able to see some of the remains and architectural structures from around 2000 years ago. They took part in a rotation of sessions including a guided talk by the resident archaeologist, an exploration of what life was like in the Roman villa, examining artifacts and replicas. The children also enjoyed dressing up like a Roman Emperor, Empress or Citizen.
Year 6 had a fabulous time visiting Chislehurst Caves. They greatly enjoyed the educational, yet fun experience learning about the importance of the caves during WWII and about the thousands of people who sought refuge during the aerial bombardments. Many of the children left with spooked-out faces, but they all agreed it was a worthwhile visit. The Year 6 pupils enjoyed themselves so much that they are already making plans to return with their friends and families and share the unforgettable experience.
Our third trip with Mrs Weatherhead took us to the magnificent Royal Courts of Justice in central London.
After learning about the differences between civil and criminal law we took part in our first mock trial. We were all given a role to play in the case against Tommy Peel. Tommy was instructed to appear to face charges because he was breaching a Noise Abatement Order and had been fighting in the street.
The two legal teams put forward great arguments and asked the witnesses some very challenging questions. The witnesses were very confident and answered truthfully as the court usher had asked them to promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
At the end of the trial the judge (Giorgia) had the responsibility of deciding if Tommy was innocent or guilty. It wasn’t easy to come to a decision but in the end she found that Tommy had not breached the order.
We were lucky that the sun was shining and we were able to have a picnic in Lincoln Inn’s Field.
Year 2 visited Pizza Express Beckenham to support our Design and Technology topic on fruit and vegetables . Children learnt all about fresh healthy ingredients. They were given the opportunity to taste, touch and smell the ingredients. They thoroughly enjoy the session and came away with a tasty pizza they made by themselves.
Nursery went on a Number Hunt around the school. We went to the big playground, visited the office, Year 5, Year 2 and went upstairs to Mrs Jarvis office. We found lots of numbers everywhere! Then we matched up the small Numicon with the giant Numicon. What a busy morning.
Reception have been getting ready for Chinese New Year. The children practised their finger motor skills by using chopsticks and tweezers to pick up rice as well as making paper lanterns. They have also been drawing Chinese zodiac animals and copying Chinese Characters.
