Last year, the children took part in an exciting project to explore and engage with artwork. They took a class photo which was later displayed at the Tate Britain among 3,000 other class photographs taken at various schools across London. This week, around 76,000 children were able to explore the gallery where their photographs were displayed for all to see. It provided a lovely image that we are all wonderful ‘works of art’, because photographs have a way of reminding ourselves about where we come from and where we are going; celebrating our individuality and enjoying our differences.

The children were able to quickly spot their class photo, which fortunately has been displayed at eye-level, meaning that it’s easier to see and recognise their own faces and think about where they were at that time, a year ago. They were encouraged to think about what their thoughts, feelings and aspirations were at the time the photograph was taken. The children later carried out some sketches, made some notes and took part in a series of physical and vocal activities to give them a richer experience of identity and culture: who they are now, and who they would like to become.

We finished up with a long walk along the River Thames, where the children were exposed to London life and landmarks, ranging from the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, to a group of daring young skateboarders, practising their skills. Once again, a series of photographs taken to remind them of these memorable experiences to treasure in the years to come. It was a very exciting, educational and fun day for our current Year 4 (formerly Year 3).

In Year 4, the children went on a Geography Field trip to Beckenham Place Park. They have been learning how to read maps and were able to put their navigational skills to good use as they explored the local area. The children went on a ‘tree-spotting hunt’ where they were able to identify deciduous, coniferous and evergreen trees, as well as the local wildlife that live there. The children carried out a series of sketches and took some observational notes. It was a bonus to be able to meet up with Holy Cross, who accompanied us back to school for lunch and then took part in a follow-up art workshop, designing trees in the style of Gustav Klimt’s ‘Tree of Life’ using a range of intertwining patterns. It was a fun and memorable day for the children. Well done!

Year 4 have been taking part in an exciting Basketball Project, aimed at increasing access to and raising participation and achievement in culture, sports, leisure and play activities across London.

The children developed ball-handling techniques during a 10-week coaching session run by the London Thunder Basketball Club, which helped to boost their confidence and allowed them to see the true benefits of working cooperatively as part of a team.

The day started off with a series of warm-ups and ‘skills and drills’ development, where the children were given opportunities to practise their navigation skills around several Basketball courts within mixed gender teams. Following a quick lunch, the tournament began. St. Augustine’s played against several schools including Elfrida, St. Stephen’s, Holy Trinity and Grinling Gibbons Primary Schools.

It was lovely to see the genuine enthusiasm of the children as they played extremely well, winning 2-0 against Holy Trinity. 2 children also received a special award for being nominated ‘best player’ and ‘most improved player’ within the category of being a ‘good sportsperson’ regardless of whether their team were winning or losing; as it is important that children understand that having the right attitude, is just as important as the skills required within a competitive sport, since Basketball is also about friendship, fun, respect and fair play. We hope the children will continue to build on what they have learned and achieved in the years to come. 

Well done Year 4!

On Tuesday 8th October, Year 4 visited the British Museum, where they explored the European Galleries as part of their topic work on the Anglo-Saxons. The children learned more about the discovery of the Sutton Hoo burial mound and were able to see the famous Sutton Hoo burial helmet, together with a collection of coins, purses, belt buckles, swords, shields, jewellery and many other gold embroidered artefacts. They were able to understand how we can learn more about the Anglo-Saxons’ way of life by studying these artefacts. Year 4 were also given plenty of opportunities to record their observations and develop their sketching techniques by paying attention to the intricate details of the objects on display.

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 4 have been taking part in an exciting Lewisham Cricket Programme where they have received weekly coaching sessions on Wednesdays since the beginning of the Spring Term. This has been a very inspirational and motivational project that has enabled the children to build their confidence in their ability to actively engage with team sports and competently hold and manoeuvre the bat to achieve a more effective strike. They have developed better hand-eye coordination and have improved their bowling and batting skills. The children’s ability to maintain concentration for a prolonged period of time has also helped them to be more settled and focused when completing tasks inside the classroom. Both training coaches Mr Ahmed and Mr Lynch, as well as staff around the school, have been impressed with the children’s good behaviour and enthusiasm for their learning in PE. Well done Year 4!

Coach Ahmed teaches hand-eye coordination

Building Team Awareness Skills

Focus!

Skills Debrief

Some excellent batting skills!

Prepare to strike!

Strike and Field

Keep your eye on the ball!

Strike!

Good sportsmanship Antoni