JUNIOR DEPARTMENT NEWS

This week in Reception

Reception really enjoyed their Deco Week! They created a variety of crafts including a jolly Santa, super stocking, festive tree and rocking robin! As well as being great fun, all of the activities gave the children opportunities to continue to develop their fine motor skills and to practise careful cutting, colouring, glueing, printing, decision making and following instructions.

Reception also went on a wonderful winter walk to start their topic, ‘winter’. They enjoyed noticing all the changes that had taken place since their autumn walk. They spotted evergreen and deciduous trees, bright green holly with red berries and even a squirrel’s drey. The teachers were very impressed with all the children’s knowledge.

This week in Year 1

I’m sure you’ll agree that the children were amazing in their Christmas production this week – it was a pleasure to see such confidence as they told the traditional Nativity story.  We were also delighted that you were able to share the live performance with us.  Just a few photos below as we’ll be sharing lots more photos and a video in next week’s end of term newsletter.

This week in Year 2

What a week it has been! The highlight of the week was undoubtedly our Christmas production ‘The Queen’s Christmas Presents’, and it was fabulous to be able to welcome you to watch.  Here are a few photos from the day.  Check next week’s end of term special edition newsletter for lots more photos.

One of our challenges this week was to find out all about the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, which Year 2 did, before having their photo taken in front of our very own Junior Department Christmas tree.  Merry Christmas from Year 2!

2CW, 2LW and 2B in front of our tree

Science

Year 2 had great fun stepping away from the sea of glitter and Christmas preparations when they put on their serious scientist hats this week to carry out an investigation. It was the culmination of our topic on materials and the task was to find the best material to make an umbrella for a gingerbread man (Christmas ginger angel, Santa, tree or reindeer to be exact).  The children then got to design an umbrella with their waterproof material of choice before testing it out on a Christmas gingerbread biscuit. We are pleased to report that (to whoops of delight) 100% of the umbrellas worked and consequently the non-soggy gingerbread was devoured quickly once the investigation was over!

Year 2 Yogis

Head’s Commendations

Congratulations to this week’s recipients of Head’s Commendations:

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY RECOMMENDED READING LIST

FROM THE JUNIOR LIBRARY

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas?  Look no further!  Our fantastic Junior Library ladies have done the leg work and put together a comprehensive list of recommended reads for the Christmas holidays, and beyond. Click the image below to read the list.