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Victorian Workshop

17/05/2012 09:46:13

On Wednesday 9th May, Catherine Hammond from Epping Forest District Museum visited Year 6 to teach us about some amazing historical artefacts from the Victorian era.

Catherine explained a little about her work and then set us a task. She told us she was going to give a range of objects and, as a group, we had to choose one object that we would put on display in the museum. We had to explain why it was a good artefact to choose and what people could learn from it.

The group I was working with got Victorian fashion and we were able to try on corsets and crinolines. The other groups had toys including a spinning top, school objects including finger stocks and Victorian household objects. I particularly liked the hair curlers which had to be warmed up in the fire or on a stove.

It was fun to handle the objects and was a great way to learn more about the Victorians.

Ajay 6WT

Athletics Competition

12/05/2012 00:00:00

To celebrate the London 2012 Summer Olympics pupils from Year 4 attended the Caterham School School partnership for an afternoon of indoor athletics. In total there were ten local schools competing, with each team made up of four boys and four girls. The purpose of the afternoon was to have fun and learn the techniques involved for many of the events being held this summer, such as shot putt, high jump and hurdles.

Schools rotated around ten events followed by four team relays. With St. Aubyn’s regularly finishing either in first or second in each field event and in first, second or third for each track event the team were hoping for a high finish. Overall we finished in third place behind Churchfields and the overall winning team from St. Augustines.

Well done to Freddy, Connor, Elliot, Isaac, Jessie, Jessica, Mia and Sarah.

Pre Prep Olympic Art

12/05/2012 00:00:00

Pre Prep pupils have produced some fantastic artwork during their Art Day based on the Olympic theme of ‘Movement, Expression and Celebration’. RHB focused on movement and created flag designs. RAM focused on expression, creating faces of different expressions. REP used graphics to create an image of the words ‘London 2012’.

Year 1 completed tile designs in the style of Kandinsky. The children worked very carefully with the tiles and used carbon paper to transfer their design. They then painted the tiles using the Olympic colours (below).

Below is a picture of 2MH’s final piece in the style of Degas. They worked with printing to create images.

2CP used photographs to create a sequence of events using different freeze frames. The activities were varied and the children worked well with the different mediums.

In June there will be an exhibition in the PAC, where the children’s work will be displayed. This will take place in the week of World Sports Day and our own Olympic Sports Day.

WOW Badge Design Winner

08/05/2012 11:29:51

Congratulations to Danya (Year 4), whose design won first place in the Redbridge 2012 WoW (Walk Once a Week) badge design competition. The design will be sent with other area winners to 'Living Streets', who judge the national competition and decide which ones will be turned into next years badges.

Danya will receive a pack of WOW goodies and a £50 W H Smith Voucher.

Year 4 Thames Cruise

08/05/2012 11:11:54

Year 4 paid their second visit to London in as many weeks at the start of May. This adventure centered around a River Cruise on the Thames. Although it was cold, it was a rare dry day! The children were able to see many of the major landmarks of London and apply their relevance to past learning e.g. the Globe Theatre and Traitor’s Gate, which was part of the Tudor’s topic cover. The picture below was taken as they were about to pass HMS Belfast and the Shard.

Thank you to Miss Spence for organising the trip.

Zoolab Visit

08/05/2012 11:00:55

Emma from Zoolab visited Nursery and Reception at the start of May as part of their mini beast project. She told us that all mini beasts have no bones. We met and held Henry the giant snail, Ben and Sammy the Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Ben made a loud hissing sound for us all to hear).

We looked at Phyliss the Chilean Rose Tarantula and Ali the scorpion.

Dave the Hermit crab was feeling a little shy. But Casper the ghost Corn Snake was a big hit and everyone either held or touched him!

Mrs Storrs (Head of Nursery)

Bisley Olympic Shooting

08/05/2012 00:00:00

On Saturday the 28^th of April the cadets and instructors departed for Bisley Camp. Bisley Camp is in Surrey and is home of National Shooting, featuring many types of ranges and the HQ for our Olympic teams. Shooting is one of the disciplines that Great Britain has earnt the most Olympic medals in.

It was a very rainy weekend, but this did not matter as we were shooting at the Bisley Field Target Organisation ranges which were, for the large part, undercover.

On Saturday morning we arrived and settled into our accommodation, kindly hosted by Gresham School at their Rifle Clubs Pavilion. Once we had put our things away we went down to the Bisley Field Target Organisation club house, where we met Steve and George, our coaches for the weekend. We were split into 3 groups. One doing air pistol, one field shooting in the forest, and the other using air rifles on a target range. We had a great time and finished with small groups practising shoot and manoeuvre in the forest.

On Sunday everyone woke up and ate their rations. Before we started the competition shoot we got a chance to watch some marksmen and women shooting at a distance of 1,000 metres (1Km !), using full bore rifles. The targets were so small and distant, they could not be seen with the eye.

At the BFTO competition shoot we were given 4 targets and had 5 shots on each target. The total of our 20 shots were checked and calculated. In the end Corporal Kidd gained first place and got his Expert Marksman badge, Cadet Abbas came second and got his Marksman badge and despite out shooting everyone on the Saturday, Lance Corporal Banks came third.

Mr and Mrs James came down to Bisley to see everyone shoot and they had a go themselves! Everyone had a great time.

L-Cpl Banks

New Playground

08/05/2012 00:00:00

Pupils in Nursery and Pre Prep now have a new area in which to play and learn. The project, which was completed at the weekend, was half funded by SASS. The area currently has a sand pit, stage, climbing frame, traversing wall and benches. More items will be added over time.

2CP had a great time testing out the various features. The children were so excited. They loved exploring and playing with the new equipment. The excitement lasted all afternoon! Here are some of their quotes:

‘I’m proud and happy – it’s like having a park at school!’

‘It’s awesome!’

‘It’s brilliant!’

‘We can have great fun making shows and singing songs on the stage.’

Pirate Drama Workshop

01/05/2012 12:45:11

Nursery and Pre Prep children enjoyed participating in a pirate themed workshop with the drama group, Perform. They had to ‘scrub the decks’, ‘man the rigging’ and ‘row to shore’ in their journey to the island with the ‘magic coconut’. Everyone moved about the hall and froze when Captain Longone Silver entered the room. The children found the song about a parrot with smelly feet most amusing!

As with each Perform workshop this was a fun drama lesson which gave every pupil the opportunity to shine and to express themselves in a relaxed and fun environment.

Year 4 British Library Trip

30/04/2012 00:00:00

Year 4 spent a fascinating day at the British Library, where they took part in workshops which enabled them to have a better understanding of the history of maps and the role of the British Library.

The children also saw the British Library's newest acquisition, St. Cuthbert’s Gospel, a 7th Century gospel, discovered in the coffin of a Christian saint more than 900 years ago. This been bought by the British library for £9m.

We went to the British library on the 25^th April. We saw lots of paintings and a sculpture of Anne Frank. Then we went into a room and a lady called Jean said that we could come into the first workshop.

Next we went into the Education Room. Jean and a lady called Myanna , split us up into groups. We did some work on Venn diagrams and we had to sort some skills that they would do in the bubbles.

My favourite gallery was the John Riblat gallery it had to be dark because there were lots of old books in there. Mrs. Knight said that once a man came all the way from the States to just see one thing in there, a bit of old paper.

We had to follow a route that Jean said. James and Danya were leading My favourite painting was a 3D one it was awesome it was like you were actually walking through the library on the painting.

Jessie (4HG)

Wicked Theatre Trip

27/04/2012 00:00:00

On Thursday 26 April, 6SM went to the Apollo Victoria to watch Wicked. They already knew the story of the Wizard of Oz, so were excited to find out the ‘true’ story of the two witches. We learned why the Tin Man had no heart, why the lion was cowardly and who the scarecrow really was. We also learned that the Wicked Witch wasn’t always evil! The play was funny as well as sad at times, and we all had a wonderful evening.

Miss Dundon (Head of English)

First Aid Qualifications

26/04/2012 17:28:32

Six pupils who attend the weekly Senior School First Aid club have completed part two of the St. John Ambulance Young First Aider course.

The course covers: Bites & stings, Bleeding (minor) Bleeding and shock, Burns and scalds, Foreign objects and Poisons.

Congratulations to Ajay, Joel, Louis, Mohammed, Theo (all Year 6) and Gabriel (Year 8).

Thank you to Mrs Smith and Miss Windridge for running the lunchtime club. Next comes part three which covers more advanced topics like Resuscitation and Bone Injuries.

Science Trip

26/04/2012 00:00:00

In the first week of the Summer Term Miss Windridge took 4 gifted and talented scientists from Years 7 and 8 children to Imperial College, London for the Salters' Chemistry Festival. They took part in two activities based on chromatography and endothermic reactions and had a fun, informative lecture. Well done to Tashaan, Ruben, Roddi and Gabriel, who were a credit to the School.

Redbridge Netball Rally

26/04/2012 00:00:00

Congratulations to the girls who took part in the Under 11 Redbridge schools end of season netball rally on Tuesday 24th April. This annual event, at Redbridge sports centre, was well attended, with 11 schools from across the Borough competing.

The A team were on great form, comfortably winning all of their matches against Mayespark, Fairlop, Chigwell, Roding, St Joseph’s & Bancroft’s B team. The semi-final was between St Aubyn’s A & St Joseph’s A and once more our A team won 6-1. The final was against Bancroft’s A team and although our girls tried hard to deny the opposition, Bancroft’s won 10-3. Finishing as runners up in this rally and 3^rd overall in this year’s Redbridge netball league, the girls can feel very proud of their progress.

Our B team consisted of Year 5 pupils. Competing against pupils a year older, they did well to win two and draw one of their 6 matches. They displayed fantastic effort throughout the rally and show lots of potential for next season.

Miss Morgan

(Head of Girls' Games)

Scafell Adventure Training

16/04/2012 00:00:00

At the start of the Easter holidays some of our Cadets attended Scafell Adventure Training in the Lake District. This was a trip that, doubtless, will be etched into the memories of all who went and for all the right reasons.

After a long journey in convoy you could hear a pin drop when we saw the hostel. Set in the valley of Borrowdale, this stone built hostel was built in 1934 for the employees of K shoes. Surrounded by Cumbrian hills, with sheep grazing in the front ‘garden’ and with a shepherd as our only neighbour this was Utopia. Inside was a large dining hall with dorms to the side and upstairs heated by a cast iron pot-bellied stove. Within minutes we were as good as ‘at home’.

Day 1. Canoeing and gorge scramble. Ask the cadets what was the highlight and they will probably say the canoeing I would wager. Why? Derwentwater is stunning, it was sunny and the ‘tasks’ were great fun.

Day 2. A hike to Scafell Pike via Glaramara with a return to base via the Corridor. Filed into ranks of three we set off from base, over a stream to the valley floor. One word. Stunning! Not a sign of civilisation other than stone walls and a shepherd working his dogs. Then it was up hill, a climb of some 500 metres that soon got the blood pumping. Slightly levelling, we then started to conquer the four pikes towards our goal. Any of these in themselves would constitute a major achievement, ticked off the list with casual abandon.

Lunch was in the form of cold rations taken in a stone roofless shelter and it was now beginning to drizzle. No complaints except for the frantic quest for the desired ration pack. That done, 2 minute warning to continue and all rubbish collected we set off to the big hill. This was no walk in the park! Not a murmur of complaint just the usual chattering that girls can’t seem to do without! No idea what they were talking about but it was a nice background noise because they were happy and we were making progress. For those who haven’t been up before, it is a real mountaineering treat of boulder fields and scrambles. There is a large stone-built cylindrical memorial to the fallen from the Great War at the summit. This made a great place to rest in preparation for the descent. What an achievement. The highest peak and all of England lay beneath our feet.

Going down is not as easy as it seems! Long winding paths through narrow passes that are hard work on the legs. Finishing the walk as night drew in made this a magical experience. Standing at the back and with the moon for light seeing the single file snake down the pass and head-torches lighting the path was really special. Back to camp, hot chocolate and goodies to eat and with the fire raging a very satisfied group of cadets prepared for sleep. Chatting, even for the accomplished started to die down within minutes.

Day 3. Rise and shine was provided by Sgt Lawson who keenly adopted the role of bunkhouse fire marshal. Trying to start the coal fuelled stove with wet coal proved too much for the alarm system and 7am was a good enough time for a fire drill? Everyone was soon up and busy! A kind of break from walking was agreed (proposed by the staff!) and the day was spent on tidying up, preparing dinner with the canoeing and gorge scramble in the afternoon. Then home to St Aubyn’s with our temporary home left in a very clean order we were proud to be able to imagine anyone that we encountered saying “ They were a great bunch, we would welcome them back anytime!"

I am proud to say that you were a credit to the cadets and a credit to the School, WELL DONE!

Sergeant Instructor: J. Lawson, St Aubyn’s School Cadet Corps

Indoor Cricket Champions

03/04/2012 00:00:00

St. Aubyn's Indoor Cricket A team won the final of the 2012 Indoor Saturday League Competition on the 31st March. This year we entered three teams into the League as preparation for the Summer term's cricket fixtures. The standard was high as five local clubs and our 3 teams battled out in a series of 12 over matches.

The first Saturday saw the B team lose to a strong South Loughton team by 5 wickets. The following weekend, the A and C teams both competed. In the first match the A team drew with Ilford after chasing a score of 102 runs.A six from Harry in the last over proved crucial. The C team then faced Ilford and were well beaten. The final match of the day saw the A team set Woodford Green a score of 103 for 3. Despite starting well Woodford Green were all out for 44 runs.

On the third weekend the B team had 2 matches (against Woodford Wells and Fives & Hernonians). Last minute illness meant we were down to five players. Despite this they won both matches. Excellent batting and bowling from Mustafa, who took 3 wickets in his first 2 overs, saw us to victory against Woodford Wells. A good innings with the bat from Stan (31) helped the B team narrowly win their match against Fives & Heronians.

The fourth weekend saw the C team face off against Woodford Green and the A team. In a stunning display of bowling and fielding against Woodford Green, the C team, predominantly made up of Year 4 and 5 boys playing a year up, took a number of quick wickets from a combination of run outs and fine catches to win their first match of the league. In the final league match, the A and C teams faced each other and although Abdullah scored 17 runs not out the pace and spin bowling from the A team was too much and they ran out as winners to top their group.

In the final, the A team were drawn against Fives & Heronians. A couple of key players were on holiday and we were unable to call on B or C team players due to the competition rules so Zac and Ryley came to the rescue. Harry elected to bat but a quick run out and direct bowling resulted in a score of just 72. During the break Harry gave a rousing team talk focused on teamwork and fielding. This clearly paid off as Mohammed took several wickets whilst Zak pulled off the catch of the season, taking out the opening batsman. In the closing overs Fives & Heronians were all out for 50 runs and St. Aubyn’s A team were crowned as winners of the league this year.

Well done to Alfie, Alex, Luke, Harry, James, Mohammed, Ryley, Zak, Joel, George, Abdullah, Rohan, Shayam, Shyam, Oliver B, Oliver J, Stan, Luis-Enrique, Mustafa, Louis, Ajay and Hamza for all of their efforts.

House Dance

01/04/2012 00:00:00

On the last day of term Senior pupils competed in the annual house dance competition. The acts were very varied and the judges, Mrs Waldron, Mrs Griffin and Nikki (the Zumba teacher), had a difficult job to decide the placings which were:

1st – Mari-Kate, Tashaan, Sayma & Tosin (York) - 26

2nd – Alfie/Alex (Hayton) – 25.5

3rd – Jean-Pierre (Hayton) - 25

Congratulations to them and to well done to everyone else who took part to help make the last day so entertaining.

Wizard of Oz

29/03/2012 09:22:13

On Wednesday 28^th March, 6WT and some year 5 pupils went to see the Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. The show was spectacular! We didn’t know how they were going to stage a tornado, but what they produced was amazing. Toto was many pupils’ favourite, but we also enjoyed booing the Wicked Witch of the West. In the end, Dorothy and Toto arrived home safely and Oz was left in the capable hands of the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow.

Next term 6SM are going to see Wicked, so we’ll find out the ‘real’ story of the witches of Oz.

Spelling Bee Competition

28/03/2012 00:00:00

The annual Middle School Spelling Bee competiton came to a climax on Wednesday 28th March. The competition started as a sponsored event with all of the pupils in Years 3, 4 & 5 learning 50 spellings. The more they got correct in the test, the more money they earned.

The winners from each class competed to be Year Group Champion and then overall Champion. Congratulations to Neel, from Year 4, who won this year.

The money raised will be donated to ‘Help for Heroes’ and Chigwell Riding Trust.

Disability Awareness Day

28/03/2012 00:00:00

On Friday 23rd March, Year 8 took part in Disability Awareness Day. We were to learn about the difficulties faced by Visually Impaired individuals. Dipan, a charity worker who is also completely blind, showed us all how to guide a visually impaired person. We then tried leading each other round avoiding obstacles and other people! It was strange being led, because you had to put all of your trust in to the person leading you. Serina and I worked together. I guided her around first and then she guided me round after.

We then to travelled to Collier Row Bowling Alley to help the Visually Impaired Adults bowl and to learn more about them. When we got there we divided into groups of two or three and each took a Visually Impaired individual to look after. Hamzah, Toby and I looked after Dipan; Miss Lewis also joined our group. We played two games; Miss Lewis came first, Dipan second and Toby third in both games. Hamzah and I came fourth and fifth in one game each.

Afterwards we had lunch and Year 8 all chatted about how it had been so far. We were all really enjoying ourselves, chatting to the individuals and finding out about their lives, they seemed to live just like normal people, with simple adaptions to make their lives easier. I had only spent about four hours with them and I had really enjoyed their company. I very much hope to do something like it again soon.

Michael (8KP)

Osmington Bay Residential

26/03/2012 21:41:17

Year 5 set off for their PGL camp in Osmington Bay, Dorset, on Monday 19th March for a fun filled week of team building and challenge.

Monday

All arrived safely at 3.00pm and the sun is shining in Dorset. Relaxing on the beach before the first challenge - making beds!

Tuesday

We have been on the beach rock pooling as part of the habitats topic. Off to lunch!

Evening activity - 'The Longest Line' (below). Of course all items of clothing have been labelled with the child's name!

Wednesday

Weather fabulous - off to the beach this afternoon.

Squint and you can see Seb's ammonite (above)!

Hassan is the School's champion orange eater.

Thursday

Thursday Night Fever (below).

Friday

Apprentice Robin Hoods taking in the archery safety instructions (below)

St. Aubyn's Netball Festival

26/03/2012 18:35:50

Five schools took part in the first St. Aubyn's Under 11 Netball Festival on Wednesday 21st March. The event was designed to take advantage of our All Weather Pitch and Sportshall with all teams having matches on both surfaces. There was an emphasis on pupils making friends with their opponents as well as competing against them. This was achieved by turning the hardcourt into an area for players to get involved in activities like skipping and table tennis.

The sun shone and the pupils had a great afternoon. Forest School finished as chamions, winning all 5 of their matches to nil. St. Aubyn's finished as runners-up with Woodford Green Prep in third place. Fairlop School were awarded the Fair play award, which was a tough choice as everyone displayed excellent sporting behaviour throughout the afternoon.

Thank you to everyone who helped paint hoops, print certificates, provide refreshments and move equipment. An extra big thank you goes to Mrs Ayrton for umpiring.

Miss Morgan

Wembley Trip

26/03/2012 00:00:00

On the 19th of March 2012, 1st XI footballers from year 7 and 8 embarked on a tour of Wembley Stadium. The footballers left at 12.30pm and gained entrance to the world famous stadium at 1.30pm.

Throughout the day we learnt many interesting facts such as:

The stadium contains 2,618 toilets - more than any other venue in the world.

The stadium has a circumference of 1 km

The total length of the escalators is 400 m.

The stadium was home to many concerts such as the Capital’s Annual Summertime Ball and was performed at by many artists such as Madonna, Rhianna, Take that and Michael Jackson.

After taking photos with a replica of the FA Cup we embarked on the tiring journey down a myriad of stairs. Worn out, we worked our way to the changing rooms, which were home to shirts worn by many professional footballers like Joe Hart, Ronaldo, Rooney and Messi. After going completely mad in the changing rooms, we strolled through the tunnels and into the dugout.

The tour ended in the souvenir shop where we purchased numerous items. The footballers and I would like to say a special thank you to Mr Towson, Ian Clark and Mr Bayntun for organizing the once in a lifetime trip.

Report by Ruben (8KP)

Nursery Sport Relief

23/03/2012 00:00:00

Nursery pupils and staff all wore red clothes and took part in various sporting activities to raise funds for Sport Relief on Friday 23rd March. The action began before School when Miss Callaway, Mrs Ayrton and Mrs Bassi completed a run to school arriving to the cheers of pupils, parents and staff.

The children all took part in a variety of fun and sporty actvities during the day.

With money still coming in we have raised £440 through sponsorship, a cake sale and by selling sweatbands. This was a very successful day which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Well done to everyone who took part.

Alice in Wonderland

22/03/2012 17:33:01

Year 5 produced two stunning performance of Lewis Carroll's story, 'Alice in Wonderland' on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th March. Every pupil was fully involved in the shows, which kept their audiences entertained for 75 minutes each night. The costumes, singing, dancing and acting were all top quality and it was obvious that the children and staff had worked very hard from the moment the children started learning their lines.

Congratulations to all involved.

Pre Prep Titanic Project

22/03/2012 00:00:00

The children in Pre Prep have been learning about the Titanic as it is the 100th anniversary of its sinking this April. The children have found the topic fascinating and enjoyed finding out new facts together.

Some children even carried on this research at home finding books on the Titanic in the library and pictures on the internet. It also has become the inspiration for playground games! Classrooms have been turned into ships and the children acted out what it would have been like on the ship as first second and third class passengers. Most children definitely preferred their time in the First class section!

In art, the children drew their version of the ship using a variety of mediums.

In literacy the children took themselves back in time to become reporters the day after the crash and wrote some fantastic newspaper reports of the event. A topic to remember!

Mrs Bailey, 1HB

Pre Prep Drama Club

21/03/2012 00:13:19

Children in Pre Prep have been enjoying their lunchtime Drama Club sessions. The pictures below show them acting out being on the Titanic, experiencing the difference between first, second and third class tickets.

Photos to be added

Forest Tournament Success

17/03/2012 00:00:00

On Friday 16th March our Under 9 team took part in the Forset School 6-a-side Football tournament. The team were hoping to to go one better than their Runners -up position at the Lochinver House tournament.

We started badly losing the first game to Loyola 1- 0 after we let in a late goal. The second game against St. Hugh's resulted in a 1- 0 victory and a 0 - 0 draw against Chigwell somehow gave us a top 2 finish and a place in the Cup semi-finals.

By now we had warmed up! We beat the hosts, Forest, 2 - 0 in the semi-final to face Woodford Green Prep School in the final. Saving the best for last we romped home to a 4 - 0 victory in style to lift the cup. Well done to Izzy, Connor, Jack, Elliot, Leon, Joshua and Dilan.

Olympic Competition

17/03/2012 00:00:00

Staff and pupils from St. Aubyn’s organised an international Mini-Olympics event in the build up to London 2012. The European competition was provided by the School’s partner schools in the Comenius Project, which is funded by the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme, giving schools in Europe the opportunity to build real and lasting links through collaborative projects.

Children from class 4NS, aged 8 and 9, teamed up with their European guests to produce 9 teams from Great Britain, Rumania, Spain, Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Italy, Turkey and Slovenia. A few of the children have family ties to Greece, Spain and Italy and were able to compete for those teams, whilst translating instructions to their team mates.

After respectfully observing a potted version of nine National Anthems they competed in races with a variety of sports themes such as rugby, tennis, hurdles and basketball. To add to the occasion the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Chris Cummins, was present to award the medals to the eventual winners, Turkey, who squeezed Great Britain into second place. The Mayoress, Helen Johnson, was also present to cheer on the teams. The European teachers were impressed by the ability and enthusiasm of the pupils and were awarded a special commemorative medal for their participation.

Comenius partnerships have become a familiar and exciting part of school life at St. Aubyn’s. The latest project, ‘Creativity in a Digital World’, which began in September 2011 and lasts for 2 years, is the third successive project that the School has taken part in.

Ilford Recorder News Article

Brentwood Tournament Success

15/03/2012 00:00:00

The annual Brentwood School Netball and Football tournaments saw our Under 10 teams playing highly competitive matches.

In the Netball Tournament our girls showed an excellent combination of skills, teamwork and determination to finish as the overall winners. In the group stage we won 5 out of 5, scoring 25 goals and conceding none! Qualifying for the top group in style we played 3 more games which we won 5-0, 6-1 and 3-1. Congratulations to: Merechi, Amrita, Antonia, Lilah, Olivia, Aaminah, Ella, Flora, Maisie and Shifa.

Here is an account from Lilah:

On the 9th of March most of the year 5 girls went to a tournament at Brentwood school. We drove there in the Mini Bus and then split up with the boys to go to where the netball takes place. When we got there we put our stuff down, had a warm up and then practised our shooting; by that time it was time to play!

Three people sat out because it was a 7-a-side game (I was GA). We had a good game as we were passing accurately, dodging, spreading out and shooting good goals. I was very surprised because we won!! We all then got warm as Miss Morgan changed some positions around and then back to another game. We all went on like this and won all of our games against all of the schools! It was then time for the presentation and everyone did very well but right at the end we found out that St. Aubyn's were first and got a big trophy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all grabbed our stuff and ran to tell the boys with big smiles on our faces.

In the football tournament there were 14 teams competing in two groups of seven. The format allowed for 6 group games followed by a play-off match against the corresponding team in the opposing group. St. Aubyn’s were drawn in Group A and faced stiff opposition with matches against the hosts Brentwood A, Felsted, St. Michaels, St. Helens, Herrington House and Widford Lodge.

After the group stage we were in fourth place, despite only losing one game to eventual winners, Widford Lodge, by one goal, 0-1, in the first game of the day. Our remaining group games resulted in three draws and two wins.

In the play-off for seventh place we faced Ursuline Preparatory and despite being one-nil behind at half-time performed with spirit and real application in the second half to finish the match 1-1. The final goal coming from a great run and finish from Stan which was swiftly followed up by Luis-Enrique for his fifth goal of the day!

Well done to Ross, Tomi, Brandon, Alex, Stan, Kalan, Sebastian, Oliver, Luis-Enrique and Isaac.

Cross Country Relays

09/03/2012 00:00:00

A sunny March afternoon saw the Under 9 and Under 11 Boys and Girls Cross Country teams competing at the Coopersale School Cross Country Relay races. We have always competed well at this event and this year was no exception.

The race involves teams of 4 pupils running a 500 metre hilly course as a relay team. The Under 9 Girls set the standard by winning the first race of the afternoon, leading their race from the front. A terrific run from Elliot ensured the Under 9 boys continued our winning ways and the Under 11 girls made it three in a row, coming back from third place on the final 500m of their race. The Under 11 boys race was exceptionally close, and third place was guaranteed with an exhausting run from Ryley. In the final race all of our mixed reserve runners performed well with a number of age category wins.

Overall the results were:

Under 9 Boys 1st place

Under 9 Girls 1st place

Under 11 Girls 1st place

Under 11 Boys 3rd place

Congratulations to Jack, Jacob, Gia, Isla, Connor, Elliot, Isaac, Jessie, Poppy, Sarah, Oliver, Sebastian, Merechi, Maisie, Ryley, Bram, Zak, Abbie, Skye and Olivia.

Redbridge Mini Games

08/03/2012 00:00:00

Wednesday 7th March saw over sixty pupils from our Years 5 & 6 competing at the Redbridge Mini Games. The Mini Games are the curtain raiser event to the London Youth Games, with the winning school from each competition being selected to represent the Borough at the Youth Games.

With over 40 schools and more than 1000 pupils competing this year in a variety of sports, the level of competition was very high. Despite horrendous conditions and continuous rain throughout the day everyone remained positive and a number of events were completed. Sadly due to pitch conditions the Tag Rugby and Six-a-side football were cancelled and dates will be announced for their completion. Well done to all those pupils who took part and thanks to all the staff who helped out on the day with a team or behind the scenes.

Results

Six-a-side Football: Quarter-finals - awaiting a completion date

Tag Rugby: Quarter-finals - awaiting a completion date

Netball: Second

Boccia: Second

Hockey: Third

Tri-golf: Result to be announced

Photos

Harrow School Music Trip

07/03/2012 00:00:00

Mrs Phillips, our Head of Music, took seven of our gifted and talented musicians to Harrow School for an afternoon of music tuition on Wednesday 7th March.

Firepower Museum Trip

06/03/2012 21:57:05

Year 7 recently had an interesting trip to the Firepower Museum in Greenwich, where we had lessons on explosive chemistry and the science of bombs.

We started by learning the difference between a physical reaction and a chemical reaction and then how a physical explosion, like a Volcano, differed from a chemical explosion, like a bomb. We also looked at the history and science behind how gunpowder is created and why is explodes.

It was a great experience for 7SL to learn about the stages of how substances are combined together to create new products and how the resulting evolving gas can create catastrophic explosions. It was very interesting learning about the science of explosions and after lunch we learnt a bit about weapons, including canons, and how the technology and materials developed to make them safer and more effective.

Overall, the experience of the trip was amazing and we returned to school with much more knowledge.

Kyle, Year 7

Pirate Day

06/03/2012 00:00:00

'Shiver me Timbers' and 'Ahoy me Hearties' were just some of the expressions heard when the pupils and staff in Pre Prep had a swashbuckling day dressed as pirates for World Book Day.

Our very own 'Pirate Island' scene (above) was the stimulus for some imaginative story writing.

When asked why they were dressed as pirates, 1HB (above) all replied, 'Because we AARRRRR'.

The topic work continued with various pirate pictures and treasure maps.

Thank you to all of the staff, pupils and parents for making the day a very special one.

Zumba Lessons

02/03/2012 17:44:48

On Wednesday 29^th February, the year 7 and 8 girls took part in their first Zumba class. The girls worked really hard and had an ‘awesome’ time according to several of them. They have learned lots of routines and danced to some really good music. They can’t wait for their next lesson.

Under 11 Hockey Match

02/03/2012 17:25:48

The competitive boys U11 hockey continued with a match against Forest at Redbridge & Ilford Sports Centre on Wednesday 29th February. The majority of the U11 boys that have been playing hockey this term represented St Aubyn’s. The game consisted of 3 periods of 10 minutes each with players being regularly rotated to give everyone an opportunity to sample a game against another side.

There were good performances from a number of boys and the final result was a 7-0 victory to St Aubyn’s.

The next hockey outing is the Redbridge mini games next Wednesday. Watch this space for the report.

Mr. G. Bayntun (Head of Physical Education)

Photos

Year 4 Synagogue Trip

02/03/2012 00:00:00

Year 4 recently visited a Synagogue. Here are accounts of their trip from three pupils:

On Tuesday 28th February we went to visit Ilford Synagogue. A man called Brian, told us what happens in a synagogue. They read their prayers in a book and it is in Hebrew! I was astonished when he told us that the books were written and read back-to-front. There was a special book called the Torah scrolls and you are not allowed to touch it because it might smudge. So you use a pointer called a yad to read it. There was also a cupboard called the ark. This is where the scrolls are kept. Each scroll takes a long time to write and there is no punctuation or vowels.I really enjoyed the trip and I would like to visit there again.

Melis 4CN

On the 21st February 4NS and half of 4HG went to Ilford Synagogue. Brian Mc Shane (our rabbi) taught us about lots of things, including Bar Mitzvahs, which you have if you are a boy 13 and a girl 12. Then Brian showed us the Torah scrolls,which were a lot bigger than I expected. You read the scrolls with a yad. Every Synagogue in the world faces Jerusalem (the holy land). Finally we went back to school; I enjoyed our trip to the Synagogue as did everyone else.

Ben 4HG

On the 21st February we went to Ilford Synagogue.When I walked into the building, It looked like a palace. The stained glass window each had a ‘Star of David’. There was Hebrew writing. Next, our tour guide called Brian told us about the Jewish religion. We learned that boys become responsible at 13 years old and girls at 9 years old. We got to look at the Torah, which is the Jewish Holy book. Finally we had some biscuits and a drink. I enjoyed the day and would like to go again.

Diaz 4NS

Woman in Black Theatre Trip

02/03/2012 00:00:00

On the evening of Thursday 1st March, Year 7 and some Year 6 pupils went to watch the Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End. It was terrifying…even though there were only two people on stage for most of the performance. An excellent plot was uncovered but the element of surprise was there throughout the show. It was a great show…even though I think some of us may have had a bit of trouble sleeping that night!

By Charlotte

Big Book Babble

28/02/2012 17:42:44

On Tuesday 28^th February Mrs Scott, Miss Wear and Miss Windridge took a number of Year 3 students on a visit to the Big Book Babble. The journey was long but the experience was fun.

We took the tube to Leicester Square and arrived at the Arts Theatre, West End. We were there to see Cressida Cowell, author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, interviewed by children’s comedian James Campbell. The show was filmed and streamed live on the internet.

We listened to Cressida read from the new World Book Day short story: The Day of the Dreader and had the chance to ask her questions about her writing. We all came away wishing for our very own pet dragon and feeling thoroughly inspired to read more books.

Mrs Scott (Librarian)

Felsted Hockey Tournament

28/02/2012 17:33:16

On Thursday 23rd February the U11 boys travelled to the U11 Hockey Tournament at Felsted school. This is only the second time that we have taken part as hockey is very much in its infancy at St. Aubyn’s.

Our first game was against the home side and eventual winners, Felsted. Although our defence initially held firm the superior individual skills of the opposition resulted in a 4-0 defeat. After this tough start it would have been nice to have a slightly easier game, this was not to be as we faced FKS (eventual runners up) and although we did manage to create a couple of chances , we went down 2-0. This was however a much improved performance.

Our third and final group game was against Howe Green, this was a much more even affair. Play switched from end to end and both sides had chances. Howe Green converted one of theirs and although St. Aubyn’s had a goal disallowed we could not find the equaliser and went down 1-0. This put us in to a play off game against the 4th placed side in the other pool, St Michaels. We started very positively and constant pressure resulted in our first goal, coolly dispatched by Nathan. We were then slightly unlucky when an infringement in the middle of the pitch was missed and St Michael’s equalised. Despite constant pressure we could not find the winner and the game finished 1-1.

There was a definite step-up in performance since last year and as more pupils are given the chance to play hockey the level will continue to rise. Well done to all those who took part and thanks to Mr Colton for his efforts with the team.

Mr. Bayntun (Head of Physical Education)

Photos

Cadets' Signals Weekend

23/02/2012 15:43:16

On the signals weekend we spent the whole of Friday night and Saturday having lectures about the radio, security, voice predures and how to use it safely. On Saturday evening we did the dreaded tests but they weren’t that bad after all. The tests assessed our knowledge of radio types, functions and there use. We finished with a test on assembly and sending a test signal. All of the cadets passed these with good marks.

The next day, Sunday, we did another test; it was the radio user test to check that we could all use the right voice procedures on a radio net. After a lot of practice everyone had a go with 5 cadets passing and gaining their Radio Use Qualification. Also on the Sunday morning the cadets did an introduction to signals, this included radio waves and putting up radio masts and antenna. It was very interesting to find out about this because it’s an important skill if you are going to be a signaller.

By the end of the weekend everyone had at least gained their Junior Communicator badges with 5 gaining their Radio User qualification. Of course what we all took part for was the course T-SHIRT.

By Corporal J. Kidd

Lion King Theatre Trip

23/02/2012 00:00:00

On Thursday 9th February, 6SD and two Year 5 pupils went to the Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre in London. The show was spectacular, even opening with the arrival of an elephant! The pupils were entranced by all of the characters, but thought that Rafiki, the baboon, was particularly entertaining! They were all very sad when Simba's father died, but things all worked out well for Simba in the end when he reclaimed his title as King of the Jungle.

Olympic Writing Success

23/02/2012 00:00:00

On February 21st, four of our Year 6 pupils went to Forest School to participate in an Olympic Writing Day. They had the opportunity to meet an author, John Dougherty, and then competed against more than twenty other schools to write a story based on this scenario: One cold day in February, an Olympic hopeful met a mysterious stranger who offered them the certainty of a gold medal. Below you can see the story which our pupils produced. They were judged to have produced the best story overall and arrived back at school thoroughly delighted!

The Deadly Agreement

I woke up in casualty; a blurred figure slowly cam into focus. He held a syringe, the kind you have when you get a flu jab. The deafening silence was broken as the doctor spoke, “I see you’re an athlete. What would you say if I offered you the chance of a lifetime?” He put on a false smile, “An Olympic gold medal!” The damp, dark February morning seemed to brighten at this offer. The impossible was now becoming reality.; I could almost feel the medal burn into my palm. Adrenaline surged through my veins at the thought of it. My emotions must have shown on my face as he said, “I take it you accept then?” I nodded and smiled meekly. He pulled out his lethal looking syringe and jabbed it into my arm; it went in with a hiss and pierced my skin. My eyes closed as the darkness enveloped me.

“Welcome to the start of the one hundred ,metre race. Great race conditions for the day. Good luck to all of our contestants!” I looked up towards the commentary box, the lights as bright as a dying sun momentarily blinded me.

The sharp crack of the starting pistol punctured my eardrums. It was my second nature, as soon as I heard that noise I lurched forward and, as quick as a whippet, was in the swing of the race. I was faster than I had ever been before, Olympic victory was within my grasp. I bent forward and flew through the finish line.

As an unbearable happiness filled my body, I picked out the insipid doctor high in the stand, wearing a glacial smile. His mica eyes drilled into mine and seeing his expression I regretted my acceptance of his offer.

I stepped up to receive the promised treasure. As it neared me, an obsidian black blind was pulled over my vision. I lost all sense of direction and my knees buckled from underneath me as they could no longer take my weight. The terrified crowd faded as I lost consciousness. I knew that death was coming on swift wings; no man should play God.

Miss S.Dundon (Head of English)

Badminton Match

23/02/2012 00:00:00

For the first St. Aubyn’s Badminton team fixture twelve pupils from Years 5, 7 & 8 travelled to Forest School for an after-school competition. With pupils competing in both singles and doubles , a total of thirty five matches were played. The standard of play was very high and every match was closely competed over.

St. Aubyn’s fielded a squad with some pupils who have competed at county level and above and others who have not competed before. Despite fine efforts from the whole squad, Forest School were the eventual winners, with the score in matches 20 - 15.

Well done to Brandon, Georgina, Oliver, Henry, Michael, Maham, Montel, Callum, Taiwo, Serina, Sayma and Soha for their efforts on the day and thanks to Daniel Chipperfield for his assistance with the team.

Photos

Under 10 Football Tournament

14/02/2012 10:27:12

The annual Under 10 Five-a-Side Tournament was scheduled to be the first event of the year on the all-weather pitch. However, the severe weather meant changes to the format of the popular event. With eight teams attending the level of competition was very high in both groups A and B. To allow plenty of ‘match-time’ for each team there was a play-off stage after the group stages to determine the final tournament placings.

In the play-off for first and second place, Bancroft’s School, last year’s winners, and Chigwell School played out a very close game. After the seven minutes of normal time and the score level at 1-1, the match moved into a two-minute extra time period. During extra-time Chigwell continued to attack the Bancroft’s goal and after two well taken goals ran out the winners in a thrilling 3-1 final.

Thanks go to all the staff who attended and assisted with the event and I would like to praise all of the pupils who took part for their excellent attitude and behaviour.

Photos

Comenius Italy Visit

10/02/2012 17:10:31

On 1^st February 2012, Mr Townson, Mrs Griffin and I took part in the second partner meeting of our Comenius project, ‘Creativity in a Digital World’. Little did we know what the weather in Italy had in store for us, as we landed in a treacherous snowstorm. Tenacity and determination resulted in seven of the eight visiting countries making it to Faenza.

We were very grateful to the Italian teachers for their flexibility, changing plans at the very last minute. With the snow so bad, school for the children in Faenza was cancelled. Luckily, we were still able to visit the school, which was very quiet! It was wonderful to see examples of how pupils in Italy are involved in the project, exploring and studying other European countries.

We are looking forward to 7^th March when St Aubyn’s welcomes 23 teachers, from the 8 countires involved and are hoping that the snow will be gone by then!

Mrs Porter (Comenius Coordinator)

Cadet Instructors Fieldcraft Training

07/02/2012 20:56:28

On an icy weekend (4th and 5th of February) the Cadet Corps instructors set forth to undertake a fieldcraft course, enabling those new to cadets and the military, to acquire the skills to extend and enrich a cadets education. The course was run by former staff instructor of the 10^th Parachute Regiment and his team at former RAF Sopley.

We arrived in temperatures pushing -3. The dorms did little to inspire and were obviously done to test the instructors steel.Saturday started with briefings and an introduction to field movement and patrol before going onto camouflage and concealment. As temperature plummeted to -6 instructors bedded down in their Spartan conditions.

On Sunday the instructors were given lessons on ambush and anti ambush before assaults and building breach and clearances. The day was finished off with an exercise to rescue hostages where patrols, assaults, breach and clearance where all put together. Course t-shirts were issued and wearily the instructors packed and headed due east towards a very snowy Essex.

Maj. C. P. Lander

Violin Concert

07/02/2012 00:00:00

On Wednesday 1^st February, Violinists from Years 2 to 8 took part in an informal concert which took place in the Performing Arts Centre. All musicians performed very well. Especially memorable was the final piece ‘Rocky Mountain’ which was performed by our String Orchestra musicians.

Mrs Phillips (Head of Music)

Redbridge Swimming Gala

03/02/2012 00:00:00

On Thursday 26th January we met at the board at 11:25 to go to the Redbridge Mini Games Swimming Gala held at Fullwell Cross in Barkingside. This was a big gala with 15 U11 swimming teams from Redbridge competing. We travelled on the school minibus and we were bouncing on our seats with excitement.

The boys went into one changing room and the girls went in the other. It was very busy so we tried to share lockers but some of us had big bags. When we walked out of the changing room with our towel and goggles we put on our St. Aubyn’s swim hats. All the schools had a bench to sit on while they watched their team or other teams swim.We raced in heats as there were only 5 lanes and 15 schools competing. There were as many as 4 heats for each event and although you were racing against the other children in your heat you were really racing against the clock to get the fastest time over all heats.

The first race was boys backstroke and St Aubyn’s boys raced in heat 2 with Alex in Lane 1 and in heat 3 with Brandon in Lane 3. Alex and Brandon both won their heats. Then we moved onto girls backstroke with Lucy in Heat 2 Lane 2. Lucy won as well. This gave us a really strong start. In the boys breaststroke Alex and Theo were both competing in heat 3. In the girls breaststroke Lucy came 2nd in heat 3 and Liah came 4th in heat 4. Next came the boys freestyle relay Theo, Zac, Brandon and Bram raced and came 3rd. In the girls freestyle Lilah, Mari-Kate, Olivia and Lucy came 2nd in Heat 1. The boys butterfly saw Zac came 1st in heat 1 and Alex came 4th in the same heat. In the girls butterfly Lilah came 2nd in heat 1 and Mari-Kate came 3rd in heat 2. In the freestyle Zac came 2nd and Mari-Kate came 3rd in Heat 5.

Finally in the boys medley relay Alex, Theo, Brandon and Zac came 2nd and in the girls Mari-Kate, Lilah, Olivia and Lucy came 1st.Once all the races were finished the times were calculated and St Aubyn’s came 4th overall out of the 15 schools. Mr B was very happy.

Mari-Kate Year 6

Senior House Engineering

03/02/2012 00:00:00

On Friday 3rd February all Senior pupils competed in the popular annual Engineering Challenge. All House competitions are keenly contested. Pupils had been briefed a week earlier that they had to divide their House into 4 teams and that the challenge was to build 4 towers from straws. The House with the greatest combined tower height would be the victors.

With Head of Technology, Mr. Townson, away in Italy on a Comenius Project trip School House had been thoroughly prepped on techniques to win. There were rumours that he would be helping them live from Italy via SKYPE but this didn't happen.

The winners were York.

The Leaning Tower of Hayton - 'quick before it falls'

FA Coaching Session

30/01/2012 00:00:00

A very cold and sunny Friday 27th January saw the visit of eight coaches from the FA Skills team to deliver an hour and a half workshop to all of Year 4. The sessions were designed to improve individual techniques as well as team play and decision making and the afternoon was a great success.

The year group was split into six small groups (10 -12pupils) with each coach working through a variety of testing skills and drills. Kalam Mooniaruck, the FA Skills Team Leader (Essex) was very impressed with our pupils and is looking forward to returning to work with pupils from other year groups.

Thanks go to Kalam and all the coaches from the FA Skills team and the staff who helped make the day so memorable.

Photographs

Felsted Sports Coaching

30/01/2012 00:00:00

Four cricketers and one netballer from Year 6 enjoyed a day of high level coaching at Felsted School on Friday 27th January. The pupils, who are all at District or County level, were chosen for the enthusiasm and ability they have for their sport. Harry, James, Alfie, Mohammed and Abbie all received advice from coaches who had played sport professionally at County and National levels. They also had a go at hockey, which is a relatively new sport to St. Aubyn's. All of our pupils benefitted from learning with some very able players and were very appreciative of the effort that had gone into the day.

I would like to pass on my thanks to the staff at Felsted School for making us so welcome. Particular thanks to Mr. Knightley (Director of Sport) for organising the event and his team of coaches for delivering it so enthusiastically.

Mr. Shute

London 2012 - Get Set

23/01/2012 00:00:00

St. Aubyn's has been recognised by the London 2012 Organising Committee as a school that is demonstrating its commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values and has become a member of the Get Set network.

Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme, and through this programme, our pupils have been learning about the Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Values. There have been assemblies on the different values and on Olympic hopefuls aim to achieve their goal of competing at the Games. We will be rewarding the achievements of pupils who demonstrate the values through a sticker reward scheme.

In addition we are incorporating the Olympics into other lessons. For example geography lessons will involve projects researching some of the Countries taking part. Maths lessons in the Senior School have included the Symmetry of flags in Venn diagrams and investigations involving the cirlcles that make up the Olympic rings (see below).

Over the coming months, we will be getting ready for London 2012 by linking more work to the Games and ensuring that our pupils feel that they are a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

We look forward to updating you on this exciting work.

Debating Visit

19/01/2012 15:21:56

On Tuesday 16th January, some year 5 and year 6 pupils were involved in a workshop taken to introduce them to the skills of debating. Haileybury’s Master i/c of Debating, Mr Blair, helped the children to learn about how they could use their voice, body language and eye contact. They also discovered that one of the best tools when arguing is to explain to the opposition why they are wrong!

Debating Club resumes for Senior School pupils on 19th January and we hope to see some of these skills being used.

Miss Dundon (Head of English)

Making our brains work (writing your name in the air backwards and forwards…took some concentration!)

Body Language (why crossing our arms is bad as we look defensive or nervous)

Basketball Success

18/01/2012 00:00:00

Qualifying from the Redbridge Primary Schools Basketball Competition, pupils from Years 5 & 6 competed at the Redbridge Primary 3 on 3 finals at Caterham High School. With eight teams competing and only the top two teams being selected for the London Youth Games the level of competition was very high. Overall we won four matches, drew one and lost two, resulting in a creditable third place finish in a sport which is not one of our main ones.

Despite fine efforts the team missed out on the next round by only two points. Well done to Louis, Abbie, Ajay, Shaan, Aveena (Year 6) and Mercehi (Year 5) for all their efforts on the afternoon.

Cadet Staff First Aid Course

11/01/2012 00:00:00

On Saturday 7^th January the Cadet Instructors, made up of parents, governors, teachers, former pupils and community volunteers, met up to complete their HSE appointed person course in first aid. In addition all of the instructors completed further first aid, aimed at the specific needs of the cadets. Much of the course was delivered outside and all adults successfully passed. The course proved enjoyable and highly rewarding.

Whoops-a-Daisy Angel

20/12/2011 21:46:54

The Christmas production for Reception and Year One this year was ‘Whoops a-Daisy Angel’. All the children performed well in the singing and dancing spectacular. They worked extremely hard during the rehearsals to enable them to put on a fantastic show.

Three Lions Football Festival

14/12/2011 22:31:04

On Tuesday 29th Novemeber, 12 girls went to the Under 11 Three Lions Football Festival at Loughton Academy. There were two teams: St. Aubyn’s Stars and St. Aubyn’s Stripes. Both teams played in five matches with a mixture of wins, losses and draws.

Top Goal Scorer for St. Aubyn’s Stars was Merechi with twelve goals! Both teams played exceptionally well and were rewarded with a high number of ‘fair play’ awards. Overall we had lots of fun and look forward to the next event.

Well done to Merechi, Abi, Shifa, Maisie, Charlotte, Flora, Holly, Amarah, Amrita, Antonia, Layla and Martha.

Charlotte & Layla (Year 5)

Year 2 Cinderella Performance

14/12/2011 22:26:27

Year 2 performed the pantomime “Cinderella” to an audience of parents on Thursday, 8th December. They acted really well and sang and danced their hearts out!

Cinderella entertained us to a beautiful solo and the Ugly Sisters (Jude and Seby) made us all laugh as they portrayed young ladies!

All of the children in Year 2 played their parts brilliantly and their teachers were very proud of them.

Well done Year 2.

OAP Christmas Party

14/12/2011 00:00:00

All of the pupils in Year 7 & 8 hosted a Christmas Party for more than 90 elderly people, many of whom have disabilities, in the PAC on Tuesday, 13th December. The event was organised by two charities; Shopmobility and Outreach. They help people who have difficulty getting out of their homes.

The event started with a fleet of minibuses dropping off our guests. After some tea, biscuits and socialising, a Christmas Lunch was served by our pupils and volunteers from the charities. A Christmas Quiz was followed by the Raffle Draw and then some festive songs from the School choir and a Christmas Rap from our multi-talented Year 7 & 8 pupils.

The event provided our pupils with an invaluable experience of volunteering, citizenship and socialising to which they responded magnificently. The elderly visitors were full of praise for them and many wanted to take them home!

Here are a few reflections from Year 7 pupils:

This afternoon when we helped out at the Christmas party, some of us met some really nice people and shared lots of stories. I was serving on a table with Sayma and we had 4 elderly people on our table. I was told that one man named Charley was 97 years of age.

Montel

Today I shared a table with 5 ladies who enjoyed their chats and their food. Myself and my partner were informing them about the School, talking about where they had come from and listening to their conversation right until the end.

Kyle

On our table was a lady who told me her name was Annie. She had come from Leyton but had a strong undercurrent of a Welsh accent, so I asked her where she was originally from. She told me Wales but went on to explain that she hadn’t lived there since 1946. I was surprised by this as her accent was still very strong.

She continued to say that she was a woman of the world and had been all around from Singapore to Germany, despite not knowing many languages. Her husband was a soldier, hence why she was such a woman of the world. She had even been around the coast of South Africa as a diversion.

Annie was a wonderful and beautifully kind woman and I hope to see her again.

Rodi

Today we spent time with some elderly people and they were very kind. They told us lots of stories; one of the men was in the army in 1943.

Maya

Today we had a great day because we socialised with elderly people. First, I met an elderly woman whose name was Mary. I offered her some drinks and fruits which she thought were nice. Mary and I had a little chat about ourselves and then suddenly we got into a detailed chat about Westfield in Stratford of which she was very fond.

Husnain

Junior Road Safety Officers

24/11/2011 14:29:41

Two pupils from Year 5 were recently inducted as the School's Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO). Mrs Knight took Flora and Tomi to the Induction Ceremony at Ilford Central Library, where they were introduced to the Mayor and Mayoress of Redbridge (picture below).

As JRSOs, Tomi and Flora will be trained to deliver presentations in assemblies to pupils from Years 1 - 5 on a variety of Road Safety themes. Well done to them both.

Ballet Demonstration Evenings

24/11/2011 00:00:00

Last week our annual demonstration of ballet and classical dance took place in the Performing Arts Centre. 64 pupils from Reception to Year 6 took part over two evenings, showing a selection of new syllabus work and dances from last year’s examinations.

Despite many ‘backstage’ nerves, I was pleased to see all pupils, regardless of year group, encouraging and supporting one another, then summoning up their courage to perform with confidence to an audience of relatives and staff.

The evenings were a good opportunity for the children to showcase their efforts from the past year and to celebrate their examination successes.

Mrs Waldron

Y7 Science Trip - Chatham Docks

22/11/2011 00:00:00

We had an early start and got to school for 7:15am. The journey was surprisingly swift through the Blackwall tunnel and soon we were heading towards the docks for our ‘Deadly Forces’ science trip.

The first thing we undertook was a practical experiment to investigate the ratios of mixtures and how varying quantities can effect a chemical reaction. Our aim was to make a chemical reaction powerful enough to fire a ball bearing out of a cannon towards a target. We used citric acid and bicarbonate of soda to create our reaction with the winning team of Oliver, Maya and George working on a 1.5:1 ratio.

We then changed location to discuss hull shapes and forces before seeing a demonstration of hull shapes in their wave tank. The class then separated into groups to begin a game of building their own boat using a variety of materials. Each team was given a budget of ninety pounds to buy essentials like motors and propellers for the boat and briefed that they would be tested for speed and load carrying capacity. The various designs had mixed outcomes with Rodi opting for a submersible design.

Lunch was followed by a tour of a submarine, the H.M.S Ocelo, and a quick look around the docks. The submarine was very cramped and it was a tight squeeze. The day was very enjoyable and a fun way to learn about science.

George 7SD

Skill at Arms Weekend

21/11/2011 00:00:00

The recent Cadets Skill at Arms weekend was a big success.

On Saturday they split into two groups. The novice program helped the beginners team learn about arms safety, the law, range procedures and introduced them to arms development, shooting and marksmanship. For those cadets who were more experienced, there was a recap of weapons safety before range practice, advanced marksmaship and an introduction to the SA80 family and it’s weapon handling drills for safe use and care.

On Sunday cadets were introduced to pistols and marksmanship with competitive practice.

All cadets passed their safety tests with Lance Corporals Kidd, Banks & Lander achieving marksmanship badges.

Cadets Orienteering Challenge

21/11/2011 00:00:00

At 20:00 hrs on Saturday cadets gathered in Epping Forest at a pre-agreed grid reference to take part in the Roding Rally Challenge. Our teams were issued a card to get stamped and a clue list, along with grid references, for checkpoints that had to be found in sequence, before returning back to High Beech village hall for breakfast.

We were informed that the checkpoints would be unlit, camouflaged points well off the beaten track. The team settled down with their cards to work out the clues and the correct grid references. Each cryptic clue had 3 possible grid references, so getting the wrong coordinates, could send us hours off course. These clues proved easy for our parent cadet instructors, Mrs. Banks and Mr Stockings, who quickly identified the red herrings and thus the true grid references.

Using their knowledge of bearings, compass work and accurate map reading, the cadets were now presented with a series of grid references to navigate us to. They took it in turns to take the lead, receiving ongoing lessons and guidance from their adult instructors. After a few novel route choices, we arrived at the first checkpoint location and fanned out to find a tiny green camouflaged tent. It took an hour and considerable patience as the blackness and thick forest refused to aid us.

We were soon then on our way from North Chingford, up through the forest towards Loughton. The next checkpoint was bagged quickly and whilst 4 hours had passed we were soon close to the final checkpoint. Again after a search by everyone, we were resigned to the fact that it had indeed alluded us and turned to head back to base, a little downhearted. That is only to bump into Sgt Banks who had managed to find the final and most well camouflaged checkpoint of all. With new energy we struck forth back to base, a mere 2 miles away.

Arriving back, we debooted and the cadets, looking a little the worse for wear, sat down to tuck into a full English breakfast. Cadets showed great stamina and mental resolve to find the checkpoints and keep going. It had taken us 6 hours since leaving the Epping Forest Visitors Centre Car Park. We had covered some 10 miles in the pitch black, through dense undergrowth. Cpl. G. Kelly, L-Cpl. L.E Lander & J. Kidd and Cdt. Banks, all achieved their advanced navigation badge, whilst Cdt. C. Ross-Lear and S. Stocking both achieved their navigators badge.

Well done to all of the cadets involved and particularly to the parent helpers, C. Sgt Stockings and Sgt. Banks, without whom we would still be wandering around the forest! 25 teams out of 36 teams completed the course and we finshed in 18th place. Great fun was had by all.

Fulham FC Academy Visit

14/11/2011 09:54:34

On Thursday 12th November a selection of more able footballers from Year 4 and 5 attended Fulham Football academy with the aim of developing their own perceptions and ability. The facilities were impressive and our arrival welcomed.

The group of boys played the Fulham U9’s in a series of 15 minute high tempo games. The boys played a variety of positions with each 15 minute game separated by a debriefing and coaching period so that focus was on ‘how’ they played as a team not the goals scored.

Players rotated positions and team formation changed each game, to give players an idea of how to play as a group and the roles different positions and formations required. By the final game they had stopped chasing the ball and begun to play better football. Fulham proved a very tactical side constantly trying to outwit us. Watching them play and organize themselves on field was not dissimilar to a complex game of chess where players positioned themselves strategically for an effect that became apparent much later.

All the boys enjoyed the game and I was certainly impressed by the way they were able to adjust to a much more academic way of play that called on them to think about what they did and anticipate what might happen. Goals were scored by both sides, but the focus, and what is hopefully lasting, was the huge improvements individuals made in how they played as a team and their knowledge of the ‘beautiful game’.

Royal Gunpowder Mills Trip

14/11/2011 00:00:00

On Wednesday 9^th November, Year 1 visited The Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to experience what life was like when Guy Fawkes was alive. They had a chance to play with spinning tops and write with ink using feather pens.

They visited an old kitchen and were very interested to learn that carrots used to be purple! Kelda and Faiz enjoyed pretending to be servants in the kitchen and did an excellent job of sweeping the floor and turning the goose.

Remembrance Day Parade

14/11/2011 00:00:00

The School's Cadets Corps once again laid wreaths during the Dedication of the Field of Remembrance service at the War Memorial at St. Mary's Church, South Woodford on Saturday 12th November. Full details can be found in the following article:

Woodford Guardian Article

Choral Concert

11/11/2011 00:00:00

The Year 3- 6 choir performed The Giant Slayer, a set of songs based on the biblical tale of David and Goliath to an appreciative audience on Tuesday 8th November. The performance was enjoyed by all.

Year 7 French Trip

07/11/2011 00:00:00

Sunday 6 Nov - Mme Patrick, Mme Savary, Mr. Bayntun and Year 7 set off for France very early. All arrive safely in the early evening.

Monday 7 Nov - Weather a bit grey! We are all fine and having a great time in France. We did an assault course, fencing and orienteering , with a fun treasure hunt in the evening.

Tuesday - We all visited the market at Villedieu and the Cathedral and tapestry in Bayeux (see photo). The children have sent postcards today, although they may not arrive before we get back! French lessons, archery and bread-making are on the list for tomorrow.

Friday - Everyone is fine and the children can't believe that it's the last day! We're doing aeroball, French lessons, assualt course and climbing today.

Reminder for parents - we're due back at school at 3.45pm on Saturday afternoon.

Geomorphology Field Trip

04/11/2011 12:23:25

On Monday 17^th October Year 8 had embarked on a trip to Epping Forest Field Centre. We got in the minibus and headed out. After 20 minutes we had reached our destination. Our tutor, Hannah, greeted us and took us through to the classroom.

She went through some safety procedures and handed us some sheets. On the sheets there were maps that showed the whole of Epping Forest, and some that were close ups of the particular part we were in.

We then went to see the different heights of the hill we were on. At the first level we stopped and Hannah told us we were on some gravel/sand kind of material, which was called pebble gravel. We then went down hill towards the second level, a clay kind of material, which was called clay gate beds.

We returned to the classroom, got into groups and were given our equipment. We headed further into the forest crossing a busy road safely without slips or trips and plodded along to the first site. Due to no rainfall, all of the sites had no water so most of us were disappointed but our parents weren’t!

We were shown how to measure the depth and width of the banks. It was easier when we got the hand of things and the group I was in were first, twice. Overall the trip was a great success and a wonderful experience.

Sayma Haque

Creativity in a Digital World

01/11/2011 00:00:00

On 23rd October, myself, Mr Townson and Miss Morris returned from a very successful 5 day meeting in Prague. This was the first meeting of our new Comenius project 'Creativity in a Digital World' in which nine countries (Czech Republic, Italy, Catalonia (Spain), Greece, Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Poland and of course the UK) are working together.

Many ideas were shared by the Comenius teachers, focussing on how we can use ICT to enhance our pupils' learning experiences. It was fantastic to see pupils in Prague using ICT in some of their lessons. As the project progresses, both teachers and pupils at St. Aubyn's will share experiences in this project, which promises not only to improve our skills and knowledge, but also further broaden our horizons and understanding of other countries and cultures.

Mrs Carol Porter

Comenius Coordinator

Cross Country Success

31/10/2011 00:00:00

In the last week of half term a large group of St. Aubyns pupils competed in the final race of the schools cross country league. This was the best week for St. Aubyns because the Under 11 Boys team came joint first with Theydon Bois and the Under 11 Girls team finished fourth.

Ryley, 6WT, came first out of 73 runners and was announced as the overall individual winner after achieving 5th, 2nd, 1st and 1st in the 4 races. Oliver, 5ET, also did very well, finishing 6th in the last race and 8th overall.

Mr. Bayntun took most of the pupils who had been training so we were the only School to have B and C teams running in the Under 11 age group, whilst only 1 of the other 9 schools took a B team.

Stan, 5SP

The event, organised by Woodford Green Athletics Club for local schools in the Epping Forest and Redbridge districts, is held over four weeks with points counting for both team and individual events in a league format. The first race was held at Ashton Playing Fields over a flat grassland course, but the remainder of the races were held on the tough undulating course at Claybury Park.

Woodford Green AC wish to thank all the schools for their support and participation and also for the supporters who turned out each week to give a great atmosphere at the event. They look forward to an even bigger event next year. Look at their club web site for the full results and also for details nearer the time for next year’s event.

Woodford Green AC offers training and coaching facilities to all schools. For the under 10s we have “Woodford Wasps” who meet on Saturday morning at Ashton Playing fields. For the senior schools, training and coaching is offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:00 pm. Come to the club house and meet the coaches beforehand or introduce yourself to their Young Members secretary, Graham Foy.

The Paths of Glory

28/10/2011 00:00:00

Year 8 recently visited Greensted Church as part of their history curriculum, Medieval Realms. The link below has some photos and notes taken from their follow-up work:

Church Visit

Harvest Festival

22/10/2011 23:36:02

Pupils in Pre Prep and Middle School entertained their parents with songs and poems with themes related to Harvest Festival celebrations in the last week of half term. The pupils also brought in contributions of food from home to donate to Haven House Children's Hospice (Pre Prep) and Mill Grove (Middle School).

Wellgate Farm Visit

22/10/2011 23:21:25

Pupils from Nursery and Pre Prep met a variety of animals who recently visited us from Wellgate Farm. There were ducks, rabbits, sheep, a goat, a horse and more. The pupils learned lots about the animals, including how they feed their young and how they are looked after.

Football Reports

20/10/2011 00:00:00

This half term has been full of football fixtures, festivals and tournaments from Under 9 to 1st XI. Here are a few reports:

Under 9 Football Tournament - Lochinver House School

This was an enjoyable afternoon of matches played on grass and on all weather pitches - the boys changed their footwear at least 6 times! We won our first 6 games playing attractive team football, particularly on the slower grass pitches. After each game the boys took it in turn to get a bonus point by scoring in an American style 1v1 competition against the opposition goalkeeper. We scored 5 out of 7.

We lost our last game 1-0, which resulted in as finishing as runners-up overall out of 8 teams. Well done to Josh P, Jack, Connor, Elliot B, Josh J, Elliot L, Dylan, Leon and Izzy.

Mr. Shute

Under 11 Girls Football Festival - Essex FA

We took 2 teams to this 4-a-side festival. The games were played on small pitches, with small goals and no goalkeepers. The emphasis was on learning and fun with some coaching from the organisers between games. We were the only School present with all of the other teams coming from clubs around Essex. The St. Aubyn's Stars managed to remain unbeaten, winning 1 and drawing 3 games. The St. Aubyn's Stripes also did well achieving a mixture of results.

Well done to Merechi, Charlotte, Maisie, Abbie, Amrita, Shifa, Holly, Antonia & Flora and thanks to Mr. Walding and Miss Callaway for their coaching.

Colts A v Brentwood

Brentwood got off to a great start by scoring within one minute. However, we did not drop our heads and carried on battling. Then, about 20 yards from the box, Alfie scored a brilliant goal. We carried on passing the ball up the field and even though there was some rather random kicking, Louis worked his space and got the ball in the back of the net.

In the second half we played really well but they came back with a goal to make it 2-2. We were working really hard to get a goal but with not much time to spare they made it 3-2. We were still trying desperately for the equalising goal. In the last minute we all piled into the box, even Zak, the goalkeeper. Brentwood cleared the ball so we sprinted back, with Zak running especially fast. Brentwood shot but Zak made the save, clearing the ball back to the other end of the pitch and hoping that our attackers would have enough time to work the goal. At that moment the whistle blew, ending a fantastic match.

We may not have won but it was close, great fun and we learned a lot.

Luke - 6WT

Colts A v Sherrardswood

On Wednesday 12th October the Colts played Sherrardswood in a nine-a-side game on the 1st XI pitch. As soon as we started we put pressure on the opposition and Mohammed scored with a great finish! Soon after Alfie played a ball through the defence and Mohammed scored again.

As the game continued we started to pass the ball well and we soon scored our third goal! A couple of minutes before half-time Zak was injured and had to come off. As the whistle blew for the second half we kicked off and with Louis in goal and Alex on field we got straight back into scoring and Alfie scored an amazing goal beating the goalkeeper from almost the half way line!

Within a couple of minutes Zak had scored two well placed finishes, but in reply Sherrardswoods’ star player scored a stunning goal. Mr Bayntun replaced Alfie and while he gobbled down all the oranges I came on as substitute and scored from outside the box, placing my shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

Finally, the game finished and with a 8-2 result we had won and really enjoyed the game. Everyone had worked hard for each other and it was a really good overall team performance.

Ryley (Colts Captain)

Jeans For Genes

18/10/2011 09:29:47

St. Aubyn's pupils and staff recently raised £635.87 by paying to wear Jeans to School on Jeans for Genes Day. The children were educated about the aims of the charity so that they knew why they were raising money. For more information about Jeans for Genes Day please click here.

Jam Making

17/10/2011 10:20:28

Year 6 pupils put their practical science skills to good use recently as they produced Jam from apples picked from the School grounds. Mr. Lander's lab was producing some delightful smells during the project as the pupils learned to:

1) Use a Bunsen burner

2) Filter and separate mixtures

3) Use thermometers and measure in volume (liquids) and mass (grams)

4) Decide what is a chemical reaction?

Year 8's War Horse Theatre Trip

17/10/2011 00:00:00

On Thursday, 6^th October at six o’clock, Year 8 embarked on their War Horse Theatre Trip from South Woodford Tube Station. Miss Dundon was dressed for summer and felt rather chilly...she was shivering as she gave out the tickets! The journey there was quick and I was glad; it becomes very hot on the underground.

After half an hour we arrived at Holborn. We crossed a tsunami of people; it was very hard to go against the flow of the crowd. Everyone was relieved when we quickly turned down into a quiet side street. When we arrived at the theatre, Miss Dundon gave out tickets; Maham had inadvertently ended up between two teachers, but Miss Dundon did say she could move!

The crowd had become restless after at least half an hour of anticipation. Finally the show started with a wild foal being caught and sold in an auction to a drunken man and his anxious son, Albert, for thirty-nine guineas! He’d used the mortgage money.

The son became close to the horse and the dad became involved in a bet with his brother – that the horse couldn’t be trained to pull a plough. Luckily the horse managed it, despite not being a cart horse.

As the horse grew, he became incredibly strong and reliable. One day a Sergeant, who needed to requisition cavalry horses, notices the horse and decided to offer one-hundred pounds for him. Albert’s father willingly sold the horse without the son even being given the slightest hint.

The son decided to join the army and find his horse. He became a Corporal, and was very lucky to have survived the battles he was involved in. The son had to do many horrible things to animals and people. He then found his horse after it had been rescued from the barbed wire in No Man’s Land. The two sides, the Allies and the Germans, flipped a coin to see who would keep the horse. The son was then temporarily blinded by tear gas. They are in the same area when the horse is about to be killed. However, earlier on the boy had taught the horse a whistle, their own signal. The boy whistles and the horse recognises it. The boy is only just reunited with his horse.

Overall, I thought that the theatre trip was very good. It had funny moments, sad moments, emotional moments and happy moments. All of Year 8 are very grateful to Miss Dundon for her efforts to get us to the theatre. I really hope that we do something like this again.

Michael (8SD)

Senior Council Elections

14/10/2011 01:50:54

On a sunny September Friday afternoon we had our annual School Council election, which is the conclusion to a week long campaign. It took place in the ‘polling station’ (which was really the locker room) in the school’s main building.

Miss Lewis organised it perfectly to look exactly like real polling booths, while I was waiting at the main door to give every voter a ballot paper with the names of the candidates for their class. We went in year order with year 6 first and year 8 last.

Time passed by with Miss Lewis often counting the votes for each class, following strict and rigorous counting procedures. Alas we had come to an end and Miss Lewis, knowing the scores, but refusing to tell me, strolled with me to every class room to reveal the results.

It was a great experience and I enjoyed my role as Assistant Returning Officer. Well done to all of the candidates, particularly those who were elected.

Henry - Year 8

Book Week Bonanza

14/10/2011 01:43:37

St. Aubyn’s Nursery and Pre Prep students celebrated National Children’s Book Week in October.

Years 1 and 2 enjoyed listening to Tim Knapman read from his picture books and his recently released chapter book My Uncle Foulpest: Teacher Trouble.

Nursery and Reception children were enthralled by Karen Wall and Jim Helmore – an author illustrator team - and heard all about the trouble you can get into when you grow monster tomatoes – there was even a song and some role play!

After school children had the chance to browse the book fair and we sold over £1000 worth of books. Thank you to all the parents, children and staff that came along and shared their enthusiasm for reading with me.

Mrs Scott

Bikeability Training

23/09/2011 11:43:51

15 pupils from Year 5 - 8 have recently completed Cycle Training run by instructors from Cycle Experience UK. The course, which is organised by Redbridge Transport Department and funded by TfL, involved 6 hours of lessons, mostly on the roads near to School.

After a basic skills session in the playground all of the pupils were assessed as competent to safely learn on the road. The Cycle instructors commented on how good our pupils were saying that they were one of the best groups they have had in terms of listening and concentration.

All of them passed the Level 1 Bikeability course and all but 2 passed Level 2 as well. Well done to: George, Louis, Tosin, Mari-Kate, Lucy, Fazal, Abdullah, Zak, Thomas, Henry, Callum, Michael, Husnain, Alfie & Hamza.

Cadet Navigation Training Day

23/09/2011 00:00:00

On Thursday 22^nd September cadets undertook their first full training day of the year. The morning consisted of lessons on Navigation and Mapwork and by 11:00 we were gathered at Hainault Country Park to undertake their Orienteering course. Initially cadets were taken round a basic course in groups of 8, tutored by their instructors and they then took it in turns to navigate. After a quick lunch 9 Senior cadets took on a 4km assessment course, on their own. The remaining cadets then worked in small groups to plan routes and navigate to set orienteering stations located throughout the forest.

Congratulation to QM Corporal Kelly, Lance Corporal Kidd and Cadet Ross Lear who managed to successfully find all 10 Orienteering markers and complete the 4km in 67 minutes. Thank you also to our volunteer cadet instructors who gave up their day to make the event such a success.

Year 8 Teambuilding Trip

13/09/2011 00:00:00

Year 8 spent two days at Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt in the first week of term to help give them the skills to work well together in their last year at St. Aubyn's.

Day 1 involved climbing, caving, sailing and canoeing. Everyone achieved their goals in the activities thanks to the encouragement of the rest of their team. James provided the best 'You've Been Framed' moment by placing one foot on a boat that drifted away from the jetty, where he had left his other foot. After the splits came the splash!

After a hearty meal in our hostel we took a tour of the Olympic Canoe venue in Waltham Abbey which was being put to good use by some experienced canoeists.

Day 2 saw more water based activities with bell boating and open kayaking. This time it was the turn of JP and Ruben to entertain us by falling out of their kayak before their paddles had got wet.

The two days flew by and we returned to School on Friday afternoon with a bag full of wet clothes and lots of good memories.

Harold Colley

15/08/2011 00:00:00

HAROLD COLLEY

1927 - 2011

With sadness I report the death of Harold Colley. Harold was born in January 1927. At St Aubyn’s he was a pupil from 1932 to 1940, an Assistant Master from 1951 to 1956, joint Head from 1956 to 1967 and Headmaster from 1967 to 1993, when he retired. The Colley family – Harold’s father was Headmaster before him – were proprietors of St Aubyn’s since 1922. In 1975 Harold decided to set up St Aubyn’s as a charitable trust. This was a supreme act of generosity, literally giving the school away in order to secure its future. It is thanks to Harold that St Aubyn’s is the thriving and established community it is today. There will be a full appreciation in the next school magazine.

Charity Walk

15/07/2011 00:00:00

All of the Middle School pupils took part in a sponsored walk for two charities in the last week of term. The walk lasted an hour and consisted of laps of the Green near School. Pupils raised sponsorship in the weeks before the event with the proceeds going to the RSPCA and The Dream Factory.

Some pupils managed more than 12 laps and the walk became a run for the more athletic. Just as quickly the pupils collected their sponsor money and within 2 days they had handed in more than £1500, taking the total money raised for charities by St. Aubyn's pupils this year to well over £10,500.

Thanks to Miss Morris for organising the event, to the pupils for walking and to all of the generous sponsors.

Everest Climb Success

15/07/2011 00:00:00

Ex Pupil, Rocio Collins, has completed her fundraising mission to climb to Mount Everest Basecamp. Rocio visited us earlier in the Year to tell the Senior School about the plans for her expedition and to encourage us to raise funds for the cause she was supporting, Childreach International.

Here is a message from Rocio:

I am back from Nepal now and am happy to say that I made it to Everest Basecamp!! and I made it up a mountain called Kala Patthar too. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget!

Visiting the children at the school we raised money for was great and you can really see how much of a difference donations make to their opportunities and education.

I just wanted to thank you very much for all your help with the fundraising and for letting me come into the School and tell the children about my trip.

Many thanks

Rocio Collins

Poetry in Motion

15/07/2011 00:00:00

Eight St. Aubyn's pupils will have their poems published after being successful in the 2011 Poetry in Motion competition, organised by Redbridge Transport Department to promote walking to school. 27 Schools across the borough entered this year’s competition. In many cases the whole school had been given the opportunity to enter and as such the standard was extremely high.

The judging of the competition took place on Wednesday 29th of June. The judging panel consisted of Councillor Dunn (Cabinet member for Highways & Cleansing services), Glen Richards (Head of Transportation) and Jane Arthur (Road Safety group manager). The judges whittled the 150+ poems down to three winners in each age category.

Oliver J and Stan, both in Year 4, came third and first respectively in their age groups and received their prizes in assembly. They will have their poems printed in the 2011 Poetry in motion book, along with the following pupils, whose poems were higly commended:

Emily (Year 4), Olivia & Alexander (Year 5), Tashaan (Year 7) and Nishay & Pranav (Year 8).

The book will be distributed to the poets who have their poems published in the book. All the schools in the borough and the borough's libraries will also receive a copy as well as some of the borough's doctors/GP surgeries.

Here are Stan and Oliver's poems:

A - Z

When I walk to school, I play the alphabet game

I look for things from A to Z and quickly call out their name

A is for Audi, but cars we don’t like

B is for bicycle, for short we say bike

C is for car, but walking’s a bonus

D is for dogs, out with their owners

We keep on playing from E to V

After that it gets tricky

W is for wellies, we wear in the rain

X is a tough one, no time to explain

Y aren’t we there yet I always say

Z is for zebra, I’m cheating today

When Z comes around we’re on Bunces Lane

We’ll keep on walking again and again

Stan 4TM

My Walk to School

An Acrostic/Rhyme Poem

Walking to school every day,

All of the children laugh and play,

Leaves on the trees wave as we go,

Knotted branches bending so low,

Toots of the cars, motorbikes too,

Oh we’re so lucky, glad we’re not you!!!

Sunshine, fresh air, exercise, fun

Café doors opening, waiting for my mum!!

Holding hands we’re crossing the road,

Oh my bag is such a heavy load,

Only round the corner hear the school bell ring,

Look my friends are waiting, another day begins.

Oliver J 4HG

SASS Summer Fete

08/07/2011 17:26:24

The annual SASS Summer Fete was a huge success this year thanks to the hard work of many parents, staff and of course the SASS committee members. The many and varied bouncy castles were very popular this year and Welly Throwing provided a new competitive challenge that many Dads couldn't resist coming back to for 'just one more go'.

Mr. Walding and Mr. Sansom not only worked before, during and after the event but raised a small fortune getting soaked with sponges and a hose in the stocks.

Raffle Prizes including a signed West Ham football, £100, wine, Venture vouchers and box seats at O2 events were presented to lucky winners. Ice lollies, hot dogs, sweets, cakes and Pimms were the diet for the day and those wanting something more healthy tried to win a coconut on the coconut shy.

Special thanks to Antoinette Davey for whom this was the last SASS event after two years as SASS Chair. Her commitment to the cause has been much appreciated. Special thanks also to Sarah Warren who organised the fete as a way of warming up before taking over the SASS chair next year.

ACE - After Common Entrance

04/07/2011 00:00:00

The first week of July saw Year 8 pupils invovled in the ACE (After Common Entrance) programme organised by Miss Lewis. The aim is to provide a variety of educational experiences with a theme of good citizenship. For an account of each day with photos please click the links below:

The Apprentice

30/06/2011 13:50:00

This year’s Senior School Charity Week had the added twist of being incorporated into the Year 8 Apprentice Challenge. The task this year was to raise as much money as possible for the NSPCC and Leukaemia research by organising various fundraising events throughout the week.

First, the groups had to select a Project Manager and Treasurer. They then set about brainstorming fundraising ideas including organising a cricket competition, penalty shootout, and souvenir photography sessions.

The most popular sessions proved to be the stocks, car washing and a lunchtime music lounge. For the stocks, enthusiastic volunteers had wet sponges thrown at them in the name of charity. The staff car washing, involved staff being cajoled into allowing Year 8 to clean their cars, with varying degrees of success! The music lounge was an unexpected triumph due, in part, to successive wet lunchtimes but mostly due to good organisation and understanding of their target audience.

The children were also required to bake cakes for a hugely successful cake sale on Thursday after school. Not only did they improve their culinary skills, they also had to work well as a team to organise and make their creations.

After a long, hard week of fundraising, the Friday boardroom session arrived. The children were grilled on the successes and failures of the week and had to justify why they should be this year ‘St Aubyn’s School Apprentice’. After a gruelling interview process, where many competent candidates where left by the wayside, Seun and Vrikesh were announced as very worthy winners. It was just too difficult to choose between Seun’s excellent leadership skills and Vrikesh’s flawless organisation.

All of year 8 performed with distinction throughout the week and we rightly proud that they were able to raise over £550 for their chosen charities.

Thanks to Miss Lewis for her hard work organising a very rewarding week of activities.

Chigwell School Quiz Champs

30/06/2011 00:00:00

For the third year in a row St. Aubyn's have won the annual Chigwell School Year 5 General Knowledge Quiz. Here is an account of the afternoon from Lucy, 5KF.

On Friday 17^th June the Year 5 quiz team went to Chigwell for their annual quiz. In the team were Tosin, Harry, Oliver and myself. We had trained as much as we could with Mr Walding; we now had to put the training into practise. There were 5 rounds, the first was famous faces. We had to name 20 different famous people. The second round was current affairs; we had to answer questions about some current affairs. The third round was music; we had to name some pieces of music, they could be television theme tunes or classics! The next round was famous landmarks and places. They showed us pictures of famous places and we had to name them. The last and probably most fun round was the maths relay. We split the team into two, one person went to get the question and then brought it back to answer as a team. We then went to get the next question.

We competed against 19 other schools and did really well and won the competition! Overall I really enjoyed the afternoon and am proud of the team and myself!

Lucy

Junior Citizen Project

30/06/2011 00:00:00

Year 6 pupils recently attended the Redbridge Junior Citizen Project organised by the Metropolitan Police. The morning was spent receiving education from experts about various aspects of life that will become relevant to them as they grow up and make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. Topics covered included, road safety, first aid, fire safety, the law, public transport, cycling and more.

Many of the pupils took advantage of the offer to get their Oyster Card application forms checked and photos taken.

Year 8 Cornwall Residential

29/06/2011 00:00:00

Year 8 recently enjoyed a residential outdoor pursuits experience in Cornwall.

Click below for a review and some pictures of each day:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Cadets Snowdon Challenge

22/06/2011 09:51:06

Some of our Cadets recently completed an expedition in Snowdonia, which included climbing to the top of Mount Snowdon. More info about this story will follow shortly.

Photos

Year 8 Blood Brothers Trip

16/06/2011 00:00:00

On Thursday 9th June, Ms Dundon kindly took Year 8 and some Year 7s on a trip to the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End to see Blood Brothers. At 7.30, we arrived at the theatre and excitedly took our seats for the play.

Blood Brothers is a musical written by Willy Russell and is one of the longest running musicals in London, with the show running since its original 1988 West End production.

The musical looks at the issues of nature vs nurture. It tells the story of twins who have been separated at birth, because the mother cannot afford to have two more children.The main characters are Mickey and Edward. The play tells the story of how the brothers are drawn to each other throughout their lives, despite the best efforts of their mothers. Eventually, both of them fall in love with the same girl, Linda, and end up dying on the same day.

The show was really entertaining and extremely funny! However, the ending was very dramatic and very sad. Ms Dundon laughed a lot so I think she enjoyed the show too! We'd like to thank her for taking us on the trip. We arrived back at 11.30pm...time for bed!

Mohammed - 8SD

Year 6 Globe Theatre Trip

16/06/2011 00:00:00

On June 15th, Ms Dundon arranged for the whole of Year six to visit the Globe theatre in London. We were visiting the theatre to further our understanding of Shakespeare’s theatre and of Macbeth. We set off to South Woodford station straight after registration and travelled by tube to St Paul’s.

We walked past the beautiful St Paul’s cathedral and made our way over the Millennium Bridge. Once we’d reached the Globe we met our guide, she was called Jen. She explained the history of the Globe Theatre and the atmosphere in London when the original theatre existed. We learned that the theatre was moved from the north to the south of the River Thames. This was due to the fact that the Puritans were in charge of the walled city on the north bank – they were very strict about theatre and dancing, whereas the south was outside city limits and much freer. During our tour we were able to watch a technical rehearsal of Faustus, which tells the story of a man who sells his soul to the Devil. Whilst we were there he pulled down his trousers! As it was a technical rehearsal we weren’t allowed to speak and had to stifle our giggles!

After our tour we headed off for our workshop. This was based on Macbeth, which is going to be our Senior School production in a few weeks. In the production we played drama games, as well as freeze-framing of characters and scenes. In groups of six we had to make one moving, talking witch.

After the workshop had ended we had lunch sitting along the riverside, popped into the gift shop where Ms Windridge had to intervene to stop Ms Dundon from buying a ‘Shakespearian Rain Poncho’. No one needs a plastic poncho!

We then headed back to the station and back to school. Overall we had a really fun day and would like to thank the teachers for taking us all on this trip.

By Aziz Khambati and Kian Patel

Year 3 Roman Experience

15/06/2011 00:00:00

Today we had a Roman day because we have recently been learning about them.

In the morning we went to class as usual. After we unpacked our bags we saw two people dressed as Romans. One was wearing a slave costume and one was wearing a leader emperor costume. We went with them to the hard court and the man split us into four groups. First the Emperor, Marcus Bourne, asked a question to us and then he said three possible answers. He then he told us to run to one area for each answer. If your team got it right you were given a point.

Marcus also showed us some Roman weapons and a water bottle. Then he asked us more questions about Romans. We also did Roman maths.

In the afternoon we did a quiz. Marcus gave us a question and if you said the answer correctly you got to be a character for the story. Then he gave us instructions in Latin and we did what he said. After that we did a game a game about Roman gods and goddesses. Finally we did a quiz with multiple choices and each group chose 1 answer to tell Marcus.

I really had a great day!

Melis 3SP

Year 6 Maths Fair

09/06/2011 00:00:00

On Tuesday the 7^th of June Year 6 had a Maths Fair. We all were given a maths problem that we had to solve. All of us had a table set up for the problem we were going to present.

For two weeks in maths lessons, we were preparing for the Maths Fair by: Painting, cutting, sticking, going on the internet, printing and lots more. The maths problem our group had was the 4 colour theorem. Our group’s puzzle, that the children had to solve, was a map of Iraq that had been divided into different sections. People had to solve it by using 1 of 4 different coloured sections to fill in the map, but they could not have two sections of the same colour next to each other. IT WAS QUITE HARD!

Middle school and Senior school came to the PAC to have a look at the maths problems, when they came along they were all very interested. In the beginning lots of people came to our table (group number 11) and they loved it, but a few people gave up as it was quite difficult! Mrs Knight worked really hard at our problem and eventually managed to solve it, we gave her a sticker for all her hard work!

The Maths Fair was really fun and everyone enjoyed it. There were loads of problems for everyone to have a go at and the children loved it. Year 6 also enjoyed working out how to present their problems and working with other people in their group.

Farah - 6KP

A few weeks before the half term we were told about a Maths fair, everybody was excited about the task mostly because we remembered how much fun the Year 5 Science fair was. In our groups we received a puzzle each, to solve yourself and then you had to make new versions for pupils in years 3, 4, 5 and 7. I don’t think anybody thought there task was simple! After all the preparation then there would come the perks… Costumes! There were pyjamas, football kits, pirates and the one from Star Wars or Star Trek not sure (Adam)!

Everything we had worked for was now going to be put to the test in the 2011 St. Aubyn’s School Maths Fair. There were many different unique twists to each of the groups, where they had taken the original task and made it original. First to visit was year 4 and a year 5 class. Then came along the rest of the year 5 and then Year 3s and Year 7. Then our toughest critic… The Parents! It was an experience to be in the teachers shoes for a day, which I think Mrs Ljubojev and Miss Lewis enjoyed thoroughly!

Jack - 6SM

The Maths Fair was an exciting thing to look forward to. My group worked preparing our Maths Fair project for 2 weeks. We even spent our half term doing our maths fair project! Our project was the Ghost Mansion, we used a shoe rack for our base and some card. We then drew on the maze this went well. Then we covered the pencil lines in glitter glue to make it look nice, next we stuck on the Lego the played the part of the villains that would stop you in your tracks. Everything looked really cool!

My group came in early to set up because our project was heavy and hard to move ourselves, so Adam’s mum and my mum carried it into the PAC and set it up. After registration we went straight down to the PAC to prepare for the first group. When Ms Lewis announced the first group were on their way everyone was very excited and tried to set up quickly. Meanwhile over all that commotion my group just sat and knew that we had done everything that we could do and waited for everyone to come.

Mayank and I then started to blow up some ghostly balloons and Mayank brought out the ‘womping willow tree’ that he took time to make. The Maths Fair was fun because we got to dress up in ghostly costumes. Our day started out great instantly we started to draw a crowd. We then unveiled our great project.

The day was actually a success we kept on drawing a crowd and got lots of votes. I enjoyed the day because it quite funny when people felt annoyed with themselves when we told them the answer. Plus we got day off school as well.

Siama - 6SM

BMX Skills Display

07/06/2011 00:00:00

The whole School were recently treated to a world class display of BMX cycling skills in the Sportshall. All of the pupils from Nursery to Year 8 cheered on Lee and Jimmy (the French No 1 BMX trick cyclist) as they demonstrated their amazing skills. Lee gave out lots of messages about safety and the importance of good practice. The duo work for Inspire Promotions to educate and inspire youngsters to take up cycling and they certainly did a 'wheelie' great job. To see the team in action click here.

Menin Gate Parade

07/06/2011 00:00:00

Over the half term holiday Major Lander took some of our Cadets to France and Belgium where they attended the Menin Gate Parade. For a full account of the trip click here.

Year 7 Theatre Visit

26/05/2011 00:00:00

On Wednesday 25th May, Ms Dundon took Year 7 to watch an adaptation of William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies, at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

The story tells of a group of schoolboys who survive a massive plane crash. Their classic desert island adventure quickly becomes a struggle for survival as superstition and immorality sees the community slide into a darkly sinister world.

The performance was captivating and proved an accurate retelling of the story which Year 7 have studied. The theatre proved to be the perfect setting for the story. The director had even arranged for a real plane to be used within the set! In addition, the actors were incredibly skilful and engaging.

The children enjoyed the day immensely, their behaviour was exemplary and they are eagerly looking forward to their next theatre trip.

A Pupil Account

On Wednesday, 25th, May, Year 7 embarked on their Lord of the Flies trip. We walked down to South Woodford Station and caught the tube to Bond Street; we then caught the Jubilee Line to Baker Street and walked down to Regents Park.

When we got there, Henry spotted the huge Lake and said, ‘Miss can we go for a swim?’ And Miss Dundon replied, ‘Have a closer look at the bottom of it!’ Henry did take a closer look and thought, ‘No Way!’ Because the bottom was filled with horrible algae!

We stopped outside the ticket office for the Open Air Theatre and had lunch. J.P, Gabriel, Hamzah and I played catch. That was fun. Then we went into a beautiful plaza-like area. I bought a programme which told you everything that the play was about to unfold.Then finally the barriers opened and we found our seats. Hamzah and I had front row seats!

When the play started, the music started with such a boom, I practically jumped out of my skin!Throughout the play, I thought Roger was the best actor, because he really showed his personality. At the start he really acted like the average teenaged school boy, as if he was still at home watching football on his TV. Towards the middle he began to become more savage and more savage and nasty, towards the end he bacame a real savage, as if he had been that way from the moment he was born.

The play ended at half past four and when we got to the Station there was an announcement saying that the Jubilee Line had been part suspened. So we caught the Bakerloo and then the Central to South Woodford. When we got there we were collected and went home.What a great day out!

By Michael - 7SD

Athletics League Success

26/05/2011 00:00:00

St. Aubyn's Boys Athletics team have won the area Under 11 League for the second year in succession and the Girls team have finished as runners up in their competition.

The League consists of four meetings involving ten local schools competing at the Woodford Green Athletics Club, Ashton Playing Fields. The fourth meeting was cancelled due to torrential rain so the results after the third meeting were the final positions.

The boys team finished on 27 points, 1 point ahead of St. John's and Wells. The girls team got 26 points, 4 behind St John's.

The following pupils achieved Top 3 places in fields of 20 athletes:

David, Siama, Ryley and Chris - 4x100m Relay 1st (60s)

Maya, Merechi, Jade and Jaden - 4x100m Relay 1st (65s)

David - 80m 1st (11.9s)

Maya - 80m 1st (11.8s) & 600m 1st (2min 11s)

Chris - High Jump 2nd (1.12m)

Merechi - 80m 3rd (12.1s)

Siama - 80m 3rd (12.2s) & Shot Putt 3rd (6.43m)

Samuel - 800m 3rd (2.52s)

Year 4 London Trips

24/05/2011 09:17:41

Year 4 recently visited london twice in one week. On the 10^th May we went to the British library and on the 12^th we went on a Thames river cruise. It was fantastic. We went to study our history topic about London. We got there by tube. My favourite thing was when the people on Tower Bridge waved at us. It was a sign of 5 years good luck.

Flora 4TM

Yesterday, I saw London running,

Squeezing in and barging out,

The station’s shouting crowd.

Yesterday, I saw London crying,

Droplets of rain rolling down windows,

Falling off roofs, floating to the ground.

Yesterday, I saw London whistling,

Crickets in the bushes, singing their songs,

The wind stroking the flow of the Thames.

Yesterday, I saw London sleeping,

Streetlamps searching the silent streets,

The City of London is now at rest.

Emily 4TM

Salter's Chemistry Festival

24/05/2011 00:00:00

Vrikesh & Pranav (Yr 8) and Piper & Ruben (Yr 7) were accompanied by Ms Windridge to the University of London’s Queen Mary’s College Campus to attend the annual Salter’s Chemistry festival.

The students were taken to a large lab and after a safety briefing they began a series of experiments based upon the analysis of materials in a forensic science case. The team independently conducted each experiment until, after two hours, their evidence made a logical conclusion and it was possible to positively identify the murderer from a range of suspects. After lunch the students attempted a second challenge that involved identifying unknown substances. Whilst much harder, they worked together to solve the challenge.

Whilst the team of 4 did not finish in the top three they did have a great time and felt they had learnt a considerable amount more about chemistry and conducting experiments in a real lab.

Legends Football Training

23/05/2011 13:56:09

On May 21^st & 22^nd Mr Bayntun and Mr Lander attended the Birmingham City FC training ground to spend the weekend alongside Premiership coaches under the tutelage of the renowned Alf Galustian.

Alf is Director of Coerver Coaching and whilst a successful professional footballer, has made his name as an innovator and leader in Coaching Science. He has worked with the French, Japanese and Australian Football Associations as well as the lead coach at many top clubs including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle. He is currently the Specialist Skills Coach to the Premier League.

Alf and his team put the coaches from Real Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Columbia, France, Norway and St Aubyn’s School through their paces, introducing them to the phenomenon of COERVER coaching, its methods and philosophy. Whilst it was a demanding few days, both Mr Bayntun and Lander were given considerable food for thought and finished buzzing with ways to improve the standard and development of football at our school.

Both teachers duly passed the course, receiving their Diplomas in Coaching Elite and Grassroots youth players.

Dr. Bike Visit

16/05/2011 18:38:41

24 pupils and staff who enjoy cycling were able to get their bikes a free 'health check' from 'Dr. Bike' recently. The service provided by Redbridge Transport Services enabled them to have their bikes checked, adjusted and repaired by experts from J.D's Mobile Cycle Repair (jdcyclerepair@gmail.com). Adjustments were made to suit individuals height and any serious faults/advice were noted for parents.

Year 1 Drama Workshop

16/05/2011 14:00:45

Year One travelled back in time to visit the seaside in 1880 as part of a recent drama workshop.The children learnt about the differences and similarities at the seaside now and during the 1880's.They had to decide if they would prefer to visit the seaside now or in the 1880's. Surprisingly, they were split 50:50.

This is a picture of Taaliyah changing into a Victorian costume inside her changing hut.

Year 2 Drama Workshop

12/05/2011 13:08:50

On Thursday 12^th May, Year 2 took part in an exciting Florence Nightingale workshop. Through drama, the children learnt about her life and re-enacted many scenes from the Crimean War. There was great enthusiasm as pupils ‘built beds’, ‘mopped floors’ and checked the wounded soldiers with their trusty lamp!

Cadets Survival Weekend

09/05/2011 00:00:00

Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Course

Phase 1: Introduction to Survival & Search & Rescue

Cadets left school on Friday night under a darkened and threatening sky. Within 2 hours we arrived at Fermyn Forest. Waving goodbye to our warm minibus, we struck out into the pitch black, damp night. A camp, or ‘Harbour’, was soon selected and temporary shelters immediately erected. With rain falling a sentry duty list was drawn up, seeing cadets take it in turns to patrol the area whilst others rested and slept.

In the morning the cadets cooked breakfast and broke camp, hiking down to our rendezvous with the ‘Elite Survival’ team. The Sullivan brothers, 2 very experienced former commando’s and men behind recent tv program’s such as ‘The Last Cannibals of Papua New Guinea and ‘Last Man Standing’ gave a short presentation, before moving onto practical exercises and lessons on teamwork skills, survival psychology, fire construction, survival kits, Search & Rescue, building improvised shelters and finally wilderness cooking.

Cadets learn first hand how to build a fire for warmth (without matches etc) and shelter for the night.

During the cooking we learnt and practised how to cook wild food in underground ovens and on open fires. This was followed by an evening presentation and examples of Elite Survival’s own applied skills in dire circumstances, including Africa, Borneo, Belize, Cambodia, Norway, Canada and the UK. This was all done to the backdrop of a roaring and very large campfire. Suitably inspired, cadets broke into teams and constructed their own overnight shelters and fires before bedding down for the night.

Underground mu mu’s cook the chicken whilst fish eyeballs prove a good source of freshwater, and the fish isn’t all bad either

Very heavy and prolonged rain did its best to flood out our intrepid explorers, but to no end. By morning the camp was sodden, and as cadets emerged it soon became clear that no item of clothing or kit remain dry. Sadly their instructors could not share this damp and sodden start as their Dutch Log Cabins had proved water-tight and very homely.

Once dried out, cadets were given a briefing that a tough, intrepid and brave hero had been lost in the forest. They were to conduct a search & Rescue exercise for him. They were to find him, apply first aid, stretcher him out, erect a shelter, build a fire for warmth and then signal for a helicopter. Needless to say Mr Lander survived.................................. just.

Evening lessons followed by an early morning hunt to find our covert ops. operative with 20 minutes to live

After a 2 mile hike out of the forest, the now exhausted cadets boarded the mini bus and returned home. Many thanks to Lt Walding and Broomfield who gave up their weekend to make this happen and very well done to all the cadets who impressed our professional instructors. Now onto Phase 2: Tracking, Trapping & Evasion.

Thank you John and James Sullivan of Elite Survival. It is rare to meet such inspirational and genuine explorers in an age, when we are bombarded by media icons and presenters, supposedly tagged as ‘Survival Experts’.

Police Visit

06/05/2011 00:00:00

Nursery and Reception pupils enjoyed an informative visit from members of the Metropolitan Police on Thursday. They particularly enjoyed sitting in the one of the two police cars and sounding the sirens. They also had a good look aroung two police motorcycles. The pupils had lots of questions for the policemen who attended and learned a lot about their job.

The following day PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Steve visited the Nursery and Reception children to talk about how the Police help everyone. He told the children that it was important for them to know their home address, just in case they were ever lost.

Royal Wedding Street Party

02/05/2011 23:45:27

Pupils in Nursery and Pre-Prep celebrated the Royal Wedding with a 'Street' Party the day before Prince William and Kate Middleton got married. The pupils enjoyed an outdoor lunch dressed in handmade crowns whilst the Union Flag bunting decorated the playground.

Pre-Prep Maths Day

28/04/2011 08:56:12

On Thursday 31^st March the children in Pre-Prep took part in an exciting day filled with maths activities. All the children from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 had a busy day, moving around classes, having fun and learning.

It was fantastic to see so many pupils in the playground, counting and investigating numbers and shapes outside the classroom. The excitement continued inside where children tried to make the tallest structures, build the best 3D shapes, create fantastic patterns and even plan for a School paddling pool!! Some children became ‘Spies’ and were seen to be cracking codes!

When asked what they thought of ‘Maths Day’ the overwhelming comment from children across Pre-Prep was ‘It was fun!’

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21/10/2010 00:00:00

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