Testwood Lakes

Today Year 4 enjoyed their first trip of the year to Testwood Lakes. They spent the day consolidating their learning from this topic through a range of different activities. They began by identifying features of the River Test and used maps to find their locations. After lunch, they enjoyed playing a water based game where they used their knowledge of the water cycle to save as much water as possible. They ended the day with an orienteering task. This involved using maps to find different locations in some woodlands. Overall a great day enjoyed by all! 

Reducing single use plastic

We are pleased to announce that every child in school has been given a reusable water bottle; these were kindly donated by Southern Water.  This means that every child will have a water bottle available to them in the classroom, which can also be used during PE sessions etc.  Having reusable bottles also means that, as a school, we can do our bit for the environment by reducing our use of single use plastics.  Mrs Egerton introduced this concept during assembly yesterday and the bottles were distributed to classes today.  Your child will therefore be bringing home any personal bottles they currently have in school in the next few days.

Nightingales save the day from the deadly dragon!

Nightingales have been saving Bitterne Manor from the deadly fire breathing dragon! We are using our outstanding acting skills to recreate the story of St George and the Dragon!

BUT

Don't panic! Calm has been restored and we will all return home safe and sound at the end of the day!

Save the date...

Next Friday, your child will be bringing home a letter introducing Bug Club.  This is a new reading scheme we have invested in, which allows pupils, who have access to the internet, an opportunity to read digital books.  We have also purchased paper copies of every text so no child will miss out!  We will be introducing the scheme to our pupils before half term and are holding a launch event in school on Wednesday 17th October at 9am for parents / carers.  This will provide an opportunity for you to see how the scheme works and how to access the digital books.  There will be a reply slip on the bottom of the letter, being sent out on the 12th October so if you are interested in coming along, please return this to us so we can allow sufficient seating.  If you are not able to attend, please do not worry - the letter provides comprehensive details and we will also model to the children how they login.

Happy reading everyone!

Parenting Course coming to Bitterne Manor

Mrs Egerton is in the process of arranging an Incredible Years Parenting Course run by Families Matter.  The proposed course will be run each Thursday afternoon from 1st November until 20th December from 12.30pm until 3pm at school.  These courses are not readily available, particularly locally, so if you are interested in attending please speak to Mrs Egerton.

Anyone for Crumble?

Kestrels are the first to embark on the epic journey of physical computing in Bitterne Manor!

We are now busy planning our projects to build a moving model, using servos, motors, LEDs, sensors and switches. The crumble micro controllers plug directly into our laptops so that we can use a block based programming language (similar to Scratch) to program them.

We have been revising how to use sequence, repetition, selection and variables in our coding to make sure our programs do what we want them to do.

Once we have designed our models and worked out how to program all the different moving parts, we will construct them and hide the electronics safely inside. The crumbles even carry on running the program once disconnected from the computer, so it will appear to function all by itself!

Keep an eye on our blog to find out what happens next...

Wear It Pink Day - Wednesday 17th October

One of our Year 6 pupils has worked with Miss Joseph to co-ordinate a Wear It Pink Day to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, the UK's largest breast cancer charity.  Breast Cancer Now are carrying out life-saving research; trying to discover how to prevent breast cancer; how to detect it earlier and how to treat it effectively at every stage in order to stop this dreadful disease taking lives.  

Our school Wear It Pink Day will be held on Wednesday 17th October.  Pupils and staff can wear anything pink - this can be from head to toe or just a hint of pink.  In fact, it doesn't have to be pink... red or orange will also do!  The most important aim is to raise awareness and funds for the charity.  We are asking for a suggested donation of £1; however, any donation would be welcomed as all money collected on the day will be paid directly to this fantastic charity.

Thank you in advance and we can't wait to see you in PINK!