Welcome Back!

This week was an absolute blast (firework pun intended)! We had two trips, a sporting triumph, photographs, fireworks and a Junior School shared learning event - I’m really not sure that we could cram any more into five short days… It was lovely to welcome you all back for this special festive half-term. We have so much to look forward to in the coming weeks, all culminating in the Christmas Performance. Read on to learn more about what was going on this week…

Diwali

I set the Juniors a challenge this week. Their task was to enlighten me about Diwali - each class set about learning in a range of different and creative ways, then seized their moment in our online Celebration Assembly on Friday to teach me all they know. It was brilliant, so brilliant in fact that I thought you’d like to learn along with me, so I took the opportunity to record that part of our assembly and have posted it to each class’s Google Classroom for your enjoyment.

Mr Morris

Year 4 in Diwali Dance Action

To celebrate the Hindu festival of light, Year 4 worked collaboratively to create a Diwali dance where they each represented a candle flame, firework or diya lamp. Follow the QR link to view their work and see if you can identify the different types of light which they have chosen to represent through their dance moves!

Mrs Pauline

Spooky Visitors

Year 1 had an unexpected visitor in their classroom Tuesday morning. It was a wicked witch! Luckily the witch had been shrunk and captured before they had a chance to run havoc in our classroom. We followed instructions to make our own shrinking potion. Whilst doing this we talked about all the important features we must include in our own instruction writing. Year 1 are eager to write their own instructions about capturing an evil villain of their choice.  

Miss Walsh

Fireworks in Reception

Reception made links between Bonfire Night and Diwali, they recognised that both celebrations involved fireworks. We started with an important discussion about safety around bonfires and fireworks and Reception know that if their clothes were ever to catch on fire exactly what to do. STOP, DROP and ROLL! Whilst blow painting fireworks we talked about the sounds they made and if we liked them or not. 

Mrs Gallanders

Baffling Baskerville Hall

This week, Year 5 were baffled by the arrival of some suspicious evidence in the classroom. They studied a mysterious, torn t-shirt, unknown scratches in a chunk of wood, and a torn up map of Baskerville Hall. What were all of these clues leading them to? Who owned Baskerville Hall? Who had been on the receiving end of some nasty looking scratches? We carefully studied the clues, asked some thought provoking questions and made predictions about how the evidence linked together before finally learning that they are from our new class text, The Hound of the Baskervilles. We cannot wait to learn more about what happens and prepare to write an exciting cliffhanger narrative as the half term progresses.

Miss Lloyd

Chester Investigation

Year 3 completed their final excursion focused on comparing villages, towns and cities this week. They explored the historic city of Chester on foot, by bus and even by boat - looking at the different landmarks and investigating how the city has changed over time. The children scaled the Roman walls and rose to Mrs Lane’s treasure hunt challenge to find an elephant and a cross that isn’t a cross!

They will now use their understanding to design their own city, paying particular attention to the construction of their buildings. We can’t wait to welcome you in to school to see the final outcomes before Christmas.

Mrs Lane

Poppies for Remembrance 

Year 4 have been learning about Remembrance Day and why poppies are used as a symbol for remembrance. The children sculpted their own poppies using clay and learned about the processes involved in sculpting and glazing their work, which has been kiln dried for them. Their creative pieces will be on display in the memorial area of the Junior School courtyard after our Remembrance Service on Monday, and we hope that you will spend some time reflecting both on their beautiful sculptures and the important symbolism behind the poppy.

Mrs Pauline

Imperial War Museum

On Tuesday, Year 6 enjoyed an immersive day out at the Imperial War Museum. After a half term of finding out all about the legacy and impact of World War 2, the museum offered us a range of ways to develop this further. We travelled around the uniquely designed building before putting our documentary skills to the test in our video reporting workshop. We were also treated to one of the museum’s multi-screen shows that considered the effects current wars are having on young people and society.

Mr Armstrong

Dates for the Diary:

• 11.11.24-25.11.24 - Children In Need Sporty Sponsor-a-thon details on Google Classroom & letter sent home 8.11.24

• 22.11.24 - Nasal Flu Vaccinations

• 23.11.24 - Year 7 Experience Day

• 4.12.24 - Year 5 Trip to Quarry Bank Mill

• 6.12.24 - School Closed for Training

• 17.12.24 - Junior School Christmas Performance - 10am & 2pm

• 18.12.24 - Junior School Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Disco

• 19.12.24 - School Closes for Christmas Holidays at midday

Special Mentions

Reception: This week’s special mention goes to someone who has enjoyed learning about Diwali. After reading books, watching clips and many discussions about The Festival Of Light, this person remembered numerous facts about the celebration. Her speaking and listening skills really shone throughout all discussions. Well done Adelaide!

Year 1: This week’s special mention goes to someone who has followed our behaviour for learning expectations at every single opportunity this week. They are first on the carpet to show me that they are ready, they are respectful of others during routines and are not afraid to ask for help when needed. They have also ventured beyond this week by offering to share their learning in our Diwali assembly today. Well done to Emmie!

Year 2: My special mention this week goes to a super hard worker, excellent learner and kind friend. This person has impressed me with the choices that they have made this week, both in lessons and on the playground. His attitude to learning has shown me that he is committed to working towards his goals. This person is also kind and polite to every member of our school community. I am so proud of the progress that this person has made. Well done and please keep it up Brody! 

Year 3: This week in Year 3 the special mention goes to a passionate young writer who always approaches their learning in writing with enthusiasm and creativity. This person loves thinking up their own stories, even during playtime and school trips! I am proud to recognise their talent and dedication, keep up the inspiring work, Tabitha.

Year 4: It’s been wonderful to welcome a new pupil into the Year 4 classroom this week! This individual has been seeking excellence in his learning, his kindness and how quickly he has formed many friendships with his peers. He’s even eager to start some of our fantastic lunchtime and after school clubs! Well done on a fantastic first week here at Cransley Junior School, Daniel!

Year 5: It’s been incredibly difficult to choose a special mention this week because we have had a jam packed week of learning. However, I wanted to mention someone who is extremely conscientious. Someone who I can always count on to be putting in the maximum amount of effort across the curriculum. This week (as well as many others) they presented me with additional home learning that they did in their own time. Regularly, they bring in a book from home that they’re using to support their learning. For example, this week, a book on how to effectively learn their times tables. If that wasn’t enough, yesterday, they successfully worked as part of a team to lead Cransley to victory in a hockey tournament. Well done for being just brilliant, Olivia!

Year 6: No internet, no problem. Year 6 have launched themselves into the second half of our Autumn term like a cheetah bolting after its prey on the African Savannah. As I have often found, selecting just one of my amazing crew is tricky as their ability to work well together is so strong. However, I do feel one member of the class deserves an extra special mention for how well they have applied themselves to our learning this week. This person completed their fantastic formal speech, celebrating the life of Rose Blanche, making particularly good use of her planning skills. On top of this, she really ventured beyond with her engagement during our War Museum visit. I’d therefore like to give my special mention this week to Elsie.

Hockey Heroes!

Our Year 5 and 6 Hockey Team were overall winners at the Deeside Ramblers tournament in Tiverton on Thursday 7th November. They played some amazing hockey, defended and attacked as a team and were super motivated. We played Tarporley, Hoole, Delamere, Kelsall, Bunbury and Tarvin. Well done to everyone involved!

Mrs Storey