What a glorious month of May we've had here at Grayswood CE Primary School, giving us plenty of opportunity for lots of outdoor learning and fun!

We hope you enjoy the round-up of our latest news, and also a look forward at what is to come in the final half-term of this academic year.

Year 4 Trip to Kew Gardens

On Thursday 4^th May, Swallows class went on a school trip to Kew Gardens. We learnt many things about the rainforest which was our topic last term. First, we were spilt into 2 groups: one group explored the gardens whilst the other group took part in a workshop. During the workshop, we got to sample a few foods made from products of the rainforest. Then we had a look at some other items of the rainforest which are used to make things like hats (bamboo), ladles (bark of a tree) and rope (coconut hair). Finally, we observed a very large seed – it was nearly as big as a PC!

We thoroughly enjoyed walking around the gardens. There was so much to look at it!  We climbed and walked along the tree top walk way and visited the Chinese Pagoda and the temperate glass houses; we even spotted a fox!

It was a great trip and I would definitely do it again.

Report by Douglas J- Year 4

Coronation Celebrations

The entire school had a day to remember when we celebrated the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen!

From royal-themed crafts, singing and a whole school picnic lunch, to our very own Royal Ball disco to end the day, such wonderful memories were created to accompany the historical event.

Year 5 Residential to Hooke Court

Our Swifts class had the most wonderful time down in Dorset for their week-long residential. The weather was a bit soggy, but this didn't dampen their enthusiasm!
 

It was a full week of varied and fun activities, including experiencing life as a WW1 soldier. The children studied period artefacts and personal items and prepared WW1 food before they were then taken through some rifle and marching drills. After a quick poppy-making stint, the class were marched up the road and through a reserve trench to the front lines. Crawling and wading through shin to knee-deep water/mud, they then spent some productive hours in the trench, carrying out tasks as our soldiers would have done over 100 years ago. The experience finished with the children going 'over the top' to a soundtrack of machine gun and shell fire, storming into No-Man's Land before planting their poppies as Alan read 'In Flanders Fields'.

Year 3 Trip To Gilbert White House

Kingfishers enjoyed a trip to Gilbert White’s House as a great way to support and extend their geographical learning. In the morning, the children read maps, identified map symbols and used grid references before creating a sketch map using symbols. After lunch, they were shown how to use a compass and used compass bearings to follow an orienteering trail around the 25 acre parkland and gardens. Thankfully, the weather was on our side and it was great to be able to enjoy the outdoors in the breezy sunshine whilst learning at the same time. The children had a “brilliant”, “awesome”, “amazing”, “fascinating” and “interesting” day!

Year 1 Trip to Arundel

On Wednesday 17th May, Woodpeckers Class visited Arundel Castle. Firstly, we went on the coach. When we arrived we saw Arundel Castle and we saw lots of pretty flowers. Then we went in the castle. We got to dress up with our guides Vicky and Georgina.

We learnt about William the Conqueror and then we saw the battlements. We then went to the great hall and we saw real dead lions. Finally it was time for lunch. After lunch we saw the dungeons and then we went to the gardens and saw a turtle. Then we got back on the coach. Thank you to our teachers, Mrs Wallond and Mrs Davies for taking us on the trip.

Report by Rose K-C

Wrens take to the stage!

This half-term it was the turn of our Reception pupils to provide us with a class assembly.

Wrens gave a fantastic performance, teaching the rest of the school all about the different seasons.  They really are superstars, to deliver their lines and sing songs with such confidence to such a large audience at such a young age is really quiet something! We are so proud of them all!

Cat's Protection Visit

On Friday 19th May, Year 5 had a visit from the Cat's Protection charity. We learnt all about how to care for cats and how is best to interact with them. We also learnt, what to do if we found a stray cat, about the importance of microchipping and neutering cats. It was an interesting afternoon and we enjoyed taking part in the online quiz and getting to ask lots of questions about cats and getting advice for our own pets.

Screen Free Day

On Monday 22^nd May, Grayswood went screen-free for the day! The Eco Warriors invited all children and adults across the school to take a well-deserved break from staring at a screen. All classes participated, and many children benefited from lessons being taught outside, making the most of the glorious sunshine we've had this week. 

Our screen-free day was part of our confederation schools initiative, with many local schools in the area also doing the same!

Grayswood School Choir

This term saw the launch of our new Choir Club. Both KS1 and KS2 groups have been working really hard on learning to sing as part of a group and are busy preparing for a performance at the end of term in assembly.  The KS1 group have been coming up with some great actions for their songs, and the KS2 group are just about to start picking which parts of the songs they would like to sing solo.

"I am very proud of them all for the effort they have been putting in within the sessions and also at home, and look forward to working with them for the rest of this term in preparation of their end of term performance!”

Penny, The Music Works

Good attendance is not just valuable, it's essential. Good attendance promotes good outcomes for pupils and provides them with the very best opportunity to reach their potential.

Each term, we track the attendance for each child and classes as a whole. Percentage attendance figures for May are:

Wrens kick-start their football training!

This month saw our youngest pupils take to the field and begin their football training with Kickstart Coaching.

We were so impressed with their listening skills as well as their football skills, and can't wait to see them progress.

KS1 Football Event

On Tuesday afternoon, Woodpeckers and Robins travelled to Amesbury School to take part in a football tournament. 

When we arrived, we were put in to teams and then made our way to different pitches to compete in mini football matches against the other schools; Amesbury or St Mary's. We even played against other teams from our school! 

It was a fun afternoon of non-competitive sport with everyone joining in and taking it in turns to play different positions.  

The teachers were really impressed with the behaviour and sportsmanship; we made sure to shake hands with the other teams after each game and congratulate the winners. 

At the end, we were all given medals and food! 

A big thank you goes to Mrs Taylor for organising the event and to all the teachers and parent helpers for their support and cheering us all on. 

Hosting a party? 

Don't forget you can hire our school hall for your parties, events or clubs. It's available after school, at weekends and during the school holidays.

To find out more please contact Mrs Simpson, our School Business Manager, on sbm@grayswood.surrey.sch.uk