Today we welcomed Justine from Hartbeeps to deliver African drumming workshops to Year 1 and Year 2. The children had a wonderful time learning percussion techniques, songs and African rhythms. During the session the children gradually built up their knowledge to perform a structured piece of music.
Our Harmony Heroes have been busy maintaining the school grounds with Mrs Bailey. Well done and thank you for your hard work!
We are thrilled to announce we have been awarded the Green STARS award from Modeshift STARS, a national accreditation programme dedicated to improving pupil health and well-being through active and sustainable travel. This award recognises our plan to encourage more sustainable modes of transport to and from school. In conjunction with our Green STARS award, we are pleased to announce a new initiative to help alleviate congestion and reduce emissions in and around the Queen's Road carpark, especially during busy drop-off and pick-up times. We are now offering parking permits for the Peabody Road carpark! Please contact the school office for details on how to obtain a parking permit.
I am delighted to announce the formation of our new Year 2 pupil School Council team, proudly named The Harmony Heroes! This enthusiastic group has stepped up to represent their peers and bring a fresh perspective to our school community. With their collective vision for a more engaging and inclusive school environment, the Harmony Heroes are committed to actively listening to the voices of their fellow pupils and advocating for positive changes that reflect their needs and ideas.
The members of The Harmony Heroes are bursting with enthusiasm and creativity as they take on their new responsibilities. They will work diligently to identify areas for improvement and propose exciting new initiatives, ensuring that every child feels heard and valued. We believe that by empowering our young leaders, we are not only enhancing our school’s atmosphere but also nurturing a sense of responsibility and community in our pupils.
We look forward to sharing updates on The Harmony Heroes' progress, upcoming projects, and the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our school. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding their initiatives, as they will be reaching out to gather input from all pupils. Together, we can create an even better school experience, and we’re excited to see what the Harmony Heroes will accomplish!
This week, our Year 2 pupils embarked on an exciting journey to Gilbert White's House and gardens, a destination that perfectly complements their Explorers topic. Gilbert White, alongside fellow adventurers Frank Oates and Lawrence Oates, ventured into the uncharted territories of nature, from the quaint village of Selborne to the far reaches of Central America, Africa, and even Antarctica. Their remarkable exploits opened the children’s eyes to the wonders of the natural world and sparked a deep sense of curiosity within them. As they wandered through the historic grounds, the pupils not only absorbed information about the explorers' journeys but also connected those experiences to their own budding interests.
The trip was an excellent opportunity for our young learners to immerse themselves in the principles of exploration and discovery, all of which are central to our bespoke Harmony curriculum at South Farnborough Infant School. Through hands-on activities in the gardens, the children learned to observe their surroundings closely, embrace the beauty of nature, and feel inspired to protect the environment. Guided by the stories of White and the Oates brothers, they began to realize that exploring the natural world goes beyond mere observation; it's about cultivating a lasting appreciation and a responsibility to care for our planet. The Legacy of Gilbert White and his fellow explorers will undoubtedly resonate with our children, guiding them on their own personal journeys of exploration and discovery.
MATHS
This week, Year 1 have been diving into the exciting world of numbers in their Maths lessons. They have been learning not only how to count and write numbers but also how to read them confidently. To enhance their understanding, the children enjoyed representing numbers in various ways, using manipulatives such as blocks and counters, as well as drawing pictures to illustrate the quantities they were working with. This hands-on approach has made learning about numbers both engaging and fun!
In Year 2, the focus has shifted to partitioning numbers into tens and ones. This foundational skill helps children grasp the concept of place value, enabling them to break larger numbers down into manageable parts. By understanding how numbers are structured, children are building the skills they need for more complex mathematical operations in the future.
To continue supporting your child's learning at home, we encourage you to explore the practice activities linked below.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zknsgk7
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zncq4xs
Reading for Pleasure
Our newly organised school library has become a vibrant hub of creativity and learning, where all of the children have thoroughly enjoyed immersing themselves in the magical world of books. The carefully curated selection of titles promotes a love of reading and sparks curiosity. With cozy reading nooks and colorful displays, the library invites children to lose themselves in the pages of their favorite tales, fostering an appreciation for literature.
To build on your child's newfound love of reading, we encourage you to explore the rich resources offered by the Book Trust. This organisation provides a treasure trove of wonderful recommendations tailored to different age groups and reading levels, ensuring that every child can find something that piques their interest. Whether your child is captivated by fantastical adventures, educational non-fiction, or heartwarming stories, the Book Trust's curated lists will guide you toward the perfect book selections. Taking the time to read at home, alongside the excitement of our school library, will further nurture your child's passion for literature and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Click here for Book Recommendations
Physical Education - September 2024
This week, our Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils have had a fantastic time in their PE lessons, thanks to our specialised coaches from Sport Focus. The energy on the playground has been contagious, with children diving into activities that not only promote physical fitness but also foster teamwork and cooperation. From relay races to group games, every session has been designed to maximise fun while developing essential skills. The smiles on the children's faces and their enthusiastic cheers highlight just how much they have enjoyed being active and engaged.
To keep this momentum going, we encourage everyone to take on the challenge of a 60-second activity at home. Whether it's jumping jacks, balancing on one foot, or even a short dance break, these fun mini-challenges are a great way to stay active and engaged. Remember, every little bit of movement counts! Keep up the great work, and let's look forward to more energetic sessions next week!
This week in Key Stage 1, our pupils have enthusiastically embraced the new Music Curriculum, Sing Up Music. The vibrant and engaging lessons have allowed the children to immerse themselves in a variety of musical experiences, discovering new songs that spark joy and creativity. As they listen and learn, the excitement in the classroom is palpable, with children eagerly participating and expressing themselves through music.
In Year 2, the focus has shifted to exploring the concepts of pitch and percussion. This builds beautifully on the foundations laid in Year 1, where pupils were introduced to the basic elements of music and rhythm. By deepening their understanding of pitch, the Year 2 children are not only enhancing their musical skills but also developing their auditory discrimination and appreciation for different musical notes.
Overall, the introduction of Sing Up Music has enriched our music curriculum, providing a wonderful platform for our children to learn and grow in their musical journey. We can’t wait to see how their skills continue to develop as they explore the world of music further!
ROOTS AND SHOOTS GARDENING EVENT
Saturday 7th September 2024
Despite the gloomy weather, this morning marked a vibrant gathering of our school community for the much-anticipated Roots and Shoots gardening event. With clouds casting a muted grey over us, the spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm among staff, parents, and children brought warmth to the day. Together, we successfully tidied up and maintained the garden beds, resulting in clean and flourishing areas ready for new growth.
The joy of our hard work was magnified when we discovered the fruits of our labour – school-grown tomatoes and potatoes, which were a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of accomplishment to the morning. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated, and a special shout-out to Mrs Bailey and her husband for their exceptional organisation and coordination of this successful event. Their dedication not only made the day possible but also inspired a collective appreciation for the environment and our role in nurturing it.