After our previous trip out a few weeks ago, we could see the differences on our walks this week. We found that it was quite a bit colder, and that nearly all the leaves had fallen from the trees. But it was drier than it had been.
For our learning in English and Geography, we explored areas around Bridestowe, and within the school grounds. We've drawn field sketches for Geography, and written a first person account of our observations for English.

We were all treated to a fascinating acted story by our Open the Book visitors. They told us the story of someone who had lost one of her coins, and spent time and energy finding it. We learned that Christians believe this is how God views all people - each is equally important.

In Owlets class we have been learning about hedgehogs and their environment. This week we have built our own hedgehog house in the forest school. We hope our house saves a hedgehog/ hogs this Winter! 

The Tawny Owls have enjoyed looking into the school's past. They have been exploring old artefacts including, newspaper clippings, photographs, head teacher log books and registers. They discovered that in 1972 a lorry crashed into the school, damaging the front wall and 2 classrooms. Unfortunately the driver of the lorry lost his life and the children had to be taught at Sourton Village Hall for a few weeks until the school had been repaired. 

We are very excited to have purchased a new set of books which have been recommended for children by carers, health professionals and librarians. Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children deal with worries, feel better and boost their mood. The books aim to help children understand their feelings and cope with tough times. The books cover: healthy minds, worries, feelings, the world around us, grief, depression, autism and dyslexic and can be enjoyed by the child alone or with an adult. If you feel your child might benefit from reading one of these books please get in contact with your child’s class teacher or contact Mrs Lowden in the office. More information can be found at www.reading-well.org.uk
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Everyone in Barn Owls came in in non-uniform, with as many dots as possible, for Children in Need day. Here are a few. Thankyou for your kind donations.

This week, Forest School Club planted bulbs in the Outdoor Area. We hope they'll bring an extra splash of colour in February and March. One observant worker also found a dead rat tucked away. We all tentatively made our way over to have a look.

Today is children in need, in Owlets we have been talking about why we raise money for children in need. To show our support for the cause we have made Pudsey headbands. 

The Snowy Owls have worked with Mrs Houghton and Mrs Butler to create these beautiful pieces of art for the classroom. 

Thanks to some exemplary behaviour, listening and work in Barn Owls over the past weeks, all 100 beads were earned, resulting in Golden Time earlier this week. Pupils played games, and generally made the most of the chance to choose their activities.

This week, Barn Owls completed training on Netball, culminating in some matches. This gave everyone a chance to try out the skills learned. The improvement in marking and footwork was impressive.

We investigated contact and non-contact forces. The Snowy Owls were able to identify magnetic force, gravitational force, friction, upthrust and air resistance. 

We are learning a Christmas song this half term in Tawny Owls called, Ho Ho Ho by Joanna Mangona and Jane Sebba. Throughout the unit, the children will learn about pulse, the words and pitch, improvisation by adding instruments and performance through movement and dance. 

We were lucky enough to find the sun one afternoon this week, and made the most of it by exploring some routes around Bridestowe. This links well with our English and Geography work this half-term. Despite the flooding en route, we managed to stay dry, and found an intriguing abandoned tractor. Ellenor, with her links to the agricultural world, has been tasked with trying to find out more!

In Barn Owls, we've been finding out about solutions, formulations and states of matter. This week we tried to find ways to separate soluble and insoluble substances (solutes) from water (solvent). We've left a solution on the window sill in the hope that the sun will help us to get some salt back from water through evaporation. Retrieving sand through filtration was much speedier.

Today we welcomed the Stop, Look, Listen road safety roadshow workshop to school. 

Be safe, be seen! 

We had a very detailed show about how we can stay safe on our roads. We explored the Green Cross Code, safe places to cross a road and how to keep others around us safe. As the evenings get darker, we must all remember these important safety points - can your child tell you something they learnt from the session? 

All of the children have contributed to another fantastic display at the front of our school. We hope you enjoy looking at our artwork and have some time to reflect. 

Today we had an Open the Book assembly where the children were told the Christian story, The Prodigal Son. The children reflected on forgiveness and the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. 

The Tawny Owls had a fantastic afternoon with Ranger Rob. They created woodland animals and faces out of clay and the natural material they could find within the environmental area. 

As it was a cold day, the fire was lit and marshmallows were also roasted and eaten by all.  

Yesterday, we were incredibly lucky to have 2 very exciting visitors in school - Jo Pritchard and Gwen.

Gwen is training to be a police dog. She is only young and has lots to learn but it was lovely to meet her and be able to ask lots of questions. Thank you Jo for an informative session.