Snowies and Barn Owls are running around a mile a week in the build up to the Okehampton half marathon. By running one mile each week over 12 weeks, it gives children the opportunity to enter to run their final mile on the day of the event (details sent separately).
There are varying levels of enthusiasm for running one quarter of a mile each day, but it's very enjoyable to get out in the sun, especially now the grass is dry.

Once again, the Snowy Owls did a fantastic job of presenting and sharing their home learning. The children enjoyed discussing their homework with their peers and playing a selection of Viking games. Thank you to everyone at home for supporting children in this task. 

A part of the Snowy Owls' work on raw and synthetic materials, they learnt that paper is a synthetic material made from a raw material. The children investigated how paper is made and replicated the process by recycling paper. Firstly, they shredded the paper into small pieces and mixed the paper with water to make a pulp. Next they extracted the water and flattened the paper before leaving it to dry. They learnt about the positive impact which recycling can have on the environment. 

On Wednesday, the school had a visit from RNLI lifeguards. The children listened very carefully and explored how to be 'water smart'. The children learnt that to stay safe near water they need to take the following steps:
1. Stop and think
2. Stay together
3. Float 
4. Call 999 or 112. 
Each child was given an information leaflet which explain the steps in detail. Please take time to read the information with your child - it could save a life. 

Snowy Owl's are learning about 'The Vikings' and in this weeks lesson re-enacted the story of Alfred and Guthrum. 

The whole school sang “To The Sound of Trumpets” for the new King, all dressed in red, white and blue! The sun decided to shine, so we took the opportunity to end the day by singing the song on our way out to our parents. Some children waved Union Flags and others wore crowns as they paraded around the playground.  We have also made a recording of the song which can be found here:

https://youtu.be/oyIa7F1wtAI

During Forest School, the year 3 children cleared the playground ahead of the new sheds being put in place. They created their own minibeasts using natural materials. It was wonderful to enjoy the forest school area in the sunshine. 

The children have had a busy morning learning about the life of King Charles III ahead of his Coronation this weekend. They then had the opportunity to write letters to the King, which are going to be posted later today. The pupils also made silhouette portraits which we hope the King enjoys looking at when he receives his letters!

Despite the weather not being quite what you'd expect for cricket, the Snowy Owls braved the rain and enjoyed a shorter session outside. The class developed their skills of batting, fielding and bowling. In the shelter of the classroom, the children learnt more about the rules of the game and watched a film of some professional England Cricketers playing. 

Bridestowe Y3-6 joined with friends from Lydford Primary to take part in the Cross Country event at Chagford Cricket Club in the second (previously postponed) inter-schools event run by OCRA.
This was a tough course, going up on to the moor above the village, and was extremely competitive. All of our runners completed the course very impressively, Rosa even coming in running strongly having fallen partway around.
Thanks to OCRA for organising the event, and to Mrs Neild and Mrs Floyd-Walker for helping and  accompanying us. Also, thankyou to the parents who attended for their support, with a special mention for Mr Lane who brought up the rear in both races, wearing his chainsawing trousers.

​This week, children from across the school took part in an assembly and follow up activities to mark World Autism Acceptance Week.  The key message was that everyone is different. We learnt that people with autism are not ill but instead see the world in a unique way. We explored ways in which we can be a good classmate to people with autism - we discussed a number of scenarios and how we could support and help one another in these situations. 

For tips on how to talk about autism at home with younger children visit: www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/joinin/pablo-talking-to-your-child-about-autism 
For more information on autism visit: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

​The Snowy Owls had the opportunity to share their home learning with their peers. There was an array of information presented in creative ways such as models and posters.  The children were able to speak confidently about their project and had clearly enjoyed continuing their learning at home.  Thank you to parents for supporting your child's learning journey. 

​In English, the Snowy Owls were inspired by the text ‘Until I Met Dudley’ written by Roger McGough. The class wrote their own imaginary explanations about how things in space came to be such as how the planets got their colour, how planets orbit the sun and how the sun gets it heat. They used their imagination to explain how these things happen before researching and writing the real the explanation! 

We were treated to a visit from a medal-winning athlete this week, as Maddi Tarrant, Team GB Double Mini Trampoline gymnast arrived at Bridestowe.
In an inspirational assembly, Maddi told us about her journey from starting gymnastics lessons at an early age (in an attempt to outdo her brother) to becoming a European champion in her sport. Maddi showed us videos of her training and successes, as well as some occasions when her jumps and twirls had not gone to plan. Sadly, Maddi could not give a live demonstration as she is nursing a back injury, which she is hoping to recover from in time for her next competitions in May.
All of the children took part in some challenging activities which Maddi led and demonstrated. Many congratulations to the children at Bridestowe for their impressive athletic work, and thankyou for the wonderful fund-raising by so many of you.

Snowy Owls had a visit from South West Water today as the end of their Geography topic Weather, Water and Climate. The children added to their knowledge of the water cycle and learnt ways how to save water, what should go in our drains and how water is filtrated. The children were amazed to learnt that 2,700 litres of water is used to make 1 cotton t-shirt. They also experimented what happens to toilet roll and a wet wipe when put down the toilet and flushed.

Children had the chance to learn more about events in the run-up to Easter in the Open the Book Assembly on the 10th of March. We heard about Palm Sunday, and re-enacted Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, using palm fronds 

Ranger Rob's theme for Forest School this week was 'Spring'. The Year 4s were tasked with producing something from clay. with only using tools from nature, that reminded them of Spring. It wasn't the most pleasant of days so, of course, the campfire was lit and marshmallows toasted before the children enjoyed a game of 'hunt the clay Easter egg' at the end of the session.

The children showed their support to Comic Relief by coming to school with crazy hair! In assembly, we learnt how the money raised is used by the charity to support a wide range of projects. 

Words matter and the right words words matter most of all!
Exploring words in school today - thinking and talking about words is really interesting!

In Forest School this week Snowy Owls learnt how to shelter from the elements - we had the perfect weather to test. They then enjoyed s'mores by the camp fire to warm up.

Snowy Owl's learnt about a dog's five senses and how these make a dog think and feel.. They also learnt different strategies of how to ensure a dog feels safe and happy.

As part of our Geography this half term we are learning about the weather. This week we learnt about the different components which make up the weather. To help remember them all we created actions. 

​In maths, year 3 worked hard to calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes. They firstly used string to understand the concept of perimeter before carefully measuring each side and finding the total length around the outside of the shape. 

On Wednesday, Snowy Owls and Barn Owls went on a trip to Paignton. We were treated to impressive displays by many species, and the chance to learn many and varied facts.

On Wednesday 1st February, children from the Barn Owls and Snowy Owls visited Paignton Zoo. The admission was free to celebrate the zoo’s 100th year. The children focused on ecosystems which enhanced their learning in class.