Ladygrove Park Primary School

Design Technology

2012-02-03T17:42:00.000+01:00

Year 3 have had a two day design technology challenge to make a scary monster using a pneumatic mechanism. They used a plastic bottle to pump the air down a tube to inflate a balloon to make the monster move. They then had to decorate their model.

More news

2012-01-27T17:28:00.000+01:00

Another LPPS News Team updated children in assembly today with news, weather and a fashion feature. Excellent presentation skills from all of them!

We are scientists ...

2012-01-24T13:58:00.001+01:00

... in the making.

Hot off the press photo directly from Bristol Science Museum.

A mystery on the field

2012-01-23T17:00:00.001+01:00

Some children have been asking about the piles of wood on the school field. The answer is Outdoor Learning!

Our resident handyman Richard is making structures that the children can use in Forest School.
Watch this space!

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Football

2012-01-20T18:19:00.000+01:00

Boys and girls teams have been in action this week.
The girls played in the local finals against three other teams who had won through. They won one match, lost two so didn't go through to the next stage of the competition.
The boys played a league match against Northbourne and lost 4-2. As our team is mostly year 5s, they are to be congratulated for fighting harder against a team of year 6s.

High five on a roll again!

2012-01-19T18:54:00.002+01:00

High 5 Match versus South Moreton

Being 1 – 0 down with a minute of the starting whistle was not how the high 5 team hoped to start the season. However, Lucy G (today's captain) was not about to accept in lying down and very quickly pulled it back to 1 – 1. Shooting is clearly a forte for both Lucy and John who, by the end of the first quarter had managed a further 6 goals between them, supported greatly by Lucy C as centre. Benji scored a well-deserved goal in the second quarter and Katherine and Tom managed 5 between them in the next quarter. Kate shot two superb goals in the final quarter, and Jon added a further 4 to his score-sheet. Although South Moreton earned themselves a goal in the last few minutes of the game, the final score was Ladygrove 19 – South Moreton 2.

Well done to all the players and thanks to the parents and grandparents who turned up to support us.

Year 1's body museum

2012-01-19T13:23:00.000+01:00

Year 1 were working hard all last week preparing a museum about the body especially for the Foundation Stage children so that they could share all the knowledge they had gained! The children were very proud of the museum and some children enjoyed welcoming FS and pointing out the different displays.

Mr Hicks in year 1

2012-01-13T12:47:00.000+01:00

The children were pleased to have some time with Mr Hicks again yesterday. He came in to tell us about all the improvements he's been making to the outside areas in the school. Afterwards the children went off to complete surveys of areas they like, those they're not so keen on and ideas for further improvements. That should keep Mr Hicks going for the foreseeable future!

Indoor athletics

2012-01-12T16:57:00.000+01:00

It was the turn of the year 5 and year 6 children to do indoor athletics this morning.
There were a whole range of athletic events which the children enjoyed. Declan said is was the best day he'd ever had! Our team came third; only 3 points behind the winners!

Playground Zones

2012-01-11T14:35:00.000+01:00

Our playground zones continue to be very popular and they are used even during these cold months, some more than others! The general feeling is that the zones are a good idea and one child said his favourite area is the 'Bushcraft Zone' as he loves building with logs and wood.

Year 5 Art Work

2012-01-11T14:23:00.000+01:00

Year 5 have been looking at still life and one lesson was to look at Andy Warhol's shoes. Miss Tustian brought in some of of fabulous shoes for the children to sketch. Take a look at their wonderful work.

New office assistants

2012-01-09T14:59:00.000+01:00

Interviews and training have now been completed for the new year 6 office helpers and the first volunteers started this lunchtime.
If you call us at lunchtime, the phone is likely to be answered by one of the assistants.

Godt Nytår (Happy New Year in Danish)

2012-01-06T17:19:00.000+01:00

The new term has got off to a cracking staff with lots going on. Year 2 starting their Viking topic by dressing up as scary Vikings. They were given Viking names, they learnt to write some runes and they tasted "real" Viking food. Mmmm!

Christmas Disco!

2011-12-16T11:43:00.000+01:00

A great time was had by all!

Last day

2011-12-16T10:41:00.000+01:00

It was party time at LPPS this morning with fab discos in the hall. Both to celebrate the end of term and to say well done to the children for a very successful term.

STRICTLY COME LADYGROVE

2011-12-15T13:17:00.000+01:00

It was an exciting morning today when Strictly stars: Brucie, Tess, Alesha, Craig, Bruno and Len arrived for our annual Year 6 performance of Strictly Come Ladygrove.

The contestants were stunning, demonstrating a range of dance techniques from the Waltz to Streetdance. This year, our packed hall and class timetable didn't allow for any rehearsal time and they all spent many lunchtimes practising and sorting out dramas and choreography.

The audience were amazing; even Foundation Stage sat beautifully and were in awe of the performers. We had some splendid jokes from the audience to help out Brucie and the hall glittered with fairy lights and tinsel.

Congratulations to the 2011 winners: Streetstars who won in a dance off at the end of yet another spectacular event.

Well done to all those who took part and thank you to Mrs Tucker, who made a special guest appearance as Bruno.

Year 3 Roman Day!

2011-12-13T17:12:00.000+01:00

Today the children in year 3 learnt history through doing it! The children made a great effort with their magnificent costumes and became roman apprentices for the morning, making items such as wax tablets, charm bracelets and roman medicines. In the afternoon we had a roman banquet where the slaves served a great feast whilst we watched some fantastic roman entertainment. A great day was had by all and the children have learnt lots!

Egyptian Show & Tell

2011-12-13T13:18:00.000+01:00

This term Year 4 have really enjoyed their topic Mystifying Mummies in which they have discovered all kinds of facts about Ancient Egypt. Did you know that the Egyptians used to mummify their dead bodies to prepare them for the afterlife? They removed all their internal organs including the brain - which they pulled out through the nose with a hook - Yuck!!

Last week we invited Foundation children and parents to come and have a look at all the amazing work we have done. We think they really enjoyed their visit!

One Snowy Night

2011-12-12T17:28:00.002+01:00

One windy Monday afternoon years 1, 2 and 3 walked beautifully to the Cornerstone to watch the Christmas pantomime 'One Snowy Night'. Based on the children's book written by Nick Butterworth, the play tells the story of Percy the Park keeper and his animal friends. One snowy night, one by one, Percy's friends knock at his door, shivering with cold, looking for some shelter. Soon there is not enough room for Percy in his own bed! The children and adults all had a great time!

The Story of Christmas

2011-12-12T17:00:00.001+01:00

Today, foundation stage children retold the story of Christmas with songs and actions. They looked beautiful in their glittery costumes. Then, at the end of the show, they had a special surprise visitor!

Year 6 go Euro Mad.

2011-12-12T10:09:00.000+01:00

What a spectacular performance Year 6 treated us to on Friday afternoon. In order to show off what they have learnt about Europe this term, the groups performed a song and dance to a well known song that they had changed the lyrics to, in their own version of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The aim was most certainly to be as cheesy as possible, something that the winning group, Idiots Abroad, managed remarkably well.

Well done to all the children for their bravery in getting up there to perform and to our judges: Miss Tustian, Mr Burrows and Mrs Creech for their fair and non-political voting!

Stars!

2011-12-09T09:12:00.000+01:00

Year 1 children were stars (and angels and kings and donkeys ....) in their Christmas performance last night. They looked stunning in their costumes (thanks to mums and dads), sang beautifully and said their lines confidently! Well done everyone!

Civic Hall Carol Concert

2011-12-07T20:48:00.001+01:00

After a gap of about three years, the school choir were back singing at the Mayor's Carol Concert this evening.
They sang beautifully!
Thank you to the supporting parents and to Lucy Storer and Imogen Wraith for leading the choir.

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Location:Britwell Rd,,United Kingdom

Christmas dinner #3

2011-12-07T14:29:00.001+01:00

For the third time:

ü turkey and stuffing

ü crackers and decorations

ü santa

Our thanks to everyone who helped prepare the hall and a special thanks to Gill and Janice in the kitchen for cooking over 400 meals!

Christmas dinner #2

2011-12-06T14:08:00.000+01:00

It was the turn of year 1 and year 5 today. And Santa found time to drop in again!

Christmas dinner #1

2011-12-05T13:49:00.000+01:00

The first Christmas lunch of the year took place today for year 6 and foundation stage children. It was superbly organised by support staff and thoroughly enjoyed by the children. And guess what? Santa was there too.

With full tummies, it's out to play!

Fame at last!

2011-12-04T19:40:00.000+01:00

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9399887.Didcot_primary_rated_outstanding_by_Ofsted/?ref=erec

An outstanding Christmas Fair

2011-12-02T19:03:00.000+01:00

PALS organised an outstanding Christmas Craft Fair after school today with stalls and craft activities. The children enjoyed themselves making puppets, icing biscuits colouring in ... whilst parents tasted the mulled wine and mince pies!

Art Day

2011-12-02T16:41:00.000+01:00

Linda Benton, a local artist visited us yesterday and inspired us with her colourful pictures of Didcot. Some classes visited the mounds and surrounding areas too to get some more ideas and then today each year group produced a wonderful montage of what Didcot means to them. Year 6 gave us something to compare by using some of Linda's ideas and making a display of Europe to follow up work they had been doing recently. Well done everyone!

Basketball tournament

2011-12-02T15:16:00.000+01:00

Message from Coach Steph:

"Firstly can I say how very proud I am of the year 3, 5 and 6 children who represented Ladygrove Park in the Baketball tournament today. They were a credit to their team and the school.

We had 3 matches, where we won the first and lost the next 2. We had very strong opposition with height and ability. All of the players gave their all and behaved impeccably."

Well done all of you and thanks to Steph!

LPPSN

2011-11-25T17:22:00.001+01:00

The first live broadcast of LPPSNews took place this afternoon in the school hall. Presenters from Year 6 entertained the audience with a mix of school, national and international news and sport with a slot for the weather. We hope it will be the first of many broadcasts from our very talented Year 6 children.

Sports Hall Athletics

2011-11-25T14:55:00.000+01:00

Report by year 4 boys:
"Year 3 and 4 spent the morning doing athletics at St Birinus Leisure Centre. Our favourite thing was the Over and Under relay race; you had to do a forward roll, then jump over a hurdle, under a tunnel, over a hurdle X2.
We came 6th overall out of 10 schools.
It was very good fun ... and healthy."

Visitors to Year 1 this week

2011-11-25T09:34:00.000+01:00

We were lucky enought to have more visitors this week. One of our Grandmas came in to tell the children about the toys she played with when she was young. Yesterday one of our Dads and Governors spent the session with us helping the children write letters home to find out more about toys in the past. A big thank you to both of them!

On the way up!

2011-11-19T17:55:00.000+01:00

A 2:1 victory against Stephen Freeman on Friday afternoon ended a long series of disappointing results for our boys' football team. Ladygrove dominated from the kick off but good defensive play by Stephen Freeman kept the score at 0:0 at half time. Against the run of play, Ladygrove conceded a goal early in the second half. However, excellent goals from Arley and Leighton sealed a confident win by the home side.

Big Write #2

2011-11-19T17:46:00.000+01:00

Children at Ladygrove Park Primary School gave a hostile reception to Mr A Hoax at the assembly on Friday. Children were eager to express their opinions on the proposal from Ladygrove Council to build houses on the school field.
Asked afterwards if Ladygrove Council would be reconsidering their proposal, a visibly shaken Mr Hoax would only comment; "the children were very polite."

Big Voices for the Big Write

2011-11-17T17:21:00.000+01:00

Ever since launching the topic for our whole school Big Write, the children have been very vocal in expressing their views about the thought of losing our beloved school playing field to a housing development.

Year groups have 'buddied' up across the school to find out what the implications would be for children of different ages and have come up with all sorts of reasons for keeping the field.
These include:

The impact it would have on school events such as Sports Day and the Summer Fete
The loss of various PE activities
The impact on admissions and the catchment area
The loss of our Bushcraft Area which would make Miss Grimes very sad

...and many more.

Foundation Stage children have been so enraged, that they staged a protest in their garden area. There has even been mention of contacting the Queen or the Army to get involved.

As the children feel so strongly about this, we have invited Mr A Hoax from the 'Ladygrove Council' to come to our assembly tomorrow to hear their views and respond. Who knows, maybe they will be given a chance to put their thoughts and opinions in writing next week.

St John's Ambulance visitors in year 1.

2011-11-16T12:51:00.000+01:00

The children enjoyed a visit from the local St John's Ambulance team yesterday. They had a go at bandaging each other's arms and heads and were able to have a look inside the ambulance too. One of our wow words this week is "emergency". Let's hope we don't have any of those!

Year 4's Exciting Egyptian Experience

2011-11-14T19:32:00.000+01:00

Last week Year 4 were treated to an information packed morning of stories and drama all about the life and death of the Ancient Egyptians. The children got really stuck in, dressing up in costume, trying out bread, wigs !! and taking part in an elaborate buriel that included a wrapped mummy and a ceremony to determine whether the mummy should be allowed to enter the afterlife. Fortunately his heart was light and weighed less than a feather so he was allowed in - otherwise the Devourer would have eaten his heart!

In the afternoon the children performed a dance based on life by the river Nile - it was a fantastic day! They are looking forward to learning more about this exciting civilisation during the rest of the term.

Play Zones launch

2011-11-14T15:09:00.000+01:00

After lots of planning and consultation with children and lunchtime staff, the lunchtime Play Zones have finally been launched. We hope that having lots of activities going on outside will mean that children will have even more enjoyable lunchtimes.
Thanks to Mrs Lee and the Behaviour and Safety team for coordinating it all.

All quiet

2011-11-11T15:26:00.001+01:00

It's been all quiet on the blog front this week as we were otherwise engaged with some visitors.
We'll post some entries next week to show you what the children have been getting up to.

The final night...

2011-11-03T20:04:00.000+01:00

The final night has arrived and the children are busy spending their last pennies on sweets and presents.
The glad rags have been adorned and all are ready to boogie on down at the disco.

We've enjoyed visits from Mr Burrows and Mrs Owen this week so thank you to both of them.

All the children took part in raft building today and also in jumping off them. Great fun was had by every single one and the staff too. Jon did a convincing impression of Leonardo Di Caprio's final moments in the icy water and Jada nearly suffocated Mrs McSweeney who was trying to get her back on the raft for the fifth time.

One of our favourite moments today was Danyella reaching the top of the climbing wall with no qualms and then getting scared of a fly buzzing around her as she dangled from the top.

Most children passed their PGL driving test on the quad bikes, although there were some spectacular crashes.

Despite our 'chat' about packing techniques, we are glad it will not be us opening those bags tomorrow afternoon. Beware of the bin bags full of wet clothes in particular!

We've had an amazing week and the children have been a credit to their parents and the school. We are looking forward to some more activities in the morning, before handing back some very tired, but proud and happy children, who seem to have grown up an awful lot this week.

Foundation Stage visit outer space

2011-11-03T18:09:00.001+01:00

All the children in Foundation Stage have been learning about space. Some have boarded the space ship in class 1 and gone off to explore Nebulas and other Galaxies.

We sent a letter to some Aliens and we even got a letter back! It was sent in a space capsule and arrived by Special Delivery.

Did you know Aliens eat moon rocks and love to wear underpants! We are going to write back to them and hopefully they will come and visit us.

Lunch guests

2011-11-03T11:08:00.000+01:00

Year 1 children were invited to bring their parents in for lunch on Wednesday this week to try out the food. We were delighted to have over 30 guests; everyone enjoyed the meal very much. Well done to Gill and Janice in the kitchen and thanks to Food With Thought for supporting this event.

Fierce office staff

2011-11-03T10:53:00.000+01:00

We have appointed a new member of the office staff to deal with aggressive salesmen trying to sell the school unwanted resources.

(Alternatively, this could be a picture of one of the year 2 teachers getting into the swing of character day on this week.)

Lovely Liddington grub

2011-11-02T18:54:00.001+01:00

After a day of fresh air and fun, nothing better than steak pie (or roast pork or Thai vegetable curry) followed by choc crispy cake. Bonfire and movie tonight!
(And no sign of home-sickness!)

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On Liddington Lake

2011-11-02T17:56:00.001+01:00

Two groups went canoeing this afternoon. Canoeing with games: humans v zombies, canoe basketball and various races. And noone fell in!

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Scary stuff at Liddington #2

2011-11-02T12:27:00.001+01:00

Second scary morning activity for group 4 was Vertical Challenge. Like an obstacle course up in the air!

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Scary stuff at Liddington #1

2011-11-02T12:14:00.002+01:00

Group 4 had Giant Swing this morning. High and scary but great fun!

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Good morning

2011-11-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

Wow, they slept REALLY well. So after a Big Breakfast they were ready to go.

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Liddington - Tuesday

2011-11-01T22:18:00.001+01:00

Here are some comments from the children on their first day of activities.
"It was wild," said Jack. "When we did the abseiling it was really high up. "
"I was amazed by the rock climbing Walls and the abseiling tower. The abseiling made me nervous first of all but it got better as I went down," said Matthew.
"I loved the abseiling and the canoeing. We got wet on the canoes when we had to turn round. It was hard work," said Jada.
"The big swing was phenomenal," said Holly. "it was an amazing experience to drop down and then swing very high."
"I'm looking forward to the canoeing," said Aathira. "I'm looking forward to learning new skills like I did today with the archery." (She got 3 bullseyes!)
"I enjoyed the giant swing. I'm looking forward to the zip wire because it will be like flying," said Anna.
Sofya said: "I really, really enjoyed the zip wire because it was exciting and frightening at the same time because the platform on which we stood was wobbling under our feet!"
[pictures later!]

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Sparkling time at After School Club

2011-11-01T11:15:00.000+01:00

Children at the After School Club had a great time with Sparklers last night. They all behaved brilliantly and were very knowledgeable of the Firework Code. Looking forward to our Chocolate apples and sing song around camp fire later in the week.

Year 6 have landed at Liddington!

2011-10-31T21:12:00.001+01:00

After a thankfully uneventful journey, we arrived in sunny Swindon to be met by our very efficient groupie, Anna.
We had a quick tour of the vast site and then it was time for games on the field.
We are pleased to report that everyone ate a hearty meal from the choice of shepherd's pie, chicken curry or tortellini. The amount of trips to the salad bar was pleasingly surprising.

It was then time to unpack and unwind in our luxurious accommodation. (Rumours have it that some showers were used!)

As we write this, the children and other staff are busy finishing wacky races on the floodlit astroturf and should be suitably tired and ready for tomorrow's action packed schedule.

Here's hoping for at least a few hours sleep tonight.

Year 1 and 2 at Forest School

2011-10-24T15:04:00.000+02:00

On Friday 21st October year 1 and 2 had great fun at Forest School. Year 1 children learnt a lot as they watched and listened to the year 2s explain how to build a fire. We then all had the opportunity to toast and eat marshmallows on the fire. Yum!

A right royal romp

2011-10-21T16:13:00.000+02:00

Year 4 children put on a spectacular performance for their end of term assembly giving us a whistle stop tour through the tudor royal family. They sang and acted with real confidence and pride. Well done!

Yummy

2011-10-21T16:10:00.002+02:00

It was a busy entrance to parents' evenings yesterday and Wednesday with governors talking to parents about Road Safety. The children were more interested in the free food!

A surprise visit in year 1

2011-10-21T09:33:00.000+02:00

There was great excitement in year 1 yesterday when the firemen paid us a surprise visit. They talked to the children about safety, showed them around the outside of the fire-engine and we were even allowed a quick look inside! Afterwards some children made their own fire-hoses, pictures and thank you cards.

Not quite ...

2011-10-20T09:06:00.002+02:00

Another day, another football match.
A much better performance from Ladygrove saw us ahead, 4-2 with 5 minutes to go.
Which made it all the more annoying that we ended us 4-4 at full time and then losing on penalties!

Chinese pen pals

2011-10-20T08:59:00.000+02:00

This year, we have set up a partnership with a different school in China; Yucai Primary School in Changsha. As well as an internet discussion forum for year 5s and year 6 children, we are doing joint topics (like the year 6 Andy Goldsworthy topic) and exchanging pen pal letters.
Yesterday, we opened the box of letters from the children in China. We were very impressed that the letters were written in such good English. We hope to get the replies off soon.

News from After School Club

2011-10-14T18:02:00.000+02:00

This Term at After School Club we have done lots of exciting activities. The children have made scarecrows, danced with bubbles, gone on a bear hunt and done lots of crafty things. Some of the children have made apple crumble and helped with making tea. The new arrivals have made lots of new friends to play with and have settled in well.

Football #3

2011-10-14T17:56:00.000+02:00

It was the third football event of the week with a match against Manor School.
The sun shone, the new kit still sparkled and Arley scored a fantastic goal.
Unfortunately, the Manor team scored 4 goals!
We hope for better luck on Wednesday.

Girls turn on the style

2011-10-12T20:22:00.000+02:00

Not only were the girls football team the most stylish in the mini-tournament after school today, they were also the better players. They drew one and won three of their four matches, although they left the winning goals in their last match against Hagbourne till the last minute. Holly and Lucy were top scorers.
They go through to the county finals later in the season.
Well done!

New season, new team, new kit

2011-10-12T10:08:00.000+02:00

The school football team ran out for the first tournament of the season, wearing smart new kit paid for by Premier Soccer (http://www.premiersoccercentres.co.uk/) a coaching company that has done work with the school in the past.
It was a successful evening with our team winning two of their matches, drawing one and losing one. Leighton scored both of our goals.
We were very pleased with the team's performance and we are very hopeful that we will have a successful season.

Lunchtimes

2011-10-10T18:15:00.000+02:00

The School Buddies led assembly today to tell the children what will be in offer next term in the new Playground Zones. There are going to be zones for dressing up, reading, creativity, Wiggle and Giggle games, basketball and of course football. Look out for more information in the newsletters.

Blog Club

2011-10-10T18:07:00.001+02:00

Year 6 Blog Club met for the first time this lunchtime to write posts for the Kids' Blog. Click through from the school website to see what they've written or go to: http://ladygroveparkkids.blogspot.com/

Thank you!!

2011-10-07T18:06:00.000+02:00

Thank you so much for your generous donations to today's Harvest Assembly.
The tables in the hall were overflowing with tins and jars and garden produce.
The Reverend Hugh loaded up his car after the assembly to take the donations to the Didcot Food Bank.

Bushcraft lunchtimes

2011-10-06T16:10:00.000+02:00

As part of our work to improve play opportunities, we are opening up the bushcraft area to children at lunchtimes next term. Bushcraft club came to assembly to explain the rules and answer questions.

Scientists

2011-10-05T18:49:00.001+02:00

I had an enjoyable afternoon in year 6 yesterday. They were doing the "Giant's Hand" investigation involving vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. The children used lots of scientific vocabulary talking about chemical reactions and non-reversible change ... and really enjoyed themselves too!

Italian Day in Year 1

2011-10-05T17:31:00.000+02:00

As part of European Languages Day, Year 1 learnt about Italy. We made pizzas, learnt Old McDonald in Italian, which we sang in assembly and we also learnt to count to 10 in Italian.

Piarte P esacpes the island!

2011-10-05T17:28:00.000+02:00

Year 1 finally got to meet Pirate P who had been stuck on the desert island for a couple of weeks. We had written him letters and created maps to help him find his way home. He turned out to be a friendly pirate and the children were amazed to see him!

Class 8 as teeth experts!

2011-10-05T16:52:00.000+02:00

As part of their science topic 'Teeth and Healthy Eating', the children in Class 8 have learnt how to care for their teeth and gums. Today, the children shared their knowledge with the children in Class 5, teaching the children how to care for their teeth and showing them the posters they have made. All the children enjoyed it and learnt lots!

Year 3 visit to Northmoor Trust.

2011-10-02T21:04:00.001+02:00

Once upon a time, year 3 went to the Northmoor Trust as part of our 'Are you sitting comfortably?' topic. It was a beautiful sunny day and a great day was had by all! The children were able to explore the setting using their senses and we came up with some brilliant descriptions!

European Day of Languages

2011-09-30T15:18:00.002+02:00

Today was the annual celebration of European Day of Languages.
Each year group chose a country to focus on and the children spent an enjoyable day learning some words and phrases in the language of their country, doing art and craft activities, making food and much more.
The day culminated in an assembly where each year group shared something of what they'd done.

Summer's here???

2011-09-29T13:38:00.000+02:00

I think these lunchtime pictures say it all!

Year 1 visit the Oxford Museum of Science

2011-09-27T17:24:00.000+02:00

Year 1 enjoyed a trip to the Science Museum yesterday for a workshop about materials. We had a great time climbing up the huge (wooden) staircase, feeling the (smooth) tortoiseshell, and travelling on the (comfortable) bus! The museum staff were very welcoming and would like us to pass on the fact that the museum is free and enjoys having children visit. It would be great if you were able to re-visit with the children -I'm sure they would have a lot to show you and talk to you about.

Year 4 go back in time...

2011-09-23T16:59:00.000+02:00

On Thursday, year 4 went on a fantastic trip back in time to Sulgrave Manor to experience what life was like as a Tudor. When we arrived we dressed in traditional Tudor pauper's clothing and had a look around the Manor House and pauper's cottage. After lunch we acted out the history of those terrible Tudor monarchs including some traditional Tudor dance, crownings and executions!!

That's the way the apple crumbles!

2011-09-22T19:54:00.000+02:00

We were approached by a young member of the foundation stage this afternoon advertising apple crumble made by the children for 5p a portion! We couldn't say no!

Rolling out the gingerbread

2011-09-20T12:49:00.000+02:00

One of our lovely TAs took a group of children of mixed ages shopping this morning to buy the ingredients for making gingerbread men. We like the idea of children from different classes helping each other: it fits with our vision that we want to encourage children to be caring.

Pirate Pete sends a message from a desert island!

2011-09-16T17:04:00.000+02:00

We had a letter in a bottle from Pirate P this week. He wanted help to escape from an island that he had been marooned on! Lots of the children wrote him letters asking what had happened, did he have a parrot, where exactly was he? etc and then later suggested ideas to rescue him. Here's the wonderful boat some of the children made in order to set off to rescue him.

(note to parents/carers only - anyone who would like to come in a pretend to be the real Pirate P would be very welcome!)

Busy in year 1

2011-09-16T16:57:00.000+02:00

The children have been keen to have a go at our weekly maths challenges. The first was putting numbers to 20 in order, and this week's was writing numbers to 9, using our number characters to try to make sure they were the correct way around.

Lunchtime

2011-09-15T14:45:00.000+02:00

We are planning to make lunchtime even more fun for the children this year. We have more staff outside looking after the children and are getting the children's ideas about what sort of things they want going on. However, on a lovely sunny day like today, the children were really enjoying themselves without any problem. It was also the first lunchtime for full time foundation stage children!

Staff and governors

2011-09-14T21:24:00.001+02:00

Teaching staff and governors met together this evening in the first of a new style of meeting. They met together and then in four teams to discuss the main priorities for school development this year. They planned the work that would take place during the year and the part that would be played by governors.

Congratulations to Mr Andrew Forgan who was elected as chair of governors for the second year.

New School Council

2011-09-14T21:18:00.000+02:00

Children were elected this week as their class representatives for the School Council. The first meeting was this afternoon. The children chose a chair, Joseph, and they went back to their classes with a questionnaire about lunchtime play.

Year 7

2011-09-09T16:41:00.000+02:00

Some year 7 children came back this evening to say hello, full of tales of homework, heavy bags, lots of writing and blisters (it's a long walk!) But they seemed happy enough.

Harvest

2011-09-09T16:39:00.000+02:00

The apple trees have produced a fantastic harvest this year. We let the children who wanted to, pick an apple for a playtime snack this morning. The rest have been picked to be used by the children later.

Thank you PALS!

2011-09-07T23:27:00.003+02:00

A bit of dry weather today meant that the children could play on the field and try out the new shelter. The shelter was purchased by PALS with the profits from the summer fete. As well as being somewhere else to go at playtime, the shelter will be a focus for outdoor learning, one of the things we are aiming to develop further this year. So thanks again to PALS and to everyone who supported the fete last July.

Back to School

2011-09-06T21:54:00.000+02:00

I don't remember such a wet and windy return to school! However, it was lovely to see everyone again. When I asked them in assembly what had made them happy today lots of them said "seeing their friends!"

Year 6 have left

2011-07-19T17:03:00.000+02:00

The last two days have been focussed on year six leaving. Leavers' Assembly, their party and the ritual signing of shirts. They have been a brilliant year group - our best wishes to them for a successful secondary school career.

School Gardening Competition

2011-07-15T17:52:00.002+02:00

The children were challenged by our town mayor, Phil Hayward, (who is one of our school governors) to grow their own produce earlier in the year. He kickstarted the competition off by coming in to talk to the children about how best to grow their own.

Since then the children (and adults!) have been busy beavering away in their boxes, hanging baskets, gardens and even an 'allotment' in Y2 and look at the results!

Phil returned today with two guests, ladies with award winning allotments of their own and vast experience, to judge each year group's efforts and award winners' rosettes.

In third place was Foundation Stage with their fantastic potatoes which they'd turned into tater characters!
In second place was Year 3 with their wide range of produce from carrots and potatoes to a wide range of herbs.
And in first place was the deserving Year 2 with their abundance of produce including beetroots and peas!

A big thank you to Mrs Storer and Mrs Fernandez for organising the whole competition which has taught our children a lot about where food comes from! And they have plans for even bigger and better next year!

Sports Award Assembly

2011-07-15T17:33:00.000+02:00

KS2 Children have been taking part in Athletics activities and competitions all term in sprinting, jumping and throwing. They were awarded effort, bronze, silver and gold certificates in the assembly for achieving their personal bests.

A competitive element was also introduced with 1st, 2nd and 3rd certificates awarded in each year group for the top sprinters, jumpers and throwers!

1st, 2nd and 3rd winning teams of KS2 Sports Day received their winners' stickers in the Sports Assembly also.

Big rounds of applause resounded throughout the assembly to celebrate sporting achievement!

SHINE Boards

2011-07-15T17:14:00.001+02:00

As part of Shine Week each class chooses and puts together all their best work and achievements from the year onto a 'Shine Board' which was on display around the courtyard all day for parents and children to view.

These Shine boards will now go on display all around the school for the children and visitors to admire all year round!

SHINE comes to a Sparkling End

2011-07-15T16:57:00.002+02:00

Shine Week finished today and what a day!

Year 2 and 3 went up to Cornerstone this morning for the last of the Dance Workshops and Gallery visits to the 'Coast' Exhibition. A big thank you to Lorna Cloke and Amy Beddow of Cornerstone who organised arts activities for the children.

Did you know that one of our talented Teaching Assistants, Charlie Davies, is exhibiting her own artwork at the Coast Exhibition? Also, a big thank you to Charlie for putting together the artwork for the Y6 Exhibition in the Chalk Room. Here are some of our Y3 children admiring it on their visit:

We also have more of our children's artwork, salt dough models and sunset boxes on the theme of the seaside to link with the Coast Exhibition, on display now in the Cornerstone window boxes! Do have a look!

Today we also had a Sports Awards Assembly, Exhibition of Shine boards and to finish the day the Gardening Competition Assembly - see above!

Fun and Games!

2011-07-14T18:06:00.000+02:00

Years 2 and 3 have been enjoying Lego and Board Game Club for the last 2 terms. We've had some great fun playing board games and constructing farms and log cabins!

SHINE Week

2011-07-14T15:45:00.006+02:00

What a busy week!
It's been Shine Week at school with lots of activities to celebrate our children's talents and achievements including our annual:
*Brilliant Year 5 and 6 production
*Fun FS and KS1 and KS2 Sports Days
(See blog posts below)
as well as:
*Dance Workshops and Art Gallery visits at Cornerstone Arts Centre
*Rousing Year 5 and 6 Brass Assemblies

*Walls of Talents on display in each class (celebrating the children's extra-curricular achievements)

And still to come tomorrow:
*Exhibition of Shine Boards of all the children's best work in the Courtyard - come see!
*Sports Awards Assembly (for children only due to space)
*School Gardening Competition (judged and prizes awarded by the Town Mayor-Phil Hayward; for children only due to space.)

Lewis in Y4 said of the Cornerstone visit:
"It was brilliant! We could make up our own dances and the paintings (in the 'Coast' Exhibition) were so realistic."

The children visiting Cornerstone also got to view our Y6 Exhibition of artwork in the Chalk room behind the reception. The Y6s produced a range of art, in collaboration with children in our Chinese partner school, based around the towns and countryside of Didcot and Changsha, to better understand each other's countries and cultures.
Parents and public are very welcome to visit too!

Other Shine Week activities have included the children showing off their culinary talents and baking goodies and making drinks to share with their classmates and adults!

Year 3 WW2 Street party

2011-07-13T18:35:00.000+02:00

Today year 3 celebrated the end of WW2 with a 'VE Day' style street party. The children chose to dress as evacuees and experienced what a street party may have been like in 1945. A great time was had by all!

Year 3 chat to 'real' Evacuee!

2011-07-13T18:15:00.000+02:00

Today Year 3 children got listen to Ann's story of how she was evacuated to Yorkshire in 1940 aged 4 years old. The children found it fascinating to ask Ann their questions and to hear about her experiences. Thank you very much Ann :)

Ready, steady sports #2

2011-07-13T13:29:00.000+02:00

The turn of key stage 2 for sports day today. Meticulously organised by Miss Tustian, the mixed aged teams of children enjoyed dribbling the football, basketball, throwing the beanbag, relay and hurdles (and others). Team 9 won with zillions of points. There were loads of spectators and it didn't rain! What a perfect morning.

Timeless Talent

2011-07-13T12:47:00.000+02:00

Timeless Talent was the name of the year 5 / 6 production this year, written by Mrs McSweeney with ideas from the children. The production told of a group of Ladygrove Park School children who go back in time through the decades meeting children who are in the process of taking part in a talent show in their decade. The headteacher an deputy headteacher of the school (called Mr Furrows and Mrs Treeboo for some reason) featured in each scene.
The singers sang beautifully, the actors were excellent and there was some splendid dancing too. The audience loved it!

Ready, steady, Sports' Day!

2011-07-12T12:13:00.000+02:00

Teams of foundation stage and year 1 and 2 children took part in the first Sports' Day this morning. It was a bit chilly, but Mrs Crewe soon got them running and jumping around. There were year 6 helpers for each team and lots of spectators to cheer the teams on; thank you for coming and supporting!

Swimming gala

2011-07-08T17:46:00.000+02:00

A team of 16 year 5 and 6 children entered the Didcot Swimming Gala at The Wave yesterday. They took part in a number races including free style, butterfly and breast stroke. The team came 5th over all - well done! A special mentioned for Abi who recorded the best time ever for free style at the Didcot Wave; she won her race!

Pop Up Books

2011-07-08T16:33:00.000+02:00

Year 4 have been working hard creating interesting fact books about the human body. Their books included a number of different interactive mechanisms like pop-ups, flaps, sliders, rotating mechanisms and quizzes.
They all worked really hard and enjoyed reading each other's finished booklets.