Author: blcadmin

Today 44 children from years 3 and 4 across the cluster have come together to to explore the Science and Maths that went into making Southwark Cathedral and use some of the techniques that the master masons used when the first cathedral was built on the site in Medieval times. In the morning, Maths was the focus, as children made their own clinometers to measure angles and elevation. They estimated the height of the building, which they checked by sending a balloon on a string to the ceiling, then measuring the string length with a trundle wheel. The children also demonstrated their skills in using a set square and a pair of compasses.

Reception teachers from St John’s Angell Town and Jessop along with colleagues from the Windmill cluster got together to participate in activities and prepare for their workshops with Fotosythesis, starting after half term. The project has been put together to support literacy and learning for Reception classes, using Photography as a tool and an inspiration. Teachers put together photo stories and took photos of thoughts and feelings they ‘staged’. The children will get a chance to learn technical language and to use photographs and images to tell their own stories. There will also be Family Learning opportunities during the programme.

I was lucky enough to see first hand the year 12 Evelyn Grace Academy reading mentors working with Loughborough Primary young readers this week. Some really enthusiastic reading taking place, with lots of discussion on content and plot. This was the 3rd visit by 4 year 12 students to Loughborough Primary, as part of their 6th form enrichment activities. The children get a chance to read for a good 15 minutes to their year 12 mentor with time to discuss and record thoughts about their reading. It was a pleasure to see such enthusiasm for reading from both the younger and the older students.

This morning children from 4 of our primary schools visited the Houses of Parliament for a tour and workshop. The visit started in the brand new Education Centre where Parliament have learning rooms and a lunch space for schools. We were lucky enough to see the House of Commons in action, with questions on Transport and the ‘Bedroom Tax’ being asked by MPs. We went on to see the Houses of Parliament spaces, including Westminster Hall, hear gruesome tales of the murder of Charles 1st and of Spencer Percival before moving back into the Education Centre for a workshop about Making Laws. The children chose a topic -which they introduced into their own House of Commons – The Refugee Housing Bill. They debated the bill then took it to their own House of Lords for amendments, then back to the Commons. Some children took on the role of the Speakers and they used parliamentary language to vote for the bills. Following amendments, the bill was signed by the queen and became the Refugee Housing Act 2016. There were some excellent contributions from the children as they debated their views. All the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the visit and we look forward to other groups visiting in April.

After school yesterday, Reception teachers from the BLC, along with some Nursery colleagues, met at Hill Mead Primary to discuss and share their experiences of completing the new Baseline assessment of children entering Reception class in September 2015. In addition the group were able to discuss how they are currently showing evidence of achieving goals and tracking progress in children during these important first years of school. With many changes in assessment over the last year, these opportunities to discuss with colleagues have become very valuable and thanks to all members of our EYFS forum for their willingness to share with others and support each other.

We were very pleased to welcome back Sue Franklin, Educational Psychologist for Lambeth, to do a question and answer session at our SENCO forum yesterday. As well as discussion around ADHD support, Occupational Therapist support in the borough and working with other boroughs on EHC plans, Sue also talked through the process of writing the Annual Review documentation for children. There was general discussion about the important of supporting children’s mental well being and ensuring we all encourage open dialogue about mental health issues. Many thanks to all who took part.

Low Cost no cost flyer no 147 January 2016.docx

Children from Jessop, Loughborough and St Saviour’s primary schools visited Evelyn Grace Academy’s library today to meet the Year 12 students who will be working with them on reading this term. The year 12s did some starter activities with the children and shared how important reading is for them. Over the next few weeks the year 12s will visit the children in their primary schools, read with them, find out their reading interests and spur them on to reading success!

Low Cost no cost flyer no 146 January 2016.docx