Snowly Owls visit Toyota

Snowy Owl Class recently went on a visit to Toyota Manufacturing. We had an action-packed day which included a variety of fun and exciting activities. Firstly, we had a guided tour via a scale model of the factory and then watched a car manufacturing video. We learned about the Toyota Family story and how the company was first set up.  Next, we were put to the test by creating our own production line of Lego cars.  Each team was set targets and worked together to see if they could improve on their production time. We were introduced to ‘Kaizen’, which is the Toyota work method and means work smarter and not harder. The Snowy Owls also learned about Japanese culture, traditions and foods. In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to have a go at a range of challenges which helped with our co-ordination, time management and manufacturing skills. The day finished with a prize giving for the winners of our car design challenge and we all received a fun goody bag. Thank you to Toyota Manufacturing for a fantastic day!

Fire and Light Enrichment

On Friday 3rd November the whole school took part in a wide range of activities to celebrate Diwali and also to consider the events of  the Gunpowder plot in 1605. Wearing the most colourful outfits we could find and making the most of our fantastic outdoor learning spaces, many classes visited the fire pit to read, listen to stories, dance around the fire or simply to watch and listen to the flames. Classes welcomed many visitors who share their Indian cooking or talked about their faith and their traditional dance and costume while other classes debated the events of 1605. This rich and varied Learning Adventure was then shared in a wonderful assembly on Monday morning.

Level 1 and Level 2 Bikeability

Many congratulations to all our pupils who passed their cycling proficiency over the recent weeks. Our Year 5 pupils have all achieved their Level 1 certificate and badge, spending a full day learning their basic cycling skills while our Year 6 pupils spent four afternoons learning how to ride safely on the roads for their Level 2 certificate and badge. Well done to all who took part - 100% pass rate!

Dualathlon fun

Well done to all the children who took part in the duathlon competition.
Such brilliant performances individually and as a team in the relays.
We came an excellent 3rd place overall, Mr Turner is very proud of you all. Well done!!

Poppy Making

As part of preparing for our Remembrance Service on Friday 10th November the PTFA today host a Poppy Making Café in readiness for our own ‘Poppy Waterfall’. Many thanks to all the parents and families who gave some of their time to help make to beautiful poppies. All Parents and families are more than welcome to attend our Service which we are hoping to hold outside on the playground. Details will follow next week.

Year 6 visit Denstone

On Wednesday 1st November our latest Year 6 recruits returned to Denstone College to experience their cadet accademy for a cadet experience. After a delicious dinner in the beautiful college dining hall, the children tried their skills at marching in formation, wearing the cadet uniform, holding a genuine (but unloaded!) rifle and even sampling some ration pack food!

Cyclo cross taster

Many thanks to Cycle Derby for coming into school on Thursday 19th October for a Cyclo Cross taster day with Year 5 and 6. It was great to see so many of our pupils trying out a new sport, despite the wet and muddy conditions and hopefully a few of you may now take up cycling out of school. Mr Turner was on hand to keep a close eye on how you were all doing as we now have the difficult job of choosing just 6 of you to represent our school at the cycling competitions throughout the year. For any pupils interested in taking up cycling out of school, please contact Cycle Derby or Derby Mercury cycling club to get involved.