Nursery to Year Six Highlights

Year One have wrapped up their fascinating topic on The Victorians and what a journey back in time it has been! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discovering just how different homes and daily life were when Queen Victoria was on the throne. Let’s just say, we’re very grateful for washing machines and central heating! The classroom was transformed into a mini Victorian museum, filled with mysterious artefacts for the children to explore. The girls became history detectives, carefully examining each object and making their best guesses about what they were and how they might have been used in a Victorian home. We then revealed the answers and discussed our findings. Among the artefacts were carpet beaters, chamber pots, heavy metal irons, medicine bottles, candle holders, a candle snuffer, a traditional hot water bottle, jelly moulds, washboards and even a washing dolly. The girls made fantastic guesses, drawing on everything they’ve learned in their History lessons over the last few weeks. Well done, Year One, you truly brought the Victorian era back to life! 

This week, Year Two have been exploring the exciting world of abstract art as they learned about the famous artist Wassily Kandinsky. The girls discovered that Kandinsky believed colours and shapes could be used to show feelings and emotions. They were fascinated by how art can express ideas without needing to look realistic. The girls carefully observed and interpreted Kandinsky’s artwork, sharing their thoughts about what they could see and discussing how different colours and shapes made them feel. There were lots of imaginative ideas and thoughtful conversations as the girls explored their own emotional responses to his paintings. Inspired by Kandinsky, the girls then created their own abstract masterpieces, using colour and shape to represent their feelings in his distinctive style. It has been wonderful to see such enthusiasm, confidence and creativity on display. Well done, Year Two, for producing such expressive and imaginative artwork! 

On Thursday, the girls in Year Three channelled their inner superheroes, taking time to reflect on their unique superpowers and the special qualities that make each of them shine. Throughout the day, they celebrated what makes them different, recognising that kindness, resilience, creativity, determination and teamwork are just as powerful as any superhero strength. We were delighted to see a fantastic array of costumes, with many wonderful homemade capes proudly displaying the girls’ individual super qualities. From thoughtful and caring to brave and bold. It was a joyful and inspiring day, full of confidence, imagination and celebration. 

As part of their Humanities work, Year Four have been focussing on The Middle Ages. They have already learnt about the significance of The Battle of Hastings and have explored the story told through The Bayeux Tapestry. This week, they explored The Feudal System that the newly crowned King William put into place to ensure he continued to have power and control. The girls attempted to order the different sections of the system based on what they thought King William would regard as the most important. In order to develop their understanding, they even had a go at creating a school version of The Feudal System. Can you guess who they decided was the most important? 

Year Five pupils enjoyed a fantastic and inspiring visit to the Senior School Fine Art Studio this week, where they took part in a special portrait workshop. The children were welcomed into the studio to learn all about portrait drawing and were introduced to using charcoal for the very first time. With its bold lines and expressive qualities, charcoal proved to be an exciting new medium and the girls quickly grew in confidence as they experimented with tone, shading and facial features. The workshop was expertly supported by talented Year Twelve  artists, who worked alongside the younger pupils to share techniques, offer guidance and encourage creativity. Their enthusiasm and skill helped to create a supportive and collaborative atmosphere throughout the session. Miss Mullett played a key role in leading the workshop, inspiring the pupils with her knowledge and passion for fine art. Under her guidance, Year Five produced some impressive portrait work and gained a valuable insight into the artistic opportunities available in the Senior School. The visit was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and left Year Five feeling motivated, proud of their artwork and excited to continue developing their artistic skills.

Year Six had an exciting educational visit to the Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham, where we explored 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history through rocks, fossils and minerals. The museum houses one of the UK’s most outstanding geological collections with fossils, minerals and interactive exhibits that bring the ancient world to life. During our visit pupils completed a museum scavenger hunt and were thrilled to meet Rory the Allosaurus fossil and even hold a real megalodon tooth, discovering how these amazing creatures once lived. We then took part in an engaging workshop on earthquakes and volcanoes, linking directly with our geography work this term. This included handling volcanic rocks such as ash and designing a tower to withstand an earthquake, helping pupils understand real Earth processes. The children showed great curiosity and teamwork throughout the trip, making it both fun and hugely informative.