21/10/2019
This morning in reception the children have been mixing rice with food colouring to create a variety of different coloured rice. This is in preparation for our large scale outdoor Rangoli pattern on Thursday, as part of our work on Diwali.
21/10/2019
Catherine from Back Pack Phonics came in and played 2 phonics games with the children.
Game 1 – Sound Island – This game involved hoops on the floor containing a sound. The children had to move around the hall in different ways e.g. jump, hop, skip, and crawl. When Catherine shouted a sound and showed the card, the children had to run to the correct hoop and place a foot in that hoop.
Game 2 – Monkey, Monkey. This game involved two children being monkeys, each of the other children were given a card containing a sound. When the monkeys called out their sound, the monkeys had to run from one side of the hall to the other, without the monkeys catching them. Great fun was had by everyone.
18/10/2019
Our school community came together at Christ Church to celebrate our Harvest Festival. Pupils sang, read poetry, read bible parables and played the guitar. Pupils wrote the script and were happy to host the festival, linking it all together and presenting confidently. Parents have kindly donated vegetables and goodies to sell to raise money for the Tean and Checkley Pensioners. A successful morning that celebrated the schools role in the community.
18/10/2019
Y3/4 pupils are learning the guitar or ukulele as part of their music curriculum. Mr. Chapman, our inspirational music teacher, is teaching them in preparation for a performance at the Victoria Hall later in the academic year. Pupils have the chance to showcase their musical talent and explore the opportunities to be a musician.
18/10/2019
Parents were invited into school after the harvest festival to take part in some ‘sticky’ art activities. Fun ensued as peanut butter, seeds and cereal was used to create a bird feeder - lots of smiling and merriment despite the very sticky fingers. Parents and pupils also explored their artistic flair using a range of material, which had been well planned out by the Great Wood team, to make smiley scarecrows! Overall, this was a happy, productive morning where pupils engaged with adults and spoke confidently about their work. I hope the local birds appreciate their goodies! Thank you to those who supported this opportunity to come in to school and work with the children.
18/10/2019
The Poppy Appeal has begun as the school prepares to take part in the Remembrance events across the nation. Children are generously donating their pocket money to buy a range of poppy related goodies. Some Y6 pupils will then sell the poppies around the local estates, supervised by Mr Adamson, as they continue to fundraise for this important charity. Great Wood is affiliated with The Royal British Legion and is preparing for a busy period in the school diary. Upcoming events include attending the local Remembrance Parade, hosting the Poppy Party and inviting RBL members for Christmas Lunch and a performance of the Nativity. The pupils are aware of the fundraising and charity work of the Poppy Appeal and its positive impact across the world.
17/10/2019
Pupils visited The Cheadle Academy to take part in a year six maths challenge. Activities included problem solving, puzzles and code-breaking. Mrs. Evans, KS3 lead at TCA, commented on how well the pupils behaved and how they applied their mathematical skills to a range of challenges. The pupils also got to work alongside friends from across The Moorlands Primary Federation, aiding transition and preparation to High School.
11/10/2019
Beavers from 3rd Cheadle Beaver Group spent the evening at school as part of a sleepover. Beavers and their leaders used the community school facilities to explore different activities and earn a badge to adorn on their uniform. Nathan Shoebridge, Beaver Leader, commented that the young Beavers had a fab and exciting time, and for some of them it was their first night away from home. The school was a perfect, safe setting to provide this opportunity and the Beavers will be back for another sleepover, perhaps outside in tents. It is wonderful to build on this link with other groups as we build on our diversity across our local community.
02/10/2019
Great Wood were the proud winners of the Staffordshire Moorlands Small Schools Football Tournament. The team played brilliantly, scoring some great goals and keeping a clean sheet. Zoe Harp, the event organiser, was pleased to see such high standards of skills; a high level of fair play and sportsmanship. On receiving their medals they were then told that they would be heading to the next round of matches that are held at St. George’s Park, the home of England Football. The team were thrilled, as were the parents who had came and given their brilliant support. A wonderful evening with more footballing adventures to come...St. George’s Park here we come!
01/10/2019
Reverend Julie Hassall worked with the year 5/6 pupils to discuss bible stories and to ask them to reflect on the teachings in the Bible. As part of ‘Godly Play’ the pupils listened to the story of Abraham and Sarah and then discussed their journey and its meaning. The pupils enjoyed the chance to theologise over the story and its relevance, all as part of their religious education. Julie will return throughout the term with more stories and will also be leading assemblies as she settles in to her new role as the Methodist Minister in the local area, we are proud to welcome her into our school family.
