Kentmere Academy

Reception had a fantastic week learning all about Chinese New Year

Our Fairies and Elves day, for World Book Day, was incredibly successful. The whole school turned into a forest, all the pupils and staff were dressed up as fairies and elves and the standard of work the children produced was fantastic - showing the impact of such an event on your child's learning!

Happy Chinese New Year: Reception had a fantastic week learning all about Chinese New Year. The class spent the morning making Chinese lanterns, dragon masks and writing their names in Chinese symbols. We then had a delicious Chinese meal at lunchtime and we all enjoyed the noodles!

In the afternoon we learnt a song called 'Kung Hei Fat Choy' and did some Chinese dancing. As it is the year of the goat we have also been reading and writing about the story of the 3 Billy Goats Gruff. We have also been busy in our Chinese takeaway and used Chinese money wallets to count pennies.

Nursery corner: This week the nursery class have been looking at the traditional tale ‘The Elves and the Shoemakers’. We have been playing in the shoe shop and acting out the story. We have also been looking at patterns and sorting out shoes according to their size.

World Book Day: On Thursday the school was turned into a fairy and elf wonderland.  The children all looked fantastic and were even visited by the real adult fairies. The children took part in a range of different activities and were inspired to complete some fantastic writing.  Look out for the trails of fairy dust.

Year 3 Eggcellent Science Experiment: Year 3 had an ‘eggcellent’ Science lesson last week when we conducted an investigation into what will happen if we leave an egg in vinegar, water and fruit juice. This experiment was connected to our topic on ‘Skeletons and Teeth’ and was to show the damage that some liquids might have on our teeth over time.

We left the eggs in the classroom over half term and couldn’t believe the results! We found that the shell of the egg in water stayed the same. The shell of the egg in fruit juice became discoloured and had sugar crystals over it. However, the egg in vinegar surprised us the most. The shell felt bouncy like a ball until we opened the egg and then the shell felt like paper. All of the colour came off very easily. All in all it was a successful ‘eggsperiment’ as it made us think about the things we eat and drink, making sure that we brush our teeth regularly. Why don’t you try the egg test at home?

Daily Snack Shop Open for Business: This week we welcomed our new Catering Manager, Miss W Long to Kentmere Academy. From next week Miss Long will be opening the Healthy Snack Shop every day for Key Stage 2 children during morning break to keep them going until lunchtime. Pupils will now be able to buy a selection of snacks including fruit and drinks from the kitchens.

Year 6 Plan a Party on a Budget: This past week Year 6 have welcomed some pupils from Year 5/6 into our English and Maths lessons. With SATs just around the corner, we are all pulling together to be as prepared as possible.

In English we have been learning about non-chronological reports, in particular reports about the Knucker Dragon. A fascinating beast, our whole class agree, but when on the search for one don't forget your protective goggles!

Last week was money week at Kentmere, so all of our Maths lessons involved working with money. We thought about budgets, income and outgoings to balance our household spends and at the end of the week we got to plan a party! The parties were all planned to perfection but if you go to Nawal's you’re going to have to share a drink, with three other people.

Notices: Red noses will be sold every afternoon next week by a group of Year 6 children who will come round to each classroom. They will cost £1.00 each.

Our swimming team recently competed in a local swimming gala held at Castleton Swimming baths.  The team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came 5th position. Well done to all involved!

By now all the Year 6 children should know which secondary school they have been allocated. This is an exciting time for them as their months at primary school are drawing to a close and the next step of their Education begins. These next few months are very important for the Year 6 children. As their SATs exams are just around the corner, please encourage you children to do extra study at home. We will also be running booster sessions before school for the children in Year 6 and Year 2. If your child is invited to attend these sessions it is extremely important they arrive on time and attend each week to help them reach their full potential.

If you child is in currently in Nursery they will find out on the 16th April which primary school they have been allocated.