Honey Pot become priates!
Our Honey Pot children continue with their theme of 'Is it shiny?' by searching for pirate treasure in the woods! They found lots of gold coins and then a treasure chest buried in the leaves! It was full of......chocolate biscuits!
The children had to look ‘under’, ‘on top of’ and ‘behind’ things to find the treasure, and then they counted how many coins they had. ‘Aha me hearties!’
Stair climbing and slides!
Honey Pot practiced going up and down steps safely out in the woods. Of course, this involves moving both horizontally and vertically; so having to propel yourself forward, but also lift your body weight up. This can be tricky for little people to master, as it requires more muscle mass activation than walking on the flat. To add to the difficulty, the woodland is slippy and uneven. The environment also gave the children the opportunity to have fun whilst mastering this skill, as it allowed them to slide back down the muddy bank beside the steps on their bottoms!!
Year 3 are exploring their senses
Does food taste the same if you haven’t seen it yet, before you have the preconception of what it might taste like? This blind taste testing activity is a sensory fun guessing game that explores this question. Without your sense of sight, can you identify foods based upon taste only? This experiment is a great way to get reluctant eaters trying new stuff, and because it is a fun sensory game, children are often more open minded than usual.
"Who in the world am I? - Ah, that's the great puzzle!"
Year 3 have been busy in their Art and DT lessons designing and decorating their hats ready for next week’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Hopefully, they will have made and displayed enough clues on their hat to make it very clear which Alice in Wonderland character has inspired their ideas.
Year 4 create seascapes
Year 4 have already made simple electrical circuits and switches for their lighthouses. They have now moved on to creating a seascape for their model. This week, the DT workshop floor was splattered with the droplets of chalky water from their 'modroc' lesson, which everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy. They are on target to bring their model home in time for Christmas.
Every tooth in your head is more valuable than a diamond
Year 4 gained an insight into the role of a Dentist this week. With informative teaching resources, ‘toothy’ props, teeth cleaning experiments and dentist ‘goody bags’ to take home, the children explored the daily aspects of a dentist’s job. All was revealed, including the codes used when checking teeth, how x-rays expose the truth of what is happening inside your mouth, the steps you can follow to develop healthy ‘teeth’ habits and how to maintain a perfect set of ‘pearly whites'.
The children had great fun turning their mouths and teeth bright pink which enabled them to then show off their teeth brushing skills to create a perfect smile. A special thank you to our wonderful dentist professional Mrs Keanie for providing the Year 4 team with all the appropriate resources required to enhance the delivery of our lessons. We missed seeing you in person this year and hope to have you back in school soon.
Prioritising mental health
Year 5 have been looking at mental health and the children were considering how often they should take part in key activities to improve their mental health. They thought about; getting fresh air, painting, taking medicine, amongst others. How often do you think we should be doing these types of activities?
EVERYDAY?
SOMETIMES?
IF THERE IS A PROBLEM?
RARELY?
What do you think?
The coasters were made from coloured glass shapes sandwiched between two pieces of clear glass. Year 6 boys experimented with the glass shapes to create some rather lovely results.
Puberty and our Emotions
After learning about the physical changes our bodies go through during puberty and discussing the change in body shape, pubic hair, acne, body odour and Y-fronts(!), this week Year 6 discussed the emotional changes that are experienced during puberty.
The Year 6 students were asked to choose one of a group of fictional problem letters written by children going through some difficulties with their changing emotions during puberty. Our very mature Year 6 group then wrote a response back to them, giving information, support and advice. Well done guys.
‘Colour in a picture is like enthusiasm in life' Vincent van Gogh
The children have been inspired by van Gogh’s painting style to explore blending harmonious colours. They have looked at a range of materials and over the last few weeks have explored the infinite colour variations they can create with printing inks. The focus has been twofold; to make new shades of colours and to experience different ways to print. This week they used the printing press, and we're really impressed with the results!
Sir Isaac Newton visits school
Year 6 enjoyed a virtual lecture with a very special guest this week. Sir Isaac Newton ... no small achievement given he died 300 years ago! He discussed his ideas, inventions and carried out several demonstrations for us. You can see the fun of science in the photos!
AXA Coral Live
AXA Coral Live is an annual live lesson event connecting students to experts at the CARMABI research station on Curacao in the Caribbean and the National Marine Aquarium in the UK, where the Ocean Conservation Trust is hosting the first week.
Years 5, 6 and 7 joined with the team at Ecounter Edu at their research base on Curaçao for three separate live lessons looking at different aspects of marine life such as adaptations of sharks, the life cycle of coral and human impact on coral. Each lesson gave a ‘shout out’ to Pennthorpe and some of the pupils’ questions were answered by the experts. As part of the live lessons the pupils also carried out live experiments under the instruction of the scientists.
The live lessons are on YouTube with the links below:
Year 7 Human impact on coral
In this live lesson, students learn about how human behaviour affects the coral ecosystem, and conduct two short investigations into how increased carbon dioxide levels are harming reefs. Learners are encouraged to explore the 100 island challenge, which documents coral reefs and their variation, in order to protect this vital, biodiverse environment.
Year 6 Adaptation in the ocean
This exciting activity explores how sharks are adapted to be the ultimate marine predators. The investigation examines the relationship between shape and water resistance. This lesson will be broadcast from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, giving students the chance to see sharks up close.
Year 5 Life cycles and baby coral
Students meet Dr Kristen Marhaver, a marine biologist at the CARMABI research station, and an expert on coral reproduction. Kristen introduces students to the different stages of the coral life cycle, from spawning to a multi-polyp animal. Kristen brings different specimens from her laboratory to share, and students will see her feeding some of the baby corals.
Year 7 pupils carefully design and create timeless cam toys
Each toy includes the little cam that produces the toy's unique movement.
There’s something timeless about these wooden cam toys. Perhaps it’s the satisfaction of turning a handle to watch a mechanism produce a movement (an unexpected movement in the case of the coffin!). The toys allow us to watch the components twist and turn to make a horse jump a fence or the angler dip his hook in the blue pool.
Making these toys demands creativity and accuracy.
Pennthorpe Digital Citizenship Program
We are delighted to announce that in partnership with 360Safe we have achieved a new certificate of progress! This shows that we are committed to staying safe online, the education of our community and we are one-step away from full accreditation, which we hope to achieve next year.
We take online safety very seriously and want to develop responsible digital citizens through the safe and confident use of the internet. Soon, we will have a team of pupil Digital Leaders helping to ensure we are following the SMART rules, allowing us all to enjoy our time online while being mindful of potential risks.
For more information as well as links to support your children at home with online safety, please visit 'on-line safety' area of the website.
Fabulous role-models in Year 7!
The whole of Year 7 won their individual merit badges for the number of pluses they were awarded last week.
Year 7 produce bande dessinée to rival Asterix the Gaul!
Starting a fire with water!
Year 8 looked at the relative reactivity of the Alkali metals. These metals are so reactive that they react strongly with just water, so much so that they have to be stored under oil to prevent water reaching them. The video shows Sodium being added to water whilst being held in place with filter paper so that the movement energy is changed into heat energy. This also emphasises the need for a safety screen!
Now you know why sodium lamps have that characteristic warm yellow glow!
Lottie hosts indoor cricket session
On Friday the Year 7 & 8 girls, Mr Barnett and Mrs Creedy were treated to an indoor cricket session hosted by our very own Lottie Curling. As a current Sussex cricketer and Pennthorpe Braby Sports Scholar, Lottie was keen to run a session and she did a FANTASTIC job. The girls recapped on batting, bowling & fielding and put this all into a full on game of indoor cricket at the end of the lesson. Well done to Lottie for planning and delivering such an inspiring session and well done to the girls who participated.
Hockey and football seasons have come to an end
After a hugely successful ten weeks, the hockey and football season has drawn to a close at Pennthorpe. The past weeks have been filled with extensive skill based sessions, alongside regular competitive festivals and tournaments within their bubbles. The girls have had an in-depth insight into Mrs Crossley’s relentless competitive edge and have been put through their paces every single week. The boys reignited their competitive spirt and have played out some close and thrilling tournaments, often resulting in the winner being determined by goal difference rather than a clear points win. The Sports Department would like to say a HUGE well done to all the children for approaching their sports lessons with enthusiasm and determination to improve.
Next week the girls start netball and the boys move to rugby (in line with the RFU’s roadmap to recovery - Stage D). Please ensure all boys in Y3-8 have a gum shield in School!
This little video shows you how talented the girls are when it comes to hockey!
The Pennthorpe Goblins need your help please!
Having covered one of our cars in panels made from plastic milk containers the Pennthorpe Goblins are on to our next green challenge … The Goblins are going to use the car’s frame to weave panels using annoying, flimsy, plastic bags (like those you get from the supermarket)!
Just like the previous project – everyone can be involved. If, like Mr Smith, you have a cupboard overflowing with these bags then this is a great way to use them and stop them ending up as landfill. We expect this project to use nearly 300 bags!
There are several ways you can help:
• Bring in your bags to the Art and Design department (any brand/colour will do)
• Have a go at twisting them yourself
• Twist and join them up!
If you fancy having a go at making a length of bags, then please follow these instructions:
1. Secure your bag at one end. Mr Smith trapped his in a kitchen door (children mind your fingers!)
2. Twist the bag so that it has an even thickness all the way down
3. Secure the other end. Mr Smith used a heavy vase
4. Tie six lengths of string (approx. 8cm long) evenly spaced along the length and trim the ends
5. Thread each length through the handle end of the bags and tie a knot to secure it. You shouldn’t have to use glue. Please don’t weave your bags as we will weave them onto the car
Each bag should take no longer than 5 minutes to make into a length
Thank you for any help you can give. The Goblin Club will be making these too.
Berkeley Homes development
Iris, Callum, Emma and Zac visited their work, which is on display at the Berkeley Homes new development, Leighwood Fields in Cranleigh. The work was created by Mimi, Harriet, Aymen, Scott, Freddie, Emma, Zac, Vincent and Ellie. The exhibition has brightened up a quiet corner of Knowle Lane as well as the Art Room.
Making dens in the wood!
Book Bingo!
Our Prep children are about to embark on Book Bingo, whereby they receive a bingo card, featuring books we recommend for their age and are encouraged to cross off as they read them. We hope that by the end of the year the children will have yelled “bingo” having achieved a Full House! As an added incentive, for each book read, the children will receive a raffle ticket for a prize draw at the end of each term.
Design your own Christmas Doormat!
This year, in conjunction with Berkeley Homes, we are asking the children to design the school's Christmas doormat. Miss O'Shea has distributed some templates upon which to capture your designs. Anyone without a template can still take part by printing your own template here.
Please hand in your design to your tutor by Thursday 26th November. The winners design will be printed on a doormat for the school Front Office, for Berkeley Homes and also one for you to take home.
AsRead The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone for FREE!
The National Literacy Trust's author of the week is Jaclyn Moriarty! You can read her book The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone here.
Bronte Mettlestone is a 10 years old when her parents are killed by pirates, but this does not bother her particularly: her parents ran away to have adventures when she was a baby. Now, however, her parents have left detailed instructions in their will for Bronte to travel the kingdoms and deliver gifts to her aunts.
But as she goes from aunt to aunt, Bronte suspects there might be more to this journey than the simple delivery of treasure.
Watch a video about how Jaclyn Moriaty gets into the right reading mindset and find out about her latest story The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars.
There are also Jaclyn's top reading recommendations and a recipe to try!
Pippi Longstocking celebrates 75 years of inspiration
Pippi Longstocking has been an incredible female role model for three quarters of a century. She’s a real advocate for justice, can sail a ship across the seven seas, carry a horse and beat the strongest man in the world. Click here.
To allow as many children (and adults) as possible to enjoy and celebrate Pippi Longstocking’s 75th anniversary, a free audiobook is available to listen for anyone with a Spotify account. It’s narrated by the brilliant Sandi Toksvig.
Virtual backgrounds for Virtual Calls!
Bored of the same old backdrop on your video calls? Now you can transport yourself to some of your favourite National Trust locations with their free downloadable background images for virtual calls and meetings.
From Vita Sackville West’s Writing Room at Sissinghurst Castle to the quirky ‘Office of the Caretaker of Electric Light’ at Cragside, you can virtually step into some of our most beautiful and intriguing places. It’s the perfect way to bring a bit of extra interest to your virtual calls and online catch-ups, and share your favourite places with others. Click here to download an image and save it as a jpeg.
Make your very own Weasley Clock in our latest craft tutorial
Mrs Weasley's enchanted clock was one of the most fascinating magical objects in The Burrow. And now - here is a handy video guide so you can make your own DIY version!
If this lovely video tutorial has got you in the mood to make more magic, why not visit their Crafting Hub for more excellent guides.
World Wildlife Fund - Adopt an Animal
The magnificent elephant is under threat; around 55 African elephants are killed a day for their tusks. Key populations are in decline due to poaching and a shrinking habitat.
Elephants play an important role in maintaining their habitat. They’re grazers and browsers, eating large amounts of vegetation every day – which helps shape the landscapes they live in.
Crop-raiding elephants can cause loss of income, food and even lives. Farmers sometimes kill elephants to protect their family or income.
As the human population grows, more and more wildlife habitat is lost or fragmented.
Around 20,000 African elephants are poached every year. Across their range, elephants are killed for their tusks, meat and skin.
The last 10 years have seen a surge in illegal trade in elephant ivory and trafficking levels remain high. Click here for more information about adopting an animal.
Don’t let the pandemic keep kids from going outside in chilly weather
Outdoor activity is mentally healthy—and crucial during shutdowns.
Parents likely know sunlight’s healthy effects: It helps produce bone-building vitamin D and stimulates a gland that regulates mood and sleep. But outdoor activity also releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which can help calm people and relieve anxiety. Click here.
When Christmas was cancelled: a lesson from history
The prospect of a Christmas without large-scale celebrations is preying on minds. After the widespread cancellation of pantomimes, festive light “switch-ons” and other community activities, it seems likely that 2020’s festivities will be much more intimate affairs, potentially with households banned from mixing indoors.
Back in 1647, Christmas was banned in the kingdoms of England (which at the time included Wales), Scotland and Ireland and it didn’t work out very well. Following a total ban on everything festive, from decorations to gatherings, rebellions broke out across the country. While some activity took the form of hanging holly in defiance, other action was far more radical and went on to have historical consequences.
The protestant reformation had restructured churches across the British Isles, and holy days, Christmas included, were abolished.
The usual festivities during the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 to January 5) were deemed unacceptable. Shops had to stay open throughout Christmastide, including Christmas Day. Displays of Christmas decorations – holly, ivy and other evergreens – were banned. Other traditions, such as feasting and the celebratory consumption of alcohol, consumed in large quantities then as now, were likewise restricted. Click here.
Marcus Rashford launches book club so every child can experience 'escapism'
Marcus Rashford is launching a book club and his own range of literature with the aim of giving children from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to embrace reading from an early age.
The Manchester United and England footballer is working with Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) to promote reading and literacy among children from all backgrounds, and he talked about his own lack of access to books as a child. Click here to read more, as well as for The Guardian's top five books for children.
National Geographic Kids Magazine
Inspire the next generation to protect our beautiful planet with a National Geographic Kids subscription. We believe it’s never been more important to get children engaged with the natural world.
A National Geographic Kids subscription teaches kids about the environment, animals, science, history and culture, with all of the amazing imagery you would expect from the Nat Geo brand! Click here to subscribe.
Click here to view the website.
World's only known white giraffe fitted with tracker to deter poachers
A conservation group said rangers could monitor the lone male giraffe's movements in real time. The giraffe has a rare genetic condition called leucism, which causes the loss of skin pigmentation. He is thought to be the last of his kind, after poachers killed two of his family members in March. Rangers fear the giraffe could suffer the same fate as his relatives, a female and her seven-month-old calf with similar white skin. Click here.
Meet the fearless women sailors taking on the ‘Everest of the seas’
Monstrous waves, collisions with whales, capsized boats in the middle of nowhere. The threats are real in the Vendée Globe, the sailing world’s most challenging race, in which competitors must single-handedly navigate around the world—without stopping.
Known as “the Everest of the seas,” the Vendée Globe is an extreme test of physical and psychological endurance in the face of primal nature, the journey averaging 26,000 nautical miles and three months. Those who finish are rewarded with worldwide acclaim. But the ultimate prize is to beat the record of 74 days set by Armel Le Cléac’h in the 2016-2017 edition. Click here.
CREW-1 MISSION
On Monday, November 16 at 11:01 p.m. EST, 04:01 UTC on November 17, SpaceX’s Dragon autonomously docked with the International Space Station (ISS) after Falcon 9 launched the spacecraft to orbit from historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday, November 15, 2020. Read more about it here.
Charlie Mackesy - Limited Edition until 18th December 2020
The WWF and British artist, author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy have come together to raise funds to help protect elephants, their habitat and support the communities that share their home.
A limited-edition t-shirt and tote bag, created in collaboration with Charlie Mackesy, features an elephant, accompanied by his beloved characters, the Boy and the Mole from his debut book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
Christmas Trees in aid of Cancer Research
We'd love to hear your news at news@pennthorpe.com
The History of Mince Pies
Mince Pies, like Christmas Puddings, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than the dried fruits and spices mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes. Sometimes they even had a 'pastry baby Jesus' on the top!
During the Stuart and Georgian times, in the UK, mince pies were a status symbol at Christmas. Very rich people liked to show off at their Christmas parties by having pies made in different shapes (like stars, crescents, hearts, tears, & flowers); their fancy shaped pies could often fit together a bit like a jigsaw! They also looked like the 'knot gardens' that were popular during those periods. Having pies like this meant you were rich and could afford to employ the best, and most expensive, pastry cooks.
Mincemeat
* 450g Cooking apples, cored and chopped small (you don't need to peel) * 225g shredded suet * 350g raisins * 225g sultanas * 225g currants * 225g whole mixed candied peel, finely chopped * 350g soft dark brown sugar * the grated zest and juice of an orange and lemon * 50g whole almonds, cut into slivers * 2 teaspoons mixed ground spice * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Nutmeg, grated * 3 tablespoons brandy *
Method
Mix all the ingredients, except for the brandy, in a large mixing bowl, mixing them together very well. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave the mixture in a cool place for 12 hours (better overnight), so the flavors can mix and develop.
After that pre-heat the oven to 225°F / 120°C, cover the bowl loosely with foil and place it in the oven for 3 hours.
Remove the bowl from the oven. Don't worry about the appearance of the mincemeat, it will look like it's swimming in fat, but this is how it should look! As it cools stir it from time to time and the fat will coagulate and instead of it being in tiny shreds it will encase all the other ingredients. When the mincemeat is cold stir in the brandy.
Pack in clean dry jars, cover with wax discs and seal. It will keep in a cool, dark cupboard indefinitely, but it's best eaten within a year!
(Makes 1.4kg / 3lb of Mincemeat)
Note: Vegetarians can make this mincemeat using vegetarian suet.