Reddam House Primary School Newsletter Vol 23 Issue 3

In this edition

Dear Parents and Caregivers, With the various extra-curricular activities in full swing, along with the continuous assessments which take place through the cycle tests each week, the school year is well and truly underway in the Primary School. This week saw a number of highlights, including the Year 3 and 4 Parent Information Cocktail Evening and the Year 2 excursion to the NSW Schoolhouse Museum.

However, probably the event which stood out, especially for those involved, was the Year 6 Leadership Induction. As we all know from personal experience, life will often throw up opportunities to lead, whether in rising to positions of prominence in business, or in the simple experience of organising a surprise party for one of our closest friends. Yet organising – or leading – any event or business has very particular demands and it presses us to use all

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Music Welcome Recital

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Student Achievements

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News from the Classrooms

of our abilities and strengths. Sometimes it may even reveal talents we didn’t even know that we possessed.

For this reason, we see enormous value in giving our Year 6s opportunities to lead and to inspire the rest of the school. While some of them might feel overwhelmed at being thought of as leaders, it is often they who turn out to be the most effective, as they inspire others from a spirit of servanthood and gentle encouragement, rather than with a ‘big stick’ approach.

Opportunities to lead assist individuals to become more self-aware, while at the same time developing their emotional intelligence. Situations which arise encourage them to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and hopefully also cause them to consider whether they might have handled a difficult mo-

Upcoming Events 20 February 2023— K-6 Mufti Day 22 February 2023 — Year 3&5 Cycle Test: History/Geography 22 February 2023 — Music Welcome Recital

23 February 2023 — Year 4&6 Cycle Test: History/ Geography Reddam House Primary School Newsletter - Vol 23 Issue 3

17 February 2023

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ment in a different way.

resenting Reddam House in Basketball and Tennis. Well done to the following students, who Communication, problem-solving, and creative have qualified in their respective sports. Tyler Cuthbertson (Basketball), Ella Jelicic (Tennis), thinking are all attributes which are developed and Axel Briner (Tennis - shadow). These stuin leadership situations, and we trust that as dents will go on to represent the ASISSA associteachers, parents and family members walk ation at the next level of competition. We wish alongside our Year 6s, to guide and provide en- them our heartiest congratulations and all the couragement, so the year will become an en- best for their next competitions. riching experience for them in their leadership roles.

Next week starts off in the best possible way for the students, as they get to enjoy their first Mufti Day of the year, in support of the CML FoundaThe mood during Wednesday’s Induction was tion. It will be another reminder to our students thus a blend of excited anticipation and of the that although they are able to enjoy a day in realisation that leadership actually entails hard casual clothing, it is for an important reason, as work. We are excited to see how this group of we have the opportunity to support and to Year 6s leads the school, along with the various think about those who are living with a dread houses in our inter-house competitions. We disease. During the year we will support a variehave no doubt that they will do so with energy ty of organisations who do incredible work to and passion, which will add much to the enjoyuplift those who are struggling – all of this as ment which all will have during the year in the part of our outreach programme and of living Primary School. out our school motto of ‘We Shall Give Back’.

Last week was a busy one for our Reddam athletes, with ASISSA trials taking place. Our school had a number of trialists from Years 5 and 6 rep-

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Isabella Nanos Karabetsos wrote this beauti- will die of their disease. Further, most CML ful piece to explain more about our decision patients will need to be on lifelong therapy increasing the risk of toxic side effects and to support the CML Foundation: organ damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys from long term use of treatments. In adMy name is Isabella and I'm 8 years old. My dition, inequitable access to CML testing, mum was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid monitoring and treatment around the world Leukaemia (CML) in January 2020. Since means that many CML patients die. then, I have been raising funds to support the life-saving work of the International CML On Monday 20th February 2023, Reddam Foundation (iCMLf). The iCMLf was estab- House will be hosting a Mufti Day to raise lished in 2009 and is a global, independent funds for the International CML Foundation. and not-for-profit foundation. The iCMLf's vi- Please join me in supporting the life-saving sion is to prevent, cure and ultimately eradi- work of the iCMLf. cate the disease. The priorities of the iCMLf are to support global clinical and research On Wednesday we will kick off the year on a collaborations, improve access to CML education and best practice, increase the avail- musical note with the Welcome Recital, ability of CML testing and provide a global which promises to be an exuberant reminder online communication network for Doctors of the important role which music plays in the working with CML. lives of the students at Reddam House. We look forward to being entertained by our talAdvancements in treatments over the last 20 ented musicians, not only at this event but at years have transformed CML from a fatal disease to a chronic condition for many CML the many others which will take place during patients. However, treatments are ineffective the year. for up to 10% of patients, sadly these patients

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Principal Awards , Avi Ereira, Wesley Zhao, Liza Rybak, Mimi Tolnay, Eden Elski, Violet Douglas, Sophie Corbett

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Principal Honour Awards Maria Nuche Eznarriaga, Octavia Spender-Capps, May Yue, Samuel Pinski, Marcus Hronis

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Reddam House Would like to wish a very

Happy Birthday to Laura Yin, Mya Maciver, Andre Chan, Louis Johnson, Harrison Allen, Aaron Lechem, Henry Stirk, Willa Gellert, Anika Martin, Tang Guoer, Emily Ma, Freya Mackay.

Who celebrated their special day this week and over the weekend

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Sport Fixtures 18th February 2023 Basketball Friday - Comets 17th Feb - Comets | Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Girls U16s SPARKS vs Be real 5.15 U16s MYSTICS vs All Blacks 4.30 U18s SUNS vs SGHS Marshmallow 4.30 U18s DIAMONDS vs CYS 5.15

Saturday 18th - Comets | Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Girls U10s Boomers vs Inner City Angels 8.00 Ct 1 U12s STORM vs Inner City Flames 9.40 Ct 1 U14s TIMBERWOLVES vs U14 FLAMES vs All Blacks 10.30 Ct 1 Boys U10s LAKERS vs Sydney HoopStars Cooperheads 8.00 Ct 4 Perry Park U12s BUCKS vs Reddam Hornets 9.40 Ct 4 Perry Park U12s RAPTORS vs St Spyridon College 10.30 Ct 3 Perry Park U12s CAVALIERS vs Inner City Rebels 12.10 Ct 1 Perry Park U12s HORNETS vs Reddam Bucks 9.40 Ct 4 Perry Park U14s BULLS vs KHY Astronauts 2.40 Ct 3 Perry Park U14s MAVERICKS vs Inner City Celtics 1.50 Ct 2 Perry Park U14s PACERS vs MPB 1.50 Ct 1 Perry Park U14s NUGGETS vs Sydney HoopStars Wolves 2.40 Ct 4 Perry Park U16s JAZZ vs Matto Magic 2.40 Ct 2 Perry Park U16s WARRIORS vs Inner City Mustangs 3.30 Ct 1 Comets Stadium U16s NETS vs BYE U18s HEAT vs Big Dream 5.10pm Ct 4 Perry Park PCYC (Marrickville) 18th Feb U16s ROCKETS vs Newtown Force 4.30 Ct 3 MPCYC U16s THUNDER vs Inner City Cyclones 6.45 Ct 3 MPCYC U18s GRIZZLIES vs Maccabi Mavericks 1.30 Ct 3 MPCYC BOYS

Waterpolo Opens v Joeys, Joeys Pool 9:20am 16s v Knox, Cranbrook Pool 12:20pm 13s v Joeys, Riverview Pool 8:00am Primary v Knox, Scots Pool 9:30am GIRLS

Opens v Brigidine, Pymble Pool, 8:45am Reddam 1 v SGHS, UNSW Pool 10:00am Reddam 2 v KRB, UNSW Pool 8:30am Reddam 3 v Reddam 4, UNSW Pool 10:45am Reddam 4 v Reddam 3, UNSW Pool 10:45am Page 7

Netball Reddam v Clovely Clovers Multi Court No.1, 5.15pm

Cricket Reddam Rabbits V RJCC Crushers 8.00am Lower Cooper 2 Reddam Roos V RJCC Strikers 8.00am Lower Cooper 1 Reddam Rhinos V Easts Sharks 3.00pm Lough Park North

Touch Football

Boys: Reddam 1 (Year 10/11) v Riverview 1, Queens Park No. 7 (adjacent to the Shed Café, Darley Rd), 8:50 am Reddam 2 (Year 10/11) v Trinity 1, Queens Park No. 7 (adjacent to the Shed Café, Darley Rd), 8:00 am Reddam 3 (Year 9) v Riverview 1, Queens Park No. 7, adjacent to the Shed Café, Darley Rd), 10:30 am Reddam 4 (Year 8) v Waverley 1, Trinity Grammar , 8:00 am. The bus will leave at 7:00 am.

Reddam 5 (Year 7) v Waverley 1, Riverview 1B, 9:30 am. The bus will leave at 8:20am Girls: Reddam 1 v KRB 3, Queens Park No. 3 (Baronga Avenue), 10:20 am Reddam 2 v Kambala 3, Queens Park No. 3 (Baronga Avenue), 12:10 pm Reddam 3 v Ascham 14, Queens Park No. 1 (Baronga Avenue), 9:45 am Reddam 4 v Ascham 15, Queens Park No. 2 (Darley Road near playground), 9:10 am Reddam 5 v KRB 16, Reservoir Field No. 2 (Oxford St), 9:10 am Tennis Reddam 1 v Redlands, Cammeray Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 2 v Redlands, Lane Cove Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 3 v St Pius, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 4 v Cammeraygal, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 10.00am Reddam 5 v St Pius, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 6 v St Pius, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 7 v Cammeraygal, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 8.00am Reddam 8 v Redlands, Cammeray Tennis Club 8.00am

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Sport Results 11th February 2023 Basketball Girls U16s SPARKS vs BYE U16s MYSTICS vs BYE U18s SUNS vs SGHS Scholar Sportswomen - 21 U18s DIAMONDS vs Inner City Ravens 20 - 0 U12s STORM vs Inner City Stars 4 - 27 U14s TIMBERWOLVES vs Sydney Hoopstars Panthers 7 - 7 Boys U10s LAKERS vs Newtown Wizards 8 - 20 U12s BUCKS vs Inner City Hurricanes 44 - 4 U12s RAPTORS vs Newtown Thunder 29 – 0 U12s CAVALIERS vs Inner City Clippers 14 - 24 U12s HORNETS vs St Spyridon College 6- 18 U14s BULLS vs Botany Warriors 19 - 46 U14s MAVERICKS vs Road Runner 40 - 14 U14s PACERS vs Big Dream 12 - 29 U14s NUGGETS vs Newtown Eagles 19 - 19 U16s NETS vs KHY 35 - 31 U16s THUNDER vs Sydney Hoopstars Desperados 45 - 19 U18s HEAT vs Newtown Bullets 20 - 0 U16s ROCKETS vs Newtown Blazers 17 - 12 U16s JAZZ vs Newtown Tigers 8 – 20 U16s WARRIORS vs BYE U18s GRIZZLIES vs Inner City Rockets 50 - 36 U18s MAGIC vs Inner City Magpies 20 - 0 Water Polo

BOYS Opens v Kings, 10-2 16s vTrinity, 1-11 13s v Trinity, 17-0 Primary v Scots, 6-5 GIRLS Opens v Abbotsleigh, 11-0 Reddam 1 v KRB, 4-10 Reddam 2 v SACS, 5-5 Reddam 3 v KRB, 11-3 Reddam 4 v KRB, 17-0

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Sport Results Netball Reddam v The Cyclones 24 -11

Cricket Reddam Rabbits BYE Reddam Roos 8/86 RJCC Sixers 7/98 Reddam Rhinos 4/192 Easts Beasts 12/109 Touch Football Boys: Reddam 1 (Year 10/11) v Trinity 2, 9 - 1 Reddam 2 (Year 10/11) v Waverley 1, 5 - 2 Reddam 3 (Year 9) v Waverley 1, 5 - 2, 2 - 4 Reddam 4 (Year 8) v Waverley 3, 11 - 6 Reddam 5 (Year 7) v Waverley 3, 11 - 5 Girls: Reddam 1 v SVC 2, 1 - 7 Reddam 2 v SVC 4, 7 - 0 Reddam 3 v Kambala 9, 3 - 2 Reddam 4 v Sceggs 12, 2 - 1 Reddam 5 v Kambala 12, 0 - 0

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Kindergarten We had a beautiful time celebrating Valentines/Galentines/Love Day here in Kindy this week, sharing kind words with our friends and displaying kind actions both inside and outside the classroom. We made cards for our table partners and for our families at home, practising our drawing and writing skills along with lots of fine motor skills practise. It was a wonderful way to get to know our new classmates!

During PDH lessons this week we introduced the five characters from the ‘You Can Do It’ social emotional learning program. Connie Confidence, Gabby Get Along, Oscar Organisation, Pete Persistence, and Ricky Resilience share our classrooms with us and help us to navigate all the big feelings we have starting Kindergarten.

We discussed ways to communicate how were feeling to our friends and teachers, and strategies to talk to each other and make new friends.

Our English lessons were focussed on introducing three new sounds this week, Pp, Ii, and Nn. We learned the sounds these letters make and then used our handwriting books to practise forming the letters. We were so excited to explore all the new words that we can make by blending the six sounds we learned together.

Ask us over the weekend what words we made!

In Topic this week we introduced our families to our class with all the beautiful family photos we have collected. It was such a joy to hear each student tell us who in in their family, things they love to do with their families and what makes their family unique and special.

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Year 1 This week in Year 1 the children focussed on number patterns. From skipping in the 2s, 5s and 10s the children observed patterns that emerged, considered odd and even numbers and the purposeful use of skip counting in everyday life.

In English, the children examined the book "Zoo' by Anthony Browne. It is written from the perspective of zoos not being a good place for animals. We examined our local zoo and discovered it to be a place of conservation, protection and sustainability. We wrote our own persuasive sentences from our perspectives of zoos being a place of wellbeing for their inhabitants.

History and Geography saw us examine our heritage through looking at our generational family tree. We considered the more complex vocabulary of niece, nephew and cousins and discussed the meaning and who that meant to you in your family.

In Science, the children have loved examining light. They conducted experiments to enrich the understanding of light traveling in a straight line. The fun part of course was the making of our own glasses! We used cellophane to alter of view. This encouraged the children’s understanding of translucent, transparent and opaque materials. Well done, Year 1.

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Year 2 During our wonderful visit to the NSW School- dents, and they most certainly appreciate the house Museum, the students had an opportuni- electricity available today. ty to experience a recreated lesson from the 1880s. They enthusiastically engaged in interac- Visiting the Schoolhouse Museum and experitive activities with artefacts, learned simple encing what it was like to be a student in the maypole dancing, and participated in play- past was a fun and exciting way for our students to learn about history. However, it is hard ground chants and games, including skipping, to imagine how difficult it was to learn in those fly, quoits, and bowling hoops. Precision exertimes without the technology that is available cises using wands and dumbbells were also in- today. While children may have enjoyed the cluded and provided an opportunity for some experience of writing with pen and ink, playing much-needed exercise before the lessons with early puzzles, and doing fun crafts, they are undoubtedly grateful for the advances in commenced. technology such as computers, smartboards, In the 1896 classroom, the students were seat- and air conditioning. They also appreciate the ed at long-toms and re-enacted daily lessons kindness of teachers today who make learning a more interactive and enjoyable experience. using materials such as slate boards and copThe stark differences between the old days and perplate with pen and ink. In the 1910 classtoday's modern technology show how far we room, there was a buzz of chatter as the chil- have come in education, and this visit was a dren viewed and discussed original 1900s pu- wonderful opportunity for our students to gain pils' work. They particularly enjoyed playing with an appreciation and better understanding of early puzzles and toys. We discussed the mate- life in the past. rials used to make early toys and games which linked to our unit of study in Science.

During their visit to the museum, the students took part in a school resources investigation that focused on the 1900s-1970s era. They worked as "history detectives" and participated in activities that involved finding and interacting with objects and treasures, examining the contents of Globite school cases, and studying photographs. In their roles as students from the past, they printed from a jelly pad, labelled a map using pen and ink, and did crafts such as twisted threads, weaving, or knitting. The students were intrigued by the open fireplaces in the classroom and were amazed that in years gone by during the winter season, teachers would toast a piece of bread over the fire. The gas lamp was of particular interest to our stuPage 13

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Year 3 In Year 3 this week, we continued our explora- child to recite the facts they could recall about tion into the history of Australia! The students the layers of the Earth: the crust, the mantle, were still keen to don their Captain Cook hats, the outer core and the inner core. Many rebut our attention turned from a British focus to flected on their “wonderings” from the first Scithe reaction of the Indigenous Australians upon ence lessons of the year, exclaiming that they the First Fleet’s arrival in Port Jackson. The com- now knew that the inner core was indeed a solparison between these two groups of people id ball of metal and that the mantle really does saw many differences: their style of dress, lan- leak onto the Earth’s surface causing amazing guage, weaponry and belief systems. Chal- eruptions in the form of volcanoes! Finally, this lenges for the First Australians also arose from week, we began to examine the incredible the clearing of their land, fences that inhibited puzzle that is our Earth’s surface. Students access to their hunting grounds and water, and placed each of the tectonic plates together to the destruction of various sacred sites. Howev- form a map of our world. er, students were able to articulate that although there were many difficult differences, Possibly the most exciting part of the week both groups were probably fearful of the other, came when all students began their extrahaving a limited understanding of each other’s curricular activities. The week kicked off with way of life, and a strong desire to protect their Choir on Monday and continued through to own people. coding today! All students should be proud of their efforts to navigate these new and exciting In Public Speaking, all Year 3 classes had their additions to their weekly routines. first taste of planning a speech. They were given the task of planning a 30 second – 1 minute Congratulations on another fantastic week, information report about their favourite place. Year 3!

There were many excited tales shared about their different destinations from around the world, from Dublin, Ireland to Tehran, Iran; some students even focussed on specific attractions, such as Tokyo Disneyland. We used atlases to locate these places on a map and discussed how this geographical information could be used as the general introductory statement for our informative speeches. Beautiful recounts of the landscape, activities and culture of these places then fuelled the body paragraphs. Excited about further research into their places, each child was sent home with their planning sheets to add a couple more bullet points to their plan. We cannot wait to start writing our speeches at school, next week!

On Wednesday, students were keen to showcase their scientific knowledge during their first Science Cycle Test. All the Year 3 teachers were blown away by the eagerness of each Page 15

Year 4 Year 4 have completed yet another fantastic week, showing off their multiple talents across all areas of the curriculum. There was a real buzz around the Year 4 corridor after their first choir session of the year on Monday morning and first ensemble practice on Wednesday morning.

After much anticipation and build-up, the students enjoyed reading their literacy texts for the term this week. Students delved into the excitement and wonder of the stories and empathised with the characters. Their grammar skills were put to the test in a Visual Literacy activity about their story, and the students activated their 5 senses to imagine themselves physically being there. The sights, sounds, smells, feels and tastes imagined by the students will add a whole new dimension to their descriptive writing and the students are excited to improve their writing techniques.

In PDH, students took part in a 10-minute aerobics session in order to understand how physical activity affects individual parts of our bodies, such as our muscles, our bones, our heart, our lungs and our skin. We had great fun moving our bodies within the lesson and became critical thinkers and observers to record our findings afterwards.

In Science, we continued to learn about living things and food chains. We analysed food chains and food webs this week and even got to add our own animals that would fit in specific spots in a food chain. Students were highly engaged in scientific conversations about the learning and are eager to learn more!

Well done, Year 4. Keep up the great work!

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Year 5/6 English Year 5 This week in Year 5, students continued to explore the topic of persuasive writing, focusing on specific aspects of structure. Students began to practise composing the introductory paragraphs of their persuasive essay writing. The following example was composed by one of our students in class and uses a variety of persuasive techniques to engage the audience: Crash! You look up and feel unbearable pain in your head. As you open your eyes you realise you’ve hit the ground really hard. This is why wearing a helmet is a huge mistake. Firstly, helmets are uncomfortable and have unsuitable designs for children. Secondly, helmets give children and false sense of security and lastly, helmets need to be replaced every year, wasting lots of money. This is why wearing helmets is an expensive mistake that parents should avoid.

Here is another example, against wearing helmets: Do you seriously care about wearing a helmet? If you think that it’s right to put on a helmet, guess what, you’re wrong. Firstly, there is way too much money spent on this junk. Furthermore, the straps on a helmet will most definitely choke you if you fall off your bike. Lastly, it gives you a false sense of security when riding. Obviously, it is very clear that we shouldn’t be wearing helmets.

Year 6 This week, Year 6 continued their study of historical fiction, through a study of Australian First Nations poetry. Students engaged with a range of poems written by Aboriginal writers, and practised their skills in analytical and creative enquiry, asking of each creative work: What is its main theme? What is its poetic form? How does the poet use structure and language to create meaning, both literal and symbolic? How does context have an impact on these authors' poetry? In addition to our poetry studies, students are working on language conventions skills, in preparation for their in-class assessment next week.

Public Speaking Year 5 This term, Year 5 Public Speaking students are focusing in depth on the non-verbal skills required to be a good oral communicator, such as body language, gesture and vocal volume, pitch and tone. We have been practising these skills in class. Students are also beginning to learn about performance poetry, in preparation for their upcoming assessment task.

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Year 5/6 Maths The position in which digits are found determines their value, and to reinforce this concept, using large numbers, Year 5 entered them on a calculator according to their value. They understood zero as a vital placeholder to produce a correct answer. Once they solved their problems, they turned their calculator upsidedown to reveal a word, phrase, or short sentence on their displays. Some students took this further and created their entry by having a friend solve it!

Year 6 reviewed the 4-operations operating mentally and using the formal vertical algorithm. They remembered the PUP rule when adding and subtracting decimals and constructed and completed number sentences applying the order of operations to their calculations. When dividing, mathematicians practised changing remainders to fractions and simplifying. They noticed that the calculator gave a different answer to questions where there was a remainder and reasoned that it was because the calculator provides reminders as decimals. Students found quotients by inserting decimal points and zeros until they found suitable answers.

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Year 5/6 Science This week was Year 5's last week studying scientific investigations. Over the course of the week students learnt how to accurately draw a scientific table and graph. Being able to draw a graph and scientific table correctly means that students are able to carry out a full scientific investigation as they now have the ability to represent data gathered in an experiment. As of next week, Year 5 students will begin their new topics within chemistry. Students will study physical and chemical reactions as well as a variety of separation techniques.

This week in Science, Year 6 students also studied how to accurately draw scientific tables and graphs. Last year students briefly studied this topic; however, this year students will learnt about tables and graphs in more detail. This is also Year 6 students’ last week studying scientific investigations. Next week, students will move onto their chemistry topics of the periodic tables and properties of materials.

In Science Club, students learnt about earthquakes. Students learnt what an earthquake is and how it happens. With this knowledge, students were tasked with building a structure that could withstand an increasing intensity of vibrations.

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Music Performance This week saw all of the music ensembles commence for 2023, including both our compulsory morning programme, and after-school activities. Interest has far exceeded previous years, and staff are so excited to deliver their programmes and work towards special performances and opportunities.

Next Wednesday, we hold our Term 1 recital, the Welcome Recital, in Adelaide Hall. It is at 7pm and all are welcome to attend and support our young musicians. It should be a superb evening of entertainment!

Year 5-6 Drumline We are excited for this year's new crop of talented percussionists to rehearse together as a Drumline on Monday mornings. Students met for the first time this week, and will soon learn about the formation and different roles within a drumline, as well as being introduced to the various instruments that will be used. These include bass drums, tenors, snares, cymbals, and lots more – often combined with harnesses and physical activity! We have a range of repertoire, including contemporary Australian pieces and past favourites, ready to work on. Lots of rhythmic fun is in store for the year ahead.

Year 2 Recorder Ensemble The name ‘recorder’ is derived from the old French word meaning to learn by heart, recite, to play music. Is there any more perfect description of what we do in the morning ensemble: learn how to hold and find notes on our instrument; learn to work as a group and tell stories by playing awesome music. There is nothing quite like coming together as a group and making music and there is no instrument quite like the recorder. It’s as beautiful and expressive as it is decisive. It walks the precarious line between great to listen to and nails on a chalkboard. That is another thing we learn in ensemble, the importance of technique to avoid the common mistakes that lead to the bad name recorder can have. I am beyond thrilled to be working with the Year 2 Recorder Ensemble again this year. We are an exquisitely large group this year – the largest I believe we’ve had – a testament to the group from last year and their knockout assembly performances throughout 2022. After our first rehearsal this week, the brand new group has only learned one note, but from humble beginnings we will surely rise to the dizzying heights of a live performance in the coming term. We will likely showcase another lively jazz number, incorporating unusual percussion and a lot of laughs and smiles, as always. Watch this space, as we are quietly confident that we are going to be an amazing overload of sweetness.

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Music This week in Music, Year 2 sang, played and moved and really got back into the routines of the music room. As a warm-up, the students sang ‘Down by the station’. We created actions and learned about the rhythm of the song. Next the students refreshed their understanding of pitch by learning to sing ‘Lucy locket’ in solfa while using Curwen hand signs.

After this, the students learned the dance moves to the ‘Brown jug polka’. It was great to do some moving around in a circle dance. Finally, we used boomwhackers (plastic tubes that are tuned to a specific pitch) to learn the song ‘A is a space case’ which is not only a really enjoyable song to sing and play but also gave us the opportunity to practise reading the note ‘A’ on the treble stave whilst practising the rhythms Ta (crochet) and Ti-Ti (a pair of quavers). It was a lot of fun with the Year 2s and we are looking forward to seeing their musicianship grow!

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