GIGGLESWICK JUNIOR SCHOOL 2020
GIGGLESWICK PRE-SCHOOL 2020
2020
Chronicle The Chronicle
The Chronicle
The Junior
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INTRODUCTION
THE JUNIOR CHRONICLE 2020 Welcome to our 2020 edition of the Giggleswick Junior School Chronicle. The academic year 2019/20 will arguably remain one of those years that will live long in the memory for all of us. Creating a virtual school to enable nearly a term of home learning was certainly not something that was on the agenda when the school opened its doors in the September, and the adaptations that would have to be made to the site itself for a safe return in May were completely unthinkable at that point in the year. However, we should remember that before these changes, there were so many events, visits and successes that took place, which are clearly shown in this Chronicle, and make us all look forward to those times fully returning again.
We should also not underestimate the success of our virtual school. For many, the ability to video themselves and respond to lessons in a different medium, enabled us to see a completely new side to their characters. Whilst a timetable that not only covered all subject areas, but also co-curriculum opportunities, ‘hangouts’, form times and assemblies, meant that we could remain a strong community. This success was very much a community one, and parents had a key role in supporting learning – I do not think there has ever been a time when we have all had to work so hard together to ensure the best outcomes for the children.
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For me, ending the term with all the children back at Giggleswick was one that gave me a great deal of personal pride. It has certainly been my most challenging year as a Head, but to have ended in July with children learning at school, and hearing the buzz of excited pupils once again fill the classrooms and corridors, is something that could only be possible with a collective endeavour and the efforts of us all. I hope you enjoy reading this Chronicle, and the happy memories from an unprecedented year! James Mundell, Headmaster
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INTRODUCTION
VIRTUAL SPEECH DAY
‘WE ARE STILL GIGGLESWICK’
For me, what makes Giggleswick particularly special is our sense of community. There is nothing better than seeing us come together to support a cause, or for a common purpose.
Welcome to Giggleswick Junior School’s Virtual Speech Day, where we celebrate our pupils’ achievements and the many highlights of the academic year – and what a year it has been! When we returned in September no one would have predicted the events that would unfold across the world, and how it would impact every one of us in the way it did. When we closed our doors in March, it was one of the most difficult experiences I have had as a Head, seeing pupils, parents and staff leaving early, and not knowing what the future held for any of us.
Resilient However, in true Giggleswick spirit, we quickly developed and adapted our virtual school which has successfully enabled learning to continue from home and allowing us to even teach beyond our original schemes and plans. The formats have allowed for creative responses from both our staff and the children. Baking and eating has also featured quiet highly too, for some reason!
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I have seen pupils grow in confidence, develop greater independence and everyone’s skills in using IT significantly improved. Although, we have been apart for most of this term, we have still been Giggleswick – a supportive, caring community, where everyone is valued and can be themselves. However, it must be said, that nothing can replace teaching in person, and the buzz of a real classroom. So, despite the challenge, it has been with a sense of enormous personal satisfaction that we have managed to phase the return of all year groups over recent weeks – and our Year 6’s have benefitted from nearly a full half-term at school. Whilst many of the exciting summer events have not taken place, and I know how disappointed our Year 6’s have been not to have their residential experience, to complete their last term at Giggleswick, with each other, has been a real positive. We should also not forget that we have had two terms at Giggleswick, and there are many highlights to mention.
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INTRODUCTION
Curious
Creative
We continue to place enormous value on learning outside the classroom, to get real hands on experiences – trips this year have included the Bradford Media Museum, RE workshops and visits, and Mrs Bagot has made it her mission to get the children out of school as much as possible – visiting all manner of working museums, and also getting our Year 6’s onto the 3 Peaks as part of their Geography studies on Mountain environments.
As is the tradition each year, there are always lots of opportunities to dress up at the Junior School. Roald Dahl Day saw all manner of costumes, with particularly impressive efforts from Mr Roe and Mrs Jones, it had to be said.
Cross curriculum links are very important, and something I would like to develop further next year. Careful planning in Art has allowed the school to link History and Science topics, with a fantastic trip to Manchester incorporating the Science and Industry museum and the Lowry.
Keeping on the theme of performance and dressing up, Music and Drama have remained a key area for the school this year. I was in awe of our youngest children delivering their lines as either characters or narrators in the Chapel for our Carol service, who were so confident and clearly enjoyed their moment to shine. We also had our Reception children lead our Mill House nativity, and it was also the first time we had our 2-year olds involved in a performance. Every
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child was incredible, and it really was a heart-warming event in the lead up to Christmas. I am sure that parents will all agree that our annual production, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was one of our best. Ambitious sets, costumes, but most importantly stand out performances from our main characters, supported by our enthusiastic and committed ensemble cast, was my personal stand out moment of the year – and I am so glad we were able to perform this event just a few weeks before the school closed.
Aware We wouldn’t be Giggleswick if didn’t try and get into our grounds, no matter the weather or conditions.
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INTRODUCTION
We started the year with an Outdoor Pursuits day, where the children took part in a range of activities involving lots of problem-solving, outdoor art…. and of course, getting dirty! Whilst our ‘out and about’ sessions, are a staple part of the Giggleswick diet from Mill House and across our lower years.
and following an impressive round at Ingleton where all our runners qualified for the next heat – Robert, Mylan, James, Lucy, Mathilda and Rafferty were successful in reaching the North Yorkshire Cross Country finals at Dalby Forest.
This year our younger children supported the building of our bonfire, another brilliant community event back in November. I would like to use this opportunity to thank our Parents’ Association for their continued support, and to say a particular thank you to Karen Shuttleworth and Matt Hough who left the GSPA for their hard work and dedication.
Pro-active and Assured
Passionate and Skilled In sport, all our teams made excellent progress, and we introduced hockey as part of our games programme for boys for the first time, which included a number of fixtures. Mr Ogilvie and Mr Roe took the Under 11 rugby team to our second rugby tour at Thorngrove, where we were very competitive;
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For me, what makes Giggleswick particularly special is our sense of community. There is nothing better than seeing us come together to support a cause, or for a common purpose. Whether that is seeing our School Council organising Cake Stalls for ‘Children in Need’, donating for a local food bank during Harvest, supporting a ‘Big Give’ campaign providing Christmas gifts for those less fortunate than ourselves, or singing for the residents of Limestone View. It is also lovely to see the relationships developed by our Year 6’s with their younger buddies, both at the Junior School and Mill House.
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To our Year 6s, I wish you all the very best for the future. You have led by example. I think you have been one of our most genuinely caring, thoughtful and harmonious group of Year 6’s we have had. I have also had the benefit of watching many of you grow as I complete my sixth year as Head. You are multi-talented, are self-assured, and have the character to succeed in whatever you choose to do. You genuinely embody Giggleswick. The plans for September are already well underway, and I am looking forward to returning back as one school, after the summer break. My thanks to our parents, pupils and staff for your continued support and incredible efforts, particularly through such difficult times. The Giggleswick spirit of endeavour, perseverance, and positivity – it is, after all, what makes us a special community, and why together, we are Giggleswick!
INTRODUCTION
ACADEMIC PRIZES English Elodie Martin
Mathematic Adam Riaz
Science Charlie Bolles
Humanities Rafferty Bannister
Computing Rafferty Bannister
Prizes for excellent effort Prizes for service to the and contribution to the school school/form Long Service Amelie Evans and Darcy Ogden Key Stage 1 Perseverance Citizenship Robert Davidson Key Stage 2 Perseverance Elsa Taylor
Drama
Reception/Year 1 Form Prize
Max Scholey and Lily Truscott
Dougie Giles
Music
Year 2
Poppy Coward
Alexa Jones
Art
Year 3
Willa Bailey
Design Amelie Evans
Languages Adam Riaz
Physical Education Darcy Ogden
Geoffrey Boult Award for Boys’ Sport
Tom Penter
Heads of School Poppy Coward, Mathilda Evans, Willa Bailey
Busy Bee Plate Camille Bolles
Tess Giles
Year 4 Bram Scott Cass
Year 5
Violet Hollings-Kelley and Sam Galley
Year 6 Kitty McIntosh and Max Gilchrist
John Mitchell
Geoffrey Boult Award for Girls’ Sport Mathilda Evans
Swimming Annabelle Skelton and Sebastian Fazackerley
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
TEDDY BEAR APPEAL Our pupils were encouraged to bring a clean and washed Teddy Bear into school which was sent off to disadvantaged children around the world for Christmas.
Chloe Hodge, one of our 6th form students, organised a Teddy Bear appeal. Our pupils were encouraged to bring a clean and washed teddy bear into school which was sent off to disadvantaged children around
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the world for Christmas. Our Year 6 children joined our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children for a Teddy Bear Hunt, picnic, and games.
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A big thank you to Chloe Hodge for organising this event and making a very special and memorable afternoon for the children and thank you to all the parents and children who donated Teddy Bears.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
ROALD DAHL DAY All monies raised by our School Council went towards the GSPA Macmillan Coffee Morning.
We celebrated Roald Dahl Day here at Giggleswick, everyone from Pre-school right through to Year 6 dressed as their favourite characters and celebrated Roald Dahl Day in great style.
We awarded prizes for the best dressed. All monies raised from this event and from our cake sale, which was organised by our School Council
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went towards the GSPA Macmillan Coffee Morning which took place on the same day.
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
BUDDIES ‘We are Giggleswick’
As a member of the community of Giggleswick Junior School, we all do our best to make our School a happy place where everyone matters. Our
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Year 6 children buddy up with our children in Reception and spend time together every week. The Year 6 children are a positive role model
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to our younger children who enjoy spending time chatting and playing with the buddies.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
OPERA NORTH PART by Max Scholey Earlier this year, our Year 6 pupil Max Scholey appeared in the Opera North production ‘Street Scene’, performing at Leeds Grand Theatre. Max played a boy called Zoll in the show, which toured to the Theatre Royal Newcastle, The Lowry, Salford Quays and Theatre Royal, Nottingham after its Leeds run. Around 300 children applied for the part of Zoll and Max had to go through two auditions of singing, acting, and reacting to scenes with an opera singer.
Max is also an extra on both small and big screen, taking part in the new version of TV’s ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, which aired this year, and has just finished filming a new Hollywood film shot in Yorkshire. Look out for the young actor in a book trailer and cover for well know author Linda Green’s ‘One Moment’.
“I have gained lots of experience at school in productions and performing arts festivals. It has really helped with my confidence when auditioning for parts on stage outside school. Everyone at school was really excited when they found out I’d got the role and have been so supportive.
Max also played the narrator, Lewis Carroll, in the Junior School production of Alice in Wonderland. Max said:
Credit: Clive Barda
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY VISIT Our Year 5 class took part in a workshop led by Tashi Lhunpo (Tibetan Monks) at the Richard Whiteley Theatre.
Our Year 5 class took part in a workshop led by Tashi Lhunpo (Tibetan Monks) at the Richard Whiteley Theatre. The children enjoyed a performance led by 8 Tibetan monks from the
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Tashi Lhunpo monestary, called ‘The Power of Compassion’. The dramatic dances, taken from the Gutor Festival before Tibetan Losar (New Year), use colourful costumes and masks, and the instruments include the long
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horns, drums, cymbals and bells of the Tibetan Tantric orchestra. The children will also get to learn all about the various instruments during the performance.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
LANGCLIFFE THURSDAY CLUB’S CHRISTMAS EVENT Our Year 3,4,5 and 6 children had a fabulous afternoon entertaining at the Langcliffe Thursday Club. The audience thoroughly enjoyed all of the carols that our children sang.
LEAVERS WALK AND PICNIC YEAR 6 Year 6 enjoyed a socially distanced end to their time at the Junior School. Lots of fun was had as they embarked on a leavers’ walk and picnic up to the top of Giggleswick Crag. The children enjoyed a scavenger hunt on top of the crag before walking back to school for a leavers’ celebration!
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
OP DAY SEPTEMBER 2019 The pupils began the new year with an outdoor day taking part in a variety of activities over the course of the day. Developing our outdoor learning provision is a key area for the school, making the most of both our facilities, natural surroundings, and specialist staff. It was also a perfect way to reintroduce our core values of respect, ambition and participation. By creating teams involving children from 5 to 11 years old, it was a great way for them to support one another, and perhaps work with pupils that they do not often get the opportunity to do so, and for our new pupils to quickly make friends. It was also a good way to begin our Year 6 buddying system, who have a key role in mentoring the youngest children in the school.
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The morning carousel saw the creation of artwork in the playground using natural materials collected from the Forest Area and local surroundings. Each team contributed to great one large piece symbolising our pupils coming together and supporting one another. In the Ghyll Field, near our pond and nature area, our staff, including our groundsman, Mr Shepherd, showed the children how to cut and weave hazel branches in order to create a wall. They particularly enjoyed jumping in the clay pit, adding straw, and then grabbing handfuls to cover the structure. Meanwhile, in the sports pavilion a variety of orienteering tasks took place with our sports team, with pupils creating their own maps, and developing their problem-solving skills.
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After a well-deserved hot lunch, the children were back outside foraging for wood, contributing to a fire which they then sat around drinking hot chocolate and singing songs led by our Head of Performing Arts teacher on the guitar. The afternoon ended with wide and relay games, including a particularly fun game of hide and seek around the Ghyll Field. The children (and staff) very much enjoyed the whole experience and gained a huge amount both practically and socially, and we look forward to planning our next outdoor day.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
LIMESTONE VIEW VISIT Our Year 6’s went to visit the residents of Limestone view (a residential setting for older people) with Ms Sismey, Mrs Mundell and Mrs Wells to sing some more festival songs. This is part of a new link organised by Ms Sismey to increase our engagement within the local community.
PEN-Y-GHENT YEAR 6 As part of their Humanities project about Mountains, Year 6 enjoyed a fabulous walk with Mrs Bagot, Mrs Wulf, Mr Roe and Mrs Jones around Pen-y-Ghent, identifying all the different features of the landscape.
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
ADAM RIAZ In February, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Lord Mayor Councillor Doreen Lee, invited Adam and his family to Afternoon Tea with her at City Hall, Bradford. After receiving his special pass, Adam was shown up to The Lord Mayor’s Office, taking in the Venetian gothic architectural style of the building and numerous Latin inscriptions as he went. Over tea, juice and biscuits (which Jemima was particularly impressed by!), Adam and the Lord Mayor discussed what it was like being a Mayor and how it felt meeting Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who had recently visited the city of Bradford. The Lord Mayor was particularly interested in how Adam finds Giggleswick School and asked what his favourite subjects were. She showed him the frieze in the banqueting hall that carries the Bradford city motto: Labor omnia vincit: meaning, hard work conquers all, which Adam found motivating. He also got a chance to see where scenes from the television shows, ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Victoria were filmed. Afterwards, the Lord Mayor asked if Adam would like the opportunity to dress up as a Junior Lord Mayor – putting on a miniature set of civic robes and insignia, for a photo opportunity with her. It was an exciting day for all.
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
CAROL SERVICE The children sang and played incredibly well, we certainly felt very festive!
The Junior School and Mill House children, parents and staff all joined together at Giggleswick’s beautiful Chapel on the last day of term for our Carol Service. The children sang and played incredibly well, we certainly
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felt very festive! Chaplain Ladds welcomed everyone warmly and spoke to the children and parents about the meaning and sentiment of Christmas.
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The atmospheric singing and entertaining musical performances helped us to begin our Christmas holiday festivities.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
VE DAY This year was the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and it was a National Bank Holiday. In our Virtual School, the children learnt about the event which included researching and presenting their findings.
Some of the classes had parties, and Mr Mundell even dropped in (remotely) to one organised by Mrs Western with our Reception/Year 1 class.
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It was great to see the effort families had put in and although we were not together in person, it was still lots of fun.
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
VIRTUAL SCHOOL The one-to-one sessions with form staff and every pupil across the week provided additional support, both pastorally and academically, and reassurance.
Our Virtual Giggleswick Junior School opened on Monday 27th April 2020. Each class had a virtual timetable, which had two morning and two afternoon lessons. Our children began accessing and responding to lessons with a very positive approach and lots of enthusiasm.
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Our morning registration/form times were particularly effective. They have enabled the children to meet their teacher each day, as well as one another, allowed us to pass on key information, as well as further clarification on the lessons that day and tasks.
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The one-to-one sessions with form staff and every pupil across the week also provided additional support, both pastorally and academically, and reassurance. As well as our children accessing academic lessons, the enjoyed a huge mix of activities.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
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ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
LITERACY
LEARNING IN THE BECK YEAR 6 Year 6R English Lesson: developing expanded noun phrases using the beck in the school grounds as a stimulus.
PHONICS GAME & READING TIME RECEPTION Fantastic turn taking from Reception class during our regular phonics games.
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ACADEMIC
LITERACY YEAR 3 & 4 Year 3 and 4 read ‘Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears’ and created their own pages for a class ‘Big Book of Fears.’ They all started their pages with ‘When I was little...’ Tess said “I was concerned of dogs,
because I thought the were wolves. Once I knew were soft, I absolutely loved the, now I am older most of those fears seem to be irrational.” Bram wrote, “I was scared of cows, I felt very fearful.”
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Eliza said, “I was scared of spiders because they are hairy with lots of eyes. Now I am older my advice is to get a grown up to move the spiders if we see one.”
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ACADEMIC
MATHS YEAR 6 Mrs Jones’ Year 6 maths group played lots of games to help them understand how to compare and order numbers with up to three decimal places and to know common fraction/decimal equivalents.
MEASURING YEAR 1 Year 1 had fun learning about measuring, including measuring each other which was great fun.
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ACADEMIC
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ACADEMIC
SCIENCE
RECEPTION/YEAR 1 Our Reception/Year 1 class enjoyed their visit to the Science Labs with Ms Davison where they built rockets, as part of their topic on ‘Space’.
YEAR 4 There is a real buzz about learning in Giggleswick, where children are given the tools to explore, predict, and evaluate during their learning. Angus tried an array of attempts, you can see the connection has been made...not only by lighting up the bulb, but also cognitively.
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ACADEMIC
YEAR 5 Year 5 had a very exciting Science lesson where they learnt about the topic Materials and investigated how absorbent different types of paper towels were.
YEAR 6 Year 6 had a great visit to The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester; they took part in some exciting workshops focusing on changing state (explosions).
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ACADEMIC
ART We also visited The Lowry, the children really enjoyed looking at the artwork produced by L.S Lowry, and sketching examples.
DESIGN YEAR 2 Archie made a Jabberwocky trap. Wow what fantastic design work!
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ACADEMIC
ART YEAR 2 Year 2 Art and artists investigation ... can we spot the different fruits in these faces?
ANCIENT GREEK CRANES Year 6 investigated and built Ancient Greek cranes in DT. These cranes were used for the construction of tall buildings. Larger cranes were later developed, employing the use of human treadwheels, permitting the lifting of heavier weights.
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ACADEMIC
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (MFL) GERMAN HOUSE BUILDING YEAR 3/4 Das ist mein Haus! Hier ist die Küche und hier is das Wohnzimmer! Year 3 and 4 were working on rooms in the house in German. They then added the words for furniture too! Thank you, Miss Ford and Frau Ketterer, our German Assistant, who helped us with some tricky crafting as we used stiff cardboard to create partitions (rooms) in our shoe box houses!
FRENCH CHOCOLATE MOOSE YEAR 5 Mettez, séparez, battez, ajoutez, mélangez… Year 5 can follow instructions in French, not to mention quantities and ingredients. What better way to learn French than by following a recipe at home during lockdown? Du mousse au chocolat anyone? Thank you Lucy, pictured here. Miam miam! 36
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ACADEMIC
GERMAN BAR CHARTS YEAR 2 In German, Year 2 pupils interviewed each other to find out which fruits they all liked. Magst du Bananen? Magst du Birnen? Frau Wulf was impressed with their IT skills as they entered their data into a table with very little help to produce their own bar charts. Great job Year 2! Can you tell your family which fruits you like? Frau Wulf says: ‘Ich mag Orangen.’
GERMAN COMPETITION All Key Stage 2 pupils had the opportunity to enter The Goethe Institute’s winter themed competition for Primary School German learners. Pupils had to create a comic style story using vocabulary provided to include the characters, Felix, Franzi, Karla or Kai. Everyone who took part won a prize. There were over 400 entries throughout the United Kingdom and we were pleased to announce that Elodie Martin won the overall Year 6 prize for her original 3-D effect story. Herzliche Glückwünsche to Elodie, and everyone who took part in this challenge.
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ACADEMIC
GERMAN FRUIT SALAD YEAR 2 Here are Year 2 pupils making fruit salad in German. They asked Felix and Franzi for 6 different fruits! Eg: “Ich mochte Ananas bitte!” Ich möchte
Wassermelone bitte! And ‘What are the colours of Apfel, Birne, Orange and Bonane in German?’ Thank you to the Catering Team for organising lovely
fruit for us, and well done Year 2! Can you make a fruit salad for your family in German too?
FRENCH RECEPTION Camembear played a dressing up game with Reception to help them learn their weather phrases. The children made ‘weather wheels’ to share their learning at home. Be sure to ask them: “Quel temps faitil?” Camembear says, ‘Il fait FROID!”
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ACADEMIC
GERMAN LANTERN WALK Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne‌ For the first time, we had a wonderful group of five Year 11 German pupils joining GJS Year 1-4 pupils on our annual German lantern walk. Our pupils’ lanterns looked absolutely stunning in the dark with the light shining through the tissue paper
adorned bottles and cartons. We walked around the Junior and Senior school grounds, singing all the lantern songs we have learnt. The Senior school Germans said they felt at home and enjoyed the memories of their own childhood lantern walks
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back home. A big thank you to Benita, Mathilda, Letitzia, Kilian and Kian for giving up their time and helping our pupils experience a truly wonderful German tradition. We hope they might join us again next year! Danke!
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ACADEMIC
PSHE FIRST AID TRAINING YEAR 6 Our Year 6’s took part in First Aid training as part of our updated PSHE curriculum, and we hope for them to cascade these skills down to our younger year groups.
KEEPING MYSELF SAFE Reception and KS1 were visited by firefighter Craig Lyons in their PSHE lesson to support work on this terms theme ‘Keeping Myself Safe’. He talked to the children about fire safety.
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ACADEMIC
MUSIC BOOMWHACKERS YEAR 3/4 We used our time on Friday afternoons to practice our instruments and also have fun learning new skills. This group of Year 3 & 4 were given a secret tune to figure out using solfa on the boomwhackers. It was Star Wars! Don’t they look like Jedi Knights with lightsabers?
RECEPTION Reception had great fun creating soundscapes for two very different planets. We played dangerous loud battle music for Mars and thought really carefully about playing music of a different character for Uranus. We listened to the music that Gustav Holst wrote about the Planets over 100 years ago!
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ACADEMIC
THE GJS FREE INSTRUMENTAL SCHEME by Lucy Giles - Year 6 When I was in Year 5, I started violin lessons with Ms Boylan, because I was looking for a second instrument. I had enjoyed playing it in group violin lessons in Year 2, so that was part of why I chose it. I remembered more than I thought I would! I think the violin is a lovely instrument with a nice sound. There is only one clef, unlike the piano, but I think it’s going to be a good challenge for me.
In lockdown, when I started learning online, things did change quite a lot. It was strange at first, and I had to get used to seeing Ms Boylan on the screen instead of with me. I had to learn how to check whether the violin was in tune. Also, I could always hear my family moving around the house while I was having my lessons.
I really want to continue the violin because I haven’t got very far yet, and I want to improve my technique. Ms Boylan has really helped me, and I am glad that I can carry on. I have really enjoyed my lessons so far, and I’m looking forward to getting better!
This has been a fantastic opportunity for Lucy to learn an orchestral instrument, and to get a taste for whether she would like to pursue it. We’re very grateful to the school for offering these lessons, and feel that they have been a huge benefit to Lucy. She now has the chance to take the violin further, to broaden her musical skills, and later join in with some ensembles. It is exciting to see what she will produce! Anna Giles - Lucy’s Mum
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ACADEMIC
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ACADEMIC
ICT
ALGORITHMS RECEPTION ‘Even our youngest children in the Junior School love to get hands on with their Computing Curriculum. From using iPad’s for recording to researching on the computer and even creating algorithms for programmable toys! ICT is embedded across our curriculum.’
BRADFORD MEDIA MUSEUM Mrs Western, Ms Horsman and Mr Roe led a trip to Bradford Media Museum to support these classes topic work looking at how IT has changed over time.
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ACADEMIC
HUMANITIES
BARLEY HALL YEAR 5 Year 5 visited Barley Hall to see what life was like in Tudor times. We had a fantastic time finding out what Tudor
children wore, jobs they did, what they ate, where they lived and medicines. It was a great interactive experience to
learn all about life during the 1500’s. The children were fantastic and were all very enthusiastic during the trip.
QUARRY BANK MILL YEAR 6 Year 6 Spent a day at Quarry Bank Mill learning about what life was like during Victorian times for children. We learnt that life was very hard
particularly for children working in a Mill as an apprentice. Food was horrible, children were much smaller than they are today and the terrible
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conditions that they worked in. We really enjoyed our day and we all learnt so much.
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ACADEMIC
A MOMENT IN TIME The children were asked to complete an Independent Research task with the title ‘A Moment in History.’ One of the children decided to research when Giggleswick School was founded.
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ACADEMIC
TRIP TO A BUDDHIST TEMPLE Our Year 3 & 4 class went to the Buddhist Temple at Ulverston in February as part of their work in Humanities about what make a place sacred to people.
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PERFORMING ARTS
PERFORMING ARTS
WONDERFUL WHIMSICAL ALICE! It is hard to believe that such a complex show could be performed so effortlessly by such a young cast, and they deserve full credit for their brilliant performance.
This year, Giggleswick Junior School brought all the curiosity and adventure of Wonderland to the Richard Whiteley Theatre for its Year 3 to 6 production of Alice the Musical. The incredible set, characters, songs and storyline captured the imagination of every pupil and audience member, immediately transporting them to a magical fantasy world. Based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic Alice in Wonderland, the production incorporated fun song and dance offering pupils the opportunity for solos and group singing in a wide variety of musical styles. This seamless, energetic and fastpaced production allowed no respite for the cast, and they certainly met the challenge! It is hard to believe that such a complex show could be performed so effortlessly by such a young cast, and they deserve full credit for their brilliant performance. In the role of narrator, Rafferty Bannister, Jack Hall, Max Scholey and Annabelle Skelton guided us through the dream-like adventures, while Mathilda Evans’ energetic take on the White Rabbit added to the sense of confusion of Wonderland throughout.
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The demanding role of Alice, a part shared by Darcy Ogden and Lily Truscott, was excellently portrayed and they must be commended for their vocal stamina and remaining in role whilst being on stage for almost the entire show. Elodie’s overbearing and impatient Queen of Hearts was so convincing she had audience members jumping out of their seats! Other supporting roles also stood out during the performance, including the quirky and eccentric Mad Hatter played by Poppy Coward, the cool Caterpillar by Georgia Lewis, the operatic singing voice of Willa Bailey playing the Mock Turtle, and the confident rhythmic Mouse played by Charlie Bolles. Performing Arts teacher and Musical Director, Mrs Wells, said: “I am exceptionally proud of our Key Stage 2 cast. The enthusiasm and joy they brought to the stage was impressive. They clearly love the limelight! Our Year 6 in particular worked so hard at home and in rehearsals to learn their lines and develop their characters. The chorus singing was by far the strongest we have had in a number of years making this show a joy to direct.”
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The real success of the performance was the exceptional teamwork from every single member of the cast. Each participant seemed to be having a fantastic time onstage. Well done! Headteacher Mr Mundell said: “Alice was arguably one of the most challenging productions the school has ever put on. Visually a great deal of hard work had to be put into the staging, costume and make up; there were greater numbers of songs to rehearse and choreograph; and a greater emphasis on having all the children involved. There were so many stand out moments and performances, and I was incredibly proud of all the children and staff for what they achieved. The children all took on their roles with such enthusiasm and commitment, from start to finish, and this production has been an unforgettable experience for them all to be part of.”
PERFORMING ARTS
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WONDERFUL WHIMSICAL ALICE!
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CATTERAL SHIELD 2020 Giggleswick’s Cross Country Championship for Under 11 and Under 13 runners took place on Wednesday 15th January. The weather in the lead up to the event had been particularly wet and a Kendal Winter League race held in the School grounds a few days earlier, which had attracted 370 runners, had rendered the course very slippery and wet. Overhead conditions on the day were more favourable as it was bright and mild for the races. 19 schools attended the event with just under 300 runners tackling the challenging course that includes continuous twists and turns and changes in gradient.
All pupils in Years 3 to 6 from GJS took part in the Under 11 races and teams from the Year 7 and 8 boys and girls also ran. Those Year 7 and 8 not in the team did a great job helping marshal the course, chaperone visiting schools or helping with the results service. The GJS A teams in both the boys and girls race finished a very creditable 3rd place of the 19 schools. Well done to all who participated in whatever way during the afternoon.
Individual and team winners: Under 11 Boys – Hamish – Casterton Sedbergh Prep Winning team: Casterton, Sedbergh Prep. GJS A 3rd – Best placed runner Rafferty 5th Under 11 Girls – Lucy – Hunter Hall Winning team: Casterton, Sedbergh Prep. GJS A 3rd – Best placed runner Matilda 3rd
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Under 13 Girls – Olivia – South Craven Winning team: Casterton, Sedbergh Prep. Giggleswick 5th – Best placed runner Sofia 14th Under 13 Boys – Jack – Casterton Sedbergh Prep Winning team: Casterton, Sedbergh Prep. Giggleswick 4th – Best placed runner Archie 16th
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ACADEMIC
SCARRET 2019 We had a beautiful Autumn afternoon for this year’s running of Scarret, the Junior School inter-house cross country championships. This is the first of the House Competitions. The runners enjoyed still warm temperatures under blue skies, although due to recent rain the course was somewhat damp and muddy underfoot. The Under 9 (Year 3 and 4) race was run first over the 1200m course. In the boy’s event, Robert Shuttleworth ran away from the field to win in 7 minute 11 seconds and Boe Evans and Bram Scott Cass were 2nd and 3rd respectively. Emilia Routledge had a strong run to win the girls’ race with Eliza Mallinson 2nd and Rubyann Mitchell 3rd. In the Under 11 races, around the 1600m course and more elevation to be negotiated, all the runners put a good effort in. Rafferty Bannister was 2nd, hot on the heels of Mylan Baladi who claimed victory in 8mins 30secs and James Galley was 3rd. Lucy Cowin had a very strong run to win the girls’ race in a very impressive time of 8.43. Mathilda Evans was runner up with Elodie Martin 3rd.
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X-COUNTRY LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS One of our core values is participation, and it was great to see all our pupils take part, which also contributed to our excellent team results.
We hosted a number of local Primary schools in a cross country event. It was cold, but the pupils ran incredibly well in what is our last sporting event of the term. The highest placed runners were Emilia (Year 4) who came 4th in the Under 9 girls’ race, Boe (Year 3) who came 25th in the Under 9 boys’ race, Mathilda (Year 6) who came 3rd in the Under 11 girls’ race, and Rafferty (Year 6) who came 3rd in the Under 11 boys’ race. One of our core values is participation, and it was great to see all our pupils take part, which also contributed to our excellent team results. Our Under 9 girls’ came 4th, our Under 9 boys’ came 8th, and our Under 11 boys and girls’ A teams both came 1st! Well done to you all.
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THORNGROVE RUGBY TOUR The children were fantastic ambassadors to the school.
Another highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Year 6 boys’ rugby trip to Thorngrove. As well as the matches, the boys enjoyed the hospitality of Thorngrove School, a trip to Greenham Common (US Airbase), a visit to the local bowling alley, and a birthday celebration for Charlie! The
matches were held at Pangbourne College, which included some mixed teams (GJS joining with Thorngrove) and a match in which we played our full side against Thorngrove, resulting in a win. Thank you to Mr Ogilvie and Mr Roe who organised and led this trip, which included lots of driving, and
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to the parents who had late collection times for the boys. The children were fantastic ambassadors to the school.
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GIRLS HOCKEY UNDER 11 We would also like to congratulate our girls’ hockey teams who made huge improvements last year. The Under
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11 girls’ played their final games of the season in December and were incredible, drawing one match and
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then winning the last match against a very strong SMH.
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GALLERY OF SPORT
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STAFF LEAVERS
CHARITIES CHRISTMAS “BIG GIVE” APPEAL The Giggleswick “Big Give” At Christmas GJS pupils were busy thinking about how good they had been and hoping, if they’d been good, for some lovely gifts from Santa! At GJS we also thought of others less fortunate too and participated in our “Big Give” again. It worked like an alternative advent calendar as
each pupil was allocated a day from December 1st until the end of term. On their allocated day the children brought in a gift, either an unwrapped, brand new toy to go towards the Salvation Army appeal or a contribution to the food bank at Skipton. It was a wonderful reminder of how we can all help others and
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the children excitedly saw the gift pile grow each day. At the end of term, our pupil leaders took the gifts for the Salvation Army appeal to the chaplain to add to the whole school appeal, whilst the food gifts were added the local food bank appeal at Booths.
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STAFF LEAVERS
STAFF LEAVERS Mrs Western Amanda Western joined the Junior School as our Reception/Year 1 teacher in 2018. This was a significant moment for the school with the decision to integrate our youngest year group with the Junior School and separate them from our Nursery, which would then become our Pre-school. The ambition was to drive improved educational standards and pupil outcomes, facilitating greater stretch and development. Amanda really rose to this challenge, developing an engaging and creative curriculum for the children. Her kindness, patience, and dedication to the children, and the school, has been amazing. Along with Ms Horsman, she has reshaped our topic curriculums and developed a more seamless transition from EYFS to Key Stage 1. Amanda also supported our wider school community, and this was particularly evident in outdoor learning, an area that she particularly enjoys in her free time too. Her ‘Outdoor Adventure Club’ involved First Aid training, rambling, den building and all manner of survival skills that appealed to many of our children. We will all miss Amanda, and we wish her all the best for the future up in Scotland with her husband, John.
Ms Sismey Ms Sismey retired at the end of the academic year, clocking up an impressive 19 years at Giggleswick School. Gail originally joined our Prep School, Catteral Hall in 2001 as Head of History, teaching Year 6-8 classes as
well as supporting the boarding house with duties. In 2007, with the creation of the Junior School, Gail made the decision to broaden her teaching experience by becoming the form tutor for Years 3&4, a role she continued until her retirement. Gail also had a specific interest in Special Educational Needs, becoming the school’s Learning Support Co-ordinator and gaining qualifications with the British Dyslexia Association. She has also been the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, demonstrating a real passion for supporting pupils’ wellbeing and making improvements to the school’s systems. Most recently, Gail has been the school’s Assistant Head with many of our pastoral initiatives created and developed by her, the Year 6 buddy system has been a particularly successful one. Gail has always been a dedicated and passionate teacher and leader at the Junior School. She is highly respected by parents, pupils and colleagues. Whilst she has begun a well-earned retirement, we are delighted that she yet to fully leave the school, now dedicating her time to focus on Learning Support, working closely with pupils and overseeing progress.
Jo Wulf Jo left the school at the end of the year. She has been an excellent Languages teacher leading and developing the subject with high levels of enthusiasm and dedication. Parents and pupils will be aware of her engaging teaching, using puppets such as Camenbear and Felix and Franzi to encourage
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reluctant speakers; creating role play scenarios such as cafes and parties; and using lots of singing – there was a never a dull moment in her lessons! Jo has been instrumental in developing a second language at the Junior School, and it has been great to see the progress made by the children. Under her guidance, the school entered a national competition organised by the Goethe Institute in London during the 2019/2020 academic year, which resulted in one of our Year 6 pupils winning. Jo’s resources and planning have also been shared as an excellent example by the Institute. Jo has made the decision to begin studying to teach English as a foreign language for adults and children. We will very much miss Jo and wish her all the best for the future.
Ellen Irwin, Jeff Lei, Tom Benn Last December we said goodbye to our Australian gap students, Miss Irwin and Mr Lei. Both very quickly established themselves within the Junior School, but also with Catteral House where they supported the boarders from 11-13 years old. At school they provided support to staff and also worked alongside pupils of all age ranges. It was also particularly great to see their active involvement with our Junior boarders, supporting Mrs Bagot in delivering lots of fun activities on Saturday’s. Following the departure of our gap students, Mr Benn covered their role from January to July. Mr Benn was an
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incredible assistant, and very much like having another teacher in the school. Always keen to support in whatever possible, he was a huge help both in the classroom and outside. Sport was an area that Mr Benn had particular expertise, particularly cricket, and it was great to see him lead sessions. When we returned to school in May, Mr Benn provided much needed outdoor activities which were often exercise based, which were highlights of many children’s day. We wish them all the best for their future careers and thank them for all they have done for the school last year.
Pam Bagot Pam joined Giggleswick in 2004 as the new Head of Geography at Catteral Hall Prep School teaching pupils in Years 6-8. She was instrumental in updating schemes of work in both Key Stage 2 and 3, with an emphasis on enquiry-led and hands-on learning experiences for pupils. Pam was an advocate of learning outside the classroom as much as possible, organising and leading many field trips that really enabled the curriculum to come to life. Pam also supported the school’s cocurriculum by providing various clubs and activities both at Catteral and at the Junior School. She helped to nurture sporting talent, coaching and officiating matches in Netball, Hockey and Rounders to various year groups, but most recently taking charge of the Under 9 teams, which is many children’s first experience of team sports. In recent years, Pam had a key role at both the Junior and Senior
Schools, teaching Geography to Key Stage 3 classes, but also Humanities (Geography, History, RE) to Upper Key Stage 2, supporting the transition from one stage to another. Pam very much embodied the role of a boarding schoolteacher. As well as her role within the classroom, she was actively involved in supporting pupils both in the boarding house, and also pastorally. Pam’s kind and caring manner made her an excellent tutor in Catteral, which included responsibility for Junior boarders on weekends. Pam arranged a wide range of exciting activities for our youngest boarders, many of which involved off campus trips across the county, but also some that enabled a more home-fromhome experience that were just what was required for many children who were new to boarding. We thank Pam for her incredible dedication to the school over the last 16 years. She has been a muchvalued member of staff, supporting colleagues and students, and would also put herself forward to lend a hand in whatever that might be. We wish her all the very best for the future and in her new role as SEN Humanities teacher in Kendal.
Josie Wells Josie joined the school in September 2012 as Head of Music, but over recent years developed and led the area of Performing Arts combining Music and Drama to encompass the planning and delivery of a wider approach to these subject areas. Josie’s practical approach to teaching Music, following the Dalcroze method, was quickly embedded across our Junior School, but most importantly made
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the subject fun and engaging. Josie was fundamental in organising and delivering a wide range of musical concerts and performances, involving our youngest children (Mill House) up to Year 6. The most recent was our production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ which was truly remarkable. Josie has been a highly regarded teacher, and one that pupils have flourished under her tuition and guidance. We wish her all the best for the future, and congratulate her on the recent birth of her second child, Ashley.
Rachel Jones (formerly Follows) Rachel became part of the Giggleswick family in the September of 2018, joining the Nursery as an EYFS Practitioner. Her passion for the Early Years was evident from the start and she brought to the role a wealth of knowledge and experience from her former teaching roles. Working closely alongside Carl Shuttleworth (who also joined at the same time as Nursery Manager) and Maureen Byrne, Rachel was integral in the renewed focus on high quality Nursery provision. With her passion for sport and the outdoors, Rachel was able to adapt teaching opportunities to facilitate more outdoor opportunities and share the commitment needed to succeed, with the children. During her time at Giggleswick, Rachel celebrated her marriage to Sophie Jones and was part of the team as the new Mill House Pre-school was created and opened, a busy 18 months! Everyone at Giggleswick wishes Rachel well in her adventures with her new wife.
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The Mill House
Chronicle
2020
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MILL HOUSE
THE MILL HOUSE CHRONICLE 2020 Welcome to our 2020 edition of the Mill House Chronicle. Who would have imagined this time last year, that we would be putting together a Chronicle reflecting such a key time in this generation’s history? Following the official opening of Mill House in April 2019, the setting continued to develop and grow, cementing its place in the Giggleswick family of schools. As the setting continued to evolve over the Autumn term, the children once again stepped up and put on a magical performance for their parents in our beautiful Memorial Library.
Through cross phase opportunities like this, where both the Junior School and Mill House come together, children develop their confidence, independence, and love of new challenges. The Giggleswick values run through all of the opportunities that we offer at Mill House and with the School nestled in the valley, the natural playground is there for the taking!
setting was cut short, it is a pleasure as always, to look back and take stock of the fabulous learning opportunities the children at Giggleswick have. From working with their Year 6 Buddies, creating art projects, painting ceramics as gifts at our Christmas ‘Stay and Play’, and getting our wellies muddy ‘out and about’, the children keep all smiling, laughing and learning with each other every day.
The confidence, adaptability, and resilience of the children during lockdown has been inspiring to all, we are so very proud of all of our children at Mill House. Although their time in the
This is what being at Mill House Preschool is all about, the lifelong love of learning.
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MILL HOUSE
MILL HOUSE 1ST YEAR Mill House has had a first year packed with experiences for the children who attend.
It does not feel like yesterday, that we were celebrating the Grand Opening of our wonderful new Pre-school, Mill House. Stood at the top of the hill overlooking Papes and out towards Giggleswick, with the waterfall trickling beside it, Mill House truly is unique. Not only is it unique in its setting, but also in what it can offer to the families of the local community. Putting together the articles for this year’s Chronicle has been a delightful opportunity to see just what has been achieved in the first year since the opening. Although the official first birthday could not be celebrated due to the National Lockdown closure, Mill House has had a first year packed
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with experiences for the children who attend. From putting on a Nativity in the beautiful Memorial Library with the Reception children, to a host of events including those involving parents, and charities, the children have had a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching year. Mill House Pre-school is still very much at the beginning of its developmental journey, with big plans for the grounds ahead. The outdoor space within the boundaries of the Pre-school will be at the centre of the developments, as the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive outdoors is at the heart of what we offer. With sustainability and the natural
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setting in mind, the developments will be steered by the children, for the children. If there is one thing that has come out of the situation we find ourselves in at the time of writing this, it is that the opportunity to play outdoors, to learn outdoors and to support the natural environment outdoors is fundamental to what children need to thrive. We cannot wait to share with you in the next chronicle, the laughter, the learning and life here at Mill House, out little home from home, as we enter our second year in a way we never thought we would. Carl Shuttleworth, Pre-School Manager
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CHRISTMAS STAY AND PLAY WITH COFFEE AND CLAY! To kick of the festivities in Preschool, a Christmas ‘Stay and Play’ morning was organised for all our wonderful families. Preschool had a fantastic morning making Christmas decorations with ‘Coffee and Clay’. It was great to welcome some of our new January starters and their parents, and it made for a really homely setting with mince pies and mulled apple juice. The morning finished with Christmas stories, songs about poor Santa getting stuck, and a very…very heavily decorated tree! Thank you to our parents who are very much part of the family!
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‘MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY’! The children had a wonderful end to the first spring half term, with our ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Tea Party Event, ‘Alice in Numberland’ challenges, and some very powerful weather experiences. Things were getting magical and whimsical, as we began to explore
‘Alice in Wonderland’. We shared the story (a pared down version), retold it creatively, made tea, painted with tea, made up songs, moved like the characters in Dance and baked Jam Tarts. Needless to say, the children had a wonderful time exploring this new
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text, all ready for our Tea Party. It also helped the children of Pre-school to chat with our Year 6 buddies as they prepared for their performance of ‘Alice’.
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WE THREE KINGS EYFS Christmas Nativities can make December feel like a blur, with the ever long list of glittery Christmas crafts to create, songs to learn, letters to write, but it is all very much worth it when the children have the opportunity to perform for their families.
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They have had opportunities to develop across the curriculum, and gain confidence which they didn’t know they had. This year‌there were no aliens involved, but there were some rogue camels, adorable sheep, shining stars, and a sparkle spreading Angel Gabriel!
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Thank you to all those who joined and supported us in the beautiful setting of our Memorial Library.
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MILL HOUSE
KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!! The children have loved working with patterns and were excited to explore patterns in other cultures as they moved towards Chinese New Year. The parents had to keep an eye on Facebook to be treated to the children racing as the animals of the zodiac, exploring Chinese calligraphy, tasting and cooking traditional Chinese food,
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and comparing different cultures‌ with a dash of decorations, songs and dragon dancing as well! The children of Mill House have once again surpassed expectations with how they have engaged with Chinese New Year! All at their own level, the children have explored the culture, the history of the Zodiac, decorations,
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comparisons to their own celebrations, food, songs and animals‌the list goes on. Not only have these been discrete elements, but they have also explored parts of Chinese culture in their continuous provision as well! We had a fabulous time!
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MILL HOUSE
WOODLAND TRUST BRONZE AWARD!! We’ve done it!
Well done to all of the children for achieving their Bronze Award, with the Woodland Trust Green Tree School Awards! The children often explore the woodland and green spaces we have
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in abundance here at Giggleswick and think about how we affect them. Thank you to all who joined in with planting our Hedgerows in November,
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to support natural wildlife around Mill House and create more natural barriers.
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CCF HELICOPTER WELCOME PARTY! The children of Mill House were invited to be the welcoming reception for the CCF Helicopter that landed on the school grounds. We were thrilled with this experience, the sounds, the wind, the size and to meet the pilots!
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WORLD BOOK DAY We took part in World Book Day, and as we do on a daily basis instilled a love of learning from the wonderful world of books! To celebrate the children wore an item of clothing or brought in a special something to represent their favourite book.
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RANDOM READING We love to share all of the opportunities for reading that the children are exposed to. This includes children sharing a story/ menu/newspaper etc, in the most random of places!
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DIWALI We love to explore other cultures and celebrations throughout the Year! For Diwali, we explored lots of Rangoli patterns and created this piece for the walls using coloured sand!
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NO MATTER WHAT TIME OF YEAR As we are now open 50 weeks of the year, the children in the Pre-school have the opportunity to learn, laugh and play with their friends more than ever before! This year saw themes such as Disney Weeks, Pirates, Great Giggleswick Bake Off, Outdoor Fun, Sun, and Sports and many more! The non-term time weeks, although maintain a lot of the routine, take a slightly different approach, with more themed weeks, but still the great opportunities to love learning that Mill House offers.
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MILL HOUSE
ANGLING FOR ATTENTION… As part of exploring the rhyme “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I caught a Fish Alive...” the children in Mill House got stuck into all things Fishy! This didn’t just include learning the rhyme, but visits to a fishmonger, dissecting fish, cooking fish, making rainbow fish, and a whole array of fish related enhancements. The children learned a lot from our visiting Angler, who brought in a number of different pieces of equipment for us to explore, and even showed us how to cast out our line! Great actions everyone!
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AN ALGORITHM FOR SUCCESS The children in Mill House are exposed to an array of learning opportunities and one of the ways in which they enhance their learning opportunities are through the use of ICT. Posed with a question…’How do we know Elsa is a Hamster’? the children set to observing her and
taking photos/videos of her using technology. These were then blown up and different parts identified. With the support of practitioners, the children enjoyed exploring information texts available online, and comparing them to our own furry friend!
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IT in Mill House is an integral part of our learning resources, be it from the large interactive screen, pupil and staff iPads, cameras, programmable toys (BeeBots) and we are always looking for more ways to enhance the opportunities and ensure the children have the tools at their fingertips!
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MILL HOUSE
BONJOUR CAMEMBEAR! Our resident French and ‘Fun Loving’ Bear was treated once again to a special birthday with the children of Pre-school. The children thoroughly enjoyed sharing birthday treats with their friends and Camembear.
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Camembear is very much a part of the class, popping out of his Sac Magique to sing, dance, learn and laugh with the Pre-school children as they learn French. This could be sharing food in the weekly French Café, creating flags,
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playing colour spotting games, all infused with simple French vocabulary!
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Teddies…Check, Wellies…Check…. Year 6 Friends…. Check…
WE’RE READY FOR OUR BEAR HUNT!
The children of Pre-school, Key Stage 1 and Year 6 all took part in a charity Bear Hunt to raise awareness of the Teddy Trust. This is a fabulous charity, that is involved in the collection and re-
distribution of our most snuggly friends, to less fortunate children around the world. Led by 6th Former Chloe Hodge, and her team, a great day was had by all! Singing, Hunting and Picnicking, from our youngest to
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our eldest, what more could we ask for! Thank you to all who donated a soft toy.
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MILL HOUSE
LET’S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE The opportunity to learn outdoors is one that is exploited as much as possible in Pre-school. The children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring their new setting and helping to share the development plans for the coming years.
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We know and understand that children learn where they have space to grow, try out new ideas and concepts, escape to think, create, and explore. Be it dancing, bike riding, building, nature observing, planting, natural counting, mark making, pattern spotting, painting, cooking, digging,
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dinosaur stopping…the list could go on and on…the individual child is always at the heart. We are very much looking forward to developing the outdoors with the support of our parents and friends of Giggleswick…time to roll your sleeves up!
MILL HOUSE
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR... NOT SO FAST! A global pandemic and National Lockdown cannot stop our children’s love of learning! It was fantastic to see all of the children getting stuck into a range of home learning opportunities over the lockdown period! With challenges, prompts, links to online material, and even staff recording stories, the
children and families really got stuck into all that was on offer. We understand that it can be a strange and upsetting time for young children when routine is disrupted, so it was great to be able to post learning challenges and then to share the feedback with their friends on Social Media!
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Although it put a hold on our ‘Stay and Plays’, Activity Days, and even our new Baby and Toddler Group starting, it was evident to see that fun was being had by all of the family, from the fabulous photographs and videos we were sent! Great job and a real Giggleswick Spirit everyone!
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