Year 5 Sky Studios - 23rd November 2023

On the 23rd November 2023, Year 5 went to Sky Studios in London where they were split into groups and each of them made a 90 second film trailer and found out about jobs in media and broadcasting. Here are some quotes from the children:

'When we got there we were greeted by a huge building and lots of advertising for TV shows and Sky Sports.' Joel

'When we got inside, we were gawping at the movie posters, rainbow stairs, cameras and a cinema for the workers (lucky!)' Jess

'I was the camera operator and I

thought it was very clever how you use a green screen and it does whatever background you want' Ella

'After we finished, we added music and effects. After that we took off our costumes and got our bags. Then we watched everyone's trailers' Archie 

'I really enjoyed watching our finished and seeing other people's different trailers. Everyone was different, but still all the same genre; Horror. I also liked when we got to see Sky Sports Live. There were actual news presenters on the TV' Sophie

'I think it was a great experience and I would love to do it again' Art

Winchester Science Museum. 20th September 2023

Years 5 and 6 were taken on an exhilarating journey through the world of science, technology, engineering, and maths. Their experience at the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium was hands-on and explosive. 

They ventured inside an enormous 10m long playable guitar and experienced the wonder of acoustics inside the sonic rocket. 

They found out what it’s like to live and work in space and saw science come to life with huge explosions and exciting wow moments. But the best part of all was flying through the stars and experiencing outer space in the Planetarium.

Juniper Hall Residential. 14th - 16th June 2023

Day One                                                                                                                                                                 After being registered and welcomed by their class teachers, children had a small hike up part of Box Hill before exploring 'what do you need to survive a night in the wilderness?' Children selected from a range of three items they would take with them and what things they would be able to go without. They worked together to build 'rain proof' shelters and needed to complete them before the ‘storm’ approached. This was when children realised that their ‘rain proof’ shelters were not so ‘rain proof.’ 

After enjoying their lunches, we then had a go at lighting fires using natural materials, some of which were found around us. Once the fires were lit, they had a go at communicating and making messages using semaphore with flags. They conveyed information from a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, disks, paddles and bare or gloved hands.  Before getting cleaned up and changing for dinner, they collected nettles and children helped to make wild tea which went down surprisingly well.  In the evening, they worked as teams on the 'egg drop challenge' to create a safety device/pod to prevent the egg from cracking. These were then left ready to be tested in the morning.

Day Two

We started our second morning with a big breakfast to fuel us all for the day ahead. We finished the ‘Egg Drop Challenge’ from the evening before and only one group was successful with their egg not cracking.

Our focus for the day was studying the River Tillingbourne. After looking around our new surroundings, children completed a field sketch of all the different things they could see, this included the river, the banks and meanders. Children then annotated with erosion and deposition thinking about how the water moved fast or slow depending on if it was on the inside or outside of the bend.

After a packed lunch outside, we used D nets and a method called ‘kick sampling’ to catch a variety of water organisms. Children put them in trays and bug catchers to analyse them all. We then had a river walk which was enjoyed by all as we were able to cool off in the river and after, we sat silently having reflection time listening to nature around us and feeling a nice breeze.

Once back at Juniper Hall, we did a task called Green Artists. We used nature and natural materials to create a variety of 2D and 3D artwork.

Day Three

After their last full breakfast, children packed their bags, had a final room inspection and we all met outside for map work around the Juniper Hall site. As well as map work, Children completed orienteering activities in which they were in teams and worked with increased independence. They created and hid geo-caches with maps for other groups to find and they all completed this task showing all our great values.

After lunch they all enjoyed ice lollies to cool down before our Mini Olympics. We attempted four different events which included: team long jump, cross the river, team head to toe hula-hoop and wet sponge relay.

After a busy 3 full days, we got ready to say goodbye to friends and Juniper Hall and go home.

Sky Up Academy Studios

Year 5 enjoyed an insightful trip to Sky Up Academy Studios on Thursday 17th November. They were able to see all around the studios, learn how to use a lot of the equipment and watch a few videos which taught them about the running of the studios. This helped them to understand the process of filming so they were able to be producers, directors, editors, actors and costume organisers for the short films they all made. Once they had finished making their short films they were able to go into the circular room where they could watch all their creative work together and see the different techniques used. At the end of their tour they were able to go and see Sky Sports News live which was very exciting as it was being televised.

High Ashurst 12th - 14th October.

Day One

After being greeted by the staff at High Ashurst and getting used to their new surroundings, children were excited to get ready for their activities to begin for 3 days of team building and developing a growth mindset. Into the woodland to complete the challenge course and then climb the high ropes for communication skills trust and resilience building. Once they reached the top of the high ropes, they then bravely jumped to hit the ‘bouy’. Everyone pushed through their fears with determination and encouragement from each other. Children then enjoyed an evening with their feet up and had a movie night.

Day Two

After a full English breakfast and many other delights to choose from, the children enjoyed team building activities, more challenging high ropes, including crate stacking, gladiator and trapeze. Again the children showed great communication skills and encouraged their teams. This continued with many activities involving trust and clear communication.

Later in the evening the children participated in an eye opening night walk and history tour through the woodland. Back from the tour, the children enjoyed smores around the campfire. This was followed by singing silly songs and playing games before their last night sleep at High Ashurst

Day Three

After their last big delicious full English breakfast,

children developed their woodland skills and took part in rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering. This was a great task for everyone and was very much enjoyed.