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Year 2 Visit to Warwick Castle

It was a beautiful, sunny day on Monday 20th June when our Year 2s went on an exciting trip to Warwick Castle. The children watched a jester, knights jousting, a falconry display as well as climbing the tower to a magnificent view at the top. On their return to school they wrote down their memories which they will hopefully treasure for a long time to come.

Reception Visit to The Cotswold Farm Park

The Reception Class had a great time on their trip to the Cotswold Farm Park on Monday 16th May.

First, the children had a little workshop where they were shown eggs of different sizes and they had to work out which birds had laid the eggs. They then met Apricot the rabbit and Nellie the guineapig who were very patient as the children eagerly stroked them. Next the children enjoyed walking around the park, meeting and feeding all the various animals. There were lots of hungry goats, sheep and cows. After lunch, there was the chance to explore the playground where the children pedalled tractors, climbed on various equipment, went on swings and see-saws and played in a sand pit.

 

Year 1 Visit to The Black Hole Planetarium

The Year 1s had a fascinating experience at the Planetarium on Thursday 12th May.

They learnt so much about the planets in our solar system, the importance of Michael Collins in the first moon landings and the way in which astrology came to life above their heads with incredible tales of Greek mythology.

 

Year 2 Visit Crocodiles of the World!

Our Year 2s had a wonderful day exploring the Crocodiles of the World on Monday 7th February. 

They had an amazing time learning about habitats and lifestyles of all the different species of reptiles. They then followed up their trip by writing a news report about their experience. 

Apart from the crocodiles they saw Monitor lizards, meerkats and monkeys. Many thanks to Colin for the informative tour.

 

Year 2 Visit to Cogges Farm Manor House

On Monday 15th November, the Year 2s walked to Cogges Farm Manor House as part of their Street Detectives topic.  They investigated parts of the house including the kitchen where they helped make Welsh Cakes and found out how clothes were washed many years ago.  They met some of the animals including the pigs and goats, before enjoying their packed lunch picnic in the Orchard.

Remembrance Day 11.11.21

On Thursday 11th November, the Year 2s walked to the War Memorial to lay a poppy wreath and observe the two minutes silence.  They were very respectful and we were very proud of them representing St. Mary's Infants.

Year 1 Trip to the Oxfordshire Museum

The Year 1s had a great time at the Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock in September! They practised walking like dinosaurs and then discovered giant footprints in the garden.  They measured them to compare the size to their own feet.  They visited inside the rest of the Museum and inspected fossils, as well as stuffed animals such as deer and pheasants.

 

Reception Visit to Farmer Gow's

The Reception class had a wonderful day out when they visited Farmer Gow's Farm Park.  They held the chicks, fed mik to the lambs and dried food to the older sheep as well as meeting some pigs and geese.  They collected eggs from the hens before having a treasure hunt on the hay bale climb!

Year 1 Visit to Lea Woods in Filkins

Year I were very excited to be going out on their very first trip to Lea Woods. They learned all about the woodlands and animals that lived there and handled real roe deer and fox skulls and had furry animals to represent those living in the woods. They also investigated oval shaped owl pellets which had been regurgitated by the owls, so the children could find out what the owls had eaten.

Miss Atkinson's Forest School Training

Last week, I spent another 2 days at Hill End for my Forest School Leader training. We built natural shelters, learnt how to light a fire safely and used a kelly kettle to boil water for a cup of tea! As I am nearing the end of my training, I am beginning to plan what my Forest School would look like and need to start gathering my resources. If you have any spare or old tarpaulins that you no longer need or ropes of various lengths and diameters which you are willing to donate I would really appreciate it. If you have any other resources that you think would be helpful or want to get more involved please let me know. Many thanks for your help with this and for your continued support. 

Welcome Back Year 1s!

We were delighted to see all our Year 1 children back in school again today and they were equally delighted to be with each other and catch up!

Reception Raring to Go!

The Reception children were ready and raring to go when they all came back together on Monday morning! It was a wonderful day with lots of happy, smiling faces!

All Our Year 2s are Back!

It was so lovely to hear the Year 2s playing and laughing together again in the top playground!

Perseverance Feb 5th

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Perseverance Assembly

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Forest School Leader Training

This week, Miss Atkinson attended her first Forest School Leader training session at Hill End. 

“I've had two action packed days in the cold but wrapped up warm, I learnt many new skills. I was shown how to safely use loppers to cut willow and how to use a knife to whittle. I can successfully make a clove hitch knot and a figure of eight knot and can now identify woodland management methods such as pollarding and coppicing.”

Age UK Oxfordshire Christmas Cards

Our children and families have been very busy, kindly helping to make Christmas cards which will be sent out in goody bags along with other treats, to those people who may be lonely, isolated or vulnerable this Christmas.  Thank you to everyone who has generously given their time and creativity to help brighten someone's Christmas this year.

Christmas

Our Christmas flourishing tree was switched on this afternoon to the delight of all at St Mary's.  The homemade decorations from the children looked splendid and it's 'beginning to look a lot like Christmas' at school.

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Forest School Training

For several years now St Mary’s has been proud to offer Forest School as part of our rich and varied curriculum.  These sessions take place at Cogges Manor Farm and are a wonderful opportunity to motivate and inspire our children in the natural environment.

This year we are delighted to announce that Miss Atkinson is training to become a Forest School Leader through Hill End Outdoor Education Centre.  This rigorous training programme requires her to attend training days and complete several units of study and assignments.  Once qualified, Miss Atkinson will be able to lead our children as they learn, not only about the world around them but how to take natural risks.  We look forward to hearing about Miss Atkinson’s adventures as she embarks on her qualification.

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Remembrance Day 11.11.20

On Remembrance Day each of our classes took part in the commemorations by honouring those who have given their lives in service. It was a moment of peacefulness and reflection across our school. Taking their inspiration from the 1915 poem, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, our Year 2 children wrote poems that reflected the solemnity of the occasion and hope for the future.

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