On Friday 24th January Lucas, Ellie, Mia and Dylan from Year 6 joined many other schools in Trowbridge to take part in The Big Trowbridge Sleepout.  This involved the children staying overnight in the Town Hall with just cardboard to sleep on and a sleeping bag to keep them warm.  Whilst they were there, the children learned all about what it was like to be homeless and spent some time writing kind messages to the homeless community in Trowbridge.  So far they have raised an amazing £655.21! 

Last week the children from Sycamore and Maple classes returned to school for an evening of bedtime stories.  The children shared stories in front of the 'fire', drank hot chocolate and ate cookies.  Later on they investigated the school in the dark with their torches - it's a bit spooky at night!

This week we received a letter from Nick Gibb, who is the Minister of State for School.  He had written to congratulate the children on their exceptional reading achievements in Year 1.  It is rare that a school receives a letter such as this.  We are extremely proud of the children.  The staff always work hard to help the children with their reading, but we also know that the children

develop their skills so well because they have support and encouragement at home with their reading.

 

Thank you to everyone who donated stickers for our Aldi posters, we have managed to complete two posters!  This will mean free sports kit for the school and the chance to be included in the prize draw; keep your fingers crossed for us!

Our Wild Science weeks has seen our children out using our new fire circle and the shelter building equipment during our 'Wild Rumpus' sessions.  It is great that our teachers are well trained in safely managing outdoor learning such as this.  Experiences such as these provide many different opportunities for learning.  The children have not only found out about the science behind fire or what makes a strong shelter, they have also learned about safety, risk management and teamwork, all of which are vital life skills.  There has been plenty of wind and rain during the sessions, but not enough to stop us smiling!  

Years 4, 5 and 6 were extremely lucky to have a visit from Amanda Chmura, who is one of our school Governors on Tuesday afternoon. Amanda is a scientist who works for UK research and innovation exploring and using science every single day. The purpose of the sessions were to enthuse, engage and help children understand that anyone can be a scientist if they want to find out new things.

The children explored how to make carbon dioxide by mixing vinegar and baking powder (sodium hydrogen carbonate). This was made great fun by adding lentils and watching them bob up and down due to the energy created.

Another great day has drawn to a close. Marshmallows by the fire as the sun set. Amazing singing talents on show, and great memories of a super day shared by all. What a lovely day.

 

What the children said:

 

“I have had the time of my life because I have tried everything I could to do my best.”

Alfie

 

“When I did pond dipping I was scared I would fall in, but I didn’t I enjoyed it.”

Ala

 

“I am very proud of myself because I went out of my comfort zone when I went on the Leap of Faith.”

Sammy

 

“I pushed my self out of my comfort zone because I tried something I did not want to do when I tried the Leap of Faith.”

Ella

 

“I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by making myself go further up the Leap of Faith than I thought I could.”

Jack

 

“I enjoyed the canoeing because I liked getting wet and I enjoyed the experience I had in the boat.”

Poppy

 

“I enjoyed the whole entire Braeside experience because I tried things that I never thought I would.”

Caitlin F

 

“I enjoyed the shelter building today, because our group was noticed for its successful design.”

Sophia

Here are some of the children’s thoughts about their time so far at Braeside. They have  had a super day supporting each other through some challenging but very exciting experiences.

 

“I found out today that I am scared of heights because I have never been up that high before. But I still got to halfway up the climbing wall.”

Chloe

 

 "I enjoyed being on the high ropes supporting my friends getting to the top.”

Jacob

 

“My favourite memory is when me and Jacob fell off the tower and Sophie was the last one standing. (There were safety ropes!) Sophia

 

“On the high ropes I liked it when everyone was cheering me on; I was very scared. But in the end I achieved it.”

Faye

 

“I climbed a super tall pole and then jumped off it.  That made me proud because I achieved something I thought I would not do.”

Wiktoria

 

“I loved it when we jumped off the climbing wall. I got to feel the air rush over my face.”

Elvy

 

“I really loved the nightline, especially the army crawling under the tree.”

Leon

 

I enjoyed the Ben Nevis climbing wall because I was the closest person to making it to the top.”

Zak

We are very honoured to have spent the morning with the Paralympian Louise Hunt.  We spent the morning learning about her tennis skills and her determination to succeed despite suffering from the lifelong condition of spina bifida.  The children participated in sponsored events linked to tennis during their workshop and showed exemplary listening and engagement.  All of the children were so inspired by Louise and her story and will be continuing to learn about tennis through sports sessions with Mr Briant. 

Our three amazing year sixes who brought home the silverware! All three have had a rollercoaster of emotions since entering the competition and showed real dedication and confidence to stand up there in front of the Trowbridge mayor, councillors and other schools.

 

Being third up, they sat through two other performances which were of a very high standard. This did not phase them. They stood up and spoke so confidently for over 11 minutes using humour, joint chorus of spoken language as well as excellent diction. They were spot on and I couldn’t be prouder. These are the moments that make Newtown truly special.  We will win first place next year but for now, second is a massive achievement. Newtown is a school of high standards and self belief and as a teacher and parent, I am so proud to be a part of it. 

 

Thankyou for everyone’s kind words of encouragement to these three incredible children, all of that has contributed into making this possible.