We were so lucky to have Tim from Rock Steady Music in school for assembly.
He rocked out some tunes on guitar, keyboard and drums, with the aim of getting the children enthused about music. He skilfully got the whole room clapping and singing along to some rock classics. The children were able to have a go during the KS1 and KS2 workshops.
They absolutely loved it and were enthralled by his skilful playing! What an energetic and fun way to start the week!
On Monday we welcomed the YMCA into school to deliver an assembly about the work they do for the homeless in Lincoln. We learnt about the hostel and the way that homeless people are supported by providing them with food, shelter and entertainment, as well as access to other services to help improve their lives. The Nomad Centre Manager asked if we could donate just one mug per person to help support their work.
In classes the children learn about the work that the YMCA does in Lincolnshire. The children were then asked to consider what their social impact can be by thinking about the changes they would like to see in their local community and how they can help to make it happen.
On Wednesday 25th January we were lucky enough to be joined by Sarah from Usborne Brilliant Books for Children who launched a very special sponsored read event.
The sponsored read is running between Thursday 26th January, 2023 and Wednesday 1st February, 2023 with all of the money raised going towards brand new books for our school. On top of this, we will earn up to 60% in EXTRA FREE BOOKS.
Reading is such an important skill that opens many opportunities.
This week Year 3 has been learning about Christianity. They began by identifying what they already knew about the Christian church and writing some questions about what they would like to find out.
Following this they found out about some artefacts and symbols found in a Christian church; these included the cross, bible, candle, dove, paschal lamb and bread and wine.
On Wednesday, they were lucky enough to visit St Giles Church to find out how different symbols are used in daily worship. Reverend Michelle and Reverend Nick showed the children lots of symbols and explained their meaning, as well as how Christian’s use them. The children also had the opportunity to ask some of the questions that they had prepared earlier in the week.
It was brilliant for the children to be able to see some of the symbols in real life and have the opportunity to have their questions answered by an expert.
Year 3 furthered their learning back at school by finding out about Holy Communion.
At St Giles Academy, we have launched reading spotlights. Each month we will be sharing books with one another based around a set theme. We have launched our spotlights this month with a focus around Christmas books. Some of the books we have shared (and loved!) include: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; The Dinosaur Who Pooped Christmas, The Christmasaurus; Father Christmas Needs A Wee; Father Christmas Comes up Trumps; Stick Man; Mog’s Christmas; The Miracle of Ebeneezer Street; Is It Christmas Yet; and lots more!
On Thursday 8th December, Miss Corner and Miss Naughton took their lunchtime dance club to represent our school in a dance competition at Pembroke Academy. They children have worked incredibly hard on a Thursday lunch to put together a performance of ‘Revolting Children’ from Matilda. Their performance, attitude and enjoyment of the evening were incredibly positive and they were a credit to our school. A huge well done and thank to all of the participants, parents, carers and Miss Corner and Miss Naughton!
In Design Technology, we have researched products to effectively wrap a gift. Our design brief stated that it must be eco-friendly, have a christmassy design and cover the gift. We decided on wrapping paper and gift bags, we all designed our own repeating pattern to go onto our wrapping. In Art, we have learnt how to use printing techniques so used this skill to add the designs onto our wrapping.
To celebrate the start of the World Cup Tournament, St Giles Academy are linking all of their learning to football!
In Year 2, children are developing their understanding of chronology by ordering hosting counties and tournament winners.
Year 1 are thinking about their senses and what they can see, hear, feel, smell and taste at a football match.
Year 3 have some texts about the tournament.
Year 4 are investigating the science of football and completing some fair tests.
Year 5 are using their computing skills to investigate players and Year 6 are writing biographies!
During the first day of this half term, year 5 embarked on an epic journey to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios in London for an incredible day exploring real life sets used in the Harry Potter films. This was to support our English learning this term linked to the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
We explored a range of different sets used in the films including: Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley, The Forbidden Forest and The Great Hall. We were also really lucky to attend around Halloween as we were able to see special performances by Death Eaters throughout the day and we even got to climb aboard The Hogwarts Express!
Although it was a long day, it was definitely worth it and all the children had an incredible time!
The school council held their first assembly this week to give feedback from the ideas for how they would like to improve the school. Children as young as year 2 stood in front of the whole school and talked confidently about their plans. Many ideas were about the playgrounds. The children have already asked the caretaker to improve the tyre area by creating drainage. They have asked the rest of the school to design their ideal playground, with the hope of making some improvements this academic year!
