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Crime in the Castle!

Fri 24 Mar 2017

We were met at the castle gates by the Constable – William de Cicon. The constable showed us round the various parts of the castle and of course the most important area for the children was the dungeons! It just so happened that a crime had been committed just before we got through the main chamber. Miss Monks had stolen some of the Castle Coffers from right under our noses.

Placed by Alice in the dungeon we all went to see her strung up. But a fair man is the constable and he allowed Miss Monks to under the trials to see if she was innocent.

The first was trial by Ordeal where the accused had to eat a spoon of Marmite and if a face was pulled it was certain death. Next came Trial by Combat where Mr Chadwick fought for Miss Monks and Chiso fought for the Constable. Unbelievably Chiso was the winner slaying Mr Chadwick and drawing blood! Finally came Trial by Jury where the accused had a solicitor, Archie, and the Constable chose Heidi. Even though both sides stated their cases it seems that, again, Miss Monks was found guilty!

Out to the castle grounds for here where she had to endure Death by Dismemberment, Beheading which Niamh undertook, Death by Drowning and then placed in the stocks where all the children pelted Miss Monks. How she survived we’ll never know.

After the Constable left us we had a wander around the fantastic castle, stopped for a spot of lunch and then off to the mines…

Hill Rambling

Fri 24 Mar 2017

The children were not content with sitting on the coach and battling the hoards at the castle so decided they wanted to stretch their legs. The coach dropped us off at the Llandudno Pier and we embarked on the climb up the hill. In fantastic fashion not one of the children complained but loved the climb and kept stopping, turning round and loved the view across the bay. We reached the first tram station for a well deserved rest before setting off again for the mines…

Safer Internet Day in Year 2

Mon 13 Feb 2017

On Tuesday 7th February Year 2 took part in several activities linked to Safer Internet Day. One of our activities was linked to Kim and Lee’s adventures from Thinkyouknow.co.uk. As a class we watched Kim and Lee’s adventures online and how some websites allow us to talk to strangers. We discussed the importance of keeping our personal information to ourselves: including full name, age, telephone number, address and school address. In one part of the video we looked at how gamers almost wear masks online. Some choose the mask to hide behind and bully others, which led to a discussion on what to do if someone is being mean to us online, but also how we have a responsibility to be kind to others online just like in real life. We also discussed how we can’t prove who it is we are talking to online and how we should never share our personal information with them. We made our very own masks and role played what to do if we were in one of these situations. If you would like more information about keeping your child safe on the internet please visit:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2017
https://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/

Safer Internet Day 2017

Tue 07 Feb 2017

Today was the national Safer Internet Day, a day that is very important to our school and pupils. Safer Internet Day is run by the INSAFE network and is celebrated every year across Europe, and in other countries worldwide.

Today the children researched and discussed the many positives of the internet and the issues that children and young people face online today. We talked about the different ways we use the internet and all the different devices we can use to access it. The sessions really helped us to decide how we should keep information private and not public when online.

Children in Key Stage 1 watched animations that follows the adventures of two children – ‘Lee and Kim’ – who are playing an online game on a computer where they meet several animal characters. One character asks them “what school do you go to?” and before they have the chance to answer – our superhero ‘SID’ appears in a flash to warn Lee and Kim they may be putting themselves at risk. The kids don’t understand why SID is kicking up such a fuss – so SID decides to take them ‘for a ride’. The kids are magically sucked through the computer screen and into ‘cyberspace’. Here they have the ability to see the real people controlling the animals in the online game and with SID’s help – recognise the warning signs. Further details about the messages from Lee and Kim are available on the Think U Know website – https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Children in Key Stage 2 watched and talked about, Play Like Share, which is a brand new three-episode animated series from the CEOP, Think U Know website, https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ which aims to help 8-10 year olds learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse, exploitation and other risks they might encounter online.

The series follows the adventures of Sam, Ellie and Alfie as they form a band and enter their school’s Battle of the Bands contest, taking on the mean but ‘cool’ Popcorn Wizards as they go. The three friends learn that while the internet can help them in pursuit of their goal, they need to use it wisely and safely.

The children were very engaged throughout and discussions were very honest as they became more aware of how to stay safe online, whichever device they may be using from tablets to online gaming.

If you require more information about online gaming, abuse, texting, privacy settings please use the links below:

Safer Internet Day website: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2017

For parents wishing to report online issues that are a concern: https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ and also https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

Parent Info Website for further advice and information: http://parentinfo.org/

Staying Safe when online gaming using playstations – https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/get-help/playstation-safety/

If you have any other concerns please do contact your child’s class teacher.

Grandad In A Basket

Tue 07 Feb 2017

In English Year 3 have been writing newspaper reports, role playing and discussing social and moral feelings and have used the fantastic story of Grandad in a Laundry Basket. The children enjoyed the story told by Phil McDermott and really explored the deeper emotions of all the characters.

The children became journalists to write their newspaper reports retelling the story with quotes, pictures and captions, headlines, bylines and facts. For the final challenge of the week the children split into groups of four and reenacted the story in class to the other groups. Some of the acting was truly amazing and there certainly are some budding Oscar nominees in Year 3!

What is under our school?

Tue 07 Feb 2017

In Science Year 3 have been investigating rocks and soils. What makes up the layers underneath our feet. How better to learn than to get out there and do some research. The children went on a rock hunt and brought back some fantastic samples. Are they metamorphic, sedimentary or igneous? Hopefully the budding scientists of Year 3 will be able to tell you!

Investigating Liquids

Wed 01 Feb 2017

Year 4 have been developing their science skills by testing their own scientific questions. It was very messy and involved shampoo, mayonnaise and even some fake tan! The investigation was to see which liquids travel the furthest.

Year 4 Games

Wed 01 Feb 2017

Year 4 are enjoying their Games lessons. Each lesson requires the children to work in groups to make up their own games. They are to choose their own equipment and rules. It’s great to see the excellent teamwork and super sportsmanship taking place. We just can’t wait for the sun! Keep up the hard work!

Strictly Dance

Thu 19 Jan 2017

Year 3 have started their foray into the dancing arena this term and have taken to it like true professionals. We are combining our dancing with our Geography topic if the Continents and countries of the world. In Dance we have decided to focus on the continent of Asia and a bollywood/bhangra style.

Families needed for ITV’s The Money Saving Good Food Show!

Wed 18 Jan 2017

ITV are currently looking for families from Manchester to take part in the show, which gives them the opportunity to help reduce their food shopping bill and learn some tasty new recipes.

Would you like to be one of them?

Email foodshow@crackitproduction.co.uk or phone 0203 761 4659.

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