MIDDLE SCHOOL

This was, of course, an extraordinary year; the first we have experienced with the new Covid regulations in place. However, it was impressive to see how well the Middle School adapted and adhered to one-way systems, regular hand-washing, sanitising and new lunch time procedures. As arduous as it may have been, it was certainly worth it for students and teachers to experience face to face teaching once again and to have the opportunity to enjoy the social aspects of school life; spending time with friends at break time, playing sport and getting involved in our varied extra-curricular activities together.

It was wonderful to celebrate the students’ achievements each half term during our special assemblies, with certificates for those who achieved the most merits. Merits are awarded across a range of criteria: completing homework to an excellent standard; kindness or helpfulness to others; helping their teachers; or for participation in sport, music and other events. It was gratifying to see how eager our students were to earn merits and receive recognition for their hard work.

The Middle School also proved their ability for kindness and fund-raising, whether generating money for the Poppy Appeal, Reverse Advent, or supporting Mr Warren’s Comic Relief appeal by selling customised red noses.

Despite the cancellation of many annual Christmas activities, we were determined to finish the term in a celebratory style by launching a Christmas talent show, which was enormous fun and gave our budding actors and musicians a stage to exhibit their talents. As a surprise, the teachers in turn served up a spot of Christmas entertainment in the form of a Christmas panto, complete with a villain brilliantly played by Mrs Berry.

Unfortunately, the end of the Christmas holidays brought with it a new lockdown. However, this time, students were well-versed in using Teams, and quickly and efficiently adapted to lessons online. Teachers used Teams imaginatively too, organising online quizzes and the real highlight: the Form Time pet show!

Thankfully, lockdown did not last forever and once again we were pleased to resume normal school life. After the annual exams in May, students enjoyed a number of exciting activities and, understandably, embraced summer sports. Girls’ cricket was a particular highlight and they even entered a girls’ cricket tournament. In June, Year 8 made it to Oaker Wood for their CCF trip, enjoying rafting on the lake, trench crawling, climbing and camouflage concealment activities. The year finished with a very enjoyable music concert and it was amazing to see the progress so many had made in their music lessons this year.

2020/21 was a year like no other, but the challenges proved a unifying experience, with everyone doing tremendously well to make the most of it. We were grateful that despite the conditions, lessons continued to be delivered in edition to many sporting and musical events, enriching our students’ experience here at Lucton.

I would especially like to thank Arthur, Head Boy and Hannah, Head Girl, for their valuable leadership and commitment to their roles during the year.

Mrs Bassett Head of Middle School

Hello Yellow

Inspired by the “Hello Yellow” challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity, YoungMinds, members of 8P decided to use their youthful imagination to create some wonderful bakes to share. Penny created a chocolate, fourtier “Smiley” cake which represented the saying: “Smile, and the whole world smiles with you!” Sophie baked and decorated in lemony icing the enormous “Hello Yellow” sponge cake. Ottie produced a tin full of delicious chocolate chip cookies featuring yellow Smarties and James shared his sunset yellow-iced cupcakes amongst Year 8.

Poppy Appeal

Head Boy, Arthur, and Head Girl, Hannah, sold poppies, stickers, bracelets and other items to wear on Remembrance Day. Over the course of the week, the pair managed to raise £62.00 for the Poppy Appeal. Year 7 students were tasked with making models of specialised cells and their efforts were nothing short of amazing. There were cells made of cake, jelly, playdough, fabric, and shoeboxes. It was an excellent way for them to learn about the structure and functions of cells and a good introduction to National Biology Week.

Christmas Talent Show

Year 6 entered a woodwind and string ensemble and Year 7 choregraphed dance routines to “Last Christmas” and “Santa Tell me” before a rendition of “Country Road”. In Year 8, Hayden performed his handclapping party trick, whilst 8B organised an orchestral ensemble, led by Morgan singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”. Finally, Maggie amazed all with her piano rendition of Einaudi’s “Night Book”. A talented bunch indeed! As a surprise, the teachers performed a potted panto, “Goldie in Lockdown”.

Miss Cockburn played the heroine, “The Covid Queen”, while Mrs Berry was the “Vile Virus”, who was of course, vanquished in the end. However, Mr Wall stole the show as the pantomime dame!

Chemistry Cakes

8W produced a fantastic array of chemistry-themed cakes inspired by planet earth. The highly creative and delicious entries were almost too good to eat.

Spelling Bee

The annual Middle School Spelling Bee saw the best spellers from each year group compete for their Houses. Our champion spellers responded well, successfully spelling many commonly misspelt words such as “accommodation”, “committee” and “occurred”. Nelson were the runaway winners of the event, with Nicholas (Y6), Eno (Y7) and Lylah (Y8) emerging as the individual year group winners. Members of 8B presented dogs, cats, and even a threeyear old tortoise for their virtual pet show. All animals were extremely well behaved and everyone agreed with the sentiment of Rev. Price’s assembly: what joy an animal can bring during such difficult times.

Wellbeing Walk

As part of Forest School, Year 6 embarked on a team treasure hunt to find objects that fitted different adjectives. They discussed the importance of nature and getting outdoors as a positive way to help their mental health and wellbeing, before setting off on a wellbeing walk to find things that stimulated different senses. Great fun was had splashing around in the stream and watching the sheep mother their lambs.