Kirkham Grammar School Junior, Infant and Pre-School Issue 14 Friday 27 May 2016 Dear Parents Over the last two weeks, in every corner of the school, there has been excitement and fervour which makes KGJS such a thrilling place to learn and work. The J3 pupils have been creating the most wonderful projects on a mountain of their choice – three of these not only looked amazing but were even edible! Our I2 pupils have been creating a super iMovie linked with their Science topic (which is available to watch on our Twitter and Facebook pages) and the I3 and J4 pupils have also completed some fantastic project work. Many of the children have enjoyed stimulating and adventurous trips over the last two weeks, more of which you will read about further into this newsletter. We have been very lucky with the weather, so fingers crossed this continues for our half term holiday next week. We hope that the good weather also holds out for our J4 pupils, who will spend the week after half term on their Outdoor Adventure trip to Wales. We have a number of events taking place after half term, which we very much hope you will be able to join us for. More information will be sent out to you after half term but in the meantime, please check the term calendar for dates for your diary. As the weather has turned warmer, the children have been reminded about maintaining their smart appearance and wearing the correct uniform. Please could we ask for your support in ensuring that your children comply with the uniform regulations. Wishing you a lovely half term holiday. Mrs AS Roberts Follow me on Twitter: Annette Roberts @KGJShead
KGJS were pleased to welcome into school Jenness Turner from Guide Dogs for the Blind, along with Chipo, an 11 month old Golden Labrador who she is currently training to be a Guide Dog. Martha Kerrane and Phoebe Marchbank-Caunce from J4, put forward an idea to the School Council to raise some money for the Guide Dogs Association. Along with other pupils and parents, the girls organised a cake sale, which raised a fantastic £300 for this very worthy cause. KGJS will now sponsor a class of three guide dog puppies, and will receive ‘Pupdates’ on their progress. We look forward to receiving photographs and information about our KGJS class of Guide Dog puppies. Thank you to Jenness for explaining to all our children about how Guide Dogs can transform the lives of people with sight loss.
Our interest in creatures led us to find the fascinating story of Superworm. During our Literacy lessons, we talked about the little creatures that we find outside in our playground. We decided to be imaginative and create our very own creatures. The children were able to bring to life a pink ladybird, a cat with wings, a snail with two shells, a giraffe with a super long neck and many other interesting creatures that only exist in Pre-School. We also wrote messages to Superworm, letting him know how so many of the creatures he protects feel ever so grateful to have him as their friend. Our plan is to continue exploring the power of friendship, as we do a few more activities, around the story of Superworm. We have also started practising for our Summer Production and you are in for a real treat! Wishing you all a wonderful half term break!
Kirkham Grammar Junior School Facebook news is now on the Kirkham Grammar School Facebook page….we hope this will make the ‘whole school news’ easier to follow! Please visit and ‘LIKE’ the KGS page for all the latest news, photographs and information. The Facebook page name is ‘Kirkham Grammar School’ and can be easily identified from our KGS logo above. If parents take photographs at school events/sports fixtures we would love to see them! They may even get used in school newsletters, on the website and in press releases. Please email them to Michelle Tickle at m.tickle@kirkhamgrammarjnr.co.uk Thank you.
Please follow us on Twitter for the latest news at KGJS! twitter.com/ kgjs_
Pl ea se co ul
House
Sub total
20.5.16
27.5.16
Total
Birley
793
210
201
1204
Drapers
853
286
179
1318
Colborne
832
176
184
1192
Clifton
832
224
176
1232
On Thursday 19 May, the I1 children enjoyed a wonderful day out at Martin Mere. On arrival they had an educational talk in the classroom about the different ways birds find food and how they move. Everyone enjoyed learning the flamingo dance with their hand puppets! They were excited to have a tour with Kirstin and Helen to see the wonderful variety of wildlife, including the otters and flamingos. After enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, the children had a fantastic time on the extensive adventure playground. They finished off a perfect day by feeding seed to the ducks, ducklings, geese and goslings. Upon returning to school, Mrs Cottam commented that I1 had been a credit to the school. Well done I1!
On Wednesday 18 May, the I3s were extremely excited as they began their journey to Samlesbury Hall. We embarked on a historical journey and travelled back in time to meet the Tudors and learn all about how hard it was for little boys and girls in those times. From the age of three, they were scrubbing floors, hunting for animals, cooking and building fires to keep their families warm. We really enjoyed exploring all the different rooms and even met King Henry VIII! We designed our own shields and gargoyles to scare away the evil spirits! We all loved the Priest Room but it was very cold, brrrr! We discovered some trap doors and secret passages and the king told us about how they were used in battles. We all asked some very interesting questions and, whilst we were having lunch, Miss Fountain even played the piano! We had a super day and enjoyed consolidating our knowledge about the Tudors! By Hannah Carr
As part of our Science curriculum, the J3 children have been looking at different forces in their topic work, Let’s Get Moving. They have been investigating the forces of gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. The children built and released rotocopters to observe how changing the wing span, size, shape and material type affects air resistance. They worked together in groups and have also independently learnt how to complete a scientific report. The J3s have recently competed in a sail boat contest. They were asked to design, and then set sail, a craft that would not only float but win the race to the finish line! Well done to Sam Dunnington for creating the winning vessel and to Henry Taylor for being the runner up. To complete our Let’s Get Moving topic, we held a flying competition. This time the J3s had to design and construct a paper glider, with the plane that flew the furthest being the winner. Congratulations to James Stacey for being the champion flyer and to Henry Taylor for being our runner up again!
On Thursday 26 May, KGJS had a special visit from the U20 Rugby World Cup. All the classes were given the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the cup! The World Rugby U20 Championship takes place in Manchester from 7—25 June where future stars of World Rugby will take to the stage! Thank you for visiting KGJS and to James Walker from the Senior School for organising. All the class photographs are available to view on our Kirkham Grammar School Facebook page at : w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / kirkhamgrammarschool/
I3 have completed their own independent research on a European country of their choice. They looked at religion, culture, famous landmarks and clothing. Well done I3, your research projects are spectacular!
On Wednesday 25 May, the U10s travelled to Fulwood and Broughton CC for their first ever Cricket match v St Pius. St Pius won the toss and put Kirkham in to bat. Everyone batted in pairs for 3 overs and after 15 overs we had scored 264 runs. It was then the turn of St Pius to bat and we knew our bowling had to be accurate. By the end of their 15 overs, St Pius had scored 252. KGJS had won the match by 12 runs and whilst we can be pleased with our bowling and batting it was our catching that won the game. As the saying goes ‘catches wins matches’. Congratulations and thank you to all the parents who came to support and to Mr Green for the wonderful photographs!
For the past fortnight, the J3 children have been working really hard to create posters, PowerPoint presentations and models of a given mountain as part of their Geography topic. Each child also rehearsed and performed a five minute presentation about their mountain in front of the rest of the class. The standard of both creations and presentations was fantastic and many positive comments were made by staff and pupils. Pictured are some of the wonderful models that were made. We had papier-machĂŠ, expanding foam, polystyrene and even cake models on display! The PowerPoints also showed an amazing amount of time, effort and skill and all the children delivered their information with confidence and professionalism. Well done J3, you are all superstars!
On Tuesday 24 May, Kirkham hosted St Pius for an afternoon of Athletics. The match started off with a series of track events which included hurdles, sprints and endurance races. Archie Dowds continued his good form by breaking the 2 lap record with a time of 59.3 seconds. A break in the track events, was followed by the field events, which consisted of Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Putt and throw. There were many excellent performances but pride of place goes to Archie Dowds who for the second week running broke the long jump record with a leap of 4.34m. The relays followed and our relay changeovers continued to improve which is very satisfying and the reward was four pleasing first places. The final results were as follows: Boys On Tuesday 17 May, Westholme came over to Kirkham 99 KGJS for an Athletics match. The final score St Pius 44 was Kirkham - 78, Westholme - 75. Girls Well done to all who competed! Kirkham 99 St Pius 44 Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to Mr Butterworth, Miss Cooper and Mr Roberts for their help on the night.
Our KGJS Charity Triathlon has currently raised over ÂŁ1300, with one or two more contributions still to come in. This is a fantastic achievement from everyone who took part. When the final amount has been calculated a cheque will be presented to Brian House. Many thanks for your support with this event.
J4 pupil Archie Dowds competed in the Lancashire Track and Field Championships on Sunday 15 May at Stanley Park Arena, Blackpool. Archie, who was competing in the U13 boys category, a year under his age, achieved gold in the 100m (13.5), 200m (27.6) and long jump (4.32m). Well done Archie, fantastic achievement !
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On Friday 20 May, J2Y presented an assembly about the Shang Dynasty of Ancient China. They told us all about the history of dragon bones and the earliest records of Shang history. They also taught us about Shang inventions, such as chopsticks and the calendar. Finally they treated us to a wonderful performance of a traditional Chinese dance. Well done J2Y.
On Friday 20 May, the U11 girls travelled to St Pius X for a Rounders Tournament. Seven teams competed with Kirkham winning all of their six games to win the tournament. This was an excellent team performance but special congratulations must go to Hattie Madden who was named player of the tournament. Well done to all!
On Saturday 21 May, KGJS U10s travelled to Witton Park in Blackburn for an enjoyable, but very wet, morning of Athletics. KGJS U10 boys won 76-56 but unfortunately the girls lost 47-85, resulting in the final score being 141-123 to Blackburn Harriers. This was a great experience for the KGJS U10s, seven of the team competing a year early and most, in their first Athletics match.
I2s ‘peach’ has arrived in Nepal! Thank you to Sarah Hagan from Classrooms in the Clouds for sending us a photograph of it with the Nepalese children. The I2s gave the peach to Sarah during a special CITC whole school assembly on 17 March and were delighted yesterday to see it had arrived safely!
The sun shone for our Mad Hatter's Tea Party and Spring Fair and a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all, with lots of activities for all ages! The perfect weather meant the BBQ, Prosecco and ice creams went down a treat!!! The penalty shootout tested any budding footballers, whilst the golf fans amongst us were able to have a go at the golf putting competition! The children were able to mix their own 'magic potions', have their face painted and try out the Spinning Teacups ride! The very talented KGS Swing Band entertained guests while they enjoyed a cup of tea and a cake!! Many thanks to everyone who came along to support this wonderful event and also to the Friends of Kirkham Grammar School for organising, yet again, a very successful event!
A new club this term has been the introduction of Scooter Club. The I3s have completed four weeks, buzzing round the playground and taking part in various scooter skill activities such as human slalom, tig and target tig! Great fun has been had by all and has given the children a brilliant opportunity to develop their balance and coordination with their friends in safe surroundings. Well done I3! I2 Scooter Club will begin after half term! Captain Alan and his assistant Auntie Jeanie came to visit I2 to talk to us about real life pirate stories! Captain Alan spent many years on a big navy ship. He told us some tales and showed pictures of pirates from the old ages and pirates from nowadays. Everyone was fascinated and the children showed they could ask sensible questions. Well done and a big thank you to Captain Alan and Auntie Jeanie!
It’s All Greek to Me! Our J3s looked amazing today when they dressed up for their Greek Day. The Ancient Greeks would definitely have been proud of them! They had a groovy time dancing their sandals off, creating theatrical masks and then performing verse or telling jokes (the Ancient Greeks liked their comedy) and the children all thoroughly enjoyed tasting traditional Greek food. Thank you to everyone who helped by creating costumes and bringing in food. The J3s had an ‘epic’ day!
Well done to the following children who were awarded with a Merit Certificate at the end of this Half Term: I1X
Bea Brooks, Gabby Wise
I1Y
Alice Nicolson, Maisie Crichton,
I2X
Jasmine Stirrup, Sophie Noblett, Buster Bell-Carr
I2Y
Sophia Gough, Evie Mannion
I3
Jack Dawson-Gerrard, Zara Gilchrist,
J1X
William de Klerk, Callum Sumner, Jack Wright
J1Y
Trishala Akundi, Joel Ashton
J2X
Charlie Wiltshire, Taran Mathauda, April Wright
J2Y
Bruno Bowker, Dotty Hackett
J3X
Daisy Gibbs, Oscar Harkins, Owain Heathcote-Jones
J3Y
Henry Taylor, Alexander Kane, Heidi Aldeen
J4W
Duke Jones, Harry Jones, Eve Gooderham, Madison Gallagher
J4X
Bo Madden, Thomas Wilson, Dani Merrick
J4Y
Tillie Martin, Archie Dowds, Olivia Aberra
Congratulations to you all!
THE FRIENDS OF KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL
JUNE Monday 6 June—School re-opens J4 Trip departs to Abernant Outdoor Pursuit Centre, Wales, 9am Friday 10 June—J4 Trip returns (approx. 6pm) Sunday 12 June—LAMDA examinations Tuesday 14 June—New Reception Intake Parents’ Afternoon, 2pm-3.15pm U11 Athletics v AKS (H), 4pm Wednesday 15 June—J2 Trip to Museum of Science and Industry Thursday 16 June—U10 & U11 AJIS Athletics, Stanley Park, 10am Friday 17 June—Last Choir Singing Final, St George’s Hall, Blackburn, 6.30pm (Rehearsals to take place in the afternoon) Pre-School Production, 10am Saturday 18 June—Pre-School Sports Day, 10am Monday 20 June—J4 Enterprise Week begins Thursday 23 June—U11 Rounders v St Pius (A), 3pm Friday 24 June—Percussion Showcase, Junior School Hall, 2.45pm for 3pm Saturday 25 June—FKGS Summer Ball, 7pm Sunday 26 June—Summer Music Festival, 1.00pm—4.30pm Tuesday 28 June—Junior Sports Day Practice, 9am-12 noon Wednesday 29 June—I2 & I3 Trip to Tatton Park Thursday 30 June—Pre-School Transition Meeting for Parents, 4pm-6pm JULY Friday 1 July—Prizegiving, 1.30pm, MPH Tuesday 5 July—Junior Sports Day, 12.50pm-3.30pm Thursday 7 July— Junior Coffee Concert, Junior School Hall, 9am Infant Sports Day, 1.30pm-3.30pm Friday 8 July—End of Term, 12 noon (no Late Room but Pre-School remains open) New Term begins Tuesday 6 September
Date for your diary Kirkham Grammar School Summer Music Festival Sunday 26 June 2016 Music, craft and food stands Doors open at 1pm