LocalSchoolsNews

If you go down to the woods today…

The forest school area has re-opened after students from the University of Chichester developed different areas as a focus for part of their teaching degree. The school is very proud of its long standing relationship with the University which focuses on improving the learning opportunities for children and in the past has worked on numerous projects to further enhance the provision at the school. Over the last few months, the team of six worked in the area , creating some new features amongst the network of woodland paths, taking care not to lose the magic of a wild area. The area is accessed from the school playground and is used daily, for relaxation and letting off steam as well as structured learning across the curriculum. The forest provides ACE children with even more reasons why loving the outdoors is so important. The grand re-opening was attended by Tony Hunt, The Mayor of Arundel, John Paton and Arundel businessman, Mark Aldridge, (the woodman from the Arundel Estate), with the University team. Andrew Simpson, head teacher, and representatives from all 7 year groups at ACE welcomed everyone to the celebration. There was a ceremonial ribbon cutting, managed by Tony and Amelia from Year 4, who had won the competition to create a bird house for the forest. Then the children paired up with adults showing them around, pointing out features such as the music wall, the cabin in the woods, the enchanted area, the mud kitchen, the fire pit and the story zone, with outdoor library and impressive circle of tree-trunk seats. Local chain saw sculptor, Simon Groves, created the storyteller seat, embellished with an owl carving and lettering which creates a fantastic focal point for listeners. www.arundelchurchofenglandschool.org.uk

St Philips Catholic Primar y School

Round up from last term

Year 4 football

Year 4 were lucky enough to participate in a series of round- robin football matches at Riverbeach School in Littlehampton. It was lovely for the children to put their skills into action and we were proud to witness the sportsmanship between all the children involved. Spirituality day The focus of this year’s Spirituality Day was ‘Growth’. The children were treated to various workshops hosted by different adults around the school exploring this theme. The activities ranged from crafts, growing seeds and gave the children opportunities to reflect on their own spiritual growth and journey. Trip to Chichester festival theatre After taking part in a series of workshops with the Chichester Festival Theatre Schools Fest Project, Year 6 were treated to a performance of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’. They thoroughly enjoyed the production, which provided thought provoking discussions back in school. St Philip Howard dance festival St Philip Howard Catholic High School hosted a dance festival for local primary schools. Each school performed a dance around a chosen theme, which they shared with the others. There were a variety of styles including an Irish dance, a streetdance and a dance representing a battle between the Romans and Spartans. Our children performed an amazing 1950s style dance –‘Flashback to the 50s’ choreographed by their dance teacher Charlotte Reader. www.stphilipsarundel.org.uk

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Platinum Jubilee activities at Amberley Amberley C of E Primary had lots of fun before the half term learning about the Queen's life and her roles and responsibilities. Inspired by what her majesty has done for our United Kingdom, Maple class pupils each wrote a letter to the Queen, persuading her to let them be Queen or King for a day. They have been sent in the post and we are all eagerly waiting for a reply! On Friday 27th May, just before the half-term holidays, we held a whole school Jubilee celebration, which was a huge success. Every class contributed to the decorations including Maple class's 'world' record breaking Jubilee themed bunting! A big thanks to Oak class for laying out the decorations so wonderfully. The activities and picnic were gratefully received by all. Thank you to all of the families for their contributions towards a feast fit for a Queen. A special shout out goes to Mrs Stagg and Mrs Beveridge for their help packing everything away with Amberley staff at the end of the festive afternoon. www.amberley.w-sussex.sch.uk

‘Best of British’

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