We had the most amazing trip to the National Portrait Gallery in London. The children were wonderful.

Experiencing the Turner prize winning exhibit are experiences we will never forget!

Maples had a paper aeroplane competition inspired by their learning about ‘The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers. They carefully followed the instructions to make the complex Raven paper aeroplane model. Some children decided to make amendments to their wings to see if this would help their planes glide through the air better. Next, they decorated and named their planes ready for the race! Once they were finished, we all went outside to see who would be the ultimate champion.

On Thursday 30th November, Maples Class visited Hever Castle. First, the children toured the castle which was beautifully decorated, ready for Christmas. Whilst visiting the Drawing Room, we were joined by ‘Elizabeth Boleyn’ (Anne’s mother) who answered our questions about her famous daughter and the castle’s history. Later, the children toured the Weapon Room, where they learnt about popular methods of torture in Tudor times!

Once outside, Maples Class went around the gardens and managed to find their way out of the old maze. After lunch, they enjoyed playing in the Tudor themed play park and visited the nearby Military Museum.

A big thank you to the adult helpers who joined us on the day and helped make it a memorable trip for all the children.

On the 14th November Oaks stepped back in time at Michelham Priory for a WW2 Classroom experience including a bit of make do and mend!

They experienced using slates, ink pens, wrote a postcard home and made a pom-pom (Christmas tree decoration). They tried their hand at sewing on hessian and even had the opportunity to look around the Tudor parts of the house.

They had a lovely time- even if it did pour with rain! It was a great experience and they looked the part!

You were amazing Oaks, proudly representing Park Mead School.

Last week we braved storm ‘Ciaran’ and had a wonderful time at Berwick Church. Rev Peter Blee, Catherine (The Outreach Officer), Liz and Carol (Volunteers) had organised the most wonderful activities.

The children were able to light and decorate candles, sketch from the most beautiful paintings, hold a precious 16th Century Chalice, discuss some of the service men depicted in the art work and see if they could find the names on the monument.

They even watched a short film where one of the models (a farm hand) talked about posing for the artist, Vanessa Bell, in the Adoration of Christ (1942). We had some wonderful feedback (see below) and the children were wonderfully behaved.

“It really was a delight to have you and the children with us. The children were so polite, engaged and enquiring. They were a real credit to you and Miss Wood and to the school.” Catherine.

On Tuesday October 10th, Maples Class took part in a range of activities for ‘World Mental Health Day and ‘Grounds Day’.

The children pulled up lots of weeds in the growing and area so the ground was all set for planting.

They also made a bug hotel for the insects so they have a safe space to go to through the colder months.

Once back inside the classroom, the children created minibeast rock art which will look great around the edge of the growing area.

Finally, each child planted a bulb in a pot which will be ready to bloom in the Spring.

Oaks had a fabulous day at the South Of England show.

The children had fun watching the Shetland races, the motorbike stunts, looking at animals and some of the children went into the ring to see the hounds.

We even had an ice cream in the heat!