It’s Friday again and what a week!
I think it would be fair to say that we have all been on somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster over the past 48 hours and it’s had quite an impact.
It occurred to me today that I have had an unusual amount of parental contact this week because, although I see many parents before school, I actually spend very little time with any one of them. This week, however, we had the two VIP open days and then I had a meeting with a very lovely admissions parent. Watching the parents, children and teachers interact during the open days was just wonderful. There were a few tears on Wednesday with the very young children for whom our environment was really rather strange, however once they were engrossed in the session, they were soon very calm. Just as we were leaving the gallery, we heard a squeal and some very real tears. Not entirely sure what could have happened, we realised that the little boy in question had just run up to his reflection in the mirror and scared himself! The difference between EYFS and KS1 (or in fact pre-PN and Y1 age children) was very apparent on Thursday. Not only was it calmer, but children and parents met in the library before the session in the DVC. It was a lovely opportunity for parents and children to sit and share books while waiting for the official start. Those interactions are so important and, there are times in this digital age, when sometimes I wonder if we forget about the pleasure of a good book because we automatically reach for either the tv remote or an electronic device.
Reminiscent of the enjoyment experienced by the staff during our DVC staff meeting time, it was such a joy to see the children working together to create their Lego robots. I have to admit to being a big fan of Lego and can still picture creating various things with the technic Lego we had at school when I was in Y6. What impressed me most was how innocently and naturally the children were able to work together in their pairs. Very quickly, after a few brief moments of shyness, the children soon got to work and the focus of the task took over. They were (mostly) able to take turns and helped each other find the right pieces before returning to their part-built machine. They were also using a wonderful synthesis of modern and traditional, old and new. Technology was used as a tool to enhance the simplicity of the Lego and that was really powerful. It was as I was listening and watching that I realised just how great an example of the inherent benefit of STEAM the session was. The children were using so many skills to achieve the intended outcome that it was so much more than the learning objective. They were able to visualise, to collaborate, to communicate, to problem solve. Skills which they will be able to take with them when they leave the classroom. I went from there to watch 5B’s performance and there again they were putting into practice a plethora of talents. What impressed me most was just how attentive the rest of Y5 was. They were a brilliant audience and showed true respect for the performers.
We have amazing students and we must never forget that. What we must also not forget is that it’s not by accident that they are so great.
It’s a complete break with tradition tonight I’m afraid. Not only am I writing this at home, I am not listening to Spotify. Instead, I have Nasser Hussain and Rob Key commentating in the background. I find cricket very soothing to listen to and am trying very hard not to wish I was in the warmth of Sri Lanka right at this moment. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. Beautiful country and welcoming people. The elephants are pretty cool too!
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