On Wednesday 16th and 17th November, forty children from UKS2 travelled to London on an amazing two day trip.

They explored the historic Tower of London where they met Beefeaters, Yeo Men and the Ravens. They ventured into the Bloody Tower and were fascinated by the instruments of torture that were used and marvelled at the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House.

After a hearty meal at the Hard Rock Cafe we watched the award-winning musical, The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre. The children were mesmerised by the sets, the costumes and by the singing and dancing. It really was a memorable evening.

The following day we spent the day at Warner Bros. The Making of Harry Potter Studios. What an incredible day! The children were in awe at all the costumes and make-up. Loved visiting the all the different sets from Dumbledore’s office to Professor Snape’s potion class. We entered the Forbidden Forest with its giant spiders (sons and daughters of Aragon), pulled up mandrakes and even had the chance to ride a broomstick!

Take a look at some of the photos – more will be added!

Today, poet Tony Peek visited school. He made children laugh with his poetry and helped them write their own. Children in Years 2 and 4 loved it!

Families were invited to attend a session after school where Tony took requests from the children, performing their favourite ones. Afterwards they had a go at writing a poem.

Friday 7th October

Set in a prehistoric world of monsters, Twelve is a huntling who embarks on a quest with her dog to rescue a little girl, Seven from the creatures and to protect the seven clans.

Aisling will be virtually visiting some children in KS2 on Friday 7th October. She will be talking about her debut novel Fireborn: Twelve and the Frozen Forest, being a writer and will answer questions that the children may have.

As part of our National Poetry Day celebrations, poet Tony Peek will be visiting school and children in years 2 and 4 will have the opportunity to create their own poems in workshops led by Tony.

A Family Poetry Session will take place in the library from 3pm where families can enjoy reading and writing poems.

Books will be on sale at the end of school and at the family session priced at £5 each or two for £8.

For more information visit Tony’s website:

https://www.mrpeekspoetryplace.co.uk/

Daisy Chains by Daniel Wade

They never took
long to make,
nor did they lack
that tender sloppiness
which made the petals
melt pink in the palms,
like juiced hearts.
These were when
we ran our
fingers through the
wilting stems; supposed
they were her hair
or her hands.
These were when
we laboured those
shy hours away
in a shivering line
of blushes, making
a short-lived toy
of short-lived love.

Why not celebrate National Poetry Day by writing your own poem?

Thank you to everyone that entered this competition, there were so many entries. Miss Whiteley hard a really tough time judging them but eventually chose a winner.

The Winner is:

Taliah (Year 5) – well done!

A £10 book voucher and certificate will be coming its way to you very soon and everyone who entered will be receiving a runners up certificate.

Do you think you could be Leeds Reading Champion of 2022?

The School Library Service (we borrow resources from them in blue plastic boxes) together with publishing house Barringtoke Stoke and author Anna James have launched a competition open to all children in KS2.

One entry per school can be sent to them with the winner invited to attend the awards ceremony in July where they will receive a trophy and ‘crowned’ Leeds Reading Champion.

As there only one entry per school an be submitted Miss Whiteley thought children might like to have a ACE competition so that lots of children could enter rather than just Miss Whiteley selecting someone and possibly not considering some children.

The winner of the ACE competition will receive a £10 book voucher and their entry will be submitted to the School Library Service’s competition.

Miss Whiteley will be talking about this competition during library sessions this week and anyone who would like to enter can collect a form from Miss Whiteley.

The questions to consider are:

• Tell us about a book that you have enjoyed and why?
• Why do you think reading is important?
• How do you support reading in school?
• What do you think makes you a good reading champion?

Closing date: Thursday 26th May

What an absolutely amazing day!

So many fantastic costumes, it was almost as if characters had had stepped off of the pages of their books and come to life!

The day began with children enjoying quizzes in KS1 and UKS2 in their classrooms and LKS2 children in the hall and continued with lots of book themed activities taking place throughout school. In the afternoon, Year 5 and Year 6 were treated to a visit by author Clare Povey in the afternoon who set them a quiz about herself and talked to them about writing and her book, The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bon Livre.

Author, Clare Povey will be visiting school and leading a session for children in years 5 and 6 on World Book Day (Thursday 3rd March). Afterwards there will be a book selling/signing session. Books will be priced at a discounted cost of £7.20 (rrp £7.99).

If your child would like to buy a book, please bring money in a named envelope on the day.