Our theme for this week has been ‘How have black people inspired the world?’ We have also talked about enjoying the fact that we’re all different and making sure we treat people equally despite our differences. To give the children a fuller and deeper experience of the theme, we gave them the opportunity to take part in cultural dance and movement workshops to live drumming.

They learnt some Zulu dances and some of the chants used to free Nelson Mandela amongst other things!

CHINESE NEW YEAR – YEAR R CELEBRATIONS!

Global Citizenship is a key aspect of our work at Clinton – with the aim of getting children really enthusiastic about other countries and cultures. Reception have been learning all about Chinese New Year – acting out the story and doing lots of other exciting activities too. They will feature in the next edition of the Clinton Times too!

Today it’s been all about the food! They seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Hong Kong Gardens Chinese Restaurant, who are extremely kind and accommodating. Many of them tucked in straight away, with some even managing to use their chop-sticks!

“I learnt that you had to sit up straight and put your hands on your lap!” Lilia

“I learnt that they used a dolly to do their washing!” Dasha.

“I learnt that they had to dry their clothes with a mangle. It was hard work.” Jacob

“They didn’t have any toys at school!” Julia. “The back straightener felt like a hammer going into your back.” Harry. “The schoolroom was quite small.” Ash

Year 2 visited Birmingham Airport partly to gain an understanding of how transport has changed throughout time and also to do some data collection and maths work.

Here’s what some of them thought …

I liked going into the ‘Flight School’ and watching the aeroplanes out of the window. Maia

We had to make up and design our own plane. Alex

We went on the airport shuttle bus. Kyra

We found out lots of information for our timeline about flight. Ronan

“We got to feel, touch and smell real artefacts!” Harrison & Olivia W.

“He taught us new things, like that they had poo in their bread!” Jack

“He made learning extremely interesting and funny!” Sasha and Finn

Year 4 had a fantastic time kicking off their unit of work inspired by ‘extreme survival’! They put up their own tents, learnt how to purify water, made fires and shelters. They camped overnight and had a thoroughly good time. It was great for them to be independent and push themselves in new ways.

Year 5 braved the rainy conditions but thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Redridge. They canoed, caved, climbed and collaborated. They fired arrows, walked into the night, zip wired and abseiled. They behaved extremely well and tried everything! Their teamwork skills developed and they were able to be very independent on their residential away from home!

Thankyou Mr Gurum for taking them. And to Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Pettman and Mrs Cherry for helping so well on the visit.

Year 6 returned from France having had an amazing time, during which they learnt an enormous amount!

They visited D-day landing beaches, the American, British and German war cemeteries, Pegasus Bridge and the Bayeux Tapestry. On top of all this, they haggled at the Bayeux market, purchased souvenirs in a French hypermarket and experienced French food and drink.

Thanks must go to the staff that organised the trip and those that took them. Mr Viner, Mrs Groves, Miss Tuppen, Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Benson all deserve a special mention!