Planting Daffodils

Sparrowhawks were busy clearing the raised bed at the front of the school this week. Children dug a compost heap, and brought fresh soil dug up by our resident badgers. We each planted two daffodil bulbs, which will make a cheerful display for the school entrance next year. We learned about the growing cycle of daffodils, which lie dormant over winter and flower in the Spring sunshine.

Sparrowhawks visit to Copsegrove Farm

We had such a great day at Copsegrove this Thursday, with Autumn sunshine breaking through the trees in the woods. After toasting marshmallows, Sparrowhawks tested their Science knowledge with a search for animal superpower information cards, and a bug hunt to classify insects. We put on blindfolds to do ‘Tbe Walk of Trust’, being guided by a partner. We collected sticks, conquers and leaves to create forest floor artworks, and gathered around the campfire to cook Copsegrove calzones. Thankyou Kate at the farm for such a fantastic and fun packed day!

Forest Green Rovers Premier Stars Day at Gastrells

Sparrowhawks got active last week with a session with visiting sports coach from FGR. Tom Needham. Tom led the class through some games using different movements, before introducing footballs for children to practice their close ball control. After lunch Tom gave an assembly all about what makes Forest Green a unique football club. He then announced the two new Gastrells FGR Ambassadors for the 2022/23 season.

Rocks and Fossils: Ammonites

Sparrowhawks are learning about Rocks, Fossils and Soils in Science this term. We have been learning how fossils are formed and learned about prehistoric sea creatures, such as Ammonites. We have made our own models of ammonite fossils out of clay, which we will be painting after half term.

Gardening Project

Sparrowhawks got their fingers green this week. We first each planted trailing and bush lobelia all around the edge of our planting bed. We next sowed a row of spinach seeds. In one corner of the bed we planted oregano and parsley plants. We next planted chive seeds into pots, which will let be transplanted to grow with the other herbs. Everyone also planted a sunflower seed, which we will watch over the next few weeks.

Year 4 Residential at The Wilderness Centre

Year 4 Sparrowhawks and Goshawks had a fantastic time in the beautiful setting of Wilderness Centre in the Forest of Dean last week, where they had fun with new experiences and challenges. The activities included firelighting and bushcraft, den building, tunnelling. crate stacking and low ropes, archery, orienteering, as well as making our own beds and packed lunches. Thankyou to all the activity leaders and staff at the Wilderness Centre, who made our visit such a success.

Soil Investigation

As part of our learning about Rocks, Fossils and Soils, Sparrowhawks started an observation over time investigation in Science this week. We took samples of soil from different parts of the school and placed them in a glass jar. The jars were then filled with water and shaken. Over time, the different materials in the soil will float or settle in layers, to show all the many ingredients in each sample. We will return after Easter to analyse the results.

Chariot Racing!

Finishing touches and fine tunings were made this morning to the Roman Chariots that we have been making in Sparrowhawks. We then took our models outside for some downhill racing. The chariots were released three at a time from the top of the slope, to see whose could run the furthest in a straight line, and the winning chariots then competed in the final race. Well done to Keaton, whose chariot just kept on going every time!

Rocks, Fossils, Dinosaurs!

Sparrowhawks had a busy and interesting day at the Museum in the Park this week. We did lots of fun activities, including chipping and building with local oolithic limestone, identifying and sketching prehistoric fossils, and looking at dinosaur bones. Thankyou to Steven and Alice at the museum for a great day.

Gardening Project

Sparrowhawks have been busy this week, filling up the new raised bed at the front of the school. We moved soil and stones, very kindly dug up by Gastrells many resident badgers, down from the school field, and then filled the planter with bags of compost donated by Melcourt. Children had fun working in teams to get the job done and it was great to have some sunshine to finish the first stage of our project on Friday morning!