At the start of the autumn term, we began the school year with all of the children working towards our Norfolk Open Studios art exhibition. This was an exhibition which showcased work from all children from Year 3 to Year 6 and invited parents, relatives and the wider community to come and view the work around the theme of the environment. It was a great opportunity for the children to see their work having a real life purpose in an exhibition.

 

 

 

 

As part of their art project, Year 4 even had a bee-keeper come and talk to them about his work.

 

We had a coaches from the Norfolk Tennis association come into school to run taster sessions for all of the children. It’s great when we can get children enthusiastic about trialling a new sport.

Playtimes and lunchtimes are a great opportunity for children to connect with each other and build relationships with children across the school.

Lunchtime clubs such as Miss Campbell’s lego club and Mr Wilkinson’s colouring club offer children other options for lunch time activities.  We also offered after school clubs including: Top Trumps, tennis, football, tag-rugby, badminton, Rock Notes and Mad Science which provide children a wealth of different activities that they can take part in after school too.

 

 

At the end of September, we celebrated the European Day of Languages. We celebrated languages by learning new languages and celebrating and learning about different cultures. Children who speak second languages and parents gave talks to the children about their languages and the children had the opportunity to learn new things about other countries.

 

Year 4 went on an exciting day out to Norwich Castle Museum to learn more about the Romans.

 

 

 

Children from across the school continued to be rewarded for going the extra mile. Weekly DREAM Awards were given where children show our core values of determination, resilience, enthusiasm, ambition and motivation. We also awarded several Head Teacher Awards and word millionaire and half millionaire badges.

 

Our sporting teams continued to represent Firside successfully. Both boys and girls teams competed regularly within different league and cup matches.

A special mention to our girls who were the autumn league winners.

 

We launched Times Tables Rock Stars this term with an exciting launch day. The children turned up to school to find all of the staff dressed as rock stars!

 

Year 3 enjoyed a day at the Time and Tide museum to learn more about the Stone Age.

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Year 4 enjoyed a visit from a representative from the Hawk and Owl Trust as part of their science work.

 

Fundraising is always a big part of the autumn term and one of our main ones is for the Royal British Legion. Not only did we raise lots of money for this important charity by selling poppies and other items, the children also learned about the importance of Remembrance in class.

The children also took part in a minute of silence to remember those who gave their lives in service.

 

In November, we also raised money for Children in Need with our annual fundraising efforts. We held a non-uniform day and had a visit from our favourite yellow bear!

 

 

Year 6 were very lucky to have a special visitor in school today. Professor John Turner from the Humanist Association came into school to talk to the pupils about humanism as part of their learning in Religious Education. The pupils really enjoyed listening to Professor Turner and all of the stories he had to tell - we learnt a lot too!

 

 

In December, Year 4 were very lucky to welcome one of our parents and her parents to talk to them about Christmas in France and how it is celebrated. They got to listen to stories in French and even taste some delicious French treats!

We were lucky enough to be able to take nine children along to The Wensum Trust’s launch of their new partnership with KLM. These children had the chance to sit in the cockpit of a plane and learn about how exciting a career in engineering could be. We are excited to be part of this partnership within The Wensum Trust.

Just before Christmas, some children from our Rock Notes choir went along to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to sing to staff and patients. They sang beautifully and it was a great way to spread some festive cheer.

Our Rock Notes choir also performed to their parents.

 

As part of our Christmas celebrations, we all enjoyed a Christmas lunch together. It was a fantastic school community event and a lovely way for the children and staff to enjoy the festivities together in year groups.

 

And of course the children put on some amazing performances at the end of term. We had four packed out audiences for the performances of ‘A tale of two birthdays’ and ‘It’s Chriiiiiistmas!’ We are so proud of each and every one of the children for the different parts they had in the performances. Whether they sang, acted, helped backstage or supported with lights and music, it was wonderful to see the children shining in a different light.