ferncumbe friday

friday 5th february 2021

remote learning update

Firstly, I would like to thank you once again for your unwavering support with remote learning, your hard work is much valued and truly appreciated by all members of the Ferncumbe team. I remain ever hopeful that all children are able to return to school and be together again sometime in the not too distant future.

In response to the wide-ranging and wealth of feedback regarding school’s Home Learning offer, we are looking to make some small adjustments. From next week we will reduce the number of live lessons in the afternoon, so that now there will be an increased frequency of links to pre-recorded videos or websites which can be accessed at a time of your choosing - the hope is that this will facilitate more flexibility at home.

We fully understand that some families hugely benefit from the structure that live lessons offer, whilst others find the rigidity of such a strict routine an enormous challenge. Our aim is that by offering a further mix of live lessons and pre-recorded videos or links to other websites, flexibility should increase whilst maintaining children’s engagement in their learning.

Tracey Webb

During the week after half-term ( week beginning 22.2.21 ) there will be a time slot allocated for you to meet virtually with your child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will be in contact with a day and time via email. During the meeting they will report on your child’s end of Autumn term assessments and progress they were making at that time towards end of year group expectations, as well as any issues regarding learning this term.

SEND reviews will also take place next half-term, so if your child is involved in these there will be no requirement to have an additional appointment.

ferncumbe’s hatton heroes!

This week in Hatton Class we have been sharing the story 'Supertato'. The children have knocked our socks off with their wonderful, imaginative responses. We have seen so many amazing creations inspired by this super story. Children have invented devices for capturing the notorious 'Evil Pea', written speech bubbles for veggies in danger and have transformed everyday veggies into Superheroes and Vile Villains. Well done to all the children in Reception, whether you are working at school or at home, together, you really are our Hatton Heroes!

Mrs Stephenson

Watch out - you might have an esca-PEA at your house!

RSPB Birdwatch

Rowington, Shrewley and Lowsonford children took part in the RSPB Birdwatch this week, with some tremendous results. Some members of Shrewley Class went across the road to a neighbouring back garden with good views over farmland as well as a meadow, pond and orchard. Every child on the playground at lunch was treated to a spectacular view of a red kite, right above us. Buzzards were also sitting in the fields and a kestrel perched on a telegraph pole long enough for us to all practise our binocular skills. We have entered our data on the RSPB website and the pupils at home also did a Garden Birdwatch too! The deadline for the Garden Birdwatch is 19th February, so still plenty of time to take part!

Mrs Grier

safer internet day

On Tuesday 9th February, it is National Safer Internet Day. In school and virtually, all children will learn about this year’s focus, An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world. All of us have been spending a lot of more time online, especially our children and this can have a massive impact on both their mental and physical health. It can also test the powers of their resilience when faced with the ever-changing and ever-growing difficulties that time on the internet can pose. Children being masters of the internet and their own happiness, of course, is key and Safer Internet Day strives to provide a gateway to this.

Please use the links below to find out more:

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2021

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/event/safer-internet-day-2021

https://www.childnet.com/resources/safer-internet-day

Miss Forbes

Veni, Vidi, Vici!

This term, Shrewley Class are learning all about Roman History. From the Roman Empire and Julius Caesar to Hadrian's Wall and Boudicca's Revolt. We are fully prepared for battle with these outstanding Roman Shields designed and created by all the children. Making our own tortoise formation, we now understand why the Roman Army was so successful in conquering their enemies. Veni, Vidi, Vici! (I came, I saw, I conquered!)

Super work Shrewley Class!

Mrs Foss

school staff - lateral flow testing

An important update to let you know that all staff at Ferncumbe have started lateral flow testing twice a week, and this is now becoming part of the school routine. By identifying those with Covid-19 who are asymptomatic, the school has an additional layer of protection on top of its existing system of controls.

‘Tackling life’s big challenges through the proven power of reading!’

Please follow the link to find information on recommended books that will help children stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful during this most challenging of times.

children's book list

A helpful link

I came across this link to a blog and wanted to pass it on. There is some helpful advice and although we are not promoting the blog, I thought that there would be something you might find useful or supportive in it.

https://www.annamathur.com/home-learning-during-lockdown/

Miss Forbes

With very best wishes for a happy and healthy weekend.

With just a week to go before half-term may I also take the opportunity of wishing you all a relaxing break.

Stay safe everyone,

Tracey Webb, Deputy Headteacher

Newsletter Issue 9