Year 4 had a wonderful day at the Think Tank at Millenium Point in Birmingham, in April 2009.

 

We watched a great 3D film called "Dinosaurs Alive" in the IMax Theatre, it was really scary!!

 

There was so much to see, do and touch that we had a really busy, but enjoyable day.

 

Looking at the exhibits

 

Playing on the interactive games

 

Dancing at the "All About Me" exhibit

 

Recycling in "The Steet" exhibit

 

During the last week of the Spring Term, afternoons at Holywell were anything but normal! The children took part in a range of activities called the House of Fun. They worked in their House Teams or in small groups to complete different tasks, which included composing a House Anthem, designing a Holywell flag, working out Jive dance moves, and creating an imaginary alien landscape using collage materials.

 

  

 

 

The children had the opportunity to work together in House Teams when they took part in the interhouse benchball and football tournaments. The weather was kind, the children worked hard and everything ran smoothly. Year 5 and 6 footballers were treated to a rare sight when Mr Davis put on his official referee's kit; thankfully no red cards were given out! A number of children were recognised for their good teamwork and sportsmanship. Elm house reigned supreme in the benchball and Beech won the football trophy.

 

     

 

 

 

The highlight of the week was Friday, when the House Captains from each House stepped up to the mark to test their knowledge in University Challenge. Also there was the judging of entries from each House in dance, music composition, flag design and alien artwork. All the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed the week and are looking forward to the next House of Fun. Congratulations to Ash, who were the overall winning House Team.

 

 

 

At Holywell we are dedicated to looking after the environment and we have a keen committee of 15 children, from Key Stages 1 and 2, who have all put themselves forward to be members of the "Holywell Eco-Committee".

 

Through the work we have already done as a school, we have been awarded a Bronze Certificate from Eco-Schools. We are now working our way steadily towards the Silver award! We will be looking at nine areas, these are:

 

We are keen to help in lots of ways and will be meeting as a committee to see what we can do to improve and maintain not only our environment, but also that of the local community. We will also discuss worldwide issues and inform our classmates of what is going on. Keep your eye on the website to see what we get up to next!

 

A group of 42 enthusiastic Year 4 children recently visited a PGL outdoor education centre called Boreatton Park in Shropshire for three days. The centre offers the children the opportunity to be challenged physically and mentally, and they are expected to take responsibility for themselves and to work as a team. The children were accompanied by Mr Davis, Miss Davies, Mrs Harford and Mrs O'Rourke. The program of activities included abseiling, archery, kayaking, climbing, aeroball, trapeze and the lightning fast zipwire.

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout their visit, the children achieved many successes. Every child attempted every challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Many overcame their fears on the abseiling, the zipwire and the awesome trapeze activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As if climbing a wobbly pole wasn't bad enough, having the courage to stand on a platform the size of a plate and then take a leap of faith into the air to grab onto a trapeze, left both the children and the staff breathless with excitement!

 

 

 

The behaviour of the children was excellent throughout, keeping dormitories tidy and showing respect for the facilities and equipment at the centre. Special prizes were given to Mary Tait and Ben Poston for outstanding effort and behaviour!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The staff at Boreatton Park were very impressed with the Holywell children and clearly enjoyed working with such attentive pupils. Overall, this was a very successfull and challenging trip and everyone arrived home feeling exhausted, but on a high.

 

 

 

 

 

On the 11th February, a team of nine girls and boys from Years 5 and 6 took part in a seven-a-side rugby festival at Redditch Rugby Club. The children played a total of four tag rugby matches against other schools in the district. All players played exceptionally well against very tough opposition. The children behaved superbly and the team managed to win one of their matches. Well done to all children involved!

 

On 25th February, ten children from Year 4 represented Holywell at the North Bromsgrove Schools Football Tournament, held at Waseley Hills High School. The standard of football was excellent and the children played superbly, despite losing 4-3 and 3-2. They were very close matches! Well done to the children who participated. Miss Harrison was very pleased with the sportsmanship and effort they all showed.

 

During the autumn term 2008, year 3 studied the Aztec civilisation. At the end of a fabulous term of work, we enjoyed an afternoon of sacrifice, games and food. In true Aztec fashion, a child victim was sacrificed to the great Sun God (played by Mrs Millett). Unfortunately, the photographs of this occasion are so gruesome that they may not be shown. However, you may obtain all the gory details from a member of 3KG or 3KB. The remainder of the afternoon was spent playing some Aztec-style board games.

 

 

 

 

Here are the Aztec hoards noisily feasting in the Temple of Goddard. Very noisily! All Aztecs joined in, wearing their traditional Aztec headdresses. The victors celebrated by being allowed to feast first at the table of plenty.

 

 

 

As you can see in our class displays, year 3 thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Aztec life.

 

 

On Friday 28th November, Pudsey Bear came in person to Holywell to collect our donation for BBC Children in Need. We raised a massive £835.27p from cake sales and non-uniform day. Pudsey thanks you all for your generosity in helping us to make this event so special.

 

 

Photograph appears courtesy of the Bromsgrove Standard.