Everyday this week I have greeted Miss Bickerstaff; whom has the misfortune to share an office space with me; the same way ‘Is it Friday yet?’ not because I didn’t want to be here but because like most people around school I was shattered! However this morning Miss Bickerstaff greeted me with the news it was finally Friday, my response to her was: ‘No it cant be – I have so much to do!’

But Friday it is, at the end of another jam packed week, unbelievably at the end of my fifth half-term!  We began today with our friends from Khandelight – a charity we have forged links with that runs a village project in India.  I was very interested to see how the money we have raised so far has been used and what the next steps will be.  They were incredibly pleased to receive a cheque from us for £500 towards their project.

On Monday the Year 6 children had an architecture workshop that looked at building all different types of structures. Charlotte O-D said ‘We learned how to build shelters for different habitats such as a rainforest and the Arctic.  The best bit was building teepees out of sticks and elastic bands.’

“Innocent until Proven Guilty!”

In PSHE this week, Sharron Cox, a Magistrate working in Hertfordshire, talked to our Year 8’s about the “Justice System in England and Wales”. Pupils were given the opportunity to discuss various cases and reflect on the implications of a trial in the court room.

Pupils thought reflectively about the consequences of a real case of assault on a bus driver and demonstrated  huge interest in the subject of fairness and justice.   Pupils argued over the correct sentence for the defendant and were surprised to hear that in law “Ignorance is no defence”. Also, Year 8’s learned that simply being with the wrong crowd means that you are as guilty as the person who took the lead in the crime. This is known as “Joint Enterprise” in the legal system.

Finally, young people, from as young as 10 years old, can be sentenced to a maximum of 2 years custody in a Young Offenders Institute which can be anywhere in the country! A good reason to stay on the right side of the law, Year 8’s!

Thursday morning saw a group of Year 7 & 8 children take a visit to Airbus Defence & Space, where they had an interesting tour and got to handle some incredibly expensive equipment!! Alex A in Year 8 will add more detail at a later date.

The Year 6 boys beat St Joseph’s at cricket but lost to Heath Mount and not to be outdone the girls A & B teams (including some Year 5’s) won all their matches at the district tournament.

And so that brings me to the end of another Blog, upon our return to school it will be Ralph Sadleir’s birthday party and I am looking forward to the celebrations.

Have a great half term break.

What a week – in so many ways!!

The main event was Wednesday’s triumph in the Wix Trophy Finals, making our Year 6 boys football team county champions.  Our semi-final was against Haberdashes Boys and despite nerves stopping the boys playing to their usual exceptional standard, they controlled the game and were creating numerous chances.  Unfortunately the ball just wouldn’t go into the net! Penalties followed extra-time and fortunately we held our nerve and won through to the final.  Will E. was superb saving 3 penalties, whilst Luke C., Austin C. and Archie G.   So to the final, against St Columbas, after inspiring words from Mr Morgan the boys were ready.  An early goal from Noah P. eased the nerves and gave the boys the belief and freedom to play, another quickly followed from Daniel L. as we dominated the match.  A breakaway goal early in the second half made the nail biting in the stands and on the touchline return, but these were eased by Dominic G. calmly slotting home to round off a well deserved victory.  The rest of the squad – Joe B., Owen M. and Austen G all made huge contributions one way or another – Wix Trophy Champions 2014!!

Both teachers from the other schools said that our team were rightful winners and the best team they had played all season.  I was immensely proud not only of the way the boys played football but the way they conducted themselves both on and off the pitch – they are a real credit to the school!!  A huge thank you to all the parents, family members, friends and staff who came along to support the team, I know they really appreciated it.

More to follow…Keep an eye on the Mercury in the coming weeks.

Not to be outdone the Year 6 girls won their first rounders match of the season, beating Duncombe.  Sadly the Year 8 boys came second in their district final, losing to Edwinstree.

In school, the Year 8’s extracted DNA in science and competed in the Maths challenge, and the Year 5’s had a very interesting Victorian Day – see the write up in the Year 5 area on the website.

Next week is SATs and we wish all the Year 6’s luck and continued success.