Friday 23rd May

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.