This week we were very excited to welcome 2 visitors to school to enrich our topic 'What is life like in Zambia?'. Over the past few weeks, the children have been learning all about life in a small rural village in Zambia called Mugurameno Village.   During the session, the children had lots of opportunities to ask questions about Africa and were able to show off some of the knowledge they already had. 

In the drumming sessions, the children spent time playing African drums such as Djembes and impressed us all with their ability to copy a rhythm such as 'I like chocolate cake' and 'Give a dog a bone, woof, woof woof'. They used the words to help them keep the timings correct and some people even got to play a solo!   In the dancing session, some of the children were able to try on some traditional South African jewellery and clothing used for dancing. They learned how to greet people in one of the languages from South Africa and had fun learning some dance moves.  The children all had a lovely afternoon!

Year 5 enjoyed a brilliant 4.8km circular walk to Harewood House last week. The children showed great enthusiasm throughout the route and were excited to spot deer and cows along the way. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the local countryside, enjoy the fresh air, and learn more about the wildlife around us. Well done, Year 5! 

Year 2 and Year 4 children took part in pedestrian training to help develop their road-safety skills.  Year 2 were introduced to the Green Cross Code and learned the key steps: Think, Stop, Look and Listen. After practicing in the classroom, the children had the chance to apply what they had learned outside.  Year 4 revsited their previous learning about the 'Green Cross Code' and that they must: Think, Stop, Look and Listen.  They then and practised crossing the road more independently (under very close supervision).  All the children listened carefully as they practised this very important life skill.

As part of our new walking curriculum, the Year 2 children recently visited Meanwood Park for a class walk. Everyone enjoyed spending time outdoors, listening to birds and looking for wildlife along the way. It was lovely to see how much the children appreciated being outside and taking notice of their surroundings.

Year 1 pupils enjoyed an exciting outdoor adventure at Nell Bank, inspired by the much-loved story Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. The children spent a wonderful day exploring nature, taking part in a range of fun, hands-on activities linked to the story. After listening to Owl Babies, the children worked together to create special woodland habitats for Sarah, Percy and Bill — the three baby owls from the book. Using sticks, leaves and moss, they built cosy nests that would make any owl feel at home!

Next, the children set off on a mission to find Nell Bank’s hidden toy owls, carefully searching through the woods to see how many they could spot. Their teamwork and sharp eyes helped them find every last one! The fun continued with a mini-beast hunt, where pupils explored the undergrowth to discover some of the tiny creatures that live beneath logs and leaves. They were fascinated to find wriggly worms, speedy beetles and busy woodlice hiding in the woodland! Year 1 also enjoyed exploring the exciting water play area, splashing, pouring and experimenting as they played. They finished their adventure with a mammal and bird trail hunt, discovering signs of wildlife and learning more about the creatures that share the woodland. It was a fantastic day filled with learning, laughter and lots of muddy boots!

Year 4 had lots of fun completing either their beginners' skills or Bike Ability Level 1. The children learnt lots of new skills and have become far more confident riding bikes which has been amazing to see. We saw a lot of determination and resilience and they should all be very proud of themselves. These sessions have prepared them for when we go to Lineham Farm for our residential in February!

We were thrilled to welcome Helen Minshall, Classic FM’s visiting instrumental teacher of the year, who ame in to give an assembly to the whole school about brass instruments and then Year 2-4 enjoyed workshops learning to play mini trombones and trumpets.  It was a fabulous morning and very inspiring!

On Thursday we had the fabulous Backchat Brass in to entertain all the children with high energy concerts and audience participation.  We have seen them before but they never fail to amaze with their fabulous performances.

Children in Years 1, 2 and 5 enjoyed a visit to our local art gallery at Sunny Bank Mills, where they explored the current exhibition, Make Shift, which showcases contemporary crafts. The children loved spotting everyday objects within the artworks and learning about the different materials the artists had used. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to experience art in the heart of our village. We were especially proud to receive such positive feedback from the gallery staff, who commented on how well-behaved and respectful our pupils were throughout their visit.

We had a visit from two ex-Springbank students, Woody and Jessica, who are currently second year students at Leeds Conservatoire, the city’s amazing Music University. Woody is studying Folk Music and Jessica is studying Popular Music. They came in and entertained everyone with live performances, original songs written and sung by Jessica, and then Woody played his banjo and taught us some folk songs.  It was fabulous to see past pupils flourishing with their music careers.