INSPIRATIONAL SKYPE WORKSHOP BY SUNDERLAND ARTIST
Marsupials and Turtles (Year 3) are studying a beautiful book by Fiona Robinson, entitled 'The Bluest of Blues'. It tells the story of Anna Atkins, a talented scientist and artist who produced stunning pictures through cynotype photography. Jo Howell, an artist in Sunderland specialises in this type of artwork and is particularly interested in the work of Anna Atkins. She agreed to do a skype workshop for the children, sending them a parcel the day before, just to make the event a little more intriguing. The parcel contained a note on the back of a beautiful piece of artwork she had created, and a pack of special photographic paper that the class could use to produce their own pieces.
The children watched in awe as she used two different chemicals to paint on the paper, then layered pretty winter leaves on top. Finally she placed the work under an ultra violet light, explaining that when we do this, we will need to leave the paper outside for many hours and we will see the colours gradually change.
Once the children have completed more of the book, they will have a go at producing their own creations.
SPORTING SUCCESS: RADIO CLIP OF HOLY TRINITY POWERING THROUGH THE FINALS
HT GRANDSTAND
HOLY TRINITY SINGS AT BBC MUSIC DAY LIVE
On 26th September, Holy Trinity pupils will performed for BBC, singing their hearts out with pride and enthusiasm. The previous week pupils took part in the Singing Playgrounds project, run by the fabulous Ex Cathedra. Their website explains the principle behind this work.
"Singing Playgrounds combines training for teachers, leadership training for children, and comprehensive resources and activities for every member of the primary school community. Since its creation in 2004 by Rebecca Ledgard, Director of Education, and Ula Weber, Singing Playgrounds Project Leader, Singing Playgrounds has become a highly regarded and sought-after project across the UK and internationally.
To date the project has been delivered in nearly 1000 primary schools across the UK and has travelled to Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Belgium, Uganda, Hong Kong and mainland China. Numerous training events and conference presentations for teachers, singing leaders and students have taken place complementing the work of the project."
To read more about BBC music day, click on this link. There's lots of useful information and opportunities to get involved.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2G21Tf8vh1WwSYJJqnLZRZ5/get-singing-for-bbc-music-day
STRAVINSKY'S FIREBIRD AT THE SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM
Music is an essential part of life at The Willows Primary School and some particularly dedicated musicians had the opportunity for a well deserved reward. On Thursday 27th June, 28 members of our wonderful orchestra, led by Miss Smith, attended a special concert at Symphony Hall Birmingham. The famous piece by Stravinsky, which is actually written for ballet, astounded the children with its fire, drama and colour. Performed by the world famous CBSO, the piece was carefully broken down for the pupils. They were taught to listen for emotions and textures in the music, and learnt how different instruments convey different sounds.
The children absolutely loved it. Will enthused, "part of the music sounded very much like the music in Harry Potter." This is quite likely as contemporary composers are influenced by music that has been written in the past.
We are delighted to announce the launching of our Debate Society, led by Miss Smith in Seahorses. The quality of debate and rhetoric is exceptional. The first session debated whether electronic or paper books were best. In future we may invite speakers to our debates and we are considering approaching Oxford University to see how we might make links with their debating societies.
Igniting a love of the written word on the page is an important part of our work at The Willows. We are thrilled to invite parents and children back to school in the evening on 13th March to enjoy story telling, visual stimuli and the opportunity to escape into the world of books. The Royal Shakespeare Company will provide mesmerising props (watch this space) and we have collaborated with other organisations, such as local book sellers, to enhance the evening. Our very own Hannah Young will be enacting character pieces written by our own resident authors in Year 6.
HANNAH YOUNG, A PROFESSIONAL ACTOR WHO HAS ACTED ON THE RSC STAGE, READS STORIES TO KEY STAGE 1
HANNAH2 (2).MOV
We continue to encourage children to love books and read for pleasure at The Willows. The latest exciting news is that we are introducing librarians and Reading Champions from Shottery Grammar School. Fourteen girls from our neighbouring grammar school will be keeping the library stocked and organised as well as supporting children and inspiring them with their reading. By Easter, we will have two new library areas where children can enjoy choosing from a wealth of books. One of our literacy leads, Lisa Musgrove has organised the initiative, closely liaising with the school. She said, "This has already had a great impact on the organisation of the library and will make a significant difference to our school. We cannot wait to see the new design for our Key Stage 2 library (funded by the PTA) come to fruition. It will be a fantastic resource."
WE ARE PROUD TO READ FOR PLEASURE IN OUR SCHOOL. THE PHOTOS SHOW SOME OF OUR CLASS READING BOOKS AND THE WAYS IN WHICH OUR PUPILS ENGAGE WITH TEXT.
