TES Awards 2018

#TESAwards10

We are looking forward to the TES Awards on the 22nd June at the Grosvenor House Hotel. This year the TES hosted an event at the House of Commons, in partnership with Lucy Powell MP.

It was a chance for all of the finalist to meet prior to the main event. Having the chance to network with so many inspiring individuals and schools was a fantastic experience.

This year Mead Primary is shortlisted for Employer of the Year and Headteacher of the Year. Hopefully we can bring home some glassware for the trophy cabinet!

Y4 - Caged Bird by Maya Angelou

Our Y4 pupils - Isabelle, Marie Anne, Fabian and Mark - took on a very challenging poem by Maya Angelou... The Caged Bird.

The poem is about freedom. What does it feel like to be free? What are the consequences if you are caged?

It led to some very interesting discussions during the workshop as the children tried to define what freedom was...

I think it means you can do what you like

No... you can't just do what you want. There have to be rules.

Yeah... I mean, you can't cheek your mum. We have to go to school.

I think it means that you aren't in a cage... you can make some choices.

Four of our pupils then performed the poem at the Festival in front of three other schools.

Why not have a go at reading and performing the poem yourself?

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Barbados Class visit the farm.....

What an exciting few days Barbados class have had getting up close and personal with some of our farm animals. They got to meet the goats, ducks, new baby rabbits, Mr Darcy and Betsy to name a few and have learnt how to care for and look after them.

We learnt what they like to eat and got to see where they sleep. We learnt how the goats are good at climbing and that they have flat teeth!  The children got up close with our goats; grooming, stroking and petting them and they became well acquainted with Hugo the dog. “They are gorgeous” Arwyn was heard saying about the baby rabbits, “This is so much fun” said Katherine.

We look forward to visiting the animals again soon.

 

Brilliant ballerina

Olivia from year one brought in a beautiful trophy and medal that she received after taking part in her ballet exam.  She even showed her class some of her ballet positions and moves.  Well done Olivia - we are very proud of you.

Year One Showcase reminder

Don't forget that Year One's final showcase afternoon is on Tuesday 3rd July from 2 -3pm. We hope to see you there.

Year One request

The current topic in Year One is Under the Sea. For our D and T project we will be making dioramas.  Could you please send in any spare shoe boxes - as many as you have please.

Thank you.

New Floor Laid

Our new teaching and intervention space is getting very close to completion. The old tiled floor from the 1950s has been replaced with a much warmer oak effect vinyl. Thank you to Scotts Flooring of Upminster for such a neat job.

Next we have some electrical work, a suspended ceiling, a window to be installed, new door and frame and the furniture to be fitted.

With all the groups we run this will instantly become a very well used space!