This week we had our annual Christmas Swimming Gala, which was very exciting and a lot of fun.  Many children did personal best times, some of which will get them school speed awards.

Some children swam in events they hadn’t ever raced in before which is really great to see them all trying new things in a racing environment.

This event could not have happened without the help and support of the parents who volunteered their time to help time keep for the 25 metre races.  Thank you, we hope to see you all again next year.

Sarah Paton

Springmead Swimming Coach

Owls and Squirrels

On Tuesday the Owls and Squirrels enjoyed a combined go explore session.  Despite the drizzly rain the classes had a great time in the wildlife area working in teams to complete a wildlife maths challenge about number patterns and working in pairs to spot unnatural objects along an observational trail.

Hedgehogs

As we go to print the Hedgehogs are off to The Trowrbridge Museum to learn about toys from the past.  The Hedgehogs have started their new Christmas topic and are looking at the differences between toys they play with now and those that children would have play with in the past, even going as far back as Victorian times!

A combined team of Year 4, 5 and 6 children took on a North Bradley team in a friendly football match.  With a mix of players who hadn’t played together before it should have taken Springmead a while to get going but this wasn’t the case as Russell Pow-Jones crashed a shot against the bar in the first minute!

Springmead continued to pressure the visitors, but it was North Bradley who took the lead when the ball broke to their unmarked striker in the box and he rifled it home.  Springmead continued to work hard and had several chances to equalise, but were denied by a combination of scrambling defence and bad luck.  The second half continued to follow the path of the first half with Springmead in control, but North Bradley breaking with their speedy attackers.  A second goal for North Bradley came and Springmead had lots to do to get back in the game.  Eventually one of Springmead’s numerous chances ended up in the back of the net and inspired a push to equalise as the game moved towards its conclusion.  In the last minute a free kick and goalmouth scramble almost gave Springmead the equaliser they deserved but unfortunately due to the darkness, the referee, (Mr Munckton), could not tell if the ball crossed the line and without the help of goal line technology or a linesman (preferably Russian) a goal could not be awarded.  A disappointing result and certainly not what was deserved after a hard working display.

On Wednesday afternoon M&M Theatrical Productions treated us to a highly entertaining performance of Robin Hood at the Village Hall. This travelling theatre group are the UK’s largest touring children’s theatre company and are particularly strong in primary school productions.  Due to industrial action, state schools had had to cancel performances so the organisation offered us their services for free for one day ~ such  ‘seize the day’ opportunities make life so very exciting around here!

Springmead Showcase

Last week’s science fair demonstrated that Springmead School pupils are able to present themselves articulately and confidently to members of the public. The Showcase demonstrated the depth of confidence and joy that many of our pupils have for performing arts.  Over the last couple of years the staff and pupils have thoroughly enjoyed seeing enthusiastic and entertaining performances from pupils in the talent show, we wanted to be able to share them with you.  We also wanted to give our pupil’s the opportunity of performing in a real theatre.  We are grateful to Prior Park College for allowing us to use their wonderful theatre.

Everyone involved with Friday evening deserves a huge thank you: pupils; parents; staff and helpers.  I would like to say a special thank you to Sara Swan-Capper who went beyond the call of duty to ensure that the event was memorable and successful. In our tenth year this was a great first!

“On Friday evening we went to the Springmead Showcase at Prior Park and what a fantastic evening it was.  There were a great variety of acts including singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and even a magician.

The children were all really confident and had obviously worked very hard on their acts.  It was great to see the many varied talents of the students at the school and also those that had left but came back to perform for the evening.

Millie had a wonderful time and enjoyed every bit of it, even advising Jenny on how to calm her nerves before she went on!  A big thank you to Sara Swan-Capper who did a wonderful job organising the showcase and to all the other staff and students who worked tirelessly behind the scenes” Mandy Weare, parent.