A quick change around due to the cold saw the second half start promptly.  A very similar pattern of play was evident in the second half.  North Bradley probably had the better chances but some brilliant goalkeeping from captain Thomas Hastings kept the scores level.  When the North Bradley players did manage to beat the keeper he had made such a good job of covering his angles only the woodwork was rattled and the ball didn’t hit the back of the net.

Springmead continued to work hard and played some good counterattacking football but were also unable to make the breakthrough so an entertaining and evenly balanced match finished all square.

All put in a brilliant effort considering the temperature!  Well done to the team of Charlie Shakespeare, Theo Fitz-Johnson, Oliver Welbourn and Eddie Donson who are running fantastically well as a team, crossing the finishing line so closely together.
Well done everyone!

The Rabbits thoroughly enjoyed their go explore visit to the nature area this week. We focused on looking for and finding animal homes. The children excitedly pointed out the millions of molehills strewn across the field and the hencoops in a field next to the path. We also had sightings of what looked like rabbit holes that led to a warren and bird nests in the trees. Well-done Rabbits!

Ducklings

The Ducklings enjoyed a crisp, brisk winter walk around the village this week.  It put a rosy glow on all our cheeks ~ we even saw signs of spring on our travels!

Two years ago, under the inspiration and guidance of Mel Day, the children created the feathers and features of the vibrant peacock positioned at the back of the hall.  This time the theme was water; the shimmering, swirling, sparkling sensations of water in a waterfall.  From the Ducklings to the Eagles there was a wonderful opportunity for each child to experience the construction of this artwork from a two-dimensional drawing to a three dimensional structure.

Mel specialises in working with wire and is one of the original artists working in this field.  She showed pictures of some of her work prior to each session, which fired the imagination and illustrated the flexibility of these materials.

Her cheerful, calm and completely motivated approach captured the imagination of the young artists.  Many had never had the opportunity to work with such fascinating material and with such beautiful, brilliant colours.  Hair-thin copper enamelled wire was shaped into water droplets through gentle manipulation of vast lengths of this ethereal matter.  Then a thicker wire was sewn around the shape to give it strength and an additional colour.  Circles were also needed for Mel’s vision of the movement of water in a fountain.

We were shown how to make all sorts of sizes of circles, although some wire definitely had a mind of its own, pinging out and taking some force to get it under control!

The extraordinary properties of the wire meant that the creative possibilities were endless ranging from striking, radiating spokes in a circle to exquisite, filigree flower shapes.

The most amazing thing to see was that every single child made something, which went beyond their expectations.  Each piece required thought, attention to detail and adaptation.

There were several comments that, “it is not that easy,” but with encouragement and technical advice the end result was something, which was remarkable and wonderful.  It was a fabulous and fun way to be part of something so creative.

Once the fountain has been assembled it will provide a splendid showpiece for our Springmead artists.

Jane Dickson, Art Subject Leader

We also had a picture list of things to spot on the way.  We saw buds, heard birds and people, spotted fungus, nests and moss.  One of the most exciting things we saw were the few, dangling catkins telling us about the imminent arrival of spring!

Once we were established at base camp the task was set to build twig towers, in pairs, the highest one to win.  Round One revealed the trickiness of the challenge with several pairs constructing tepees rather than towers.  However, Round Two proved to be very exciting as the Official Measuring Stick was used to find that Amelia Grist and Elinor Perkins were the winning team.

It was a super; slippery and soggy morning and we had an inspirational, investigative visit to the wildlife area, which has become so much a part of the Springmead experience.

Year 6 Bushcraft session

The children were totally engaged in the tracking activities, they made use of the whole of the wildlife area and had to use all of their ‘learning skills’ throughout the afternoon. To read more about learning skills please see the focus article.

A note from Mark Hotson following a thank you from Year 6 to him. “So glad you are all enjoying it.   I look back on my very charmed life and this was one element that was missing from earlier days.  Not so much participating in the outdoors, but understanding it.  I honestly feel it is more than relevant it is essential- these are not lessons to be forgotten but skills which will last a lifetime.  I wish everyone could understand the

value of them…learning to learn at its very best”.

On a bright January afternoon Year 6 headed off for their bushcraft session at the wild life area. There they were greeted with a warming fire, under the parachute with seating logs for all: a very special classroom!  The session focused on the development and use of tools, especially the positive, safe use of bushcraft knives.  As ever the children rushed down to the session and were reluctant to leave.

Year 6 trip to see Oliver

Many of the Eagles were treated to a super production of the musical, Oliver, at the Athenaeum in Warminster on Wednesday evening; a lovely conclusion to our Victorian and Dickens’ studies. Even more excitingly they were able to watch Tom Taylor perform his debut as Dodger; it was a fantastic interpretation of the character, Tom, well done!

Please note that there will be no after school club on Wednesday 18^th January for nursery children.