Oakwood Infant in Bloom!

Look at all the lovely flowers the children have brought in....

Operation Super Library-End of Term Report.

As the school begins it end of year book return to the library, the ECT Committee have been doing their bit to ensure that the library has some exciting new literature ready for September.

After the last committee afternoon 2 members of the ECT organised a visit from the school library service. On Monday 29th June 2009 Chris Thomas joined the committee for the afternoon. Chris came armed with boxes of books to help the committee implement one of their previous ideas - to get pupils involved in choosing books for the library.



After formulating criteria by which to evaluate the books, the committee spent the afternoon reviewing and choosing new books (fiction and non fiction) for all the pupils of Oakwood to enjoy. Books about pirates, beautiful picture books and lots of humorous and exciting new story books were all chosen, with every member of the committee having at least a couple of their choices added to the school collection.

The ECT team hope to continue their good work in the new academic year and would like to thank the Year 6 members for all their hard work and wish them all the best in their new schools.

Mission Accomplished!!

The current Year 4 cohort proved yesterday that they were equal to any challenge that might come their way next year.

As part of their taster day in Year 5 they were set a mission to undertake 6 different individual and team challenges. These challenges were chosen to test their problem solving, creative and team work capabilities. They incuded activities such as:- Gloopy Slime; Monster Pictures; Krazy Creator; Tantalising Tangrams and Guess the Object.



As you can see from the pictures a lot of fun (and mess!!) was had by all. The day cumulated in a celebratory welcome party where the children paraded their own fantastic headwear creations, which they had designed and made especially for the celebration.

Well Done New Year 5 - your teachers were very proud of you and we know you will be as successful next year.

Fabulous Final Friday!

It has been a fantastic week at Knapp House and to finish off a whole selection of fun-filled activities, we went for a spot of canoeing on a picturesque Devonian lake. The children had the opportunity to try three different sized boats and just about managed to stay dry!

After a quick change and a last look to make sure nothing was left behind, we set off home. Amazingly, after a tiring week nobody fell asleep on the way back (except Mr. Larder!)! Everyone was obviously far too excited to share their trip stories with friends and family upon their return.

Topsy-Turvy Thursday!

Still no broadband, but here's the lastest...

Where has the time gone? We can't believe it is our final full day at Knapp House!

After ANOTHER good night's sleep and ANOTHER cooked breakfast in our tummies, we set off for more fun-filled activities. Lewis found the tiniest crab imaginable when Miss H's intrepid explorers beach-combed the coastline. After two and a half miles and a few splashes later, weary feet trudged into the dining hall for lunch.

All groups learned the vital skills for tomorrow's lake trip: paddling, capsizing and climbing back on board! Brandon was fantastic at helping his partner back into a boat after it had capsized.



After being given extra pocket money, the atmosphere was electric as children got ready for the disco. Singing... Dancing... (And that was just the staff!). The children bopped away to Kanye West, getting 'Stronger'!

We are just about to rest our weary heads ready for our final day!

申し申し

Hello friends,

How are you doing? Thought I'd send you a quick update before I leave the country and head off back to sunny Southampton... make sure that sun is still shining for me when I arrive as I'm very used to it having been living here in Australia for almost a year!!

Last week I accompanied my Grade 6 host on a special trip to learn all about things Japanese. It was a very interesting day. We took a 45 minute bus trip to the Botanic Gardens where we learned some martial arts, viewed a Japanese tea ceremony and listened to the Japanese flute. We also looked at many bonsai trees.



For lunch we had teryaki chicken and spring rolls. I struggled with the chop sticks! The children helped me but I like to use my paws!

Well, I'll be off now as I'm on my way to the airport shortly. I will see you all very soon!

Love from Oscar. x x

PS Does anyone know what the Japanese writing at the top is?

Wicked, Watery Wednesday!

After a terrific, well-needed sleep, we awoke to another beautiful day of glorious sunshine.

Following ANOTHER hearty cooked breakfast, we went tunnelling commando-style and raft building. William was fearless underground!

Miss Hutchinson's group built a sturdy raft... which nearly kept them dry!

In the afternoon, Mr and Mrs D. went ringo-ing. Amy was awesome! The children staked a claim to Devon by carving their names into the sand. Much fun was had by all!



To round off Wednesday we all went crabbing! The children caught lots of crabs and learned how to tell the difference between males and females.

Tomorrow is the disco and we're all looking forward to a boogie!

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: It's a shorter update today with not many photos and no podcast - sorry! That's Devon Broadband for you... :-(

Sensational Summer Sailing at SWAC

Today year six took to the water at SWAC.

The activities were Pico sailing and Powerboat driving. The Pico sailing was enjoyable - steering in the right direction and staying in the boat proved challenging for some!

Most of the group had a turn at driving the Powerboats. Half went along the River Test and the other half, the River Itchen.

A fun day had by all in glorious sunshine.

Tan-tastic Tuesday!

Today year six took to the water and explored the coastline. We were ferried over to a beautiful strip of sandy beach by James Bond’s actual speedboat (honest…). The real stars of the ringos were James, William, Matt and Mitchell, who managed to cling on even when we were travelling at turbo speed!

The other half of the group went on an exciting coastal walk and discovered many creatures of the deep on their journey! A lucky few even found a starfish!

After a lightning lunch of sandwiches, crisps and fruit, half of the group embarked on the giant slide and low ropes course, whilst this morning’s ringo riders became mega mountaineers on the climbing tower.

We finished off the day by all having a fantastic session of pedal carting!



...and you can "hear all about it" on today's podcast!

Just another Manic Monday!

Surf's up at Knapp House as year six embarked on the beginning of their week of adventure. We were very lucky to have such fabulous weather; sun shining, not a cloud in the sky and the lovely warm sea!

We enjoyed surfing and body boarding in the afternoon, with great help from our instructors. After a much needed supper of pasta, chilli and pie, we scaled the heights of the climbing tower and risked it all on the 'Crate Stack of Terror'!

After some time relaxing with our friends, it is nearly time for bed. Stay tuned for tomorrow's adventures!



You can hear what we thought of our surfing experience here in our mini podcast: