Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 1

September 2017

Item Page

Headmistress’s Message ............................1

Rosh Hashanah in Reception ......................1

Chess Club ..................................................2

1S Animal Walk ...........................................2

Oak-Tree Schools Year 3 Camp ...................2

History of Chingford Projects .....................3

Year 5 Study of Forces ................................3

New Year 7 Pupils .......................................3

New Year 5 Classroom ................................4

British Sign Language Club .........................4

School Improvements.................................4

Year 5 Geography Walk ..............................5

LAMDA Success ..........................................5

Basketball Fever .........................................5

Oak-Tree Joint GCSE Classes .......................5

Summer Sketchbook Project ......................6

Prefect Assemblies .....................................6

Social Networking .......................................6

School Councils ...........................................7

Warren House Paw Patrol ..........................8

Normanhurst Sports Report .......................8

NSPA ...........................................................9

Headmistress’s Message

We have had a great start to the new school year at Normanhurst.

Our new pupils are settling into school life extremely well, whether

they have joined Kindergarten, the Juniors or the Seniors. It has

been lovely to see them settle into this very special school

community.

The excellent GCSE summer exam results have been the backdrop

to a positive and optimistic start to the term. I am looking forward

to everything that our pupils of all ages will go on to achieve in this

school year. We have exciting times ahead.

The September newsletter gives you a flavour of some of the

activities that have taken place so far this term, with much still to

look forward to including the annual highlight of the House Music

competition on the last Monday before the half-term break.

We have super prefect teams taking on their responsibilities in

both the Juniors and the Seniors and the School Council elections

have been held, so we have two new committees in place. We

have a thriving new Charity Committee and I am delighted that

many new and existing pupils want to be part of this team as well.

School clubs are also very well attended this term so far.

It is really encouraging to see how keen the pupils are to make a

contribution to school life and to become involved. This is

something we really value at Normanhurst.

With my best wishes

Mrs Claire Osborn

Headmistress

Rosh Hashanah in Reception

On Thursday 21 September, Reception celebrated Rosh Hashanah by learning about this special day and eating apples dipped in honey. The class discussed why the day was important for people who are Jewish and enjoyed singing a song Mr Grant showed them about dipping apples in honey.

The children enjoyed sharing the celebrations with the lovely ladies in the school office who were thrilled to be visited by Jacob and Sienna with an offering of apples and honey for their afternoon snack.

Learning was further consolidated by two creative activities about Rosh Hashanah with apples as the stimulus.

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 2

Chess Club

Junior Chess Club has proved as popular as ever with children from Year 1 to Year 6 enjoying the challenge of chess! It was lovely to see the older pupils help the younger pupils learn how to master the game.

Chess Club is held during Monday lunchtimes from 12:30; if you are interested in joining please let Miss Amini or the office know.

1S Animal Walk

On Wednesday 13 September Year 1S went out in to the local area on an investigative Science walk. Their aim while out was to look for and identify as many animals or insects as they could for their Science Topic ‘Animal Antics’.

The class were on the lookout for birds, spiders, mice, worms, cats, squirrels and woodlice. They tallied the number of times they spotted each animal and marked it down on a chart.

Later they grouped the animals and insects using their observation skills. The animal group that was spotted the most was birds.

Oak-Tree Schools Year 3 Camp

On Thursday 21 September pupils and teachers travelled to Oaklands School to take part in the Oak-Tree Schools Year 3 overnight camping trip. It was with great excitement that the children arrived to start a very busy two days full of activities. Everyone took part in lots of different team-building and leadership style activities, and even had to put up and look after their own tents! Mrs Prior and Miss Barnard were there to help, and everyone really enjoyed Mrs Osborn joining them to toast marshmallows! During the camping trip pupils had to make their own food and wash the dishes. The children loved their time camping together, and cannot wait to go camping again.

“We had to make our own tents, and it was really fun to stay outside in our tents! It was really fun having a sleepover in the tent with my friends from the class.” James

“I can’t wait to go camping again! I loved it when we went on a treasure hunt, to find treasure that the pirates had hidden.” Evie

“My favourite part was the breakfast!” Kayce

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 3

History of Chingford Projects

During the Summer holiday the pupils moving up to Year 5 were asked to research the History of Chingford. They had to research the local landmarks and places of interest. The children then came back and presented their projects to the class.

There was lots of different types of presentations, from time capsules to history books, posters and powerpoint presentations. The class found that even though there was a lot of information that was the same, everyone found out at least one thing that was different to everyone else.

Miss Stone is thrilled with the end results. Well done everyone!

Year 5 Study of Forces

Year 5 we have been learning about ‘Forces in Science’ and testing their effects. So far pupils have learnt about the effects of gravity and how the surface area of an object can change how fast it falls.

They have learnt about theories from famous scientists including Newton, Aristotle and Galileo. It was lots of fun measuring forces too using a Newton Meter.

New Year 7 Pupils

It has been wonderful to see the new Year 7 pupils settling into life at Normanhurst. They have already made a really positive impact on the school community and have impressed teachers with their enthusiasm and commitment to all of the different subjects they are taking. We asked a few of the Year 7 pupils how they have found their first few weeks at Normanhurst:

I am really enjoying school. It took me a few days to settle in. I prefer it to my old school as we get much longer for lunch. I really like playing table tennis at lunchtime and have made lots of new friends already. Veer 7C

“I have felt really excited about joining Normanhurst. I like the independence of moving to different classrooms for each lesson. It was a bit scary at first but everyone is so friendly and wanted me to join different groups. It is really easy to make friends. I really love Art lessons and Art club and am doing some really exciting work.” Kamile 7W

I really like Normanhurst because everyone is really welcoming. I like moving around to different classes because we get more responsibility. I found it easy to make friends. I like all of the lessons because the teachers make it fun and enjoyable to learn.” Claudia 7W

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 4

New Year 5 Classroom

Year 5 are very privileged this year to be in a brand new classroom. Everyone is very grateful for all the hard work that happened over the summer and are delighted with the new classroom. Here are some of the comments that pupils have made about it:

“I like this classroom because it is high up and bigger than our old Year 4 classroom.” Kian

“I like the fact that it is very high and a very big space.” Jordan

“Our classroom has a great view from the windows and I like that we are next to the ICT room.” Luke

School Improvements

After extensive work over the summer holidays to renovate the Maths and History rooms, the pupils and staff have really enjoyed their new spaces. We spoke to a few pupils about how they find working in the new classrooms.

“I am really enjoying working in the new Maths room. It feels spacious and light.” Yasmine 11D

“I feel like the changes to the History room have improved my learning. I think that the extra space makes it feel easier to concentrate as it has made the room a cooler temperature and it feels like we have much more space to work.” Tulsi 11D

“It feels spacious and I like the layout of the room. There is more space for movement in the lesson and it is easier to see the whiteboard.“ Kyarna 10T

“I have Business Studies in the new Maths room and the bigger space means it is much easier to see the white board. I like the fact that it is more spacious - it is definitely a big improvement.” Ella Faud 10T

British Sign Language Club

British Sign Language (BSL) Club has been a big hit this new year. The club is for children from Years 1-6 who are keen to learn another language. BSL is language used by those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The children have been attending on a Tuesday lunch time and are learning with Miss Stone and Miss Greenin.

“In Sign Language Club you learn BSL. You could sign the alphabet and much more.” Michaela, Year 6

“I like to come to BSL because I learn a new language. I just love Sign Language Club!” Hope, Year 1

If you would like your child to attend, please sign them up in the office or tell them to come along and try a lesson one Tuesday lunch time.

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 5

Year 5 Geography Walk

On Tuesday 19 September Year 5 took a survey of the local features and landmarks in the area. They took a walk up and down Station Road playing Geographical Bingo. The aim was to spot features like railway stations, bus stops, trees and bushes, and to use the observations to decide whether they live in a town or countryside environment.

Pupils learnt that, because they are in a London Borough that is also right next to a forest, they have access to both town and countryside features. In fact, they managed to tick off everything on their bingo cards! Everyone concluded that they are very lucky to live and go to school in an area that has so much around it.

LAMDA Success

In June, 18 students ranging from Year 1 to Year 9 took LAMDA examinations in communication and performance. The activities involved in the different grades of LAMDA exams include acting, public speaking, memorising and performing poems and pieces of prose, conversation techniques and discussing different types of literature.

Well done to all the students from Normanhurst; they passed their exams with very good grades with more than 75% achieving a very high distinction level.

Basketball Fever

A huge thank you to our wonderful NSPA for purchasing a new basketball hoop for the playground. As you can see, it is already a huge hit with Junior pupils, and equally so with the Seniors!

Please read the NSPA report at the end of this newsletter to find out all the exciting fundraising events that are already in the diary for the coming year.

Oak-Tree Joint GCSE Classes

Year 10 GCSE courses have begun with pupils benefiting from shared learning opportunities with students from across Braeside and Normanhurst Schools.

Normanhurst pupils are taught RS GCSE at Braeside (pictured) and Braeside pupils study Computing, Music and Drama at Normanhurst. It has been an exciting start!

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 6

Website Go to the School Calendar page for upcoming events and our News page for all the latest news and lots more photographs.

App Keep up to date with the latest news, calendar dates, and much more by downloading the new Normanhurst School App.

Instagram Follow us on Instagram for regular photo updates! Search for normanhurstschool to find us, then click follow!

Twitter Follow us @NormanhurstSch on Twitter to get the latest updates.

Facebook is our newest form of Social Media. Like us on Facebook to get news, photos, events and updates posted straight to your newsfeed.

Social Networking

Summer Sketchbook Project

Year 10 pupils beginning GCSE Art were asked spend some time over the Summer holiday developing an individual sketchbook on the theme ‘Collections’.

They were given a range of art materials and encouraged to experiment to develop their ideas into artworks.

The pupils produced an amazing range of outcomes which begin to form their individual artistic identities, making a really strong start to the GCSE course. Well done!

Prefect Assemblies

The new Year 11 Prefects delivered two assemblies to the Junior and Senior pupils. The purpose of their assemblies was to introduce themselves to the pupils and talk to them about the roles and responsibilities that Prefects undertake in the school.

The Prefects spoke about fulfilling duties such as playground duty, mentoring and pupil drop-in. They explained that their role went beyond these tasks and included the need to show leadership by example and strive to be positive role models. The Prefect team also spoke about the application process they went through, which included a formal application letter and interview with Mrs Osborn and Mr Beint.

They concluded their presentation by talking about the personal qualities that are needed to become a Prefect and how this helps them to carry out their role.

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 7

School Councils

Junior School Council During the Junior assembly on Wednesday the new school council was announced. Congratulations to the following pupils who have been chosen to represent their classes:

Reception Fisher - Eden

Reception Greenin - Ethan

Year 1S - Ewan and Leyla

Year 1W - Tahan and Aurora

Year 2 - William and Zain

Year 3 - Nicolas and Olivia

Year 4 - Charlie T and Alicia

Year 5 - Kian and Laila

Year 6 - Eric and Esta

Miss Stone will oversee the Junior School Council this year. She will have regular meetings with the class representatives and address life at school in general. She will look at ways to develop our young leaders.

Senior School Council Normanhurst has its own elected group of pupils chosen by their peers to represent general opinion regarding school matters. During the election process, candidates had to give a presentation to their form group outlining how they would fulfil their role on the School Council. The pupils then voted for a representative who will pass on feedback and suggestions from their form group to the rest of the school council at meetings.

Following some fiercely contested elections in form time, we are pleased to announce that the following pupils have been elected to represent their form groups on the school council.

Year 7C - Chelsea

Year 7W - Hope

Year 8K - Trinav

Year 8T - Crystall

Year 9B - William

Year 9R - Hashim

Year 10B - Jesse

Year 10T - Prince

Year 11D - Zarik

Year 11K - Holly

Council meetings will be held on Monday lunchtimes every other week, overseen by Miss Wren. The first meeting will be held on Monday 3 October.

Open Day Infants, Juniors and Seniors—Thursday 5 October at 6PM

Early Years—Friday 6 October at 9.15AM

For more information contact Ms Miller, the Admissions Registrar on 020 8529 4307

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 8

Normanhurst Sports Report

PE News This year the PE department will be awarding more weekly trophies. New for this year there will be a PE Star of the Week award for a boy and girl from Years 3 to 6. This will be awarded for excellent effort, behaviour, sportsmanship, achievement and always being prepared with the correct kit.

This week in the Juniors Sophie (Year 5) won the girls trophy for all round excellent behaviour, while Thomas and Timothy (Year 5) were joint winners for the boys for excellent bleep test results, setting new Junior records for the test. Well done.

Football The Years 9/10/11 football team started the

season strongly with an emphatic win over George Mitchell School.

The game featured some superb attacking football, with Tobi (Year

10) scoring a fine 18 yard goal. The game ended 9-5, and bodes well

for the coming season.

Warren House Paw Patrol

Friday 15 September was an important date in the school calendar for the children in Reception who are in Warren House. On this day, the old Bulldogs (Year 11) presented the new Pups (Reception) with their Warren House badges.

Lily and Nicole (Warren House Captains) told the Reception classes to wear their badges with pride, and that they now belong to an elite house that is rich with traditions. They also invited the Reception pupils to the next Warren House Assembly, where they will be formally introduced to the rest of the house.

Mr Botha reminded the Reception children to always do their best and to help the other members of the wider school community, just like Ryder and the Paw Patrol.

Mrs Fisher thanked the Year 11 pupils and said that the Reception children were very excited to meet their Year 11 leaders.

The Bulldog/Puppy badge ceremony is a relatively new tradition in Warren House that was instigated by the Year 11 group of 2016/17. It is part of a whole school effort to bring the older and younger children at Normanhurst closer together, evidenced in other school initiatives like the reading buddies scheme, where Senior pupils read with their Junior counterparts.

Normanhurst School

NEWSLETTER

w w w . n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l . c o . u k n o r m a n h u r s t s c h o o l N o r m a n h u r s t S c h o o l @ N o r m a n h u r s t S c h 9

Normanhurst School Parents’ Association

Dear Parents (old and new)

Welcome to a new school year from the Normanhurst School Parents’ Association.

This year we have set ourselves a very ambitious financial target in order to provide some portable IT resources for our pupils. In order to reach this target, we have some great activities for parents and children to enjoy throughout the year.

We kick off with our Annual General Meeting and would ask all parents to consider coming along. In addition to detailing what we are doing and why, it is a great chance to meet other parents and find out more about the governance of the school and role we play in supporting it. We are always looking for new volunteers to help run our events and we are always looking for new ideas. It is not a formal affair (well there’s a tiny formal bit) and we will be providing wine and nibbles.

In the meantime, please note the following dates in your diary.

10 October 2017 The NSPA AGM - all welcome

12 November 2017 Fireworks at Oaklands School

17 November 2017 Rock n Roll Bingo

10 December 2017 Winter walk through the forest

2 February 2018 Mini-disco - Kindergarten to Year 3

23 February 2018 Movie night - Years 4-6

18 March 2018 Forest Easter egg hunt

19 May 2018 The Summer Ball

23 June 2018 The Summer BBQ

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Until then, best wishes.

The NSPA Committee

Oak-Tree Group Fireworks Display

Sunday 12 November from 4.30PM to 6.30PM

£5 Per Child—£10 Per Adult—£25 Family Ticket

Oaklands School Grounds