March 15, 2010

A Cinderella who didn’t want to marry the prince?

Only ONE ugly sister?

A Fairy Godmother who wanted to retire early?

Major Mustard treated Year 1 and 2 to a very funny version of the well-loved fairy story at the end of February. Cinderella wanted to go on holiday with Buttons rather than marry the prince, who contrary to expectations, wasn’t handsome at all and ended up carrying off the Ugly sister – or was that the other way round ?

Major Mustard  in his versatile style, managed  the puppets and voices of all the characters and explained to the children that some of these stories date from the 13^th century.

This is part of a week’s study for Year2 who danced to the music of Prokofiev and wrote the story from the viewpoint of the little mouse – Cinderella’s friend. I wonder if he went on holiday with Cinders and Buttons?

March 15, 2010

On Tuesday 9 March, violin and cello players from Years 3 to 6 held an excellent concert in the music room, demonstrating their skills from beginners to Grade 7 level. Violinists performed traditional favourites including Old MacDonald, Ode to Joy and Au Clair de la Lune as well as the theme tune from the Flintstones. We were treated to some very mature performances including Souvenir de Sarasate by Potstock too.

The cellists played Hungarian Stomp by the ever popular Pam Wedgwood, Gluck’s Dance of the Blessed Spirits and the event concluded with the percussion interlude in Tap Dancer by Blackwell. Well done to all pupils for their hard work in preparing for this event.

March 15, 2010

On Tuesday 3^rd March, the first of this term’s concerts took place in the Music Room with pupils of all abilities and Year groups performing Clarinet, Saxophone and Flute pieces. Mrs Shaw was present to accompany her pupils, both solos and a duet. We were treated to a range of styles from traditional favourites such as Yankee doodle and When the saints, to arrangements of well known pieces from Opera and classical classic including La Donna e mobile and Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony. Some pupils had only been learning for a matter of months and others for years, but the standard throughout was excellent. Well done to all involved.

March 15, 2010

On a cold March morning, Year 2 set off to the Vale site at Birmingham University to assess the area in terms of facilities and safety as part of their Geography studies. They focused on rubbish collection, the lake, how wildlife is encouraged and also  the trees and flowers that grow in the area. They record the data on paper and on camera and make suggestions for improvement and how the area is to be maintained. It looks as if they found a first sign of Spring!!