Schools news round up (Including pupils go back in time in Roman experience)

The latest news from schools in your area.
Beechwood Park School pupil enjoys forest funBeechwood Park School pupil enjoys forest fun
Beechwood Park School pupil enjoys forest fun

Hemel pupils experience Roman times

The year 7s at Hemel Hempstead School have had an exciting start at their new school as they were visited by Roman Leigon XIIII, a company which shows children what life was like in the Roman times by reenacting various historical events dating back to 48AD.

Taking place over two days on Monday, September 22nd and Tuesday, September 23rd, the experience gave the pupils a strong understanding on the era which will definitely be helpful as they begin to study the Romans in their upcoming history lessons.

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The pupils learnt all about the military action of the Romans, who Leigon XIIII described as “formidable military machine, based on well-equipped, strictly disciplined forces, commanded by some of the greatest military minds in the history of mankind”, and much more.

The activities which the year 7s had the opportunity to take part in include taking the role and learning the duties of a Roman soldier and even being sold as slaves.

The also watched on as the group showed off their skills in archery to the pupils.

Head of History at Hemel Leanne Swaels, said: “The visit provided pupils with a strong understanding of the Roman Empire and of the daily life of a soldier to help them with their forthcoming studies.”

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She added: “The excellent behaviour of the pupils was commended by the Legion”.

Boy awarded £100 in 
design challenge

Shoe company Start-rite held a nationwide contest to find its next designer for its creative and stylish line of shoes.

Lucky pupil Tyrese Kara, 7, who attends Westfield First School in Berkhamsted, was one of five runners up with his jigsaw-patterned design which the company called a “great fit”.

There were hundreds of entries from all over the country, so what made Tyrese’s stand out? Eve Davies, the brand director of Start-rite, said: “What we liked about Tyrese’ design was the use of colour and vibrant imagination that had gone into the process.

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We challenge our own designers to surprise us each year, and these shoes had exactly the sort of design we are always looking for. It was great for us to celebrate our partnership with Living Streets, encouraging children to walk to school and bringing their ideas to life. We thank each and every child for taking part.”

Commenting about his design, Tyrese said, “I just created the sort of shoes that I would like to wear myself. I love art and design and it was good fun to be involved.”

The Head teacher of Westfield Primary School Suzanne Stace said: “We were delighted to hear that Tyrese was one of the five runners up in a Nationwide competition. We are extremely proud of him and will be celebrating his success with the whole school community and asking him to be involved in how the prize money will be spent.”

New outoor gym launched at Abbots Hill school

The girls at Abbots Hill school received a brand new outdoor gym on Thursday, September 18th.

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The sports teams captains were appropriately the first people to get to try out the apparatus in the new gym, each piece of which comes with detailed instructions and training tips so that the girls can get the best exercise possible. The equipment is weather-proof and can be used all year round.

The gym was provided by funds raised by the Abbots Hill Parents association, and chairwoman of the association Annette Jones was delighted to be there cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony to mark the exciting new addition to the school.

The equipment was made by the Great Outdoor Gym Company, who provided the school with apparatus including exercise bikes, obliques and seated rows.

The headmistress of the school, Mrs Elizabeth Thomas said: “The new Outdoor Gym is a unique addition to our already excellent Sports facilities. We cannot thank the Parents’ Association enough for all their efforts in making this unusual idea a reality. We hope both the pupils and staff will enjoy using it.”

Beechwood Park is turning over a new leaf

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Beechwood Park School in Markyate, St Albans, is opening a Forest School in an area of woodland in the school’s grounds.

Forest schools are a Scandinavian concept which was introduced to the UK in the 1990s. It aims to encourage the self esteem, independence, communication skills and self-confidence by exploring and appreciating their natural environment.

The junior department - reception to year two - at the school were the first to try out the new Forest school- they learnt about nature and risk handling, how to solve risks using their own initiative, and also improved their skills in team working.

Helen Dalkin, Head Beechwood Park’s Junior Department commented: “Typical activities will include building shelters, collecting firewood, finding treasure and learning about the diversity and identification of species and to respect the environment. All the activities are linked to the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, as well as being fun!”

‘Gorilla assembly’ for pupils at St Thomas Mare

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Students at St Thomas Mare School were treated to an assembly by childrens’ author Sue Hampton and illustrator Mary Casserley.

The assembley’s aim was to encourage children to use their imaginations more. Sue donned a gorilla mask to promote her twentieth story, “Gorilla Dreams”, and also to invite the youngsters to take part in a free competition by writing or drawing something related to her new book.

The students all had a great time, with pupil Catherine Reeves saying: “It was utterly memorising. It was brilliant how she was reading the book while the illustrator was drawing,”

Maia Hubbard said: “I am going to try to enter the competition and I want to read the book,”

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Sue, who is based in Berkhamsted, will be signing copies of her new book at her local Waterstones on Saturday, October 11th.

If you want to enter Sue’s competition, pick up an entry form at Berkhamsted Library or Arts and Crafts Centre before Saturday, November 1st.