newsletterIssue No 13 | 2014-15 | Friday 8 May 2015

Follow us on Twitter: @DameBradburys

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Dear Parents,

In recent weeks the news has been dominated with political rhetoric, debate around the major parties’ manifestos and the perceived impact of any one of many government structures. At a number of levels our children are unable to understand the wider implications, but I have been delighted by the debate and discussions that have emerged when a particular policy or view has captured their interest. Last term, we were pleased to welcome into school Sir Alan Haselhurst and Mr Rich; both of whom spoke in detail with our Year 6 children about the significance and importance of a democratic society and the responsibilities of informed voting. Today, as I write the newsletter, I am feeling less empathetic towards the rights of voters when their unconscious disregard for our school is palpable in their driving onto site. My thanks go to all of the parents, staff and children who have embraced our position as a polling station, and for your patience with the car park, and for further promoting the rights of voting for our community.

The tragedy of the earthquake in Nepal has been a topic of great discussion in the classrooms and the stories seen on the television have roused our children to want to do something to support the many people affected. The Junior Concert will be a time for reflection and an opportunity to come together as a community to raise awareness, and funds, for those in desperate need. Being a responsible global citizen is more than voting or donating a few pounds to a valuable cause; a global citizen is someone who empathises, someone who goes the extra mile to do what they can. I was therefore delighted to hear that Lucy Paramore in 3W raised over £74 selling cakes at Pure Rhythm on Saturday in aid of the Nepal disaster supported by other members of Dame Bradbury’s. Well done to Lucy for the initiative that she showed.

Being a global citizen is simply what our children are. They live in a world where another continent is just a click away, where they live and work alongside families from many nationalities and cultures, where they recognise that education isn’t a right for every child and they begin to understand the cost of education for many. One such story shared this week is that about schools in Sierra Leone. The children at Dame Bradbury’s have been aware of the devastation caused by ebola but their understanding of the consequences is justifiably naive. One story that did resonate with some of our children is that in recent weeks the schools in Sierra Leone have once again opened their doors after nine months of shut down to help contain the disease. For some a nine month holiday seems rather appealing but for many the opportunities denied them were too great to contemplate.

The world has been made a much smaller place through the world wide web but also by faster, more efficient transport. The Central Japanese Railway recently recorded one of its new trains reaching speeds of up to 374 miles per hour, a little scary to contemplate. Another form of transport that sits far more comfortably is that of air travel. We were delighted to welcome Captain Hanbury-Tracy (father of Max, Year 5) to school last week to deliver a superb One O’Clock Talk. Captain Hanbury-Tracy is a pilot for Easyjet and gave us all a fascinating insight into his intensive ongoing training, day to day responsibilities and challenges to some of the features of the training simulators and also the planes that he flies regularly (Airbus A320).

From the Head of Dame Bradbury’s

newsletterIssue No 13 | 2014-15 | Friday 8 May 2015

Follow us on Twitter: @DameBradburys

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The children, as ever, asked some brilliant questions such as whether or not helicopter training is similar to aeroplane training (it is!), where the biggest Easyjet airport base is (Gatwick with 80 Easyjet planes making up 40% of all the planes based there) and whether Captain Hanbury-Tracy flies himself to his holiday destinations (he’s just a regular passenger at that time).

The ability to fly still evades the human being but we were delighted to welcome into school some very clever feathered friends. The children in Year 2 enjoyed a visit from The Raptor Foundation. This visit linked directly to their owl project in literacy, their learning in science all about plants, animals and their habitats and their work in PHSE developing confidence in new situations. During the visit the children were able to broaden their understanding and ask pertinent questions about the range of owls around the Rainey Hall. The children were invited to handle some of the owls and gently stroke the birds.

In addition the children in Year 1 and 2 were invited to watch as the owls were encouraged to fly over the heads of the children and receive a food treat as a reward. The children were thrilled to be able to see these beautiful creatures at close range.

Investigating living things, understanding survival and what it takes to thrive starts at an early age and Year 3 have been taking a very hands-on approach to their science topic on growing healthy plants. As well as lessons outside in the Teaching Garden, they used sunlight and moisture to trigger germination in bean seeds and will be watching closely to see the next step in the plant’s life cycle.

A hands on approach to learning is widely encouraged at Dame B’s. The Chinese philosopher Confucius stated ‘I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.’ As part of a topic on Toys, Year 1 went on a school trip to the Museum of Cambridge. They had a lovely time exploring old and new toys and even making their own! In the morning they were toy detectives, sorting toys into old and new by using their five senses to identify which category each toy fell into. They then had time to explore the museum and decide which toy was their favourite. After lunch the children made their own peg dolls to keep, although we are going to borrow them to display in school for a little while first! It was a great day which helped to bring our topic to life.

From the Head of Dame Bradbury’s

newsletterIssue No 13 | 2014-15 | Friday 8 May 2015

Follow us on Twitter: @DameBradburys

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Kindergarten enjoyed meeting up with their friends from Madingley at the beginning of this week. It was a great collaborative morning, the children shared snack together and enjoyed exploring and investigating in the new indoor and outdoor play area. Mrs Forshaw has mentioned on more than one occasion how lovely it was to use their superb play area. It was also a great opportunity for staff to share ideas and experiences. As always the highlight for Kindergarten was travelling on a school bus and having a picnic snack!

We are looking forward to welcoming Madingley Reception children to Forest School next week. Our Forest School wood has changed beyond recognition from the cold, bare winter months. Now, cow parsley and nettles are growing as tall as the children. Minibeast hunting has become a favourite activity as slugs, woodlice, worms, centipedes are in abundance under our circle of logs. Children count the number of legs and antennae and compare differences. Our

tree swing has become a team building activity as the children independently organise turn-taking. Some choose to use tools to dig holes which may reach any destination.

From the Head of Dame Bradbury’s

newsletterIssue No 13 | 2014-15 | Friday 8 May 2015

Follow us on Twitter: @DameBradburys

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The start of the summer term held the promise of beautiful afternoons to watch the girls and boys play cricket and one of our first fixtures was played on Wednesday 22nd April against St John’s, U11 in a twenty overs per side cricket match. Having lost the toss and been put into bat, Dame Bradbury’s made a slow start and lost early wickets as the St John’s bowlers made early inroads into the Dame B’s batting line up. The introduction of Henry Wiseman to the crease helped to pick up the run rate as Henry hit four fours in quick succession until he departed having been caught behind for 16. The lower order rallied and reached the score to 72 at the end of the innings with a notable contribution from Josh Izod (12).

Defending a low total, Dame Bradbury’s bowled a consistent line and length, but failed to make the breakthrough as the St John’s batsmen built a solid opening partnership. It was captain Archie Morgan who finally picked up a wicket with the score at 46-1. This sparked a mini collapse for the batting team with five wickets falling in quick succession with Adam Albright and Charlie Underwood the pick of the bowlers. However despite the team continuing to bowl very well St John’s reached their target with four wickets to spare. It was a good team performance from Dame Bradbury’s in their first game of the season.

Sadly the weather has been less kind, and in typical British fashion rain has indeed stopped play. Fingers crossed for brighter weather over the coming weeks!

Key dates:11.05 - Pre School Yoga session11.05 - Y5 Visit to Saffron Walden Museum13.05 - Y5 Visit to Bishop’s Stortford College Science in Action Centre12.05 - 15.05 Year 4 York Residential15.05 - Year 2 Assembly 18.05 - 22.05 Art Exhibition18.05 - 22.05 Class Concerts18.05 - 22.05 Prep Summer Exams21.05 - Early Years parents watching Big Gym22.05 - Year 4 Puppet Assembly 22.05 - EYFS Come dressed as a Superhero

With kind regards,

Mrs Tracy HandfordHead of Dame Bradbury’s School

newsletterIssue No 13 | 2014-15 | Friday 8 May 2015

Follow us on Twitter: @DameBradburys

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Art Exhibition - 18th to 22nd May 2015

Twitter and TumblrDon’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Tumblr to see what else happens at Dame B’s throughout the term!

Friday 15th May 20157.30pm at Senior School Hall

Teams of 6-8£10 per head to include supper

Bring your own drink--------------------------------------------------------------Order Form

Team Name: ...............................................................................................

Number in team: .......................................................................................

Supper Choice (number of each):

Grilled Chicken: …………………. Moroccan Meatballs: ……………..

Sweet Potato Falafel (V): ……………….

All served with super slaw and Italian brown rice

Please make your cheque payable to: The Stephen Perse Foundation PFAand hand this form along with your cheque to your child’s School Office

or the Senior School Reception

The Stephen Perse PFA warmly invite you to a Quiz Evening on all things food & drink, on Friday 15th May 2015 at the Senior School Hall from 7.30pm. Teams are to be 6-8 people and the ticket price of £10 includes a delicious supper of

either Grilled Chicken, Moroccan Meatballs or Sweet Potato Falafel - all served with super slaw and Italian brown rice.Please feel free to bring any liquid refreshments.

Please return the form below to your school office. We look forward to seeing you there,The Stephen Perse Foundation PFA