rInside Victoria Park

Prima y Academy

Summer Edition 2015

Hot air balloon at school! Around the world in 80 days!

Read about our new

Changemaker Party -

THE ACHIEVERS!

Humphrey the Camel returns! Read about our Smethwick Spice Walk!

PLUS Life After SATs, all new interviews, and we say a sad goodbye to Year 6!

Around the

World in 80 Days

Around the

World in 80 Days

Around the

World in 80 Days

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VPAs 3rd Birthday Celebration

VPAs 3rd Birthday Celebration

We came back to school at the beginning of June after our May half term holiday. It was a normal school day, but our teachers came onto the playground to meet us all dressed up. We couldnt understand it, as we hadnt been told that it was a special day! Mrs Peart was dressed as a Native American Indian and Miss Fowler was dressed as the Empire State Building (how odd I thought to myself) Mr Atkinson was wearing an American football outfit and Miss Thompson was dressed as a cheerleader! All the staff members were dressed up in different types of fancy dress!

We went in for registration and we were told that we were attending a special assembly conducted by Mrs Dhesi. When we arrived in the hall, we noticed that Mrs Dhesi was dressed in a traditional Asian suit. She began to talk to us about British Values when all of a sudden a man burst through the back doors he was shouting someones name. He informed us that his name was Phileas Fogg and he was looking for his companion and his suitcase as he had so many things that he had acquired from all around the world, but these had all mysteriously gone missing.

When we went back to our classroom we were informed that we would be travelling around 7 continents of the world and later that day we would be meeting Phileas Fogg and speaking to him in more depth.

Each year group had been given a continent to decorate their classroom in. We took part in many different activities which were themed in our various continents Year 6 had the Americas to focus on now, it made sense why our teachers were dressed up as they were! We had lots of fun in our classrooms taking part in the different activities that our teachers had planned for us to do researching the countries that made up the Americas, food tasting of

popular American food and drinks, puzzles and designing our own totem poles. Later on that day we went to meet Mr Fogg. We found one of the missing objects which was a dream catcher. We told Mr Fogg what we had found, he told us more about himself and that he had travelled around the world in a hot air balloon in 80 days.

We were meant to have a ride in a real life hot air balloon, but due to poor weather conditions this had to be cancelled. We were somewhat disappointed, but it didnt really matter as there was so much to see and do! The following day we got the opportunity to visit all of the other classes to see how they had decorated their classrooms in their continents. Reception was Antarctica, Year 1 Europe France, Year 2 was Asia, Year 3 transformed into Africa, Year 4 emerged into The Amazon and South America focusing on Brazil and Year 5 was Australia and New Zealand. We looked at their displays, resources and information. Some classes had prepared exciting activities for us to take part in while other classes had things for us to watch or listen to. We had to pick up a lot of information on our journey as we needed to fill in our special PASSPORT covering our experiences.

Finally a week or so later, we got to actually go up in a real life HOT AIR BALLOON. It was situated on our school field. The sun was shining and it was shocking to see how big the whole thing was. Mrs Peart waited with us as we edged closer to taking our turn. Sabrina, Nicole and I went up with Mrs Peart. It was scary at the start but it very soon turned into a fabulous experience which was so much fun! You could see over the tree tops and the houses.

This was the most wonderful experience ever.

By Armaan Ashfaq Class 6F

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Life After

SATs!

Life After SATs - Islamic Exhibition

On the 10th June, Year 6 went to the Islamic Exhibition Centre in Small Heath Birmingham. The purpose was to learn all about Islam and Islamic culture and faith. This was to help us to gain as much information as possible to put together our own Islamic exhibition to share with students at our sister school Rowley Park Academy.

Once we reached the exhibition hall we sat down and a lady showed us a video about the exhibition and what sections we would be visiting. There were 5 sections in total. First we went into the family section where we learnt about Muslim families and their values and principles. The lady told us that they had a surprise for us. The surprise was that we could dress up in traditional Muslim dress. It was really cool!

Next we went into the Science of Islam section. Here we were taught about great scientists who were Muslims. Then, we went into the Prophets section where we learnt about all of the different Muslim prophets these were: Adam, Abraham, Noah and Moses to name but a few.

All in all, we had a fantastic day and learned many new things about Islam that would help us with presenting our exhibition. We put a lot of work into researching information and preparing the resources for our own Islamic Exhibition. We used various artefacts, drawings, paintings, models, leaflets and posters, Power Point presentations, quizzes and goody bags!

The day of our visit to Rowley Park had arrived and we travelled to Stafford ready to meet the children and staff there. We set up our exhibitions and spoke to different classes of children and teachers. The pupils at Rowley were very friendly and seemed very interested and responsive to what we had to tell them and show them. We had lunch and went to socialise with pupils in the afternoon before we left.

It was good getting to know new people and sharing all we had learnt about the Islamic faith!

Thank you Rowley Park Academy for making us feel so welcome.

By Sara Saeed Class 6F

Life After SATs - Cinema and Bowling Trip

On Wednesday 20th May, the whole of Year 6 went on a trip to the Cinema and Bowlplex Arcade at Castlegate Dudley; this was to congratulate us on our efforts towards our recently completed SATs tests.

Firstly, we began our jazzy journey to get to the cinema. If you are wondering why it was jazzy, it is because the driver had played several nineties songs as we made our way to where we were going! Once some of us had arrived at the cinema, we purchased our over-priced refreshments, we took some selfies on the iPads and made our way to the screen which was showing our film. The film which had scored the most votes from the year group was, Spongebob Squarepants the Movie: Sponge Out Of Water; I have to say, this actually surprised me as I began to watch it! I had thought that the film was going to be like the programme of Spongebob. However, it was quite different. It was funny and entertaining. It ended with an amazing rap from the future dolphin, Bubbles.

After watching the film, we made our way to the Bowlplex Arcade. Here, I was totally astounded by an abundance of arcade machines and games. I played lots of games, including: car racing, claw machine, dance battle, basketball toss. I gained 846 tickets which I exchanged for items from the gift shop at the end of the day.

Next, we went over to the bowling lanes. None of my group won the bowling overall because we didnt have enough time to finish all of our rounds as Mrs Peart, Miss Fowler and other people from our team ended up taking each others goes, as a few of us needed to exchange our tokens for prizes.

Sadly, before long, it was time to make our way back to school. This time, the driver played more recent music, much to my dismay!

All in all, I had a fantastic day with my friends and teachers. It was well worth the wait!

Thank you, teachers!

By Nicole Eccles Class 6F

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SATs!

VPAs Changemaker Achievers PartyIn May our school elected their own Changemaker Party to represent the children when making decisions about the school. The various parties put their manifestos together and during an assembly pitched their policies to everyone. The whole school voted for the party that they thought would best

represent the school

Q1) Why did you choose the name THE ACHIEVERS? A1) We chose the name because anything we put our minds to do, we always make sure we achieve it; so the idea just popped in to one of our heads

Q2) What makes you think that you will be the best party to represent our school?A2) We are confident that we will be good team players, we have had lots of practise using our collaborating skills. We are ready to listen to what the pupils want and we will do what we can to get things done!

Q3) How did you choose the ideas for your manifesto?A3) We thought about what ideas people would be interested in voting for. We were keen to attract as many voters as possible. We needed to think tactically!

Q4) What is the first project that The Achievers will be working on?

A4) Firstly we will start off with some of the easier ideas like simple fundraising events and non-school uniform days.

Q5) How did your meeting go with the schools senior leadership team?A5) We havent actually met with them yet, we will need to arrange a meeting soon! Members of The Achievers Party are:

Lorenzo Cooper Freeman 5EDanish Ali Aziz 5BAmaan Khalid 5BMohamed Saif-Ulaah Farid 5BLecharn Shani Heath 5ERemar Farrell 5ESonia Kaur Gill 5ELenka Lazakova 5EAaliyah Downie 5EMohammed Issa Khan 5E

Interview compiled and conducted by Armaan Ashfaq Class 6F

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BALLOT STREET SPICE WALK

On Thursday 18th June, VPAs Spice Ambassadors and certain members of staff went on a trip around school and the local area with Humphrey the Camel. The aim was to draw peoples attention to a camel walking around Smethwick, thus encouraging them to enquire what was happening?

Our aim was to promote our Ballot Street Spice products: Mrs Mahals Masala, our new tea spice blend and Ballot Street Spice aprons and mugs. We wanted to speak to members of the general public to see if they used spices in their cooking, if they had any family spice recipes that they could share with us or if they had any interesting spice stories that they wanted to let us know about.

Just before Humphrey arrived, the Spice Ambassadors met up in the meeting room to have a briefing with Mr Clitheroe he was dressed in a very funny red chili outfit; in-keeping with our theme! We were issued

with iPads so that we could record our interviews.

Eventually, Humphrey arrived! We met Mr Morrish and Mrs Dhesi outside in our Great Garden area. We took photographs with the BBC News camera men and they were interviewing Mrs Mahal and various other people. Parents began to arrive and sat on the benches listening to speeches and interviews. We took more pictures and then we began to make our way walking the streets of Smethwick on our incredible Spice journey!

We walked along to where ASDA is situated; the BBC camera men were running about looking for any opportunity to film us. It was exceptionally exciting as who wouldnt enjoy grabbing the medias attention?

Once we arrived outside ASDA, many members of the local community stopped and stared; as they could barely believe

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their eyes we had to admit, it was a very peculiar sight having a spicy camel standing right in-front of ASDA shopping centre. We began asking members of the public questions about their spicy experiences.

Hours and hours flew by, however it did not feel like it. We hadnt noticed that the whole morning had flown by! We were treated to lunch at ASDA. Once we had finished eating, we made our way to Charles Pearson Court, Sheltered Housing Accommodation in Ballot Street. We began asking the residents how they were introduced to spice and they shared many historical stories and events with us.

One of the residents shared a birthday on the day we visited, so we all sang Happy Birthday to her. She gave us all hugs as we had sung beautifully! The photographer then took photos of us with the camel and the residents together.

We had posed for a special photograph on the corner of Ballot Street next to the road sign itself; Mrs Dhesi (Headteacher) and Mr Wynne (Deputy Headteacher) were both with us. We had experienced an incredible day of fun and communication. It was now time for us to head back to school. The fun and work was over (for now) and Humphrey had to leave us. There was a lot of work still left to do to promote all of Ballot Street Spices work, but that would all be left until another day!

You can see all the work the Spice Ambassadors have been involved in on our website, along with our merchandise which can be purchased. There is a special preview of our snazzy new song/rap which was written and performed entirely by the Spice Ambassadors - log on to www.ballotstreet.co.uk

By Jaskirat Kaur Class 6A

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Reception Visit Telford WonderlandBoth Reception classes went to Telford Wonderland at the beginning of June this visit was part of their NICER Challenge about making the forest magical. Kaleem and Zarah from RH and Beatrice and Kiana from RM shared their memories of the trip with us

Reception Visit Bayton Primary C of E School and Ninevah Ridge FarmRecently both Reception classes went to visit another Reception class at Bayton Primary School in Kidderminster. The school is closely situated to a childrens farm. Iqra Zaheer and Emre Umur from RH told us all about their adventure

Q1. What animals did you see at the farm?A1. Pony, pig, duck and horse.

Q2. What was your favourite animal at the farm? Why?A2. I liked the pony it seemed gentle Iqra I liked the horse it was big - Emre

Q3. What did you do at the school?A3. I took pictures and pointed at the places where the pictures were taken - Iqra I talked to the teachers and children from the school - Emre

Q4. Describe your visit in one word.A4. Amazing Iqra Surprising - Emre

Q5. Did you learn anything on your trip? If so, what?A5. The horses had to stay in the stables at night Iqra Ducks swim in the pond - Emre

Q6. What was your favourite part of the day? Why?A6. My favourite part of the day was going to the farm because there were ponies there Iqra My favourite part was going to the school because there was lots of things to do there Emre

Interview compiled and conducted by Armaan Ashfaq and Nicole Eccles Class 6F

Q1) What did you do at Telford Wonderland?A1) We went on really fun rides. We walked around the wonderland and we went in a maze. We also saw a giant- it was the biggest giant in town and it could speak!

Q2) What different things did you see?A2) We saw a giant! Lots of nursery rhyme and story characters.

Q3) What was your favorite part?A3) Our favorite parts were when we went on the rides. It was so much fun! I liked it when we went digging in the seven dwarfs mine.

Q4) Did you meet any characters?A4) We met Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Humpty Dumpty and so many more.

Q5) What fun rides did you go on? A5) We went on the spinning rides and the tea pot rides they were great fun!

Q6) Did you find anything interesting on your trip?A6) Yes, the giant. He was huge! Taller than the highest building!

Interview compiled and conducted by Rupinder Kaur and Jaskirat Kaur Class 6A

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Q1.What did you learn while you were taking part in your pedestrian training?A1. I learned what to do when I was out and about on busy roads and how to cross the road safely.

Q2.How do you cross the road safely?A2.First, you look left and then right and then left again. You need to look and listen all the time you cross the road.

Q3.What was your favourite part of the training? Why?A3. My favourite bit was when we were learning how to deal with cars that are in the way of us seeing the road clearly, because it is important

to be able to cross safely in traffic.

Q4. What is the most important thing you learned while crossing the road?A4.Looking left and right at all times and being safe.

Q5.Did you find it useful? Why?A5.Yes, because it will help me in the future.

Q6.Do you feel confident in crossing the road?A6.Sometimes, as it is so dangerous. I must make sure I always cross with an adult.

Interview compiled and conducted by Sara Saeed Class 6F

Year 1 Visit to Weston-super-MareYear 1 visited Weston-super-Mare as part of their NICER Challenge Pack back in May. They had a great time and this is what Khyanna Grey from 1H remembered from her visit

Year 1 - Child Pedestrian TrainingThe children in Year 1 recently took part in Child Pedestrian Training to help them to be more aware of traffic and hazards on the streets around us This is what Awwal Adigun from 1H told me

Q1. What was your best moment at the beach?A1. Eating the ice-cream which we all had.

Q2. What did you do at the beach?A2. We played games with our friends, went for a ride on a donkey and made sandcastles.

Q3. Did you see any animals? A3. Only donkeys and seagulls.

Q4. Can you describe how the beach looked?A4. The sand was yellow and wet and the sea was blue, the sun shone for a bit too.

Q5.How was your ride on the donkey? Did you like it?A5. Yes I really liked it because it was bumpy.

Q6. How could you describe your day?A6. Amazing and nice.

Interview complied and conducted by Nicole Eccles and Sara Saeed Class 6F

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Year 4 Birmingham Think Tank InterviewYear 4 visited The Think Tank as part of their NICER Challenge Pack Crazy Contraptions. Caroline Smith and Esra Umar Class 4J told me about their day

Q1. What did you learn at the Think Tank museum?A1. We learnt of an easy way to make slime. We also learnt how to control robots and different moving objects.

Q2. Would you recommend this venue to other people?A2. Yes. The reason being is that we were fascinated by all of the inventions that we saw. We had lots of fun and there were lots of things to see and do.

Q3. Would you like to work at a museum like this when you grow up? What are the reasons for your answer?A3. Yes and no. Yes, because wed get the opportunity to learn more and no, due to the fact that some things seemed very complicated to operate and to understand.

Q4. What was your favourite part of the trip? Why?A4. Science activities, because we got to wear cool clothes and everything we took part in was so much fun!

Q5. If you could describe this trip in one word what would it be?A5. Fascinating!

Q6. What was the one thing that you learned while you were there that sticks in your mind?A6. We learned that there is a chemical called Barox and what it is used for.

Interview compiled and conducted by Armaan Ashfaq Class 6F

Q1. When you went to Twycross Zoo, what animals did you see?A1. Penguins, Monkeys, Meer Kats, Tortoises,

Zebras, Elephants, Giraffes and many more.

Q2. What was your favourite animal there? Why?

A2. The Monkeys because they were bouncing

around everywhere and the Meer Kats because

they were always following us around.

Q3. Did you learn anything at Twycross Zoo? If

so, what did you learn?A3. That most of the animals have come from

other parts of the world.

Q4. Would you like to work at a zoo? If yes,

why? If no, why not?A4. No because the zoo smells of the animals

business and some animals are vicious and

fierce.

Q5. Would you recommend that others attend this zoo? Why? A5. Yes because it is a good experience and you

will learn a lot of new things.

Q6. Did any of the animals that you saw do anything funny? If so, what?A6. The Monkeys were eating their fleas, the

Meer Kats were trying to get out of their cage and

one of the Giraffes passed wind and then did a

number two in front of everyone!

Interview compiled and conducted by

Armaan Ashfaq and Nicole Eccles Class 6F

Year 3 Visit to Twycross ZooYear 3 visited Twycross Zoo as the end of their NICER Challenge Dinosaur Stomp comes to an end. Tychique Otette and Shakayra Heath both from Class 3F told us a bit about their visit

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Q1. How has your life changed since you became a Headteacher? A1. It has changed for me because I have to manage the whole school now, not just a small group of people.

Q2. What has been your most embarrassing moment as a Headteacher so far? A2. I havent had one so far however, a long time ago I was writing on the black board and then I turned around. At this point all of the writing went on the back of my top!

Q3. Do you prefer working in a classroom environment or in your new Headteachers office? A3. I like my office, but I love the classroom more; as the children are always buzzing.

Q4. If you could change one thing about your job as Headteacher what would it be? Why? A4. I would change the frequency of my meetings as there are so many and I seem to be having them all of the time.

Q5. What is your biggest accomplishment as a Headteacher so far? A5. Travelling to Sweden for a conference to talk about VPPA as there were many different schools there from all over Europe.

Q6. Do you enjoy being the Head of our school? A6. I enjoy the fact that I get to see what the whole school is up to. I also get to make decisions that will have a positive effect on the children.

Q7. How do you think the school has changed since you became our Headteacher? A7. I think there is more focus on the spices now than before.

Q8. If you could describe your life as Headteacher in one word, what would it be? A8. INCREDIBILE!

Interview compiled and conducted by Armaan Ashfaq Class 6F

Q1) Why did you go to the National Space Centre? A1) We went to the Space Centre in Leicester as it

was part of our NICER Challenge Pack How can we

design an App about Space? We went to explore

and learn more about space.

Q2) What did you see there? A2) There were so many things that we saw but

to name a few: we loved the moon rock, we saw a

colossal model of a rocket; with another rocket that

you could talk into a communicator and what you

said could be heard from inside the rocket - how

cool is that?!

Q3) What was your favorite part of the day? Why? A3) There was a cinema inside the actual Space

Centre. That was our favorite part. It was great to

be inside it. It was 3D and a first time experience

for us. You could look all around the cinema as

there were special screens everywhere. Wherever

you looked, there was a photograph - It was

amazing!

Q4) When you got there, what were your first

thoughts? A4) At first, we thought it was going to be quite

boring. However, towards the end we had to admit

it was fantastic!

Q5) In one word describe your day and the experience. A5) Amazing!

Interview compiled and conducted by Jaskirat Kaur

and Rupinder Kaur Class 6A

Year 5 Visit The National Space Centre in LeicesterAs part of their NICER Challenge Pack Year 5 travelled to Leicester to visit the National Space Centre. Sonia Gill and Lecharn Heath from Class 5E told us what they got up to

Teacher Interview Mrs Dhesi - Life as a Headteacher Mrs Dhesi took over the headship of VPPA in September 2014. Her first academic year in charge of our school has almost come to an end - lets see how she has enjoyed her new role

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GOODBYE YEAR 6S!To end this issue we say a sad goodbye to our brilliant Year 6s. Here is

a selections of their best, worst and funniest moments from their time at

VPA. Good luck in the future Year 6, we will miss you!

I dont really have a worst memory of school, but if I had to choose one it would have to be, when I had to stay off school for around 6 weeks as I needed to have a life-saving operation. It was a scary time to say the least, it was also a time when I encountered a lot of pain. When I

eventually returned to school, surprisingly, I was actually glad to be back!

During my primary school life, I have had many funny memories. I cant really think of one off of the top of my head because there are often times when we always say and do silly things that make us laugh for ages-sometimes making us cry with laughter!

Its hard to choose one best memory, as again, I have several best memories. I suppose, thinking about it, my best memory is that of my friends; including all the hilarious times we have had together! My friends have played a vital part in my life so far. I am SURE I will NEVER forget them!

To all of my friends, I wish you all the best while you are at Secondary School and for all the years to come.

By Nicole Eccles Class 6F

My best moments are when I am able to play with my friends and have fun I have made some fantastic friends while Ive been at VPA and I will never forget my time here!My funniest moment has to be when I was in Reception Class and I had really convinced myself that I could perform magic!My worst moment was when I broke my foot as I was in a lot of pain and I had to have some time off school.

By Sara Saeed Class 6F

My best moment at VPA was when I became a member of VP Zine; as I had wanted to be a part of the team for a

long, long time! I had desperately wanted to be a member of, what seemed, an amazing team. To be able to contribute

to the whole magazine by writing articles and illustrating texts. Once Mrs Peart and Miss Akhtar had offered me a

place, I became so excited and I was not disappointed as I have loved being a part of this fabulous team!

My worst moment is hard to think of as I have had a splendid time at this school! I guess, thinking about it, Ive been most sad when my best friend has become upset. On the few occasions this has happened, Ive been upset too.

My funniest moment in this school would be when my friend was competing against someone else in a number

bonds challenge. It was towards the end of the school day and her opponent answered the question much more

quickly than shed anticipated. My friend just stood there in shock and answered Uh, YEAH! and then quickly walked

to her seat in a very embarrassed state!

By Rupinder Kaur Class 6A

I remember when we had the Bogdans come crashing into our school, when a witch came out of a blue door with a moon on it in the playground. Its things like that which are all GREAT memories that I will keep safe! Being with all these fantastic, hard-working teachers throughout all my years of being here is definitely one of the best moments ever. They are, quite honestly, the best teachers alive!

My worst moments have been when I go in to clumsy mode and hit and trip over EVERYTHING! Ive had some real bad knocks - Ive

grazed my knees, hit my arm and so many other injuries! Im grateful to the dinner staff and the first aiders for helping and

looking after me.

My funniest moment. Well, there have been so many one that sticks in my mind is one that makes me really laugh and I know Ill look

back on it when Im older. Its the time when Jamie from 6A jumped on my back and literally made me trip over and fall. To add insult to injury it was on my birthday! It was so funny that I will never forget

it. I remember laughing hysterically after it had happened!

Im so happy that I came to this school and that Ive been able to meet all these wonderful teachers and that Ive made some fantastic

friends throughout my primary school years.

By Jaskirat Kaur Class 6A

While at Victoria Park Academy I have had many memorable moments; my worst memory was when I got into trouble in year 4 at dinnertime. I was

screaming and laughing at the dinner lady; I was then told to stand by the wall for time out for the first time ever!

My best moment was when I found out that I had got Mrs Peart teaching us in Year 6 and when I met Miss Fowler for the first time.

My funniest moment was when I was in Year 1 A girl named Polade (who has sadly left now) chased everyone in the playground with her shoe in her

hand, this was for no reason at all!

By Armaan Ashfaq Class 6F

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