Looking at the world from new perspectives

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…’ This is most certainly true and, as we immerse ourselves in frosty mornings and our many Christmas preparations, we reflect on an incredible term of learning and making new memories together. This Autumn Term has seen our true Copthill ‘team player’ spirit emerge with all the staff and children showing excellent resilience in these unprecedented times; however COVID cases cannot quash our Copthill learners who have continued to throw themselves into all kinds of exciting experiences! Year 4 children, who have been studying the Romans, could be seen marching across the Copthill landscape with their self-made shields, helmets and swords in preparation for their Roman battles! They also constructed part of a Roman road and took part in a local archaeological dig in search of real Roman coins. This immersive learning experience inspired some incredible ‘invasion’ and ‘escape from Pompeii’ story writing. They have also been investigating life further back in history with exploration into prehistoric fossils and the discoveries of Mary Anning and, more recently, harnessing the spirit of Christmas by researching festive traditions around the world. In their Forest School sessions, all of the Upper School students have enjoyed developing their outdoor skills, learning how to use their experiences and expand their important bushcraft survival techniques as well as ensuring they know how to care for our world. This term has seen a huge world focus on the COP26 summit and this has been reflected in the children’s Forest School learning, with leaves being collected for our forest of promises and important climate change discussions and actions being debated. Some Year 5 pupils have written persuasive letters to Boris Johnson to ensure the UK tackles climate change effectively for future generations. Our Copthill children are truly the future and as they reflect on the differences they want to make in their lives and those of others, Year 5 have also been learning about significant individuals who have changed the world, including Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai and key suffragettes. It has been inspiring to hear the mature discussions Year 5 have had as they consider how important it is to stand up for equality between all people no matter what their race, gender or background. We were proud to see the incredible amount of money raised following our Children in Need Day, which Year 5 organised, and enjoyed multicoloured dressing up and a super countryfile ramble. In their science work, the children have been investigating reversible and irreversible changes with some very exciting experiments including making casein plastic, burning candles and melting chocolate. In the last few weeks of this term, we have been exploring the delightful tale of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ with some super drama work and writing of their own scenes. Year 6 started their term looking at extreme environments and weather phenomena including tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes and the formation of mountains, taking on the roles of researchers and journalists and producing some fantastic newspaper articles. They have also been developing excellent suspense and adventure writing techniques with some truly gripping James Bond-style stories. It has been a busy term for our oldest pupils, with some having already sat their entrance examinations and preparations for those taking place next term well and truly underway. Our roles and responsibilities have also been delegated and we are so proud of each and every one of our Year 6 children, who have all been given a role to suit their skills including heads and deputies, Early Years’ assistants, animal assistants and many more; thank you to them for all they have already done, including leading tours for our Autumn Open Morning. Year 6 have been continuing their space topic, learning all about the wonders of our universe and mapping out the distance between the Earth, Sun and Moon using toilet rolls! It’s a good job we have such vast grounds! In Spanish, the children have been learning how to name foods, read menus and hold a short restaurant conversation. We then went into the forest to cook our own Spanish paella over the fire. Later in the term, Year 6 delivered a truly moving Remembrance Service to remember all those who have fought for us and sacrificed so much over the years. They also researched the involvement of their own generations of families. The final weeks of term have seen Year 6 roaming their classrooms in all kinds of colourful attire as they prepared to perform their own African tales after studying this form of story. We had tortoises, lions and even porcupines make their appearance with some tremendous oral retelling of ‘how the…’ or ‘why the…’ tales around the fireside, complete with blankets and hot chocolate. In the words of Charles Dickens and his ‘Christmas Carol’ tale: “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.”. This term has given us so many moments of joy to celebrate. We wish you all a truly wonderful Christmas and look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.

Mrs Hesford

Upper School Leader