This week we have been focusing on reasoning – the action of thinking about something in a logical sensible way and drawing inferences and conclusions through its use. We know that reasoning is a useful skill for life, not just in our Maths lessons! We have also been improving our vocabulary with our ‘Word of the Week’, ‘mysterious’ and incorporating it into our conversations with friends and teachers as well as using it in our writing!
Forest School
We are very excited to announce that Cypress Upper will be adding Forest School to our curriculum offer in the summer term.
Forest School has been an integral part of education in Scandinavia since the 1950’s. Their philosophy of the Forest School was based upon a desire to provide young children with an education which encouraged appreciation of the wide, natural world and which would encourage responsibility for nature conservation in later life. At Forest School, children are encouraged to make choices and follow their own learning in a range of activities that include: den building, natural art and sculptures, mini beast hunting, leaf collecting, tree identification and using simple equipment such as magnifying glasses, digging tools, bug boxes, string and rope along with making a campfire and toasting marshmallows! If you have received a letter in your child’s bag, please return the slip as soon as possible. Parents and teachers of children that participate in Forest School report improvement in independence, health, communication, self-esteem, confidence and a child’s social outlook. We are very excited about this development and the benefits it will bring to the well-being, independence and self-esteem of our children!
The sessions will take place in the Lower School grounds, will be approximately an hour in length and will be led by our qualified Forest School Leader, Kathryn Spencer. Mrs. Spencer has been working in schools for the last 20 years, facilitating gardening clubs, outdoor learning activities and delivering Forest School sessions for the last 10 years.
Mystery Writing Competition
We are also very excited for next Monday’s assembly, as Mrs Parker is visiting to announce the winners for the Mystery Writing Competition, judged by Margaret Bateson-Hill and Judith Eagle! Well done to all who entered – keep your fingers crossed!
Cypress Superstars
Cypress Superstars this week are: Viola (Cedar) for an amazing piece of descriptive writing inspired by a scene from the book Matilda, Ashtri, Joe & Alesha (Birch) for the performance of their expressive writing which featured a scrumptious chocolate cake (yum!), Kaiana, Oliver and Alima (Rowan), who earned their Gold certificate in reading – great job! Kemara (Willow) also earned her Gold certificate – we are very proud of you!
Word Wizard
Well done to Gracie, who was our Word Wizard this week, using the word industrious correctly in a sentence!
Visitors to School
I know that some parents are wondering when peripatetic teachers will be returning to Cypress for Music lessons. As per the risk assessment, updated this month, only essential contractors will be allowed into the school to minimise the risk of transmission to children and staff. This, of course, is under constant review and we are monitoring the evolving situation closely.
Thank you for your support.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs Carpenter & the Cypress Upper team
