Elves and Griffins have welcomed the new Pixies (reception children) to The Shire and to the Chadlington family and it has been wonderful to see just how well they work and play together and share some exciting and valuable learning experiences. In Pixies, our focus has been settling into a new environment, making new friends as well as us all getting to know each other.  We have had a great half term and have all settled so well.

One of the biggest changes we have made is introducing ‘Little Explorers’ on Tuesday afternoons. The children have been honing their culinary skills and cooking a tasty treat for those children who have been ‘out and about’. It has been a resounding success!

Our topic this term has been, ‘We are Storytellers – the world of Beatrix Potter’. Our art, DT, history and science has been inspired by this amazing children’s author. But let the children tell you what they’ve enjoyed.

"We all went on a trip to Cogges Manor Farm. It was amazing and fun!" Ada, Olek, Skye and Nevaeh

"In DT we have made lots of models. We loved making our rice rabbits. They are quite squashy and colourful." Allegra Emily, Deven, Shaun and Alfie P

"Every Tuesday we do cooking. We have made bunny biscuits with icing and sprinkles, Mrs Tiggywinkle bread rolls, cupcakes and pizza but our favourite treat were the delicious carrot and apple muffins … so far!" Merry, Jack, Lola and Toby

"We have been very active! We have been out and about to the park, berry picking, collecting autumn leaves and natural objects, and looking at our local history … and in all weathers. We also had fun on the balance bikes, too." Tia, Niamh, Noah, Rory and Mei

"We love art! We have painted with our own berry ink and with watercolour paints. We enjoyed our charcoal workshop where we drew birds. In our classroom, we have made a huge model of Beatrix Potter’s world, including Hill Top Farm and Mr McGregor’s Garden." Ada, Allegra, Nevaeh, Merry and Lola

We have learned a lot about the amazing Beatrix Potter. Here are some of our favourite facts:

“She used the world around her to create her brilliant characters.” Ada

“She had lots of special sheep they were called Herdwick sheep.” Allegra

“Herdwick lambs are born with black furry wool.” Merry

We enjoyed working together as a team across the Shire to build a passage and a warren for Peter Rabbit and his family.

“I liked making a car in the outdoor classroom using a cardboard box.” Jaiden

“I like our pumpkins on our tuff tray.  I like making cakes with them.” Clio

“I like making soup in Peter Rabbits house.” Poppy

“I like playing on the playground.  I like climbing and then running with my friends.” Mark-Andrew