As we welcome the children back after their Christmas break, refreshed and re-energised for the term ahead, we can look back on a very positive end to 2019. We were delighted to have been ranked third Best Small Primary School in England in the Sunday Times’ Schools Guide. Hot on the heels of this news, came the announcement that we have once again been named top state primary school in Hampshire, with 100% of pupils meeting the expected standards. My thanks to all the staff, governors, parents and children for their ongoing support and hard work, which make these amazing achievements possible.
December also saw a packed programme of festive activities, including our ever popular nativity and Senior Citizens Christmas tea party. We were delighted to welcome so many local residents, who came to watch the nativity play, “Everyone Loves a Baby”, brilliantly performed by our key stage one pupils. As the story unfolded, the audience was treated to some wonderful singing, dancing and acting.
For many of our children, this was their first time in front of an adult audience, so we were extremely proud of them as they all rose to the occasion amazingly well.
Following the performance, the parishioners were invited to stay for a delicious afternoon tea, which the children in Years 5 and 6 helped to prepare and serve. The afternoon concluded with all of Key Stage Two children performing a number of rousing Christmas songs and carols.
Just two days into spring term, the children were treated to an educational visit from The Open Box Theatre Company, which delivered three excellent live-theatre workshops for Oaks, Beech and Willow classes.
Oak Class, who have just started their topic of Traditional Tales, were enthralled by an exciting and energetic re-enactment of Cinderella, leaving some convinced their teacher, Mrs Allnutt, was really a princess in disguise!
Meanwhile, Beech Class’ new topic of The Great Fire of London was launched in style, with an action-packed re-telling of this historic event. The class was magically transported back to London, 1665, with tales of spots, rats, sneezes and fleas, as the Great Plague took hold. As the long, hot summer of 1666 unfolded, the children learnt how The Great Fire of London started. The children met key figures, such as the famous baker, Thomas Farriner, Samual Pepys and the Mayor of London, all brilliantly brought to life by the actors. There was great excitement at the end, when the children formed human chains to extinguish the fire!
In an equally active and inspiring workshop, the children of Willow class became Roman soldiers for the afternoon; training, marching and conquering Britannia, as well as preparing for the arrival of their Emperor.
These drama workshops were an invaluable opportunity for the children to ‘live and breathe’ their topics and will really help enhance their understanding, enjoyment and overall learning experience.
Later this month, Rowans will be taking part in Bikeability, the cycle training programme which teaches children the necessary skills to ride confidently on today’s roads. Meanwhile, singing rehearsals continue apace, for the much anticipated Voice in a Million at the SSE Arena in March. Amport School is thrilled to be taking part in this exciting event, which sees up to 6,000 school children of all ages, performing together, in what has been described as ‘the world’s most spectacular school concert’.