It's been a busy few weeks at the school since my last blog, what with Christmas stalking us as a lion might stalk a wounded buffalo. And this week, as exhaustion finally sets in, the lion of Christmas has decided to pounce. As we enter the final week of term, I have been reminded that Year 3 await my reflections on their brief November sojourn around the historic Roman wall of Exeter.
The story retold to me by the great and glorious leader, Caesar Lenius Pricius began on a cold, damp November morning, when, under the leadership of the two generals, Stepanius Webberus and Paulius Draperus, the 3rd Legion of the Bowhill Roman Army attempted to take back the walls of the old Roman city of Isca Dumnoniorum.
For a swift history of Roman Exeter follow this link to the City Council Website http://www.exeter.gov.uk/timetrail/02_romanfortress/growth.asp
Over a number of hours the legion of hardy foot soldiers investigated the many aspects of what is left of the Roman wall, entertained throughout by the witty anecdotes of their generals, rendered entirely in latin. Oh how we larfed!
Rations were duly eaten, (if any were left after many soldiers were found to have indulged themselves on the march uptown!) and artistic duties were divided between all soldiers with drawing implements to hand. Er, that's everyone then?
On their return Caesar inspired her generals and the 3rd Legion to use the intelligence gathered to create a replica Roman wall (not to scale of course), and reflections of the day's sortie were posted for the rest of the Bowhill army to see.
The 3rd Legion of the Bowhill Army can be proud of the work they have achieved and their knowledge and understanding of Ancient Rome has been greatly enhanced through the teaching and support of their Ceaser and her trusty generals.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Friday, 24 October 2008
Rock 'n' Roll High School
At 9.30 on a cold, bright autumn morning, Year 6 meandered purposefully down Cowick Street and up into town. Taking a left into Queens Street the rabble poured themselves into Rougement Gardens to spend some time sketching the war memorial as part of their studies of World War 2. Then having sketched, snacked and readied themselves for the prospect of a morning of musical mayhem, they finally arrived at their destination - the modernist facade that is Exeter College's Department for the Creative Industries. Year 6, accompanied by a bevy of teachers and their assistants, had a date with the cream of the college's national diploma students who were ready to share their musical talents with this eager crowd.
After his initial hesitance ("it wasn't like this in my day" he growled, as keen students laughed and jostled in the atrium of the building ) Mr Mawdsley settled down for a morning of hardcore rock 'n' roll and he wasn't to be disappointed. After a complex classical introduction delivered on the piano, another young man provided the children with a bit of light entertainment, a "cheesy" rendition of a little known tune masterfully played on the trombone; the kids loved it, mainly for its comic turn. This was followed by some serious metal guitar, taking the atmosphere to another sonic level. As fingers burned up the fretboard, the audience could hardly contain their enthusiasm for this glowering hormonal teenager "my name's Ed, and I'm gonna play ya somefin called..." He mumbled unintelligibly before launching into everybody's idea of a great Guns & Roses style guitar solo! Then followed more metal style guitar (accompanied by regulation long greasy hair and permanent scowl ) before we were treated to the enthusiatic ramblings of a singer songwriter with freshly coiffured emo-style hair and a song about lost love, stars and butterflies. The falsetto coda was somewhat lost on the ears of the Year 6 girls in the front row who obviously expected something a little bit less feminine from this impressive six foot frame.
Then came the drums; if there is ever a moment when you become aware of the energy levels in a room rising it is almost certainly most obvious when a young man bangs the stretched skin of a drum with two wooden sticks. However, the atmosphere in the theatre was to reach dangerously high levels electrically speaking, when ex-Bowhill pupil Gemma took her seat behind the drums and treated the audience to an outstanding version of Wipeout. Previously winner of the John Stocker Talent contest 5 years ago with an unforgettable delivery of Cozy Powell's Dance With The Devil, Gemma did not disappoint. Everyone in the audience was blown away including the guitarist attempting to match her indefatigable percussive skills, and she has no doubt inspired many of the young audience to think about taking up the sticks for a future in rock 'n' roll.
So, what could we be looking forward to as the morning of entertainment reached its climax? Well, it would be an ensemble piece, played by a group comprising of two guitars, bass and drums - the classic rock line up. The irony of the singer's introduction "I think you'll all recognise this one" was perhaps lost on the children as they launched themselves into that Old Grey Whistle Test Classic - Lynard Skynard's Freebird. Looking at his watch Mr Wardknott was heard to comment that he hoped they wouldn't do the whole guitar solo as there was only forty five minutes left to get back to school! To his relief the young rockers delivered a nicely trimmed almost indie version of the rock classic leaving plenty of time for congratulations and pats on the back for the attending musicians.
The children had witnessed the potential passing of rock history as we were reminded that one day we may well see some of these musicians on the TV or in a theatre or stadium near you. "Just remember" we were told "you saw them here first".
After his initial hesitance ("it wasn't like this in my day" he growled, as keen students laughed and jostled in the atrium of the building ) Mr Mawdsley settled down for a morning of hardcore rock 'n' roll and he wasn't to be disappointed. After a complex classical introduction delivered on the piano, another young man provided the children with a bit of light entertainment, a "cheesy" rendition of a little known tune masterfully played on the trombone; the kids loved it, mainly for its comic turn. This was followed by some serious metal guitar, taking the atmosphere to another sonic level. As fingers burned up the fretboard, the audience could hardly contain their enthusiasm for this glowering hormonal teenager "my name's Ed, and I'm gonna play ya somefin called..." He mumbled unintelligibly before launching into everybody's idea of a great Guns & Roses style guitar solo! Then followed more metal style guitar (accompanied by regulation long greasy hair and permanent scowl ) before we were treated to the enthusiatic ramblings of a singer songwriter with freshly coiffured emo-style hair and a song about lost love, stars and butterflies. The falsetto coda was somewhat lost on the ears of the Year 6 girls in the front row who obviously expected something a little bit less feminine from this impressive six foot frame.
Then came the drums; if there is ever a moment when you become aware of the energy levels in a room rising it is almost certainly most obvious when a young man bangs the stretched skin of a drum with two wooden sticks. However, the atmosphere in the theatre was to reach dangerously high levels electrically speaking, when ex-Bowhill pupil Gemma took her seat behind the drums and treated the audience to an outstanding version of Wipeout. Previously winner of the John Stocker Talent contest 5 years ago with an unforgettable delivery of Cozy Powell's Dance With The Devil, Gemma did not disappoint. Everyone in the audience was blown away including the guitarist attempting to match her indefatigable percussive skills, and she has no doubt inspired many of the young audience to think about taking up the sticks for a future in rock 'n' roll.
So, what could we be looking forward to as the morning of entertainment reached its climax? Well, it would be an ensemble piece, played by a group comprising of two guitars, bass and drums - the classic rock line up. The irony of the singer's introduction "I think you'll all recognise this one" was perhaps lost on the children as they launched themselves into that Old Grey Whistle Test Classic - Lynard Skynard's Freebird. Looking at his watch Mr Wardknott was heard to comment that he hoped they wouldn't do the whole guitar solo as there was only forty five minutes left to get back to school! To his relief the young rockers delivered a nicely trimmed almost indie version of the rock classic leaving plenty of time for congratulations and pats on the back for the attending musicians.
The children had witnessed the potential passing of rock history as we were reminded that one day we may well see some of these musicians on the TV or in a theatre or stadium near you. "Just remember" we were told "you saw them here first".
Fun fun rock'n'roll high school
Fun fun rock'n'roll high school
Fun fun rock'n'roll high school
Fun fun, oh baby
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Getting to Know You!
Thursday afternoon saw Year 3 entertain parents, aunts, grandparents and babies who had come to participate in a SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) activity session. The children were all given a 'hand' which was to be used as a canvas for positive thoughts about themselves. Working with parents and carers they thought of the things they believed they were good at and wrote these within their hand canvas. Then, after colouring in the fingers the hand was cut out and placed on a hand montage.
Tea, coffee and biscuits were the then the order of the day as parents and carers mingled with staff and children bathing in the warm afterglow of the afternoon's achievements; the activity had proved an outstanding success and the prospect of another SEAL session in the near future know doubt fills all who took part with enthusiastic anticipation.
The teachers leading the project were Mrs Price and Mrs Ward, and they were supported in sterling fashion by their squadron of teaching assistants; Mrs Draper, Mr Webber, and Mrs Perryman. It is without doubt the talent and enthusiasm of these members of staff that has helped the children make that difficult transition from the safe and nurturing environment of Key Stage 1 to the hothouse atmosphere of Key Stage 2, and the children are already showing their great potential.
Tea, coffee and biscuits were the then the order of the day as parents and carers mingled with staff and children bathing in the warm afterglow of the afternoon's achievements; the activity had proved an outstanding success and the prospect of another SEAL session in the near future know doubt fills all who took part with enthusiastic anticipation.
The teachers leading the project were Mrs Price and Mrs Ward, and they were supported in sterling fashion by their squadron of teaching assistants; Mrs Draper, Mr Webber, and Mrs Perryman. It is without doubt the talent and enthusiasm of these members of staff that has helped the children make that difficult transition from the safe and nurturing environment of Key Stage 1 to the hothouse atmosphere of Key Stage 2, and the children are already showing their great potential.
The Dawning of a New Era
Bowhill Primary School enters the blogosphere, with informative comment and humorous asides. The day to day happenings of the school will be documented and commented upon by teachers, pupils, parents and friends alike.
The journey through the school year will be reflected upon through The Bowhill Bugle blog; anything considered newsworthy or even blogworthy will be published along with images to inform and entertain. All that happens within our school community is potentially a story in the making and the blog will allow us to keep up to date with the all the breaking news.
The journey through the school year will be reflected upon through The Bowhill Bugle blog; anything considered newsworthy or even blogworthy will be published along with images to inform and entertain. All that happens within our school community is potentially a story in the making and the blog will allow us to keep up to date with the all the breaking news.
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