Newsletter

World Book Day yesterday also saw several Governors with us as they enjoyed time in classes across the whole age range, as well as holding some of their termly meetings later in the day. One or two started with Chapel as early as 8.30am and were still here as we ended our last meeting of the day at about 5.50pm.  We are lucky not only to have such an able, knowledgeable and wise body of people but also incredibly grateful for the considerable time they give to King’s – all voluntarily!

A menu not limited to maths, language, literacy, break time with staff, book character costumes, music, drama, cold astroturf visits, hot fish and chips for lunch and science investigations were all in the mix of their day along with discussions, debates and decisions about the business aspects of the schools.

I, too, had a similar mix of WBD and the meetings.  I had a visit from Nursery 1 who were keen that I read to them from their basket of favourite books – how could I resist! (See photo below)

I have really enjoyed watching some matches recently with plenty of fun and skill to witness.  Close games, not so close games, it’s great to see so many children playing hard and for each other.  There have been lots of successes in competitions beyond school matches across the likes of equestrian, cross-country and squash (not forgetting the National Junior Pistol win) as well as with the more obvious but no less impressive netball and hockey teams at various ages. There are some multi-event competitions upcoming, too.

Going back to the mention of science investigations, next week is STEM week across the school and I have heard rumour that there has been a bit of an annoyance for one of the science team just recently  – no doubt we shall find out more on Monday?

We certainly put our detective skills to good use yesterday as we celebrated World Book Day by trying to work out the clues to each other’s favourite books. As ever, I was impressed with the creativity of ideas and thank you for your support in making the day memorable. On Monday, I read the brilliant book, ‘It’s a Book’ by Lane Smith to the children which perfectly sums up the power of a book over an electronic device. For a start, you don’t have to charge it up, remember a password or stay within Wi-Fi range to read it, and while it can’t tweet, blog or make sound it can transport you to amazing places through the power of your imagination. It was heartening to see most of the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 indicate they prefer books to devices in a quick poll during the assembly even though, as one child pointed out, “it can be harder to read books because you have to work out the words and you only have to listen to the iPad” Hopefully days such as World Book Day will continue to inspire our children to immerse themselves in the sheer joy of books for many, many years to come!

If you require day prep provision for your child next week please book them in using the link below. The booking form will close at 9.15 am on Monday; if you need to make a late booking or make any changes after this time please let us know by emailing SchoolOffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk.   

If your child uses School transport and you need to make any changes next week please email Transport@kingshalltaunton.co.uk to let us know.

‘The lull before the storm.’ 

We are all trying to keep things calm.  The next two weeks are going to be very busy for all of them as they prepare for their performances in the medley of plays from the books of Roald Dahl, this year’s show from Year 6. 

We are now well over half way through the academic year.  The children have all shown great enthusiasm and resilience through the cold, wet days and are looking forward sunnier and warmer weather.  Good luck to them for next week!  

WORLD BOOK DAY ROUND UP   

World Book Day celebrations kicked off on Tuesday when the WestEnd in Schools team visited to hold a marathon of theatre workshops exploring Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It was inspiring to witness so many children collaborating to bring the work to life.   

One of the three main aims of the current children’s Laurette, Joseph Coelho, is to inspire all children to believe they all have a story to tell and are future book makers. So in line with this other bookish collaboration have also been afoot this week. Classes from Nursery to Year 8 have joined forces to create our very own book as part of the King’s Hall ‘Great World Book Day story project’. Each tutor group has been taking it in turns to write the next instalment of what will become a fully illustrated book.  

Of course the library has marked the day with its usual mix of fun and excitement. Groups of children have gathered at various points to hear situational stories e.g. books set in forests read in the woods. Various games have been played in Library lessons – Two Truths and a Lie Book Edition seems to be a particularly popular way of peers introducing recommended books to each other! 

Back by popular demand we watched our very own production of The Masked Reader Season 3, much like ITV’s popular 'Masked Singer' but with less singing, cheaper sets and of course a much higher calibre of celebrity! This opportunity for staff to share our love of reading with the children witnessed a member of the catering team digitally enhanced as Thanos recount his love of Roald Dahl, a Headmaster willing to don a digital façade of pancakes to read from Flat Stanley and a very dubious looking chicken nugget with a Welsh accent recommend Philp Reeve books, to name but a few contestants!   

For this year’s World Book Day Competition we have jumped on an initiative from the British Library and National Literacy Trust. Echoing the children Laurette’s above aspiration the children have been challenged to produce a miniature book of their own. Mrs Lowery has already been astounded by the diversity and inventiveness on display. Children have been popping into the library to show her their works in progress - mini novels, poetry books, How To’s, and comics have all been spotted formats so far. Children have been given details in library sessions, but for any wanting a reminder or helpful hints there are full instructions accessible via the button below. Closing Date for entries is Friday 10th March.  

Finally, Friday should see pupils bring home their own £1 tokens which can be redeemed against any of the exclusive list of free World Book Day books available from participating booksellers and supermarkets or used to receive £1 off any full price book or audiobook (above the price of £2.99). Enjoy and keep reading – we have!  

On Tuesday we were visited by the amazing Westend In Schools company. Over the course of a whole day, all of Y1 to Y6 took part in Workshops exploring the life of Shakespeare and his play ‘The Tempest’.  Pupils had a wonderful time acting out the wild and stormy scenes from the play, as well as creating a human version of Shakespeare’s Globe – they really did bring it to life! Pupils also learnt about the many different types of people who visited Shakespeare’s theatre in the 1600s and why they went… it wasn’t always to watch the theatre! Well done to all the pupils who took part and  had a great time exploring Shakespeare to celebrate this year’s World Book Day.  

The Pupil Council invite you to get involved on Thursday 23rd March for a suggested donation of £2 or more if you wish the children will be able to wear home clothes to school for the day in support of the amazing work the RSPCA provide. Make a difference to animals housed locally at West Hatch Animal Centre. Here are a few photos of some of the animals currently at the centre.

Please click below to see this week's sporting updates via our King's Hall Sport Twitter feed.

It is at this time in the year when I start planning the sailing program for the Summer Term.  If you have a child in Year 5 –8 that you think would like to sail each Wednesday, please could you contact me as soon as possible. The cost of each session is usually £15 to £20 ahead depending on numbers.  There is no previous experience necessary as the children are taught by RYA qualified instructors during the term your children will receive qualifications as they reach the appropriate standards. Places are limited so if you would like to find out more information and sign up please do email me or complete this form to express interest.

Also if you would like your child to get some extra sailing practice in,  Wimbleball will be offering sessions during the summer holiday - Ospreys Sailing Weeks, RYA courses for children aged 8 to 18 on various dates. Please contact them direct  by emailing - learn2sailwsc@gmail.com

For Children aged 8 - 15. This exciting new residential camp at King's College is designed to help players develop their skills and techniques in a broad range of sporting activities, whilst having fun and making new friends in a safe and supportive environment. Over three days, children will gain access to a team of experienced coaches and have the chance to explore some of our wonderful facilities, including the state-of-the-art Sports Performance & Cricket Centre, netball and tennis dome, as well as sprawling sports pitches. 

To register or find out more visit the website www.kings-taunton.co.uk/events or email or phone Admissions - 01823 328204

A leaflet containing more information is available by clicking the link below

For school years Reception to Year 6

Join workshops from the world famous Matilda film and stage show. The programme will include learning songs, dances, staging and acting for castings from Matilda, delivered by Walker Performing Arts Academy. Train with working industry professionals from TV, film and theatre, and take part in a fun Acting for Camera and Casting workshop with a professional cameraman from Clockwise Films. Learn new skills in dance, drama and singing whilst growing in confidence, having fun and being creative. No experience necessary, just the passion and focus to embrace Performing Arts.

The workshops will run for three days at £195 per child, or there is the option to book two days or less for £75 per day.

Payments need to be made online via BACS