Pupils at Bitham Brook Primary School recently had a term to remember as children were visited by published authors, went out on special trips to the Roman Baths and Stonehenge, and pupils even raised money for good causes through their fundraising events – plus lots more!
The school say, “We were thrilled to be visited by published children’s authors, Anthony Burt and Onjali Q Rauf. Anthony ran a series of fun and inspirational assemblies for the children hoping to inspire the next generation of writers, and he stayed on after his assemblies to carry out a book signing of his wonderful novel ‘The Animal Lighthouse’. Onjali’s books are especially noteworthy for helping the children of today understand and deal with a range of issues in a narrative that they can relate to in an engaging way.”
Last term also saw more children embark on their school funded class trips, and Year 4 were up first with a visit to the Roman Baths.
The school say, “The children had the chance to look at and handle lots of 2,000-year-old Roman artefacts, and the fun-filled day saw the children carry out their own archaeological dig in the investigation zone, get creative with mosaics, and dress up to experience life as a Roman. A brilliant hands-on day was had by all!
“Year 5 took a trip to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium where the children made slime in a states of matter workshop, looked at the solar system in the planetarium and got to explore lots of fun science experiments.”
Local walks and visits
Year 1 pupils also went out to visit some of the historic buildings around Westbury last term to aid their history topic, and Year 2 pupils visited All Saints’ Church.
The school say, “During the visit, the children experienced an interactive journey around various stations at the church, with each station exploring the different parts of the Easter story and discussing what Easter means to Christians. The church commented on how wonderfully the children interacted during the session; they were inquisitive and respectful and came away with a whole host of new knowledge.”
The reception class also had a visit from two police officers who taught children about keeping safe to tie into their lessons on stranger danger, as well as a receiving a special visit from Estrella, the vet, where pupils got the opportunity to treat a four-legged friend. Children finished off the term with a visit from one of the children’s parents who runs ALW Dance School who led a dance lesson.
Bitham Detectives and pupil’s work at the Westbury Library
The Year 5s also had the opportunity to take part in a special crime scene mystery by looking at clues and evidence to see if they could crack the case. They used the five w’s (who, what, when, where and why) to help them work out who stole the missing diamond. The children then used the experience as part of their writing module to create a newspaper report on the crime.
The Year 3 children have also been busy producing work to display at the Westbury Museum this term, as well as celebrating the Hindu festival Holi, and visiting Stonehenge.
The school says, “If you pop on down to Westbury Library, you will find a whole display of their wonderful work for all to see. As part of the children’s big write, they wrote individual letters to the prime minister to outline their hopes and dreams, along with their ideas and suggestions for change in the country. They also asked questions such as ‘what made you want to become prime minister?’. The children were thrilled to receive a letter back on behalf of the prime minister thanking them for their ‘wonderful letters’, and for their ‘ideas and suggestions on making the world a better place’.
“The children also got creative whilst celebrating the ancient Hindu festival Holi and did a fantastic job in bringing a splash of colour to the playground! The children then concluded the term with their class visit to Stonehenge. The visit linked with our history topic on early civilisations.
“On the trip the children had the opportunity to explore Stonehenge and the surrounding area, as well as take part in a discovery session where the children spent time exploring what life was like for people living during the time that Stonehenge was built.”
Fundraising at the school
Friday 17th March saw Bitham Brook join the nation to celebrate Comic Relief, with the children invited to wear non-uniform and bring in a donation for the Comic Relief appeal. All funds raised have been forwarded to Comic Relief for their work around the UK and globally, tackling inequality and bringing about lasting change.
The school say, “A big thank you to those that donated items to the Rags 2 Riches 4 Schools recycling scheme. Bitham Brook donated 139.5 kgs of good quality and unwanted clothes and shoes, which raised £55.80 for the school whilst helping others in need around the world. As always, we would like to thank you all for your support in all of these fundraising events.”
Choir performance
The choir club at the school were invited to perform at the annual Westbury Lions concert held at Matravers School on Thursday 23rd March. The children represented Bitham Brook alongside other schools from the town, and this year’s theme was The Beatles.
The school say, “The choir club performed The Beatles ‘Twist and Shout’ impeccably and sang their hearts out. It was an absolute joy to watch. The children were also awarded with £150 donation from the Westbury Lions to buy instruments/supplies for the school music room! Mrs Clinch and everyone at Bitham Brook are incredibly proud of them all.”
Easter fayre
The term finished with the Friends of Bitham Brook School (FOBBS) Easter fayre which saw an Easter bonnet competition and parade, a chocolate tombola and many more fun Easter games and stalls.
The school say, “Despite the wet weather, everyone pulled together to make alternative arrangements to ensure the event went ahead for the children. FOBBS would like to say a big thank you to all of the children that helped on stalls. A great time was had by all!”
