Alleynian The Little
Issue 1, 2016
As I near the end of my first year as Head of DUCKS, I realise there have been more highlights than I can count on my finger and toes (as a member of Heron Class recently suggested when I wanted to count more than ten) and certainly too many to fit into these pages. We often talk about our play-based approach to learning, and the benefits of this are evident in these pictures. As we say farewell to our Year Two pupils, I reflect upon the huge progress they have made here and look forward to following their journeys as keenly as we have the College prefects below. When I set out to make this magazine, I wanted to show you academic excellence. But in searching through our photographs of art, drama, music, sport and charity events, I found there is much, much more to a Little Alleynian. I hope these pictures capture the spirit of DUCKS; the enthusiasm and love of learning, the friendship and camaraderie, the joy and happiness we see here every day. Nicky Black Head of DUCKS It is my great pleasure to share with you the first ‘Little Alleynian’ magazine, showing just snippets of a year in the life of the youngest, and possibly most active, members of the College.
Tiger painting by Ahaan
Dulwich College prefects from DUCKS
Wellbeing A day in the life at DUCKS The wellbeing of our children and parents is considered at every step of the way at DUCKS Kindergarten and Infants’ School.
10. Sleep Time Rest is so important for healthy bodies and minds and many of our youngest children need their naps. In the Kindergarten, they go to rest in the sleep room; in the Nursery, they head to the cosy corner if they feel tired.
12. Golden Rules At DUCKS, we follow six golden rules to keep our school a happy place: we are gentle, we are kind, we are honest, we listen, we look after property, we work hard.
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Role Models As part of their Community Service Programme, older College boys visit DUCKS to referee football matches, help in classrooms and read to children. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, one of our three-years-olds answered, “A College boy like Brodie!”
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2. Settling In Saying goodbye at the start of the school day can be a difficult time for our youngest children. A friendly welcome from staff and children alongside enticing, interesting and varied classroom activities can make it easier. The morning routine helps, too. Adults quickly learn the best ways to make each individual child feel welcome.
11. Circle Time A chance for everyone to have their say, speak aloud in front of their peers and take turns, circle time is an excellent way to discuss the issues that are on our children’s minds. It may be that we need to discuss events in the playground, the news or ideas that feature in our termly Wellbeing or RE topics. Everyone has a voice, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
Arrive
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1. Breakfast Club Children who come to school early for breakfast are welcomed by friendly faces and given the opportunity to enjoy a sociable meal with friends. Children are encouraged to choose for themselves, help themselves to their own breakfast and help each other, too. 4. Orchard In the orchard, children have the chance to enjoy nature in all weathers. Activities are child-initiated and teamwork is encouraged. Small, achievable tasks allow children to grow in confidence as they begin to take more risks in their play. The uneven ground, climbing logs and minibeasts are all part of the adventure.
3. Assembly A time to reflect, to think of others, to celebrate achievements across the curriculum, the daily assembly is a very important part of our school routine in the Infants’ School.
13. Fruity Tea At DUCKS, mealtimes are sociable occasions. We work hard to encourage and help to develop good table manners, sociable conversations and respect for one another. In the Infants’ School, the staff on duty give out ‘fruity tea tokens’ whenever they see examples of good behaviour at lunchtime, and the table with the most tokens each week is treated to fruity tea with the Head of DUCKS in her office.
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9. Ducks of the Week In Friday’s achievement
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assembly, ‘Duck of the week’ is awarded to children from each class who have done something particularly special. Not only are their achievements celebrated in school but their picture is also featured in our weekly newsletter for parents.
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5. Key Person In the Early Years, all our children are assigned a Key Person, who takes the lead in looking after them at DUCKS, gets to know them particularly well and plans activities to meet their interests and developmental needs. It is hugely reassuring for our youngest children to have one staff member they feel especially close to, and the bond they develop is special and significant.
Home
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14. Story Time Our children work hard all day and story time is an important time for calm, quiet and listening.
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5 6. Special Books A strong link between home and school is important for children’s confidence and wellbeing. Children know that the staff at DUCKS are interested in their time at home, and that parents are interested in what they do at school. Parents and children together record exciting events in the Special Book and these are shared in school. As the children get older, they present these to the class, talking to their friends about their experiences and answering questions. This is a great opportunity for us all to listen to each other, value each other’s experiences, and strengthen the connection between school and home. 6
8. Playtime Provision Some children want to run around and let off steam, others want to chat with their friends, some need a quiet space to reflect at playtime, so the DUCKS playgrounds offer spaces to engage in a variety of different activities. The staff on duty give support and will join in or intervene if needed, but children are encouraged to make their own fun at this time, resolve disputes themselves when they can, look after each other and work together.
7. Sticker Books For KS1 All our children are given reward stickers for effort and achievement in all areas, but our older children collect them in sticker books and save up to earn a certificate, medal or trophy, which they are presented in assemblies.
Kindergarten
Baby room
Painting by Timothy
Painting by Leo
Painting by Dylan
Painting by Alexander
Painting by Cassidy
Painting by Felix
Painting by Arthur
Kindergarten
Toddler room
Painting by Xander
Painting by Yasmin
Painting by Heidi
Painting by Edward
Painting by Alafair
Painting by Alfred
Plate artwork by Jack J
Flame painting by Jack B
Painting by Cecily
Kindergarten
Duckling room
Painting by Eva
Artwork by Tess
Painting by Zareen
Nursery
Heron class
Butterfly class art
Nursery
Moorhen class
A pirate by Nicolas
African print by Sam
Blossom tree by Seth
Spiderman by Toby
Farm puppets by Jack, Finn, Clemmie, Henry G, Raphael and Alexander
Reception
Lapwing class
Blossom picture by Ridley
Writing about DUCKS by Severin
Reception
Swan class
Piglet picture by Alex
Horse picture by Maggie
Chick picture by Orfeas
Year 1
Kingfisher class
Flowers by Tania
Flowers by Kadija
Flowers by Cillian
My Mum by Dino
Blossom tree by Sacha
Year 1
Teal class
Fireworks by Max
Portrait by George
Flower by Sasha
Year 2
Avocet class
Christmas tree by Lucas
Year 2
Curlew class
Eye by Karter
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Sport
Sport
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