2018-19 A year in review

A sample of our school experiences

BB5Y LENS September 2018 2018-19 A celebration of all of our school experiences. Vol 5: Issue No. One Excellence Through Partnership

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www.abbeyfederation.co.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey-jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. One Excellence Through Partnership

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Mug shots! Chatterpix fun

MEET THE STAFF Fun, short videos that introduce some of our staff. http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/whos- who/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS Planned out for the year, including a link to add the dates to your smart device. http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/diary/ grid/2017/09/ OUR CURRICULUM A detailed guide to the national curriculum and how we tailor it for our children. http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/parent- guide-to-the-national-curriculum/ KIDS’ ZONE Educational based games that change every month supporting many areas of the curriculum http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/special/ kidszone/ CLASS PAGES Year group pages and lots of great events that our children have taken part in. http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/topic/ class-pages ON-LINE SAFETY Advice and guidance for parents on keeping our children safe in the ever growing technological world. http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/useful- links/

Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey-jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk

BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Two Excellence Through Partnership

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Help Needed! Lend a hand

FRIENDS OF ABBEY PTA

Our Friends of Abbey (FOA) really need your help. FOA is our parent/teacher group who work really hard to put on events and fundraise for the benefit of all of our children. Our Easter fair, Christmas fair, Discos are all reliant on us working together. The current group have worked extraordinarily hard for four years and they are looking to retire. If we want this special group to continue then we really need your help. Are you a new parent to our school in Nursery or Reception and can lend a hand? Are you a current parent who could spare a little time to help with our social events? We just need a bit of time and a few more people to help keep our FOA going. MYTH BUSTERS Q - If I sign up - does that mean I have to do everything? A - No, help for one event, one hour, one sign, wrapping some presents - it all helps. Q - How do I sign up? A- pop into the office and let us know or e- mail foa@abbey-jun.sandwell.sch.uk

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BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Three Excellence Through Partnership

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Camofleur! Experimental archaeology

DAZZLE WORKSHOP Year 6 had a special visitor - Mr Whitehead the WW2 Camofleur expert. He came to teach the children about Dazzle painting. Children used professional paints, Gouache, to create their own designs. Through a process of experimental archaeology, everyone designed and painted a wooden ship and tested the effectiveness of the designs through a periscope. The deigns were used in WW2 to confuse enemies attempting to target the vessels for attack. The project is funded by Heritage Lottery and we are grateful to have been chosen to try this amazing activity. Thanks to Kitty, Katie and Florence in 6V for the story. Ed - During and after World War I, navies experimented with elaborate camouflage schemes intended to conceal ships on a distant horizon. Design artists were called ‘Camofleurs’ and often developed striped ‘dazzle camouflage’ PLANET PROTECTORS Last week, Year 4 visited the Sea Life Centre to kick start their 'planet protectors' topic. The children are all now feeling very passionate about our oceans and the impact humans are having, not only on our sea life, but also ourselves! Did you know that green sea turtles often eat floating plastic bags, mistaking them for jelly fish? Did you know that if our fish are eating plastic, then we are too? Did you know that over 70 million sharks are killed for their fins every year, just to make soup? 4P were also extremely lucky to bump into wildlife presenter, Chris Packham, who gave the children a short talk on his life and top tips to help look after our planet.

Thanks to Mr. Postin for the story.

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey- jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Four Excellence Through Partnership

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BSQM 2! Re-awarded

BASIC SKILLS QUALITY MARK ASSESSMENT We are proud to have been re-awarded the ‘Basic Skills Quality Mark’ for the second time. An extract of the report appears below. The full report can be found at : http:// www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/ofsted-reports/ The Executive Head Teacher and Deputy Executive Head Teacher have a clear vision for the role that the school plays in the education of the whole child. The social, emotional and academic development of each individual pupil is an important focus. There is a warm welcome from the moment you enter the building. You are met by displays sharing achievements and pupils’ work, as well as displays celebrating recent events. English and Mathematics are at the heart of teaching and learning at Abbey. The school is developing a balanced curriculum that encourages the pupils to become independent learners and functions in a calm and ordered manner, where learning is enjoyable for the pupils. The staff, both teaching and non- teaching, have developed very good relationships with the pupils in their care and this was evident in the pupils’ attitude to those around them and their learning. The outside environment of the school is used to enrich the curriculum as an alternative source of learning. Everyone articulated their enthusiasm and appreciation for the school and felt valued as an individual. Parents commented, “It is a vibrant school and getting better. New things are happening everyday.” There is a firm commitment to creating a caring environment, where individual needs are met. Well done us!

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BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Five Excellence Through Partnership

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Artsmark x 2! Gold greatness

DOUBLE AWARD Your Statement of Commitment and Case Study have been reviewed by our assessment panel and we are delighted to inform you that Abbey Infant School and Abbey Junior School has been awarded an Artsmark Gold Award. Congratulations! The panel noted the positive impact your Artsmark journey (focusing on developing the visual arts) has had on your school. There are many strengths such as the use of bespoke visual arts training for all your staff; the use of specialists to work with pupils and staff; the creation of videos by specialists and staff to be used within lessons as a resource and building the progression of skills into your curriculum design. To develop further, you might wish to consider applying your model of improving the visual arts to other art forms such as photography and giving your pupils the opportunity to create and evaluate artworks in a range of media. Abbey Junior School has taken an organised approach to Artsmark, planning for curriculum opportunities to teach thematically through the arts. There has been a commitment to up- skilling teachers and a willingness to give over decision making of some elements to children. Going forward, it would be good to see your frameworks and processes have time to consolidate and really cement a place within the ethos of the school. Further reflection on ways in which the arts influence pedagogy more generally, and the way your partnerships with artists facilitate this, would be of interest.

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BB5Y LENS September 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Six Excellence Through Partnership

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Ship shape Library exhibition

SHARING DESIGNS Following Year Six’s design of WW2 camouflage for replica boats, Abbey took the completed works to show at Thimblemill library. The whole experience allowed pupils to see an application of art and design into real-life situations. SCHOOL COUNCIL Our school council has re-started this week and the new children are all proudly wearing their new badges. All of the school’s work can be seen on our ‘School Council’ class page, accessed from http:// www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/school- council/ Children who are interested have to pitch themselves to their peers and a full democratic election takes place. Amelia, in Y4, didn’t win the majority vote but her effort made such an impression, it is worthy of sharing. One of the first jobs for the new recruits is to help with thinking about how we can develop our KS2 playground to encourage even more active lunch times and break times.

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BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Seven Excellence Through Partnership

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Beautiful Bewdley WW2 evacuation

STEAM TRAIN Last week, year 6 went on a trip to the charming, pleasant town of Bewdley. They went to Bewdley museum, where they did wonderful activities, such as : visiting an air- raid shelter (which was real and used in World War 2), trying on authentic gas masks and learning about life in the home front. After that, the guides took the children to the nearby train station where they experienced a ride on an old fashioned steam train. The children had a fantastic time in the quaint little town. Thanks to Angelica and Phoebe in 6J for the story. CHALLENGING EXTREMISM Scarlett is a young member of a fictional minority community, who are being persecuted by a rival group. When her best friend is attacked, she becomes confused and upset. As she wonders what she can do to help her community, she meets someone who persuades her to consider a violent response. Through careful interactive theatre, the children were guided through a process where they created a campaign to challenge extremist ideas and promote social responsibility, tolerance and respect. Ellie-Mae & Jana from 6V said : ‘This interesting theatre group has changed people’s actions and helped us make the right life choices.’

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BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Eight Excellence Through Partnership

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Time flies! Workshop fun

STEAM TRAIN Year 3 invited their parent/carer into school to help them create their own timeline of events. As a team, they were able to craft their timeline in any way they liked. All they had to remember was to present their timeline in chronological order. It was a very creative and inspired session and overall, everyone had a great day! PICK YOUR OWN Year 3 had an amazing time at Hatton Adventure World! They packed so many activities into one day. From picking their own vegetables for tea, to feeding the cute guinea pigs a crunchy carrot. When they arrived, they couldn’t wait to get stuck in! They climbed onto the tractor and had a tour of the farm. The tractor then stopped at the fields, where the children picked their own potatoes and corn. The children noticed that they looked so different from when they saw them in the shops. The children then had the opportunity to feed the animals- goats, donkeys and pigs- so cute! Then it was off to ‘Snakes and Tails’- where those brave enough could stoke the snake! (Luckily it wasn’t a venomous one). The children were then able to stroke and feed the super cute guinea pigs. The baby guinea pigs were squeaking so loudly! We all had a fantastic day out.

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BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Nine Excellence Through Partnership

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#Teddy Workshop fun

STEAM TRAIN Nursery and Reception celebrated their annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Tuesday 25th September 2018. The children had a ted-tastic time playing with teddy related activities before having their picnic in their classes. The session finished off with a lovely story told by the class teacher. Children listened beautifully and joined in to help tell the story and sing songs.

VILE VICTORIANS

Year one have had a fabulous time at the Black Country Museum. We had a great workshop in the morning, where we played with lots of different toys - some Victorian, some modern. We explored the different houses and were told lots of information. The children were particularly shocked that mummies wouldn't let them have something different for dinner even if they didn't like it! It was a great way to kick off our Victorians topic!

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey- jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Ten Excellence Through Partnership

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Safer Streets PCSO work

PAINFUL PARKING Meet our Abbey Junior PCSOs. They will be working hard this year to help our school and the community. One of their roles is to promote safer parking around our school at arrival and collection time. We have over 700 children and families who attend our school and we need our parents and carers, who use a car to travel to school, to know about the parking restrictions and safety measures that we have in place. If you breech any of the restrictions and don't follow the rules of the road then you are in danger of causing injury or fatalities to a child. Our Junior PCSOs have been on patrol this term and during their operation , they handed out advice leaflets. For those drivers who are breaking the law, we have passed on vehicle registration numbers to the police. Here are some helpful tips if you travel to school in a car: Double yellow lines - no parking at any time. Those with the additional line that is drawn on the pavement indicate that three is no stopping and no parking for a drop off. A single yellow line means that restrictions are in place. There is no parking here between the times indicated on the sign. There is no parking between 8am and 4pm near our school. The zig-zag lines and message clearly indicate that there is NO PARKING - this is to keep the area clear and improve visibility, so that children can cross the road safely.

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BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Eleven Excellence Through Partnership

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Community Spirit Working to support others

SMETHWICK FOODBANK HARVEST APPEAL Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate non- perishable, in-date food to a foodbank. Large collections often take place as part of Harvest Festival celebrations and food is also collected at supermarkets. Abbey is supporting our local food bank and even one donation can make a difference. Last year we collected over 1000kg of donations and our local foodbank was really appreciate. Let’s see if everyone can bring in one item.

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BB5Y LENS October 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twelve Excellence Through Partnership

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Smashing Pumpkins Nursery soup

YUMMY SOUP The children in Nursery have enjoyed exploring pumpkins this week. They described what they could see, feel, smell and even taste! The children used words such as slimy, squidgy and disgusting to describe the inside of the pumpkin and hard, round and smooth to describe the outside. The children took part in chopping the vegetable ready for cooking pumpkin soup. Some of the children liked the taste of the soup, but every one had fun exploring!

Thanks to Mrs Gaxherri for the story.

MATHLETICS Year 6 teamed up with parents to attempt to win a maths relay race. Two teams were pitted against each other in an hour long ‘math marathon.’ Entrants had to answer questions as quickly as possible and then race to the front to get the next question (if you got it wrong, you had to do it again!) This was a taster session for our parents to see the type of questions that Year 6 will be expected to complete at the end of the year. It was so much fun! Thanks to Elsa & Elsa’s mum for the story.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Thirteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Staying Alive! Nursery soup

RESUSCITATION Year 6 children were fortunate to participate in a First Aid session, led by a member of the West Bromwich Albion Foundation. They were taught the important techniques of C.P.R. A fun but valuable time was had. Thanks to Mr. Jones for the story. HARVEST THANKS The Abbey community has once again worked selflessly to support our local Smethwick food- bank. Our site staff loaded the minibus to take all of the donations so that they could be sorted and parcelled up to help those who need it. With our re-build under way, our friends at Warley Church let us use the church to perform with our year 1 and 2 children.

PARENT GOVERNOR Following the vote in the juniors, Mrs Miriam Atkins has been re-elected to her role as parent governor. Thanks to the candidates who put themselves forward.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Fourteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Scarecrows! Reception workshop

CREATIVE On Wednesday 24 th October, FS2 parents and carers were invited to spend time in school to work with their children to create a scarecrow! Everyone had such an enjoyable time and the children loved this opportunity to create their own scarecrow. It was a very creative session. Parents, carers and teachers all had a great day.

Thanks to Miss Saghir for the story.

MUSIC AND DANCE On Friday 26 th October, EYFS celebrated their All About Me topic with a fun finale day! All the children were dressed in their own clothes or fancy dress, and were able to share their interests with other children. The children participated in a performing arts workshop which included music, dance, singing and entertaining games, led by Mrs Chance. A big well done to our EYFS children for being such active learners and a big thank you to Mrs Chance. Thanks to Miss Saghir for the story.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Fifteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Cancelled. Help needed

PARENTS AND TEACHERS Our Friends of Abbey (FOA) really need your help. FOA is our parent/teacher group who work really hard to put on events and fundraise for the benefit of all of our children. Our Easter fair, Christmas fair, Discos are all reliant on us working together. The current group have worked extraordinarily hard for four years and they are looking to retire. Without this group, we will lose some great parts of the social side to our school e.g. Discos, Tea with Santa, Christmas Fair. We just need a bit of time and a few more people to help keep our FOA going. If you can help, please use the email link at the bottom of this Abbey Lens. FUNDRAISE FOR FREE We need your help! If you shop online, please could you sign up to easyfundraising to support our school? It’s a really easy way to raise money for us – you just use the easyfundraising site to shop online with more than 3,300 well known online stores like Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com, eBay, Boden, and M&S and when you make a purchase, the retailer sends us a free donation, at no extra cost to you. We want to raise as much as possible, so please visit our new easyfundraising page at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ abbeyinfantjuniorsch/ and click ‘support us’.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Sixteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Lest we forget. Inspirational concert

REMEMBER Abbey took part in the Lest We Forget concert at the Genting Arena on Saturday 3 rd November. The children were part of a moving and beautiful event to remember all those that lost their lives in war. They performed songs from WW1 and WW2 and joined a mass choir, who performed with a double orchestra and a brass band - quite a memorable experience! Well done to all of the children for taking part and representing our school in this special way. You can see more pictures of the event on our website and the link to the Newsround coverage too at http://www.abbeyfederation.co.uk/lest-we- forget-y6-ww1-commemorative-concert/ Thanks to Mrs Flanagan for the story. BHANGRA The children in Nursery have really enjoyed our visit from the 'Bhangra dancing man’! It was actually on Diwali day which made it even more exciting for everyone. Nursery children danced very energetically - pretending to sow seeds, dig and do all types of other groovy moves. Mrs. Gould was exhausted! They have also been very enthusiastic about starting to make diva lamps out of salt dough.

Thanks to Mrs. Gould for the story.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Seventeen Excellence Through Partnership

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Fore! Golf

WINNER Lauren Whitehouse (3V) and her Dad, Rich, won a Family Pairs golf tournament in Warley Woods on Sunday 4th Nov. Lauren started golf lessons as an after school club in reception and has carried on with lessons on a Saturday in Warley Woods. She was delighted to have a trophy to take home (and so was her Dad!) Thanks to Lauren’s Mum for the story. DANCING KINGS & QUEENS Lily and Alex have attended ‘2thePointes Samantha's Dance School’ every Saturday morning since Sept 2017. They practice every Saturday, - ballet, tap, creative dance and acro. They competed with a song '7 little Girls’. Alex was performing as Fred (Astaire) and this was the first time Lily and Alex ever performed and competed and won the gold medal! Both are very happy and excited and can't wait for their next competition in January, hoping for a similar result. Thanks to Lily and Alex’s mum for the story

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Eighteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Light! Topic starts

HOT DOGS & FIREWORKS Over the half term holiday some of us have created homework based on Light. Thank you for the amazing creations so far! To open our Topic about ‘Light’ we watched the film Tangled. Thousands of glowing lanterns were released into the sky in hope that the lost princess would be guided home by them. We then watched our very own Fireworks, whilst eating a hot dog and drinking a hot chocolate. We will finish our Topic of Light by performing and decorating St Hilda’s Church on the 27th November, you are all welcome. A big thank you to Mr Oakes and Mr Edwards for their helping hands. Thanks to Miss Vance for the story. PARADE Jacob Uppal in year 5 attended the 2018 Remembrance Parade on the centenary of the ending of the great war. Along with his sister (ex-Abbey, Hannah), they both had the honour of placing wreathes. Jacob was there on behalf of Abbey Hill Scouts, Cubs and Beavers Smethwick. Present at the parade were army cadets, current and ex-service men and women from all of the armed forces. A range of local religious leaders, and the people of Smethwick took part in a mov ing ceremony. Jacob proudl y represented Abbey Junior and Infants too. Thanks to Jacob’s mum for the story.

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey- jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Nineteen Excellence Through Partnership

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Chips and ice-cream! Sunny Sea

SUPER AT WESTON Year 2 had a great trip to the wonderful Weston Super Mare! On arrival the children dashed down to the beach. They had a fantastic time creating sandcastles and riding the surprisingly fast donkeys. Once all the sandcastles were built the children headed off for a walk along the pier. Our geography focus was to look at the human and physical features surrounding them. Then it was time for a delicious ice cream. To top off an already incredible day in the sunshine, the children finished off their feast of the day with a bag of piping hot chips. The children were a credit to the school with their superb behaviour. Thanks to Mrs Johnson for the story. CHARITY RUN Clark (3K) and Finn’s (1D) dad, Geoff, will be running the London Marathon next April for the charity Get Kids Going! Get Kids Going is a national charity which gives disabled children and young people the chance to take part in sport. They help by providing those in need with specially built sports wheelchairs. This will be his 6th marathon, but his 1st time running London which is seen as one of the biggest marathons in the world. If you would like to make a donation to sponsor Geoff please visit the link below: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ firerunnergeoff “Your support is greatly appreciated, thank you." Thanks to Clark and Finn’s Dad for the story.

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey-jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey- inf.sandwell.sch.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under

BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty Excellence Through Partnership

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Golfing goodness Winner of cup

COMMITMENT On Saturday evening Will attended the Warley Woods Golf Club Presentation Dinner and Dance at The Eaton Hotel, where he was awarded the Luke Reid Memorial Golf Trophy for his age group. Will has taken part in the Luke Reid competition at Warley Woods over the last few months, playing in the tournament on Sunday afternoons and he was thrilled to have won the competition. Will attends the GL Golf Academy every Saturday morning at Warley Woods, and he loves playing golf come rain, shine or snow! Thanks to Will’s Dad for the story. SPOON DOLLY This term, Year 1 has been busy learning all about the Victorians. After discovering that many Victorians were not able to afford to buy toys, our ‘Be Brave Day’ took us back in time to when the Victorians had to make their own. With the help of a parent or carer, the children had a great time using a simple wooden spoon, material and pens to bring their Victorian spoon dolly designs to life. With dolls ranging from chimney sweeps to Queen Victoria herself, the results were fantastic. What a creative lot you are – well done!

Thanks to Mrs Phillips for the story.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty one Excellence Through Partnership

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Whizz, Pop, Bang! Slumber party

EVENING FUN “It went whizz, pop, bang! It was ace!’ reported Daisy and Ivy in 4P after their year group’s slumber party. We enjoyed making chocolate truffles at the sleepover. The mixture was gooey and we could choose whatever topping we liked. You could choose sour popping candy, cocoa powder and even chocolate sprinkles. We then did some creative button art before going to visit granny. She was so mean to George and even fed us raw cabbage - no wonder George made her a new medicine. To top it all off, we had fireworks. It was tipping it down but we didn’t let that stop us! Thanks to Daisy & Ivy in 4P for the story. BUILDING NICELY One term after the start of our new-build, things are progressing well. All of the phased demolition is complete and ground works have begun. The steel piles have all been placed up to 15m underground for stability. Our new build super-structure is starting to take shape in Ireland. Work will continue on the units in readiness for being shipped here in the next few months.

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BB5Y LENS November 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty two Excellence Through Partnership

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Home and away In-house and out-house

B67 5LT Last week, half of year 6 went to Plas Gwynant and the rest os us took part in many fun-filled activities that included: designing our own notebook; using acrylic and impasto to make a 3d texture; creating an Anderson shelter in Design Technology. Also Minecraft, soft archery and skateboarding. We also went to ‘Wolf Mountain’; which was very entertaining. We took part in rock climbing, crate stacking, archery and caving - very creepy! To end the week, we watched a movie whilst eating delicious pizza. What a great week! Thanks to Jasmin and Maiya-Nefeli in 6V for the story. LL55 4NR On Monday, we faced the ordeal of leaving home and going on a four hour journey to Plas Gwynant. Dan (our instructor) greeted us and went through a powerpoint to help get us settled in to our new home for the week. Our adventure began by splitting into four groups and, over the course of the week, we took part in: gorge walking, caving in old mines, beach, canoeing, mountain walking and the ‘great bottle bonanza’. All of these activities challenged us in many ways, but also gave us an experience to remember. We’ll cherish the memories and achievements! Thanks to Isla and Maya in 6V for the story. [Ed - I am deeply appreciative of my staff giving up time from families]

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BB5Y LENS December 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty three Excellence Through Partnership

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Volunteering Time for others

EVERY LITTLE HELPS Arjun from 6J volunteered at West Bromwich’s Tesco to help raise food for the Trussell Trust Food Bank. Arjun’s job is normally dating the tinned food but as there were not enough tins to date, he was handing out leaflets under my (Mom’s) supervision. Once he handed out a couple of leaflets, he gained his confidence and started to greet the shoppers with: "Hello would you like a leaflet?" as they took one he ended with "have a nice day!" It shocked me at how confident he was. Even the security guard at Tesco's commented to me on how good Arjun was! Arjun worked from just before 11am up until 3pm. He started with handing out leaflets then finished up with dating the tinned food. On this day he gained some new skills and really enjoyed working with the community. Thanks to Arjun’s Mum for the story [Ed - What a great way to give up some time to help others] WINNERS Abbey was the proud winner of the West Midlands Community Sports Award for up- skilling staff in the effective teaching of PE. This is the third award that we have received for our innovative PE work and well done us!

www.abbeyfederation.co.uk Have you got a paragraph of good news to share? Write in under 100 words, attach a picture and your story may be published. All submissions to office@abbey- jun.sandwell.sch.uk or office@abbey-inf.sandwell.sch.uk

BB5Y LENS December 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty four Excellence Through Partnership

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St Andrew Scotland

TRADITION DAY We had an amazing time on our Scottish Tradition Day, making tasty shortbreads. We took part in our very own indoor Highland Games, where we had to run, jump and throw! We also learned some brilliant Scottish dance routines, learning to ‘do - si –do’, whilst dancing as part of a group. The best part of the day was when we tasted the Scottish food. We had oat-cakes, Scottish crisps and Iron- Bru to wash it down. WEAVING WORKSHOP The children were delighted to have their parents alongside them when weaving their own kilts on St Andrew’s Day. Both parents and children worked together to carefully choose the colours that represented the values of their families. Strips of ribbon were then used to create their own Tartan patterns. The results were stunning and will soon be on display in the classrooms. Thank you for your continued support.

Thanks to Mrs. Johnson for both stories

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Excellence Through Partnership

December 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty five

Vic-Vic Hooray! Back in time

WEAVING WORKSHOP Last Monday, children in Year 1 enjoyed a fun-packed Victorian experience. During the morning sessions, Mrs. Piper transformed into the ‘Baker’ and worked hard with the children to produce a tasty bread roll, to enjoy at home. Mrs. Donnelly became the strict Victorian teacher- ‘ Miss Donnelly’ (female teachers were not permitted to marry). The children practised Copperplate handwriting and copied stitch work, to produce a fancy sampler. Miss Hinton was the disciplined P.E teacher, who put the children through their paces with traditional Victorian drill practice. After lunch, the atmosphere was a lot more relaxed, with children enjoying playing parlour games; decorating the Christmas tree; making paper chains and producing their own stick puppets. A big thank you to all of those who made a huge effort to make this a splendid and truly memorable day for all. Thanks to Mrs. Donnelly for the story. MERRY CHRISTMAS Wishing all of our children and families a fantastic Christmas! May 2019 be happy, healthy and peaceful for us all.

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Excellence Through Partnership

December 2018 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty six

Safeguarding champions! LCSB

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE Abbey’s ‘Safeguarding Champions’ visited West Bromwich Town Hall to receive their award from Sandwell’s Mayor, following completion of their training. A number of schools have bought into this scheme by training pupils in supporting others to get help when needed. Pupils have been trained to support peers by recognising signs of radicalisation, bullying, on-line safety and grooming - in an age appropriate way. Abbey’s ‘champions’ know who to signpost pupils to, if they think there is a need. Thanks to Mrs. Flanagan for the story. EUROPEAN GLORY Lots of children at Abbey Junior School play football for a local team - Perrywoods United. This weekend was a special one for the club, as it was the Winter Cup Final. It was particularly special for Joseph Bastable (5H) and Zek Henneman (4P) as their team, Barcelona, had made it to the final against Roma. Despite freezing cold temperatures and a tough challenge, they battled their way to victory and won the cup. It was a fantastic team effort and well deserved after a chilly and sometimes very wet start to the season. Well done Barca boys!! Thanks to Mrs. Bastable for the story.

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BB5Y LENS January 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty seven Excellence Through Partnership

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Sensible pencil Art heroes

SUPER CARICATURES On Wednesday 9th January, Year 3 had a visit from Chrissy Marshall, a.k.a. ‘Sensible Pencil’. Chrissy is ‘one of Britain’s best live caricaturists’. He was invited into Abbey Juniors to help to open Year 3’s new topic for this term, ‘Superheroes’. First, the children went to the hall, where Chrissy showed them how to draw cartoon faces. He made it look so easy! The children had a go too, looking at a selection of different facial features. Later on that day, Chrissy did workshops in the classrooms, showing the children how to draw a superhero! He started off by drawing a simple stick man, then adding details. In each class he created a ‘Class Superhero’. The children were really enthused by the experience. We wouldn’t be surprised is we see some professional cartoonists from Abbey Juniors in the future! Thanks to Ms. Bevan for the story.

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BB5Y LENS January 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty eight Excellence Through Partnership

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Blast Off ! To infinity and beyond

THE FINAL FRONTIER This week, Year 5 visited the National Space Centre in Leicester to introduce their ‘Out of this World’ topic. First, we took part in a ‘Sun, Moon and Earth’ quiz and we learnt loads of new, fascinating facts about Space. Later, we took part in the show within the planetarium, that was all about how astronauts train to go into space and how dangerous it can be. After lunch, we went up the rocket tower and got to see a real rocket. We looked inside a model control centre so that we knew what it felt like to prepare a rocket for launch. Finally, we went back to school after a great day of adventuring and learning new facts about our new topic. We had so much fun! Thanks to Katherine and Fiza in 5H for the story. EATWELL Year 3 were visited by 3 Sandwell Eatwell nurses who came to extend the children's understanding of healthy eating. The nurses talked about the main food groups which the children were able to talk about confidently. Then they completed a series of short activities to demonstrate their understanding of a balanced diet and the importance of eating a variety of foods from each food group in each meal. Year 3 learnt a lot about healthy eating and the human body, during their topic in the autumn term and the nurses were very impressed with their knowledge and inquisitive questioning. Thanks to Mrs. Kaur for the story.

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BB5Y LENS January 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Twenty nine Excellence Through Partnership

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Science launch! Bonkers start to a new topic

EXPLOSIONS On Monday, Year 1 had a fabulous Science day full of awe and wonder! They carried out many experiments of their own and were visited by Bonkers Bez from Sublime Science, who led them through an action-packed session involving: air pressure, electricity, mixing solids and liquids and much more. The children even made their own slime! Jonny from 1CP said, "We saw an explosion! The bottle went up. It was brilliant!"

Thanks to Mrs Chance for the story

GAS MASKS Year 6 have been learning about WW2 in their topic lessons so on Wednesday 9th January we had an ‘Inspire Workshop’ to make gas masks. We each made a gas mask and a box to put it in. The gas mask was made of: cellophane, black card, foam wrap and string. We made these gas masks and boxes in preparation for our WW2 sleepover. We want to thank all of the staff for making it a great experience.

Thanks to Isla and Alex in 6V for the story.

FRIENDS OF ABBEY - PTA The next meeting of our Friends of Abbey (Parent Teacher association) is on Tuesday 29/01/2019 at 2.00pm at the juniors. We’d love you to come to plan our future events.

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Excellence Through Partnership

January 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Thirty

Fizz free! Sugar reduction

SUGAR

The school is teaming up with Health Sandwell to take part in 'Fizz Free February'. Through assemblies and wellbeing lessons in school, we will encourage children, their families, and staff to give up fizzy drinks for 28 days - making it easier to cut down for the rest of the year. Going fizz free can help you save money, stay healthy and have healthier teeth. Have a look at hints and tips about going fizz free and make your pledge at www.fizzfreesandwell.co.uk Thanks to Mrs. Flanagan for the story SLEEPOVER On Friday 11th January, year 6 had a WW2 themed sleepover following a day in school of WW2 activities. We all dressed up and the day featured: roll the penny, marbles, taking out a fire and going into a made-up Anderson shelter. We also had an immersive audio tale through ‘Now Press Play’.The word from year 6 is that the sleepover was epic! (Others say they got no sleep and were grumpy in the morning). Dinner on the evening consisted of rations of fish and chips. Thanks to Jayden, Harry and Zedan from 6V for the story. [Ed - thanks to all of my teachers for staying overnight too!] PARENT GOVERNOR Following the parent governor elections, Mr Neal Price has been elected and will join our governing body. Thank you to all candidates for putting themselves forward.

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Excellence Through Partnership

February 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Thirty one

Do you want to build a snowman? Theatre

COLD We arrived at the REP Theatre and we were so excited to see ‘The Snowman’. It was freezing cold outside but once we got in we warmed up. We found our seats and took our coats off. Behind us we saw lots of other children from different schools. Suddenly the show started and we couldn't take our eyes off the performance. I enjoyed seeing the snowman and the boy fly in the air. Although there wasn't any talking the music was beautiful. Miss Vance said we were extremely well behaved. I think everyone really enjoyed the production.' Olivia Simpson, Zavia Rowe and Sawyer Morais. Thanks to Miss. Vance for the story WHAT A NIGHT! YOUNG VOICES. On the 23rd January 2019, members of our school choir had the opportunity to join the largest choir in the world and perform at the Young Voices Concert 2019. The children learnt a number of songs and medleys and performed alongside artists such as Beau Dermott (Britain's Got Talent), Tony Hadley (80's pop star from Spandau Ballet), Sharlene Hecotor (Basement Jaxx) and dance performances from Urban Strides. The children arrived at the Genting Arena for rehearsals during the afternoon, and then performed at the spectacular show with over 6,500 other school children. Many parents and families came along to see the performance and support their children. The choir were on top form with brilliant behaviour and fantastic singing voices. It was certainly a night to remember! Thanks to Mrs. Flanagan for the story [Ed- Thanks to my staff for taking the kids and staying up late!]

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Excellence Through Partnership

February 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Thirty two

Beauty and the beast! Secondary talent

MUSICAL Year 5 were invited to Bristnall Hall Academy last Tuesday to watch Beauty and the Beast: The Musical. It was fantastic! The children (and staff) had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. It was lovely to see some ex-Abbey pupils performing with their new peers and have obviously ‘found their feet’ on the stage very quickly! We thought the costumes were great; the acting was really good and we all enjoyed joining in with the popular songs which we knew. We look forward to next year’s performance! Thanks to Mrs. Yale for the story ARTSMARK CELEBRATION On Friday 1st February, Abbey went to the MAC centre in Birmingham to collect our Artsmark Gold certificates. Mrs Yale took us along and we had a great time. We were treated to cake, drinks and we all felt like V.I.Ps. Lordswood were also represented and they sang a beautiful song. We won a free poetry book and when we collected our award we were extremely proud. Celebrating with children and young people from the West Midlands today @PreetKGillMP said 'Arts and culture help us to be happier, healthier and more prosperous.' @Artsmarkaward Thanks to Phoebe in 6J for the story.

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BB5Y LENS February 2019 Vol 5: Issue No. Thirty three Excellence Through Partnership

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Heart start! Get with the beat

FIRE STATION TRAINING

Smethwick Fire Station has been teaching basic life saving skills - vital skills that could help save someone's life. Callum and Hayden Showell are standing proudly alongside our lollipop lady - ‘Lollipop Lynn' with their heart start certificates. They took part in a course from the British Heart Foundation, delivered by the amazing heroes at Smethwick Fire Station. This course is free and the fire service have a few more dates. It was amazing we enjoyed it! Thanks to Mrs. Showell for the story. [Information can be found here: https:// www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/find-bhf-near-you/ heartstart-west-midlands-fire-service]

BAG IT

Alicia, from Tipton Litter Watch, has made these great doggy poop dispensers. She has recycled an old plastic bottle, making it into a ‘doggy poop bag dispenser’ for local dog owners. The children from the PCSOs helped her to put it up near our school, to encourage the owners of dogs to clean up their dog mess and then pop it into the dog poop bins. Look out for the dispensers and the Banksy style 'clean it up' signs on the pavement that have appeared near our school. How many can you count? Thanks to Mrs. Flanagan for the story.

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