We give them a big whoosh on their way…
It is my great pleasure to share with you the ninth edition of Little Alleynian This year we have enjoyed three ‘Stunning Starts’, which provide the backdrop to our creative curriculum, weaving together different subjects and bringing learning to life through meaningful cross-curricular experiences. These themes become embedded in the children’s learning, sparking curiosity, awe and wonder, as well as creative thinking and questioning through enquiry-based learning. We began the school year with ‘Long Long Ago’ in the Michaelmas term, exploring the lives and journeys of explorers, other key figures and animals, examining their impact on the world and how their actions shaped the course of history. ‘Up, Up and Away’ followed in the Lent term, launched ‘by a hot air balloon landing on the DUCKS’ roof’. A visiting police officer helped uncover the clues left in the basket, leading the children into a term of investigation, questioning, and discovery. The academic year concluded with ‘The Great Outdoors’ and a ‘Stunning Start’ day that transformed the site into Camp DUCKS. Children took part in a range of exciting activities, including outdoor art, archery and music, culminating in a whole school picnic. Hands-on learning and special events such as our Stunning Starts create lasting memories. This year, children across DUCKS benefitted from a wide range of enriching opportunities, including visits to London Zoo, Battersea Park Zoo, Hyde Park and Dulwich Picture Gallery. They also participated in sports festivals with local schools, and Year 2 performed Disney’s The Lion King at the Edward Alleyn Theatre. Memorable visits from MC Grammar and BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen on World Book Day, as we raised money for Read Easy Southwark, alongside events such as Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week and welcoming Laura Henry Allain MBE, have all enriched and enhanced the children’s learning experience. Our families are wonderfully supportive of all that we do, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them into DUCKS. Alongside Stay and Play sessions in classrooms and at Forest School, parents worked with our Year 2 Charity and Leadership Group to support important causes, including Read Easy Southwark and Ickle Pickles, helping to raise funds for premature baby equipment. The DUCKS family and its strong sense of community remain at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, while wishing those moving on every success in their new adventures.
It is always bittersweet to bid farewell to valued members of our team but we do so with immense gratitude and sincere congratulations. This academic year we celebrate those moving on to exciting new chapters whether a new role after years of dedicated service, starting university or setting off an adventures abroad. Each departure marks the end of a cherished contribution to school life and the beginning of a new journey and we send our heartfelt thanks and we wish them every success for the future.
Lucy Shaw
Rabia Kyinat
Vinny Pearce
Megan Walton
Éva Maignan
Rodney Buchanan
Lara Nicholls
Best wishes
Francine Maas
Jo Parker Head of DUCKS
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