It might have been a short half term but it’s been a jam-packed one! The first week back saw us embarking on a captivating journey to Raglan Castle. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Wales, Raglan Castle stands as a majestic testament to centuries of history and intrigue. From the moment we set foot on its storied grounds, we were transported back in time, surrounded by the echoes of knights and nobles who once roamed its halls.

Our exploration began with a stroll through the castle’s sprawling courtyard, where the imposing walls and towering towers loomed overhead. With each step, we couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of this medieval marvel, imagining the bustling life that once thrived within its walls.

As we ventured deeper into the castle, we found ourselves delving into its rich history, from the Great Hall, where feasts and celebrations once echoed, to the dark and mysterious chambers that whispered of hidden secrets, every corner of Raglan Castle seemed to hold a story waiting to be told.

As we made our way back home, we were grateful for the opportunity to share such a meaningful experience with our children, knowing that it had sparked their curiosity and ignited their imaginations in ways that textbooks never could.

To celebrate World Book Day we visited our local library, which was such a wonderful experience for the children, especially those who had never visited a library before. We all borrowed books and will visit again after Easter to change the books, for some new stories to encourage reading for pleasure.

We were really lucky to have a visit from Thea Rogers a GB Archer, who told us all about the sport in preparation for our trip to the Celtic Manor for the children to unleash their inner Robin Hood!

From the moment we arrived, our expert instructors welcomed us with warm smiles and infectious enthusiasm, making us feel right at home in this ancient sport.

After a brief introduction to the basics of archery – from how to hold the bow to the proper stance and aiming techniques – it was time to put our skills to the test. With bows in hand and targets set before us, we aimed with determination, channelling our focus and concentration as we unleashed our arrows towards the bullseye.

There’s something truly magical about the feeling of drawing back the bowstring, feeling the tension build beneath your fingers, and releasing it with precision and finesse. Each arrow that found its mark filled us with a sense of accomplishment and pride, and with each round, our confidence grew stronger.

Imagine the excitement that filled the air as our school welcomed the esteemed Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton. He captivated the children from the moment he stepped onto the stage, igniting sparks of imagination and wonder that would last long after he departed, with poems, songs and raps.

Our assembly kicked off with a burst of energy as we joined together in one of his famous poems ‘Jellybean’. But the real magic began when he took the stage, weaving tales and poems that transported us to far-off lands and imaginary worlds. With each word, he sparked imaginations, reminding us of the power of storytelling to captivate hearts and minds.

But the fun didn’t stop there – oh no! Following the assembly, our children had the opportunity to participate in poetry workshops led by Alex Wharton. Armed with pens and paper, they began with a speedy illustrating session before writing the first draft of their very own poems.

Finally, our recent “Medieval WOW Workshop” was an unforgettable experience filled with discovery, creativity, and a healthy dose of knightly adventure.

The workshop began with a hands-on exploration of authentic medieval artefacts, carefully curated to provide a glimpse into daily life during this tumultuous time. From weapons and armour to household items and treasures, each artefact told its own unique story from the past. The children were lucky enough to also try on armour themselves! With helmets gleaming and shields at the ready, they transformed into brave knights and noble ladies, ready to defend their kingdom against any foe. 

And what would a medieval workshop be without the opportunity to create your coat of arms? From fierce dragons to majestic lions, each coat of arms was a testament to the creativity and imagination of its creator. We also composed medieval banquet music using chromelab.

As you can see, it really has been a very busy half-term, but it’s been a fab one. Have a fantastic Easter break everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again in two weeks time for our last term in year 3!