Celebrating VE day
VE day picnic
This Thursday the children at Stanmore School celebrated VE day and remembered all those who have given their lives for our freedom. We also thought about all the people across the world who are still at war and hoped they were safe and well. The children took part in a two minute silence and then had a special picnic lunch, with fish and chips in proper cones and British muffins. Thank you to all our wonderful cooks for putting together a fantastic spread and decorations for the children to enjoy.
R2L
We have had such an exciting curriculum over the past two weeks that trying to summarise learning in R2L in a couple of sentences is really tricky!
As well as the enrichment activities that we focus on, the summer term increasingly finds children accessing more of their whole class and whole school events. Last week was bikeability in year 5 and all children were invited to participate. Great successes for the R2L children who demonstrated excellent learning behaviours as well as being safe and accomplished cyclists. Children have also participated in whole class learning alongside their friends in maths, English, PE, topic, art and French. Perhaps one of the highlights of this week was the 80th anniversary of VE day where the whole school enjoyed lunch on the field. Inclusivity and equality play an important role at Stanmore School and it was a real pleasure to see all children enjoying Mandy's special themed lunch alongside their friends.
Maple class
Discovery Time is an important part of Year R children's day and is when they are able to develop crucial learning skills through play. This week, the children have loved making a baker's shop with a mobile delivery service, created a car from our loose parts equipment and explored water play using pipes and guttering.
Learning about what animals need to survive has been the focus of Year 1's science learning this week. Children collected woodlice and used magnifiers to made detailed observations. They discussed and write questions that they would like to ask about woodlice and used material to locate the answer. The woodlice were safely returned to their usual habitat at the end of the lesson.
Rowan
This week Rowan class have been investigating monarchs in their new history unit. They created timelines in groups and then put the timeline together to make one that spanned the length of the corridor to show the passage to time from Alfred the Great, all the way to our current monarch Charles III.
They also had a lovely picnic on the front field to celebrate VE day. We remembered the important event with a two-minute silence in which they were all extremely respectful.
Well done Rowan class.
Birch
This week, Birch have started their maths unit on money. The children have been working hard to convert pounds to pence and have been using their knowledge of money to think about how they can make 50p and £1 in different ways.
Sycamore
Sycamore class have been working hard, developing their knowledge of decimals using Place value counters.
Aspen
This week in Aspen class we have been practicing our traditional crafting skills. The class practiced their paper folding into feathers and quilling skills. Some then mixed the two skills together to create an artwork piece.
Elm
This week, as well as working hard preparing for their exams, year 6 have also been learning more about the origins and impact of WW1 and creating art using abstraction and distortion. They were inspired by simple continuous line drawings and used portraits of human faces to create a series of simplistic line art. The effects were really powerful and showed how a few lines can create an impression of expressions or facial features,
Winchester Chamber Music Festival 2025
We were delighted and honoured to be asked to take part in the Winchester Chamber Music Festival 2025. Children in year 3 and 4, plus some children from year 5 and 6, composed their own songs and took part in workshops with some very talented string musicians. After performing to the whole school, the children then showcased their songs and musical abilities as part of the Winchester Chamber Music Festival at St Paul’s church. We are so proud of each and every one of them and how they demonstrated all our BEST values.
See our performances by following the link below.
Our Aspirational Curriculum
Magnificent Music
Birch and Sycamore have been in last minute rehearsals for the Winchester Chamber Music Festival. They performed to the rest of the school, who were very privileged to hear amazing professional musicians who will be performing in the Winchester Chamber Music Festival over the bank holiday weekend at venues around Winchester.
Maple
To support their learning in PSHE, children in Maple Class welcomed a visit from PCSO Rob this week. He came in to talk to the children about how we can help each other to get along by thinking of others in school and at home. We discussed the important of 'special clothes', the uniform the PCSOs wear and the reasons why they wear their uniforms. PCSO Rob showed us the different parts of his uniform and what they are used for - some lucky children dressed up at the end of the session!
Children in Maple Class had a wonderful day out at Finkley Down farm on Tuesday to support our current science topic, 'Animal Parts'. We explored the farm in the beautiful sunshine and petted the rabbits, groomed a pony called 'Freckles' and fed some baby goats. There was so much to see and do - we definitely recommend it for a fun day out !
Rowan
Rowan class have been enjoying their forest school sessions this term. They had the opportunity to try out some of the lovely new equipment that is now there. They spent some time building dens and making some creations out of clay and natural materials. The good weather has made it even more enjoyable.
Sycamore
Sycamore have been finishing an art project called ‘Animal’ where they started by sketching animals such as dogs, horses and birds. They then looked at range of animal prints and created stamps to print repeating patterns. For the final part of the project, they have made Bankura horses out of clay. These are the highly decorated horses that look like a caricature.
Aspen
This week Aspen were AMAZING on their bikes, they practiced their glides, breaking, pedalling and stability. They then had the chance to build on their confidence by exploring the roads where they got to practice their road awareness and signalling. All of the class should be VERY proud of themselves!
Welcome back to our Summer Term
R2L
Although this week has been shorter than usual, this has not stopped the children in R2L embracing all of the amazing enrichment opportunities that Stanmore Primary School offers. On Wednesday, the children enjoyed a Forest School session where they became nature detectives and discovered some of the many changes that an emerging warm season can bring. Bluebells, juicy green leaves and minibeasts were discovered alongside taking turns to swing in the hammock. All of the children have also enjoyed participating in whole class events whether it was the fantastic chamber music festival, maths, English, science or PE.
We are also learning about the power of words and how we can use our words when we are feeling upset. This has been learnt through fun games and activities such as word games and team games.
Maple
Children in Maple Class have come back with a spring in their step and embracing their learning with enthusiasm! Year R children have been exploring numbers beyond 10 (11, 12 and 13), using a variety of different resources to represent these numbers. Year 1 children have continued with their learning in the multiplication and division unit by exploring groups and arrays.
On the last day of the Spring term, Maple Class enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt and picnic on the field, making their own made jam sandwiches and rice crispy cakes. Delicious!
Rowan
Rowan class have had a great first week back. Just before the Easter break, they completed their DT unit 'Beach Huts', which had them designing and making model versions of beach huts in small groups. They did an amazing job and were safe while using the tools. Finally, they decorated them to a high standard and took real care and attention with their designs.
Birch and Sycamore
Birch and Sycamore Classes plus selected year 5 and 6 children, have been invited to take part in the Winchester Chamber Music Festival 2025. Kate and Neil, cello and violin players, performed some pieces of music which then inspired us to create our own songs! We will be performing these songs as part of the first performance of the Winchester Chamber Music Festival 2025.
Elm
This week class have been introduced to their new topic 'Britain at War' and new book 'Letters from the Lighthouse.' The children explored different war memorabilia including ration books, propaganda posters and identification documents and then recorded their feelings and thoughts through art. They also looked at the situation in the World at the beginning of the first World War and though about what they may have done if they had been in charge.
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter
Beyond The Beat
This week our 'Beyond the Beat' musicians performed in their Spring Concert. They are sounding good with some promising players of the future. We were delighted to welcome three musicians from Kings, including a former Stanmore House Captain, to provide some accomplished accompaniment. Thank you and congratulations to all involved.
Maple
This week in Maple Class, Year 1 children have made their moving vehicles in DT, including using hacksaws to cut the wood for the axles. All of their vehicles roll effectively and are sturdy enough to be played with - what a great job!
In Year R, children have enjoyed making playdoh and using their communication and language skills when playing outside in the glorious spring sunshine.
Both Year R and Year 1 children have loved making their Easter cards and cress Egg Heads and are looking forward to taking them home later in the week.
Rowan
This week Year 2 had a wonderful sunny day at Lepe beach. They enjoyed a seashore safari and minibeast hunt. They found an abundance of shells, shrimp, crabs and even a ragworm on the beach! Their curiosity was wonderful to see and they worked brilliantly as a team to find as many things as they could. The Lepe beach rangers commended their behaviour and scientific nature.
Birch
Birch have worked incredibly hard this week to make cam toys. The children were resilient when things didn't go as planned as were able to solve problems and work together to find solutions to challenges. They then enjoyed designing and decorating their toys. Well done Birch for your hard work!
Sycamore
Sycamore Class have been preparing for their spring performance and finally the day has arrived! “Mystery at Magpie Manor” was a hit because the children had learnt their lines and were well prepared. They looked fabulous, sang loudly and did a wonderful job!
Aspen
Aspen class have been working hard on their DT project, making soup. They have made two different types of soup - a green and red vegetable soup. They expired the nutritional value of their chosen vegetables, prepared, blended and tasted their soup!
Elm
Year 6 have been working hard this week on designing and making their own computer game. They are using all the skills they have learnt over this term, including how to code variables, how to use different sprites and how to design their own backgrounds.
Our Fantastic Children
Another amazing performance
Our fantastic choir took part in a very special performance this week at the Anvil in Basingstoke. This choir spectacular included 6 schools from around Hampshire and we were the only school chosen from Winchester! There were 452 children singing at the event and our 19 brave children looked and sounded amazing!
Maple
Children in Year 1 have been concluding their science topic of Seasonal Changes. This week, they learned about the importance of weather forecasting. They gathered information from a weather forecast and then wrote and presented their own.
Their science investigation this week was prompted by a question 'Can you get burnt from the sun if it is cloudy?'. The children used UV beads to see if they changed in the cloudy conditions and discussed their findings, suggesting further questions about sun safety to explore.
In Year R, children have loved our book this week, 'The Disgusting Sandwich'. They enjoyed making jam sandwiches, learning how to be safe when handling food and equipment. They also wrote instructions for others about how to make a delicious sandwich.
Rowan
This week Rowan class have begun to build beach huts as part of their design and technology unit this term. They have been measuring, sawing and glueing to make a box frame. They have been safe and sensible and have really enjoyed the process.
They also took part in their termly Listen 2 Me concert where they performed the recorder to a packed hall. Thank you all for coming.
Well done Rowan!
Birch
In forest school, Birch have been determined to make a hammock that lifts off the ground. The children worked incredibly hard to solve various challenges along the way (like creating steps so they could reach the hammock), but felt really proud of their end result!
In class this week, Birch learnt about tsunamis. The children saw how the sudden movement of tectonic plates caused the ocean water to be displaced and destroy buildings close to the sea. The children then used their knowledge of volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis to become scientists, geologists and volcanologists to investigate the dangers of tectonic activity in Quito (the capital of Ecuador).
Sycamore
Sycamore class have been learning about how to construct high quality paragraphs. They have been ordering them and ensuring that any points build on the information given, rather than repeat the information.
Elm
This week the children in Elm have been working hard on their practise SATS and have shown excellent resilience. They have also finished their environmental art project and are looking forward to showcasing their work to the year 5's this afternoon. Each of their piece is made from recycled products and the children have though carefully about the message they want to send through their work.
40 years of comic relief
Thank you to everyone who came in their colourful 80’s clothes and accessories this week and joined in with our 80’s theme danceathon. Everyone looked amazing and it was great to see so many family member joining in or cheering the children on. Thank you also to Mandy for our delicious breakfast cake and for Mr Foard for taking on the role of resident DJ.
On the day we managed to raise over £80 which will go to Comic Relief and will make a real difference to people’s lives here in the UK and world wide.
Enjoying time outdoors.
Stanmore Football Team
This week was the turn of the girl’s football team to take part in a tournament at Nightingale Primary School. This was the first time the team and played together and as well as scoring two goals, they showed excellent sportmanship and some fantastic football skills. Well done everyone.
Maple
In Maple Class this week, Year R children have continued their work on 'Journeys' as part of their 'Big Wide World' learning. Children have been looking at the world map and exploring different locations. They chose which location they would like to visit and wrote a postcard to a friend or relative to tell them about it. In Year 1, children have continued their work on measure in maths, focusing on capacity and volume. They loved using the sand to show their understanding of volume.
Rowan
Pondering Plants
This week Rowan class have started their new science unit 'Plant Survival'. They have been looking at seasonal change in plants and went on an exploration of our school grounds to look for plants that were starting to grow. They worked together and used their spotting sheets to see what they could find.
Birch
In science, Birch conducted an experiment to find out which magnet was the strongest. The children had to make predictions about how many paperclips each magnet would pick up before conducting the experiment. They then worked hard to put their results into a bar graph. Birch also had lots of fun in Forest School taking part in a den building competition. The teams had to work together to build a den that would fit all of them inside - one den even had a working hammock!
Sycamore
Sycamore class have been working with the Wessex River Trust to learn all about our local river, the River Itchen. They learnt about the vocabulary and what happened in each section of the river and then they went on a local visit to carry out some geographical research. Luckily, they found out that the River Itchen is a healthy river!
Elm
Elm class have been studying digital wellbeing in PHSE. They designed and created posters to explain to others in school what digital wellbeing is and how they can stay healthy when spending time online and using other digital technology.
Their top tips included: treating others with kindness and respect when using digital technology; telling a trusted adult when something frightens or worries us and make sure we watch or play games which are age appropriate.
Year 6 have also been looking at environmental artists and how they use recycled products to send a message about the importance of looking after the environment. The children then designed their own art pieces and began to build them. We can’t wait to see how they look when finished.
Creativity shown throughout the curriculum
Maple
We have had another very busy week in Maple Class. Children in Year 1 have been learning to measure the weather, including the outside temperature, rainfall and windspeed. We have made a windsock and rain gauge and are checking them daily. We will be presenting the data gathered in a simple chart. Unusually, there has been no rain so far!
Children in Year R have been learning about length and height. They have loved reading about Superworm and found lots of string worms in the outside provision areas.
We all loved World Book Day - what a fantastic class of explorers we have! The children enjoyed reading abut 'Maya's Walk', and learnt about the different senses that she used as she explored her local area. The children created their own maps of the school grounds, observed the signs of spring using telescopes that they had made and created nature bracelets to develop their sense of touch
Birch
This week, Birch have started a new unit in maths. The children have been looking at unit and non-unit fractions and how to identify which fraction is larger. Birch then had to think about whether they would like 1⁄8 or 1⁄3 of a cake.
Birch have also really enjoyed starting Forest School this term. The children have worked as a team to build dens and solve problems like untying knots and moving large branches. On Friday, the class worked together to make a volcano and then watch it explode. They were able to apply what they had learnt in geography to notice that the eruption was effusive, not explosive.
Sycamore
Sycamore class have been getting creative this week, composing narrative poems to tell the story of the water cycle. We have also been focusing on using legible, joined up handwriting.
Aspen
Aspen class brought their art installations to life using lollipop sticks, sticks, straws, rocks and clay to produce an art piece with a message behind it. They varied from wooden photo frames to ‘always live in the moment’’ to clay steps to ‘remember to try your best’!
ELM
Amazing 1st person narrative written by Elm class, retelling the narrative of Jack Driscoll challenging King Kong when he escaped with the heroine, Ann, on Skull Island. The children have also been investigating environmental art and thinking about how they can use recycled products to create art with a message.
A Big Thank You
Today we say a huge thank you and goodbye to lovely Jackie, our crossing guard. She has helped thousands of children cross the road safely and we wish her all the best for the future. You will be missed.
