Class 7 Teacher
Penpol Panthers
London’s Calling 2023
On the 22nd May 2023, many of the Y6 travelled to London for 3 days of sightseeing, visiting attractions and the many things our nations capital has on offer. With a jam packed itinerary planned, we set off at 7am on a double-decker, stylish, executive coach for the long road ahead. Following a number of “Are we nearly there yets?” just after lunchtime we pulled up outside the Natural History Museum.
The children were excited by the beautiful exterior and size of the building even before going in. As we entered the Natural History Museum this was the scene that greeted us:
We saw many exciting exhibits:
Then it was off for dinner at Pizza Express after check in at the Wembley International Hotel for our first nights stay.
Then for a walk around the outside of Wembley Stadium. What a venue! There were a few goal like celebrations!
Our second day in London started at the Houses of Parliament where we had a special tour through the buildings including the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed in most areas. We did not have enough time to sort out the cost of living crisis but it was fascinating to experience.
We then went sightseeing around Central London:
It was time for a flight on the London Eye.
Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and then a West End show – Matilda!
It was our last day in London. All the bags on the coach and we were heading to the Science Museum and The Wonderlab. The Wonderlab is the most amazing hands on science laboratory/gallery/play room/museum/fun room you can imagine. We had so much fun, investigated lots and maybe even learnt a little along the way!
Now the long journey home. Happy life-long memories and amazing experiences. Oh, and a Burger King at Exeter Services!
Year Six – London 2023
The Bluff Beach
Class 1 and 2 had a great time at the Bluff Beach.
We dug sandcastles, climbed some rocks and played in the sand.
The life guards Charlie and Ben kindly spoke to the children about beach safety and let us have a go in on their quad bike and beach buggy.
We persevered the weather and played to few fun beach games including fish, fish crab and running races.
After a picnic on the beach we had another play and dig before heading back to school.
A lovely day at the beach was had by all. Thank you Ben and Charlie for looking after us and showing us how you keep everyone safe on the beach.
Sleeping with the Sharks
To top off a school year filled with adventure, excitement and challenge, Year 2 pupils embarked upon an incredible opportunity to ‘sleep with the sharks’ at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium.
Following a joyous minibus journey up the A30 and across the Tamar Bridge, we arrived at the aquarium, which is located on the beautiful and historic Sutton harbour. Here, we were greeted with a warm welcome by the National Marine Aquarium staff.
The next stop on Year 2’s marine voyage was an ‘Inventafish’ workshop, in which pupils explored some fascinating ocean artefacts (including the jaw of a tiger shark, a giant turtle shell and a sawfish rostrum!) and learned about the adaptive features of a host of sea creatures. We discovered that both the turtle’s protective shell and the humpback whale’s baleen (the comb-like filter-feeding system) are made from keratin – the same stuff that our fingernails and hair are made of!
The pupils were then tasked to ‘inventafish’, using their creative imagination and prior knowledge of ocean animals to design, draw and write about a fictitious sea creature. We had venomous deep-sea creatures with octopus legs, petrifying bioluminescent lures and 30 foot-tall sea monsters that live by the light of the moon!
Following the workshop, we were treated to dinner in the aquarium’s Waves Café, which boasts a panoramic view of Sutton Harbour. The café with filled with excitement and glee and the pupils enjoyed their dinner and watched as the fishing ships pulled into the harbour.
After dinner, we were walked down to the Eddystone Reef Exhibit. This is the largest single viewing panel in the UK, but it’s also home to a stunning array of local sharks, rays and many more amazing ocean animals… It would also be our bedroom for the night!
We were incredibly lucky to be guided on a twilight tour of the aquarium – a fascinating chance to see what the fish get up to at night! The expertly knowledged and entertaining aquarium staff led a series of workshops and activities: we went on a treasure hunt for coral fish, learned about the complex biology of coral and met Cooper, the resident humphead wrasse, whose species can grow almost the size of a small car in the wild!
With beds made and pyjamas on, the children were treated to an ice cream while they watched Finding Dory on a big screen in front of the Eddystone Reef tank. We were then lulled to sleep under the moonlight tank, accompanied by the relaxing sound of water circling through the tanks.
After an early rise, we packed our bags and headed back up to the Waves Café for a buffet breakfast of toast and cereal. Before leaving, the pupils enjoyed a scour of the gift shop, buying a range of thoughtful gifts for themselves and others, which I’m sure will be cherished as fond memories of a wonderful aquarium adventure!
What an incredible experience and a huge effort from pupils, parents and staff alike to make it happen. A massive thank you to the National Marine Aquarium for hosting an unforgettable sleepover!
Year 5 Tackle Litter in Hayle
As part of our 360 Curriculum, Year 5 needed to start a community project. After our recent walk through Hayle on our way to our beach clean, the children were left reeling at the amount of litter we saw.
When discussing how we could involve the community, we decided to invite parents, carers and grand-parents. It turned out to be a huge success, which is both pleasing and upsetting. The amount we collected was brilliant but astounding that it was all found within one hour by 60 children.
