🐝 Buzzing with Learning in UKS2 🐝

14th April 2026Charlotte Newman

Today, UKS2 children had a fantastic visit from a bee expert, who shared fascinating insights into the important role bees play in our world. The children learned how bees help with pollination, allowing plants to grow and produce the food we eat. They were especially interested to discover that every bee in a hive has a specific job, from worker bees collecting nectar and pollen to the queen bee laying eggs, all working together to keep the hive thriving.

The session also explored the different products that bees create, with a particular focus on beeswax and its many uses. The children were amazed to learn that beeswax can be used to make lip balms, soaps, and beard wax, and enjoyed seeing and smelling real examples. The visit inspired thoughtful discussions about how we can protect bees and support their habitats, leaving the children excited, informed, and eager to learn more about the natural world.

UKS2 Celebration of learning

23rd March 2026Megan Gray

UKS2 were very proud to present their learning to their adults last week. After giving an introduction explaining all about our expedition titled: Justice through time, the children explained what we had done during our case studies to answer our guiding question: Does the punishment always fit the crime?

From showcasing their writing to demonstrating their growing historical knowledge, pupils have taken great pride in sharing what they have achieved.

We were all super proud of UKS2, we cannot wait to see and share our final product!

Learning from a Tudor Expert

12th March 2026Thomas White

Last week, our UKS2 Crews had a very special visit from an expert artist and Tudor enthusiast. She brought with her a remarkable portrait of King Henry VIII, which had been painted for her by her father. Seeing the portrait up close was a fantastic experience for the children, as it helped bring our Tudor learning to life.

During the session, she shared fascinating information about Hans Holbein the Younger, one of the most famous artists of the Tudor period. Holbein is well known for painting incredibly detailed and realistic portraits of important figures at the court of Henry VIII. His paintings were not just about showing what someone looked like — they were carefully designed to show power, wealth and status.

We looked closely at some of the features that made Holbein’s portraits so distinctive. The children noticed the rich fabrics, detailed jewellery and confident poses used to show the importance of the people being painted. We also discussed how artists used colour, position and symbolism to send a message about the subject.

Our visitor also gave the class some helpful critique and advice about their own Tudor portrait work. She encouraged the children to think carefully about proportion, detail and expression, just as artists like Holbein would have done hundreds of years ago.

The session was a brilliant opportunity to combine history and art, helping the children understand not only what Tudor portraits looked like, but also why they were created in that way. It was a memorable experience and gave everyone lots of inspiration as we continue developing our own Tudor-style portraits.

Memory in Action

2nd March 2026Charlotte Newman

For this week’s crew challenge, Crew McLoughlin and Crew Gray worked on strengthening their memory skills. They were given 15 seconds to carefully observe a selection of objects on the board before they were covered up. The children then had to recall and list as many items as they could remember. It was wonderful to see their focus, teamwork, and determination as they challenged themselves to improve each round.

Exploring Our Features: Self-Portrait Drafting

2nd March 2026Charlotte Newman

Today Crew Gray have been drafting their Tudor self-portraits, focusing carefully on our eyes, nose, mouth, and eyebrows. The children have been learning about proportion and placement, noticing the small details that make their faces unique. It has been lovely to see their concentration and growing confidence as their portraits begin to reflect who they are as Tudors.

Sharing and critiquing our wonderful writing!

30th January 2026Megan Gray

In Crew Gray this week, we have been sharing our fantastic writing from our recounts of our Tudor banquet with one another. We shared two stars and a wonder for each others work, allowing us to edit and revise them, before we share them with Miss Ramsey our audience for this piece of writing.