What a wonderful evening for our school community! We had over 250 children, staff, parents, governors and friends of our school who shared in an extravaganza of music. Our choir showcased their talents alongside Grimethorpe Colliery Band, a gentleman Keith Neale who is a tour guide at Caphouse Colliery opened the evening with a poem and set the tone. We were all so very proud, thank you for your support and thank you especially to Mrs Esther Sutton whose dream it was for organising such a great night and to all the staff who supported her. Highlights included an amazing euphonium solo from Michael Dodd and non-choir members joining in with ‘A World in Union.’ See the video clip for a taste of this unforgettable experience.
Our School Choir had a fabulous day and then night at the Young Voices 2011 Event at Sheffield Arena. Performing alongside stars such as Connie Talbot from Britain’s Got Talent and US Number 1 fame, they wowed an audience well into 4 figures! There were many highlights including Irish Folk Songs, A Queen Melody and A Pop Medley incorporating Your Song amongst others. Many thanks to Mrs. Sutton, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Whitfield, Mrs. Lawson and Mr. Taylor for their support of the children and this extraordinary event in particular!
Following our Children in Need Fayre, we had 2 presentations for our Superstar Award. Capping off a great week for our older children, this Year 5 star received the award for her tremendous all round contribution to life at Birkwood. A role model, she works hard at all times and always brightens every day with her infectious smile. Well done!
Years 5 and 6 were visited by a gentleman who was evacuated in World War 2! Originating from London, Mr Lane answered a whole host of questions about his experiences including separating from his parents, encountering his host family’s wish to only receive girls and his views of the Oval Cricket Ground as it was preparing to act as a Prisoner of War Camp! Mr Lane’s neighbourhood was bombed during the war and he recalls being pinned to his mattress by a collapsed window frame! Many thanks to Mr Lane for giving his time to Birkwood. An interesting and informative session!
Year 5 entered the Barnsley MP Michael Dugher’s Christmas Card Competition. Here are the winners from their class receiving certificates embossed with the House of Commons Logo presented by the MP himself! Well done on your success!
This year at Birkwood our Remembrance Day work has involved all children in Years 5 and 6 producing material to sell in a Remembrance Shop! Children have been working with pupils from either class and have produced many items such as: headbands, bracelets, water bottles, cakes and buns, calendars, necklaces, badges and key rings. All items bore the Poppy Icon as all funds raised are to be donated to the Royal British Legion’s Annual Appeal. This was an exciting and creative way to help all children realise the importance of the sacrifices so many people have made and still do make in times of war. We must thank all of our community for giving so generously to this cause. The TASC work raised a fabulous £150 and will be presented to the Royal British Legion as a contribution to their essential work.
Year 5 and Year 6 enjoyed a terrific day out at Eden Camp, Malton, North Yorkshire. The camp is a former Prisoner of War Camp and served as a great attraction as part of our work on World War 2. The children enjoyed a puppet show, exhibitions including a German U-Boat, The Blitz and of course the gift shop! All children behaved wonderfully and we are all grateful to Mrs Robinson for arranging this great day. Look out for Remembrance Day follow up work!
Many thanks to Mrs Robinson and Mrs Birch who organised a fabulous Evacuee Day. Years 5 and 6 toured Cudworth singing war time favourites such as ‘Roll Out The Barrel’, ‘Run Rabbit’, ‘Bless ‘Em All’, ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’ and ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ as a way of raising funds towards a trip to Eden Camp. We enjoyed the support of parents as always, either by following or by ensuring the children looked great in wartime clothing! A great morning was finished by some drama where we created an evacuation picture in groups! The trip will be great.
Many thanks to our technician, Mike, who shared his passion for World War 2 with the children. Mike takes part in re-enactments of War time activities and has a vast collection of resources with a World War 2 theme. The children enjoyed experiencing the collection and it was a real bonus to share his enthusiasm and obvious knowledge on the subject that we’ve been studying throughout the first term.
Year 5 have approached their new topic with enthusiasm!! This term we are learning about World War 2. We have been doing drama and imagining what it would be like for a family when they heard Neville Chamberlain announcing the start of the war. We are going to use our ideas and experiences from the drama in our Big Write activity.
