Headteacher
Chris Coyle-Chislett
Email the Office
secretary@penpol.cornwall.sch.uk
Telephone Number
01736 753472
Our Address
2 St George’s Road, Hayle,
Cornwall, TR27 4AH
This week, our school and wider community came together to mark Remembrance Day, honouring those who served in wars past and present. In the days leading up to November 11th, our Year 6 pupils took part in a range of special activities across different subjects to help us understand and reflect on the importance of remembrance.
In English, children learned the famous World War I poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. They discussed the poem’s meaning, imagery and the emotions it evokes. Pupils were inspired to write their own thoughtful poems about the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in WWI.
Meanwhile, in Art, pupils created striking pictures of poppy fields, soldiers, and scenes from wartime, showing great care and creativity.
In Design and Technology, children designed and sewed their own red poppies, carefully stitching the petals and leaves to create beautiful symbols of remembrance.
On Remembrance Day itself, the whole year group walked together to the Hayle War Memorial. We joined members of the local community to take part in a two-minute silence at 11 o’clock. It was a moving and respectful moment as we stood quietly, remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom.
Our Remembrance Day activities helped everyone to think deeply about history, sacrifice, and gratitude — and to understand why it is so important to remember.
Last year, some staff and key stage two pupils here at Penpol School got together over a series of singing assemblies to write a song that sums up what it is like to go to Penpol School. The children gave lots of ideas about what they enjoy and like about school and worked hard to incorporate these ideas into the song. Our song ‘The Best That I Can Be’ was then recorded in a singing assembly and entered into the national School Song Competition.
Amazingly our song fought off stiff competition of 350 entries and we were invited to The competition final just held just outside of London.
The song is a credit to the children and staff and really encompasses what it is like to be a student at Penpol School. You can listen to the song on all major streaming platforms.
This week, Year 2 had an unforgettable experience in Forest School when a very special visitor arrived—none other than Guy Fawkes himself! The children were captivated as he retold the story of the Gunpowder Plot, explaining why he and his co-conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
The session was full of excitement and curiosity. Pupils listened carefully, asking thoughtful questions about the events of 1605, and enjoyed hearing history brought to life in the forest. They learned not just the facts, but also about courage, consequences, and the importance of working together—just as the conspirators did, for better or worse!
To make the story even more memorable, Guy Fawkes lit the fire in the Forest School firepit, giving the children a dramatic demonstration of the Bonfire Night tradition. He also showed them a seal used on letters in his time, prompting pupils to compare artefacts from the past with things they use today.
The fun didn’t stop in the forest! Back in the classroom, Year 2 continued learning with a range of creative activities. They made timelines of the Gunpowder Plot to understand the sequence of events, played a thrilling game where they had to finish a Guy Fawkes picture before the barrel exploded, and even created sparkling firework artworks to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Teachers praised the pupils for their enthusiasm, imagination, and teamwork throughout the day. It was a fun, fiery, and memorable experience that truly brought history to life!
After a real-life emergency our two local Firefighter heroes re-arranged their visit to come to visit Year 1 on the last day before half-term.
On Wednesday, the Year 1 children at Penpol School had a very special visit from two real-life firefighters! The children were thrilled to meet these local heroes and learn all about what firefighters do to help keep everyone safe.
The children were amazed to discover how heavy the equipment is and how quickly firefighters have to put it on during an emergency. Everyone listened carefully as the Bens explained what to do if there’s ever a fire — Get out, stay out, and call 999!
Loud cheers filled the air as the children eagerly listened to the blaring siren. A sea of smiles spread across the playground as everyone gathered to explore the big red fire engine. Each child had the opportunity to climb aboard and experience what it’s like inside the cabin.
The firefighters then provided an informative demonstration, explaining some of the various tools and equipment used in their daily work. The children learnt about the importance of fire safety and the vital role firefighters play in keeping the community safe. They asked thoughtful questions, such as, “Where does the water come from?” Many questions were enthusiastically centred around ladders! Year 1 listened carefully to the answers, showing great curiosity and excitement throughout the visit.
They learnt so much about fire safety and had a fantastic time meeting their local heroes. A huge thank you to Firefighters Ben and Ben for visiting Penpol School and teaching us how we can stay safe.
