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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

“Penpol pupils are curious, creative and courageous learners. Our school community believes in authenticity as the foundation of deep-rooted learning. Through our rich and relevant curriculum, we nurture community-minded, forward-facing international citizens of the future.”
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The Penpol Times

Sea Shanty Concerts: Year 2 Hit the High Cs

Ahoy, me hearties! Year 2 pupils swapped their school uniforms for eye patches, stripy tops, and tricorn hats as they transformed into pirates for a day of swashbuckling fun. The highlight of the day was not one, but two spectacular Sea Shanty Concerts – one performed for other pupils and another for proud parents.

 

The children filled the hall with the sound of the sea, singing traditional shanties, including Wellerman, South Australia and Drunken Sailor with gusto. The pupils worked hard to learn the lyrics, practising both in school and at home.

“It was so much fun being a pirate for the day – and I loved singing to my mum and dad!” said one excited Year 2 pupil.

A huge congratulations to the pupils for the effort and enthusiasm they brought to their performances. Also, a massive thank you to parents for the support and the brilliant costumes!

Dune Discoveries in Year 2

Last week, Year 2 pupils had an exciting trip to Mexico Towans, where they met local land agent and dune expert, Jasmin Appleby. The children spent the day learning about how these special landscapes are formed and why they are so important for wildlife.

Jasmin explained how wind and sand work together to create dunes and why it’s important to protect them. She also showed the children some of the amazing habitats that exist there.

The pupils discovered a variety of plants and animals that live on the dunes. They spotted hardy dune plants and were thrilled to see cinnabar moths and caterpillars on ragwort, as well as burnet moths emerging from their cocoons.

The trip wasn’t just about looking—it was about learning to care for nature too. Jasmin explained how fragile the dunes are and why staying on the paths helps to protect both the plants and the animals that call them home.

The visit to Mexico Towans was an inspiring day of discovery, helping Year 2 understand the importance of looking after our local environment. The children came back full of excitement and new knowledge about this incredible coastal habitat!

Year 2’s High Seas Adventure Aboard the Galeón Andalucía!

On a bright and breezy morning, Year 2 set off on an unforgettable trip to visit the Galeón Andalucía — a magnificent replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon. The adventure began with an exciting train journey from Hayle to Penzance, filled with chatter and anticipation.

After arriving at Penzance station, the children walked together to the harbour, where the towering masts of the Galeón Andalucía came into view. Everyone was amazed by the size and beauty of the ship, with its tall sails and wooden decks that looked just like something out of a pirate story.

The Galeón Andalucía is no ordinary ship. It’s a faithful replica of the famous Spanish galleons that, between the 16th and 18th centuries, set sail from the Andalusian coast to explore and connect the world. These ships navigated the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, American coasts, and the vast Pacific, serving as vital links between continents for more than 300 years.

Built in Punta Umbría, Spain, with meticulous historical accuracy, the Galeón Andalucía stretches an impressive 55 metres in length and features six decks made from iroko and pine wood. With seven sails covering nearly 1,000 square metres, it is both a marvel of craftsmanship and a floating museum of maritime heritage. Over the years, it has visited ports across four continents — from London and New York to Shanghai and Manila — proudly showcasing Spanish seafaring culture.

During their visit, the children enjoyed a guided tour of the ship, exploring everything from the captain’s quarters to the gun deck and even into the ship’s hold. The tours were led by the galleon’s very own crew: a team of Spanish sailors who live and breathe life on the galleon.

After the tour, our Year 2 pupils delighted locals and tourists at the harbour by performing a cheerful selection of sea shanties. Their enthusiastic singing brought smiles to many faces and added a joyful note to the busy quayside.

It was a day full of learning, laughter, and music — one that will surely be remembered by all. A huge thank you to the staff, crew, and helpers who made the trip possible. Year 2’s voyage into maritime history was truly a treasure!

All Aboard! Year 2 Explore Mounts Bay

 

As part of our 360° curriculum offer, Year 2 pupils took to the water this week for some exciting educational adventures around Mounts Bay with Marine Discovery Tours. Classes 5 and 6 boarded boats at Penzance Harbour and set off on journeys packed with wildlife, history, and hands-on geography learning.

These boat trips gave our pupils a chance to explore the Cornish coastline from a whole new perspective. The young explorers climbed aboard the Shearwater II, before travelling southwest from Penzance towards the fishing village of Mousehole, stopping to admire St Clement’s Isle and the mysterious Mousehole Cave.

 

As we sailed, pupils used compass directions to describe their route, as well as identifying human and physical geographical features along the coast.

The trip wasn’t just scenic—it was full of wildlife wonders! Pupils were thrilled to spot grey seals sunbathing on the rocks, graceful gannets diving for fish, and even shearwaters gliding over the waves. Resident seal expert, Josh, shared his expertise on grey seals, allowing pupils to see and touch real seal fur and even a seal’s skull!

To the delight of one lucky group, a pod of playful dolphins swam alongside the boat!

“It was amazing to see the dolphins,” said one Year 2 pupil. “They were so fast and playful—it was like they were racing us!”

In between sightings, the pupils kept spirits high by singing traditional sea shanties and learning all about the rich history of Mounts Bay. Stories of smugglers, pirates, and hidden caves captured everyone’s imagination and helped bring our local coastline to life.

Once out past the protective cliffs to the west of Mounts Bay, the sailed were hoisted as we set a course back towards Penzance, with the boat being steered by our seafaring Year 2 pupils.

These trips were a perfect opportunity to bring classroom learning to life through real-world experiences. A big thank you to Marine Discovery and to all the staff and helpers who made these experiences such a success.

It’s safe to say that these boat trips will be one of the standout memories of Year 2!

Reception’s Sea-Faring Adventure at the Maritime Museum!

The Reception classes had a truly magical and memorable day at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.

I weared a cloak, it made us see Oshi and the grown ups didnt see Oshi because they didnt have a cloak – Georgie

We looked at the waves and the surfboards and we saw Oshi. She showed us treasure – Zuri

We followed a trail of clues to discover the whereabouts of a mysterious sea sprite named Oshi, who came from the legendary lost land of Lyonesse. Donning our magical cloaks, we followed the fishy path that led us beneath the waves to find her. Oshi told us how a great storm once swept her out to sea, and how the mighty waves rose up and swallowed her homeland beneath the ocean. The children learned that Lyonesse is a mythical land once said to lie between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly—lost forever beneath the waves in a single night.

We never put plastic bottles in the sea because then the mermaids will not like it, the rubbish will need to go in the bin – Autumn

With the children’s help, Oshi retold her tale using musical instruments to create the sounds of the sea—the whooshing wind, crashing waves, and rumbling thunder. It was a fantastic way to bring the story to life!

I saw a cannon ball and I saw a submarine window and I saw money, Oshi found them in sea, in where the sand was at the bottom of the sea – Arthur

Oshi also showed us some fascinating treasures she’d discovered on the ocean floor: a real whale’s tooth, a piece of shipwrecked wood, and even a heavy cannon ball! The children were amazed by these mysterious objects from the deep.

We then explored the Boat Hall, where we examined all the different parts of boats—sails, hulls, the mast and more. Inspired by what we saw, the children designed, built, and sailed their very own mini-boats on the museum’s boating pond. It was great fun watching them test their creations and see which ones floated the best!

We saw lots of boats there, we made boats and we sailed them in the water – Eliza

I loved going in the lifeboat, I had a life helmet – Ella

Afterward, we explored the surfing exhibition, where we learned all about Cornwall’s surfing history and culture. We saw old wooden surfboards, wetsuits through the ages, and even a huge board once used in big wave competitions!

I liked the skateboards, I got a skateboard at home. I like the sea – Christopher

A trip up the Look Out Tower gave us stunning views across Falmouth Harbour. We spotted some enormous and very expensive-looking sailboats and yachts. The children enjoyed using the binoculars to take a closer look at all the boats coming and going.

I liked the Captain American surf board. I saw a really big boat, there were 3 little boats on the side of the big boats, lifeboats – Jack

Finally, we ended the day with big excitement in the RNLI Rescue Zone, where the children got hands-on with life as a sea rescuer. They rode on jet skis, rescue boats, and even climbed aboard a life raft—learning how the RNLI helps people stay safe at sea.

I really liked when we went in the boats. I really liked going in the big orange boat because it was really fancy. It was a circle it goes out to sea with lifeguard in it and makes sure everyone is OK – Jackson

It was a day packed with stories, adventure, and discovery—Reception had a brilliant time and left with a boatload of memories! We would like to say a big thank you to Seth, Marilyn and Fiona at the museum for making our visit so much fun.

Plastic pollution is so bad and it will make animals really sick and sometimes so poorly they could die. We could pick the pollution up off the beaches – Esme

Nursery visit to Marazion

Today, Nursery visited Marazion Beach to link to our learning about creatures, habitats and our local environment. We had an exciting trip on the minibus to get there and the children behaved fantastically, making lots of people smile by being so polite and friendly.

We started by meeting Kerry, from St Michael’s Mount, who spoke to us about the most common litter that is found at Marazion. The children were great at identifying which items belong on the beach and which do not! Equipped with gloves, grabbers and bags, the children then eagerly took part in our beach clean, collecting lots of litter and comparing the interesting items that we found.

After our beach clean, we then enjoyed our lunch with a beautiful sea view followed by a play on the sand. The children built sandcastles, searched for shells and we even had some sand angels!

We then had a lovely time on the park with the children really enjoying the rope bridges, pirate ship and slides! We had a fab day and there were lots of sleepy children on the coach home!

Reception Children’s Exciting Adventure to Tehidy Woods!

The Reception children had an unforgettable adventure this week as they set off on a trip to Tehidy Woods. Blessed with glorious weather—bright sunshine and a crisp spring breeze—the children eagerly embarked on their outdoor exploration, ready for a day filled with fun, discovery, and adventure.

Me and Hudson found rocks, sticks, a spikey leaf and there was a piece of rough on the rock. We found logs and mud and Hudson found a daisy – Jack

The first activity on the agenda was a wellie walk through the woodland paths. With their wellington boots firmly on (and a couple came off), the children splashed through muddy puddles, crunched through leaves and twigs and listened carefully to the sounds of nature all around them. The rustling trees, chirping birds and occasional scurrying of woodland creatures created a magical atmosphere that truly captivated their imaginations.

We go to Tehidy woods. We was climbing up some sticks. I found a squirrel. – Luca

Next, the children took part in a scavenger hunt, searching high and low for different natural treasures hidden within the forest. They excitedly collected leaves of all shapes and colours, smooth stones, pinecones and hunted for woodlice, worms, spiders webs and even a few feathers. The activity encouraged them to observe their surroundings closely and sparked lively discussions about the different textures, colours and patterns they discovered.

The excitement continued as some of the children had the opportunity to climb a few trees. With careful supervision, they tested their balance and coordination, building confidence as they clambered onto sturdy branches. The joy on their faces was clear as they experienced the thrill of climbing and looking at the world from a slightly higher perspective.

We were exploring. We finded nature like a giant fat slug and woodlice and ants – Arthur

To round off the adventure, the children worked together to build their own dens using sticks and branches found on the forest floor. Their creativity and teamwork shone through as they carefully arranged their materials to create cosy woodland shelters. Some children imagined their dens as secret hideaways, while others transformed them into woodland homes for small creatures.

The trip to Tehidy Woods was a fantastic opportunity for the children to connect with nature, develop their problem-solving skills and enjoy outdoor play in a beautiful setting.

Magical Mayhem at Penpol: A Spellbinding Adventure!

This year, Penpol was once again transformed into a world of wizardry and wonder as students took part in an unforgettable Harry Potter-themed experience. From spellbinding potion lessons to thrilling Quidditch matches, the day was filled with magic, mystery, and a touch of mischief!

The morning began with an intriguing Potions lesson assignment set by none other than the formidable Professor Severus Snape. Students eagerly took on the challenge before heading into a hands-on practical session led by Professor Emery and Professor Lestrange, where they concocted their own mystical mixtures.

Creativity was in full force as students designed their very own dragons, complete with detailed descriptions of their magical abilities and unique characteristics. From fire-breathing beasts to shimmering, winged serpents, each dragon was as impressive as the next!

For those with a competitive streak, the excitement continued with a fast-paced Blooket Harry Potter quiz, testing their knowledge of the wizarding world. This was followed by a thrilling scavenger hunt, where students searched high and low for hidden magical creatures scattered throughout the grounds.

Of course, no Harry Potter event would be complete without a Quidditch match! Cheers and laughter echoed across the field as students took to their broomsticks (or at least, their running legs!) in a fierce but friendly competition to score goals and catch the all-important Golden Snitch.

With wands at the ready and imaginations soaring, Penpol’s young witches and wizards embraced the magic of the day, proving once again that the spirit of Hogwarts is alive and well! A huge thank you to all the staff and students who made this enchanting day so special.

Step into the World of ‘Swop’: A Virtual Author Visit with Lucy Noguera!

Year 1 had an exciting and engaging virtual author visit with Lucy Noguera today, where they had the special opportunity to meet the inspiration behind the main character of her books, Swop!

The children were full of fascinating questions for Lucy, such as, “How long did it take you to write Swop: The Daring Dinosaur Detective?” and “What inspired you to create these characters?”

Lucy took us on a journey through her creative process, sharing insights from the very first spark of an idea to the moment her books were published.

We’re now eagerly awaiting our delivery of Dyslexia-friendly copies, which will be a fantastic addition to our school library’s dyslexia section.

A huge thank you to Lucy Noguera for such an inspiring visit! We’re excited to get started on the special Science detective mission you set for us, linked to our Digging for Dinosaurs topic. We can’t wait to put our detective skills to the test!

 

Here’s a wonderful creative drawing by one of our talented students, inspired by Swop, now proudly displayed in our Class 4 book corner! What a fantastic way to bring the story to life! 🌟📚

Bringing Cornish Legends to Life: Year 6’s Journey to St Michael’s Mount

Tuesday brought not only sunshine but also Year 6’s exciting trip to St Michael’s Mount. In the coming weeks, they will be exploring Cornish myths and legends in English, and what better way to immerse themselves in local folklore than by visiting the very setting of one of the most gruesome tales?

Before making the short walk across the causeway, both classes took a moment to soak in the island’s grandeur from the mainland. They sketched the scene and began using their senses to capture details that would later enrich their descriptions back at school.

Once the tide had retreated, Class 13 made their way across first, arriving with only slightly damp socks before Class 14 joined later. On the island, the children got to work in the newly opened Learning Centre, which we had the honour of inaugurating last year alongside the St Aubyn family.

They began by learning, retelling, and story-mapping the tale of young Jack—a boy courageous enough to take on Cormoran and free the villagers from their fearful strife. This immersive experience will undoubtedly support them when they rewrite the story in the coming weeks, as they can revisit the key actions, vocabulary, and plot points through drama—and trust me, we had some truly terrifying giants!

The children also had the opportunity to explore the quaint village nestled at the foot of the mount. Through completing the ‘Harbour Challenge,’ they gained insight into how people live on the mount today while also uncovering its rich military and royal history.