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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

Penpol Remembers

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.

Penpol Compete at the National School Song Competition

 

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.

Spooky Spectacular: Potions Bubble and Spine-tingling Skeletons!

Class 4 had a spook-tacular day full of fun, learning, and imagination! Dressed in their own creepy costumes, the children were already channeling the mysterious and magical wonder of Spooky Day.

Our day began with listening to Funny Bones, which inspired the children to design and make their very own skeletons. Soon after, the class got hands-on with some creepy creativity, building spooky skeletons of all shapes and sizes.

After break, Cornwall became the focus as the children journeyed to mystical and magical lands through a Piskey tale. Inspired by the story, each child used their imagination to create their very own spooky Piskey, bringing their tiny magical creatures to life through drawings and clever ideas.

The day also included a practical maths activity where the children followed a spooky recipe, carefully measuring and mixing ingredients like “half a cup of inky slime” and “a full cup of fairy tears”—proving that maths can be both fun and deliciously creepy!

It was a day full of learning, creativity, and fun, and Class 4 showed that even spooky days can be filled with laughter, imagination, and a touch of magic!

Happy Spooky day – Dydh Euthyk Lowen

An Exciting Visit from Our Local Heroes: Ben and Ben, the Firefighter Men!

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.

Year 2 Storm Pendennis for a day of History and fun!!

On Tuesday, 21st October, Year 2 enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. The children travelled by coach and were full of anticipation as they prepared to explore one of Cornwall’s most historic landmarks.

On arrival, pupils were impressed by the castle’s towering stone walls and impressive sea views. They learned that Pendennis Castle was built by King Henry VIII to defend the Cornish coast from invasion. Throughout the visit, the children spotted the features of the castle they had learnt about in the classroom, bringing their learning to life. The children were able to climb to the top of the keep, where they were rewarded with panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

The children also took part in a hands-on activity, exploring artefacts from Tudor times, learning about their uses and helping them to understand life in the past.

Quotes from the children:

‘This is the best day ever, I got to see canons’

‘I can see the arrow slits’

‘The portcullis was to stop invaders’

Magic on the Mount

On  Wednesday, 24th September 2025 and Thursday, 25th September 2025, Classes 5 and 6 embarked upon magical and memorable trips to St Michael’s Mount as part of their Autumn Term topic, ‘Who’s the King of the Castle?’

Pupils enjoyed a 5-minute boat ride across the water to the island as they didn’t fancy the long swim.

We were greeted at the harbour by Kerry Rice, the Education Officer for St Aubyn Estate, who led us on a magical journey through time as we explored the historic beauty of St Michael’s Mount.

On the short but steep hike up the Mount, we discovered the ‘Giant’s Well’, where Kerry captivated the children’s imaginations with the legend of Cormoran the Giant. We learned about the story of a tyrannical giant who once lived on the Mount and how he was defeated by a local boy called Jack.

Further up the Pilgrim’s Steps, children discovered the Giant’s Heart within the cobbled path. Legend has it that if you place your toe on this magical stone, then you can feel Cormoran’s heartbeat in your chest!

Finally, we reached the castle at the top of the Mount, where the stone fortifications, battlements and canons immediately brought this period of medieval history to life. Kerry taught us the chronology of the mount’s use through time, going back over 3000 years from early Bronze Age artefacts to its use as a monastery, to the castle’s construction following the Norman Conquest of Britain.

As we explored the inside of the castle, children discovered an abundance of fascinating artefacts scattered throughout the castle’s intricate maze of rooms and buildings, including a mysteriously large leather jug and the entrance to a hidden chamber, where a 7-foot skeleton was once discovered!

After descending the steep and uneven path back down the mount, we had certainly earned a good lunch.  One final treat was in store, as Kerry led a wonderful drama activity in which they acted out the story of Cormoran the Giant – complete with an authentic blast of a horn from Kerry!

By the afternoon, the tide had gone out,  revealing the beautiful cobblestone causeway that connects the island to the mainland. We walked back along the beach and enjoyed the minibus journey back to school, minds full of the history and magic of St Michael’s Mount.

European Day of Languages Shines for Another Year!

On Wednesday 8th October, Penpol School celebrated European Day of Languages – a brilliant opportunity to recognise and embrace the many languages spoken across our school community.

The children came dressed in bright, colourful outfits inspired by their favourite national flags, filling the corridors with a spectacular sea of colour and pride. Throughout the day, pupils immersed themselves in a variety of cross-curricular activities, each designed to highlight the beauty and diversity of languages spoken across Europe.

A highlight of the day was undoubtedly Monsieur Emery’s Café, where students had the chance to order food in French. Every year, it’s wonderful to hear the children practising their French with such enthusiasm — confidently greeting each other with “Bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît,” and “merci.” Beyond the words themselves, the real magic lies in appreciating other languages and finding joy in trying them out together.

In true Penpol fashion, music played an important part in the celebration. During assembly, pupils joined together to sing wonderful songs from around Europe, showcasing both their enthusiasm and their growing appreciation for different cultures and languages.

European Day of Languages continues to be one of the most enjoyable and meaningful events in the Penpol calendar. It provides a valuable reminder of how language can unite us and helps every child to take pride in being part of such a diverse and inclusive community.

A heartfelt “merci,” “gracias,” “diolch,” “meur ras” and “obrigado” to everyone who helped make the day such a fantastic success!

 

 

 

 

 

War Declared For Year 6!

86 years to almost the day since thousands of children and vulnerable young people were evacuated from cities across the country during World War II, our Year 6 children had a go themselves. As an immersive launch to our Autumn Term topic ‘Wartime and Peace’, the children (and adults!) dressed in period clothing and experienced life as evacuees for the day.

After being met at the gates by two of the newest members of the Penpol Division of the British Forces and our very own Land Girls, they waved a teary goodbye to their parents before heading off to the train station. They were then subjected to a roll call and squeezed into cramped school classrooms — much like the evacuees of 1939 would have been when they departed the trains, albeit with far less jeopardy!

Once settled, the children had the chance to act in character and meet their fellow evacuees, discussing the contents of their suitcases and their preferred destinations. They also explored and played traditional 1940s games before taking some time to research and better understand the process of Operation Pied Piper. Later, they wrote some touching postcards home eve, created some Blitz inspired art and even transported their evacuee selves digitally into a 1939 scene using some clever iPad tricks!

After a ration-free lunch, the children got to grips with the challenges of wartime rationing by trying some home cooking, following a handed-down ration recipe to make delicious scones. Many were surprised to see — and later taste — the limited sugar available during the war!

The evacuation of Year 6 lasted far less time than those of World War II and ended with much greater success. Unlike the wartime generation, all children returned to their homes — none left behind — but not before parents were invited into class to share the day’s work and sample some of the sugar-free scones on offer!

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!