The Penpol Times

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.

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.

 Our young readers in Classes 1 and 2 are absolutely loving books! We asked them what their favourites were, and here’s what they said:

“I like the bus book. It turns into a hundred-decker bus!” – Hugo

“I like Bluey books, they make me happy!” – Reuben

Every day, you’ll find us sharing stories with each other, whether snuggled up in our cozy book corners inside or enjoying the sunshine in our outdoor book nook.

I like the book when the banana is a baddie! – Albert

Story time is a super important part of our day. We love getting lost in amazing worlds through books.  Whether we’re revisiting old favourites like The Gruffalo or discovering new adventures, reading together is always lots of fun!  We even get to vote on which book we read each day, taking turns choosing the next story.  Recently, we’ve loved ‘One Snowy Day’ and ‘Emergency!’ during our story times.

We also have a great time sharing stories with our parents during “Book and a Bagel” on Wednesday afternoons. It’s a chance to show off what we’ve been learning and enjoy all sorts of stories, from new ones like ‘When Cucumber Lost His Cool’ to classics like ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Paddington’.

We read books. I like reading with Daddy! – Autumn

And we can’t forget our awesome reading buddies in Years 3 and 4!  Every week, we get to read together, share songs and learning, and hear about what the older children are up to. We even play games and make new friends!

I like to read a book with Leo. They read the unicorn one – Flora

Our Reception classes have had a fantastic time with reading events this year. We celebrated World Book Day with fun costumes, talked about our favourite stories, made bookmarks, and spent time with our reading buddies.

I liked reading stories. I dressed up as a unicorn! – Sylvie

It’s been incredible to watch our Reception children grow as readers. Their excitement for books, their ability to recognize and read new words, and their confidence in telling stories have all blossomed in just a few months.  We’re so excited to see where their reading journey takes them next!