Junior News

Last week the Otters had the audience rolling in the aisles, as they rocked to their Nativity performance of ‘Sheik, Rattle and Roll’. Everyone had an important part to play from the stars in Nursery, Reception stable animals, shepherds and angels in J1 and lead roles from the J2 pupils. Ned, Rory and William played the parts of the three wise men and impressed us all with their fantastic performances. Well done to all the children for such a brilliant show - Happy Christmas everyone.

Rendcomb College Junior School celebrated Children in Need with panache in Distinction assembly. The students had been encouraged to design their own spotty, dotty Pudsey bear style outfits and they impressed everyone with their tremendous ideas and effort. Head teacher, Mr Martin Watson, surprised all the children by dressing up as Pudsey Bear, complete with face paint. The children all enjoyed a fun-filled assembly with a range of special activities, raising over £240 so far for Children in Need.

In History, J2 have been learning about the World Wars and Remembrance Sunday. They had an exciting visit from Mr Faskin (Archie's Dad), an ex-RAF pilot. The children were fascinated to learn about the planes that he had flown and they asked him lots of questions about his adventures. The children also had the opportunity to try on his RAF uniform, flying suit and cap. All the children at Rendcomb College Junior School are wearing their poppies with pride.

Rendcomb College Junior School tea-time concert  was a delightful way to begin the autumn half-term holiday.
The Junior Orchestra began with a Jam Session: Mrs de Burgh directed a 12-bar Blues in which each child had a solo, in the manner of a Jazz Band. Some participants had been learning for only a few weeks, and their efforts were well received.

Then came a variety of instrumental solos and ensembles, and a selection of songs. The American theme begun by the Blues was continued in J3's Little Bird, with its varying time-signatures; Eleanor Brealy's performance of a tune by Gershwin; a tongue-twister called Jennie Jenkins; and Irving Berlin's Alexander's Ragtime Band, sung by the 13-strong choir.

Oliver Jones (aged 8) is delighted to have been selected for the U9 Wiltshire County Football squad.
He was selected for the county after going to a talent-spotting trial with  many boys from 40 other clubs.
He is also looking forward to the football season at school next term.
Well done Oliver!

J2 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Cheltenham Museum, where they discovered many stories and traditions of the Hindu Diwali festival through looking at decorations, artwork and exquisite authentic Indian Costume.

Year 5 had a fascinating visit to the air raid shelter in Cirencester which is like the Tardis –It looks smaller on the outside than on the inside. The pupils were enthralled by the many artefacts and the stories that accompanied them.

During the summer holidays Eloise Gooch (aged 10), Head Girl at Rendcomb College Junior School competed at the Bletchley and District Swim Club Open Meet.  This was a meet licensed by the ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) at Level 3 and 202 girls and 146 boys, aged between 9 and 22 took part. 
 
Eloise qualified to race in 9 out of a possible 11 races and set new personal records in each race.  Within her age group Eloise won medals in eight races (2 first places, 2 seconds, 1 third, 2 fourths and 1 fifth).
 

Rendcomb College Junior School has won the regional TOTAL Green School award in the "Totally Creative" category with its ‘Bug Alert!’ project.

The regional prize is part of the TOTAL Green School Awards nationwide competition for young people, which is run by the Young People’s Trust for the Environment (YPTE) in partnership with TOTAL. Now in its third year, the competition which aims to generate interest in the environment and to raise awareness of the need for sustainable energy sources, has attracted entries from over 17,500 school children.

(Photo by Anna Lythgoe www.thousandwordmedia.com)

The Nursery and Otters (Reception, J1 and J2) at Rendcomb College Junior School enjoyed a high sea adventure as they celebrated their ‘Pirate Day’. The children looked great in their pirate costumes and had fun learning about the history of pirates.