Posted on

Visiting Bexhill Fire Station

Key Stage One had a fabulous time at Bexhill Fire Station this morning. The fire fighters were very friendly and enthusiastically told us all about their work in the fire service.

When we first arrived, the children asked if we could see the alarm go off in the fire station! The firemen kindly obliged and we were very excited to hear the siren, see the light and watch the printer print out the details of the nature of the emergency. We then split into two groups for the morning activities. We were shown around the fire engine and the storage cupboards on the sides. Everyone enjoyed climbing into the back of the fire engine and having a good look around! During the course of the morning, all of the children had the opportunity to have a go on the rope rescue equipment and practise using the pulley to hoist their friend.

After we stopped for a quick snack and drink, the firemen showed us their protective clothing and two of the children tried on the clothes, which were, of course, huge! Finally, everyone had a go at using the fire hose to put out a pretend fire in the fire station grounds. The children asked a lot of very sensible and interesting questions and I was very proud of them, as usual!

Posted on

Hosting an Able, Gifted and Talented event for schools in our local area

On Tuesday 12th October, Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill, were delighted to invite able, gifted and talented children from local primary schools for an exciting programme of art, music and drama. The Prep school opened its doors and facilities, with an aim to support the arts in the local community.

The staff and children at Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill, gave a warm welcome to children from four local schools: Westfield School, Ninfield Church of England Primary School, Pebsham Primary Academy and Stonegate Church of England Primary School. As part of the animal theme, the 5-7-year-olds made beautiful and highly individualised animal masks, using a range of materials and artistic techniques, facilitated by the local artist Josephine Ho, who has worked with Battle Abbey School for many years.  The children partook in a lively and engaging drama session where, as part of their experience, they acted and improvised around the theme of a safari tour.  During their music session, the children learned a range of animal themed songs, having great fun dressing up and using a wide range of untuned percussion to create accompaniments to the songs.

At the end of the day, the children all came together and gave a short presentation to the older children in the school and visiting parents, utilising their amazing masks in their drama performance and sharing two of their songs and musical accompaniments.

The enthusiasm and excitement of the day was evident in all the children’s faces and the quality of work that the children created across the arts, was outstanding and “every single person was having fun” (Sebastian age 7). The children loved working and playing with like-minded children from other schools, with Natalie, age 6, declaring, “I love making new friends.” Frederica, age 6 said that “It was the best day ever!”

Battle Abbey Prep School, Bexhill, looks forward to planning future events in a similar vein. It was a very successful day promoting the arts and cooperation with local schools and was of great benefit to all the children involved.

Posted on

Year 2 Start Forest School

Two weeks ago, Year 2 started forest school. On 4th November, we drove to Battle and went down to the woods down the road from the Abbey for a scavenger hunt for signs of autumn. This Monday we used the Abbey’s grounds to create some artwork out of natural materials.