St Joseph's News and Events

• Crest Awards

  Mon 26 Jun 2023

  As part of our STEM curriculum our KS2 children are taking part in the CREST Awards. CREST helps children become independent and reflective learners through enquiry-based project work.

   

  Whilst taking part in the awards the children will plan their enquiries, hypothesis, change variables, think carefully about fair testing and gather their findings in a variety of different ways. When the children complete their enquiry based projects they will become 'CREST SUPERSTARS'.

   

   

  

• Yr4 AIM High Maths workshop

  Thu 22 Jun 2023

  The Yr4 children got an opportunity to attend a Maths workshop. They enjoyed learning and were impressed how understanding simple patterns can be used in solving many mathematical concepts.

  

• Year 6 Ben Kinsella Workshop

  Sun 18 Jun 2023

  Year 6 experienced a thought provoking workshop whereby they heard the story of Ben Kinsella and explored the tragedy of his murder and the consequences of carrying a knife. The children were mature and articulate in discussing serious issues. As their teachers, we were incredibly proud of them. We took part in a variety of workshops which helped us to make positive choices and take decisive action to stay safe. Thank you to The Ben Kinsella Trust for a truly wonderful trip.

  

• Year 6 Local Area Walk

  Sun 18 Jun 2023

  Year 6 had a fantastic time exploring our local area. Right outside school, we read about the Abbey Green - many of us had no idea how ancient the grounds by our school are! It was once home to some of the most significant religious buildings in the country. William the Conqueror stayed there after his victory in 1066. We spent time looking at the ruins of an Anglo-Saxon Abbey at Barking Abbey, one of the oldest Christian sites in the country. We found out that Kings, Queens and even Saints had spent time here! We spent time at Job Drain memorial a remarkable soldier during WW1 whom received a Victoria Cross for his outstanding bravery. We then walked through Barking's high street and discussed the different buildings and dates we could spot.

  

• Year 4 Local area trip

  Fri 16 Jun 2023

  This week the children went on a trip around Barking. They visited several places and learned about our heritage. In the afternoon they attended workshop and learned about the different modes of transport used in Barking.

  

• The Great Science Share

  Fri 16 Jun 2023

  KS1 took part in ‘The Great Science Share’ this week. KS1 children have been developing their own scientific questions, then carrying out their own enquiries to gather evidence.

   

  We watched videos, asked and came up with our own questions. KS1 created their own lava lamps and experimented with floating and sinking. The children really enjoyed taking part in experiments and testing their hypothesis.

  

• EYFS Local Area Walk

  Fri 16 Jun 2023

  As it is local area week, EYFS enjoyed a lovely sunny walk around Barking. We have been learning all about the famous footballer Bobby Moore, so we were very excited to take a photo by his street sign. During our walk, we took note of the various features of our local area and discussed these when we returned to school.

  

• The Great Science Share

  Fri 16 Jun 2023

  The children in KS2 conducted an experiment about forces, focusing on one variable. Firstly, the children shared what they knew about the forces involved in flight. We then conducted research about gliders and how they fly. KS2 then agreed the most important part of a glider was the wings, so decided this should be our variable.

  In groups, the children created three identical aircraft fuselages and chose from a range of materials to make the wing - settling on wood, card and polystyrene. We then inspected the gliders and made predictions on which glider would fly the furthest. We took our gliders to the field to test them,  and analysed whether it was a fair test. 

  

• Year 6 Retreat - Aylesford Priory

  Wed 14 Jun 2023

  The children of Year 6 had a wonderful opportunity to spend a beautiful, sunny day on a pilgrimage retreat to Aylesford Priory. On arrival, they were warmly greeted by Carmelite Friar Father Francis who told the history of the Priory. The children of Year 6 had the chance explore the grounds, including the peace garden and relic chapel, taking a moment to reflect on their time at St. Joseph's. In the gardens, Year 6 took part in a collective act of worship, where they were able to give thanks and recall some of their favourite memories of primary school. The children were then invited to join the Mass at midday, led by Father Francis, along with other pilgrims. Overall, the children had a fantastic day of relaxation and reflection; truly deserved after their amazing efforts this year. 

  

• Phoebe the Therapy Dog

  Wed 14 Jun 2023

  A huge welcome to our newest member of staff, Phoebe the therapy dog. Phoebe came to use through the charity underdog, who provide dogs as therapy to schools and other settings. 

  Phoebe loved her first visit, and this term will be listening to children to read. Phoebe will be visiting St Joseph's once a fortnight on Friday afternoons.