OCTOBER UPDATE

The first half term of our Children's University is almost over and I wanted to let you know just how much the children, and the staff, are enjoying themselves. We all eagerly await Friday afternoons to do something that we love ! I hear a lot of the children talking about the clubs they attend in the playground at lunchtimes, and lots of them come to tell me what they are doing and what's going to happen next week . These are some of the things that the children are very excited about:

Animal Club
There have already been visited by one of the biggest puppies I've ever seen, and an animal shelter brought a selection of small animals. The children could handle the animals and talk to the owners about the work involved in keeping a pet healthy and well cared for and how to be a responsible pet owner. They have more exciting visitors planned for next half term.

Artists Unite
are visiting an art gallery in Leeds this week, the children will have the opportunity to create art as well as to consider work by other artists.

Drama Club
are practising 'Scrooge' and there are already some 'star' performers emerging into the spotlight.

Young Voices
are loving the songs that we are learning to sing at the Manchester Evening News Arena in a 500 strong choir. The pop medley is their favourite, including songs by Lady Gaga (they've had to teach me that one!).

Dance Yourself Fit
are getting fitter each week.

Running Club
is suffering a bit from poor weather on a Friday. We need to order more sunshine.

Cookery club
cooked some lovely chocolatey rocky road slices. The smell of chocolate around school was gorgeous. Some young (and older) chefs had trouble getting their scones to rise but they tasted lovely.

Animation club
have started working with plasticene models. Wallace and Grommit here we come.

The children have been so excited by what's happening in our Children's University that lots of them tell me that they would like to choose a different course than they initially chose when they all change over in January. So in December I am going to give all the children the chance to fill in a new course application form for January. If the children decide that they want to stick with their choice for January (that they made last July), then they will have first choice for that course.

Our Children's University now comes under the umbrella of Leeds Children's University, they were very impressed by the way that we are running our courses at our school. Because of this we have the director of education, Chris Edwards, visiting our school to meet the children and to see our courses in action on November 5th.
You can access what's happening in your child's course by going on the school website and looking at the Children's University 'Blogspot'. I'm sure that your children are as enthusiastic about Children's University at home. If you have any ideas or comments that you would like to pass on to me I'd love to hear them.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs S. Critchley
(Children's University Leader)