News
Welcome to the news section with information on all the latest news and events relating to all things Claires Court!
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Junior Boys become Archaeologists at Highclere
Posted 21/05/2013 10:47:27
Tags: Ancient Egypt, Berkshire Independent Schools, hieroglyphics, Highclere Castle, Lord Carnavon, pharaoh, Tutankhamun
On May 15th, an excited year 4 from Claires Court Junior Boys headed to Highclere Castle. Their aim was to discover as much as possible about Lord Carnavon and his passion for Ancient Egypt. The boys were split into three groups and each took part in different activities including — making a cartouche with their name in hieroglyphics, dressing up as a pharaoh, looking around the fascinating artefacts, discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun by flickering candlelight and exploring the beautiful grounds.
The Junior Boys teacher, Linda Stay said:
"It was a fantastic day and the boys were thrilled with all they learnt and experienced. It really helped them understand what we have been learning in history, as we are studying the Ancient Egyptians. One part of the exhibition involved the children using candles (battery tea lights) to explore a dark room and to look through holes in a wall! It was all very exciting as hidden behind was a re-creation of the tomb filled with the ‘wonderful things’ that Howard Carter described. It is very atmospheric and the boys felt like they were real archaeologists!"
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Ding ding, all aboard!
Posted 20/05/2013 10:42:36
Tags: bus, journeys, library, maidenhead private school
Having followed the journey of their postcards, on Friday 17th May, the Claires Court reception girls enjoyed a journey of their own. Accompanied by teachers, the girls walked to the bus stop to wait in anticipation for the Number 6 bus, to take them to the library. Much to the excitement of the girls the bus arrived on time, having taken the big step up to board the bus they paid their fare they began their short ride into Maidenhead.
On arriving in town at the bus stop, the girls checked the time table for the time of their return journey before walking to the library. In the library the girls were set the task of searching for books about journeys.
Susan James, Reception Class Teacher said:
"The girls really enjoyed their adventure out, our return bus journey took a little bit longer as we took the scenic route back, but spotted some local landmarks and familiar faces, namely Mrs Fowles!"
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Girls learn about the treatments and leave with a bug!
Posted 20/05/2013 10:24:00
Tags: Berkshire Independent Schools, Jubilee River, sewage soup, Thames, The Slough Sewage Treatment Works
Ever wondered what happens to the water after you flush to the toilet? Well just ask one of the Claires Court Year 5 girls, as after their trip to The Slough Sewage Treatment Works they know all about the flow from their houses back to the river! Not only did they learn a vast amount through experiments and from the talk by their tour guide, but they have reported back saying they had a great time finding out about sewage!
The girls were shown how the sewage is cleaned using filters and bacteria so it can be returned to the Jubilee River and eventually the Thames. The girls set up experiments in the classroom to show how gases were produced from the bacteria in the cleaning system — although they used yeast in their experiments! They also had a competition to see who could make some ‘sewage soup’ the cleanest (the soup was made of food colouring, cocoa powder and water), using filters they had prepared from sand, gravel, cotton wool and paper.
At the end of the morning the girls left the Education Centre with some souvenirs of their visit (now don't jump to conclusions). They were all give their own pack of ‘Splash’ trumps cards and a colourful Thames Water ‘bug’!
Year 5 Teacher, Helen Prestedge said:
"We have been looking at water in our locality and the water cycle in geography. We have also been studying solids, liquids and gases in science, so the visit to the Treatment Works was a really fun, visual and practical way of supporting the girls' learning."
More photos are in the gallery.
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Who Dunnit? – Claires Court Girls Solve the Mystery
Posted 16/05/2013 11:34:20
Tags: forensic science, Maidenhead Private Schools, Salter's Festival of Chemistry, science, University of Reading
Two teams of Year 8s from Claires Court Seniors enjoyed an action packed day at the University of Reading as part of Salter's Festival of Chemistry. Each team worked collaboratively to solve a ‘Who killed the head teacher?’ murder scenario, using CSI style forensic science techniques. These included chemical testing and interpretation of police style suspect and witness reports. They had to complete a forensic report and suggest who the culprit was. The girls' team of Niamh Bates, Hattie Thomas, Katie-Jane Boon and Avi Von Dran correctly identified the murderer, well done!
After a break to eat lunch and complete a chemistry crossword (for which the girls were later awarded first prize), it was time to complete the challenge set by the University. Both teams had to investigate how to make certain colours of dyes for use in paints. At the end of the session both teams were timed to find out if they could complete the challenge in a set time. Both the Claires Court Boys and Girls teams found this challenging
The day ended with a demonstration lecture on colour. Everyone was wowed with dynamic experiments on stage especially the dry ice and clock reactions.
Science Teacher, Jenny Mulhearn said:
"It was a very inspirational day for the pupils; they took a really active part in the lectures and demonstrations. We would like to thank to the Salters' Institute and The University of Reading for giving us the opportunity to be involved."
More photos are in the gallery
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Balloon Voyage
Posted 15/05/2013 13:31:24
Tags: balloons, Berkshire Independent Schools, hot air ballons
The Reception Class at Claires Court Junior Boys have been learning about journeys this term. One of the exciting journeys they looked at was how people travel in Hot Air Balloons. So, on Friday 10th May the boys each released a balloon with a message and the school address on to see how far they will travel. The boys are hoping that someone with find their balloons. Have you found one? If so, please contact the school and let them know, so the children can investigate further the voyage of their balloon! (Telephone 01628 411490)
More photos are in the gallery
