In the last Nature Club meeting of the Summer 1 half term we considered some of the implications of our work with the camera trap. We looked at the different vertical levels of habitat in the Eco-Garden area and discussed which plants, animals, fungi and other friends there supported the animals that we observed. Please see the quick discussion guide picture, apologies for the very poor sketch of a deer and plummeting owl, below and our investigation prompt. I'm looking forwards to our Summer 2 sessions! Mr Hopegood :)

Today we had our last league match of the season.  A close match with a determined opposition! An early goal put us ahead, before confidence grew and more goals came!  St Thomas More did not give up and slowly crept up on us until the last quarter where that KSM determination came through and the team came together using all of their team training and formations to clutch another win! After half term, we have some friendly matches coming up and we can't wait!  We are also inviting 14 year 3 and 4 children to begin their KSM netball journey! Well done team! Mrs Brown, Mrs Connelly and Miss Hewitt. Here's a picture of the Year 6's who took part today and a big thank you to Jess who brought added determination and sportsmanship from Year 5!

 We've had a busy few weeks at Nature Club. The children's input has been very helpful when deciding where to place the camera trap to effectively investigate what is living with us. You can find some clips from the camera trap earlier in the blog in the entry "Our amazing space". Last week we looked for evidence of hedgehogs and, rather unfortunately, found a dead one. The children's understanding of this sadness as part of the whole cycle of nature was pleasing to see as was their desire to see what more they could do to help this much loved species. On a lighter note this week, we found a fallen mistletoe ball complete with it's join to the host, in this case the large Acer in the wild area of the school field, and we researched the life cycle of this fascinating plant. I look forward to our next adventure! Mr Hopegood :)

 We had the most amazing afternoon inside of the 'Wonderdome', a special visit to kick start the excitement for our next half term of learning, about space.   We flew from the Earth, exploring the Milky Way and looking at some of the other galaxies, we looked at each of the other planets in our solar system and could not believe how big the sun was compared to Earth!.  We also flew on a rocket and landed on the moon, watched the Artemis 11 exploration and looked deeper into our own beautiful planet by heading into the ocean and also through forests and across deserts! We asked lots of questions and we only wish that we could have 'bottled up' the responses from the children: "This is beautiful", "Wow it's amazing", "I can't believe we get to do this!", "This is the best day I have ever had!" were some of the comments echoing around the dome!

Carrying on with our theme of cricket skills, this week we focussed on fielding as a team, passing the ball between team player quickly and accurately and a little bit of batting. The adults were very impressed with Year 5's good sportsmanship, team support and inclusive attitude. Mr Hopegood

 Over the last few weeks we have been able to explore the goings on around our school throughout the evening and the night due to Miss Lucas's brilliant idea. Miss Lucas secured us the loan of a camera trap from The Colchester Zoological Society, in association with Suffolk University, with the aim of allowing primary age children access to the secret world of our local wildlife. We first set the trap in our nature garden area and were treated to a procession of the local cat population before a treat which you can see in the clip below. It has also given us the view at night-time. The camera trap in situ. Last night the camera trap was set up to allow a view from the KS1 block towards the Eco-Garden area. And this is what we saw! Look out for further bulletins. Mr Hopegood :)

 A fantastic match which saw the team not only pulling together and really thinking about their positions and marking,  but also a game which reflected the kindness, understanding and sportsmanship of our team.  A team where the competitiveness is healthy and where our girls are also fully supportive and understanding of the other team. This was Gosbeck's first match with a newly formed team.  We helped the team to understand their positions, allowed some footwork to be disregarded and spoke politely when contact occured. The match ended in a 10-4 win to Kelvedon!  No photo this time as Mrs Connelly and Mrs Brown were too excited! Player of the match, chosen by Gosbecks went to Chloe! Well done team!

 On Firday I had the pleasure of taking 7 girls from our netball team to a tournament at Littlegarth!   I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am of them.  We played a total of 6 games.  They started off with a 6-0 loss on their first game, but this just made them more determined and they really worked hard as a team to improve and had some great games.  They worked extremely well together and their defending was incredible, and team spirit a joy to watch.  They all listened to any feedback given to them, and took it on board to better all of their further games. They were all so very respectful, not just to each other but to all the other teams they played as well as all the adults that they came in contact with.   It was an absolute pleasure to spend the morning with these lovely girls.   We did not come in the top 3 teams, but they should all be super proud of their achievements, as am I!  Mrs Connelly

 Today we played our second match for the CPSL league.  A second team went and absolutely outdid themselves.  This was the first time that this team had played together on the court against a strong team.  The defensive skills and amazing teamwork shown showed every ounce of 'The Kelvedon Way'.  Every team member showed resilience and respect, listening carefully to feedback from Mrs Connelly and myself and moving forward with gusto and determination. The game ended with a 6-0 loss, but the score didn't matter.  The team should be very proud of themselves and hold their heads high, ready for their next match.

 Now that Spring has sprung, there are flowers and blossom all around, it's time for Nature Club to start again. We've has a great start; remembering the Countryside Code, looking at our bug hut installation from last year and discussing the amazing Camera Trap organised for the school by Miss Lucas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKWyWMBJT8U Mr Hopegood :)

On Tuesday 24th March we took a small group of children up to St Dominics Residential Home.  They all had a lovely afternoon using their artistic flair to make Easter bonnets with the residents.

 We had our first match of the season today! Our club has gone from strength to strength and today, our first team of children stepped out onto the court for the first league match with a totally new team! The girls played amazingly, using the first quarter to warm up and find their feet on the court.  By the second quarter, formations were strong and the goals started to flow!  The calling out and teamwork were impeccable and we could not be prouder of what the girls achieved today! We finished with a 9 - 4 win! Mrs Brown, Mrs Connelly and Miss Hewitt