May 2021

Form 4 creating their Frank Bowling inspired artwork
May 2021
Form 4 have embarked on a new art project studying the abstract expressionist painter, Sir Frank Bowling OBE RA. The artist uses a variety of bright acrylic paint colours and embedded objects that create an unusual mesmerising composition. Some of his most famous paintings include 'Spreadout Ron Kitaj' and 'Sasha Jason Guyana Dreams'. The children have created their own artwork using the freedom of powder paints, combined with PVA glue and cut out materials to form maps in order to make their own splashes of bold colours and unique arrangement. Bowling started painting in the 1960s in
Form 4 playing their World Trade game
May 2021
As part of Form 4’s Geography curriculum, each class took part in an ‘International trading Game’ to experience the challenges and excitement of international trade. The aim was to get the best price for the goods they sold and the biggest bargains for the goods each team bought. The children had to be mindful of how the global economy was doing as the prices they were able to get and the deals they made depended on how healthy the global economy was. Before the game began, the children believed that their only limit was their imagination, their negotiating skills and their bank account.
Year 5 children visiting Wicken Fen to take inspiration for their child-led learning topic in Art
May 2021
Each year at St John’s children in each of the Form 3 classes are encouraged to think about which child-led art topic they would like to pursue. After research and discussions, they vote on their favourite topic and this year Form 3M opted for ‘wildlife’ as their choice. Near the start of their topic they visited the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen, Wicken Fen, to provide inspiration for their artwork. Here, the children had the chance to experience drawing 'en plein air' and, due to the inclement weather conditions, do short two minute bursts of
Form 3 pupils visiting Shimpling Park Farm
May 2021
Form 3 visited Shimpling Park Farm in Suffolk to get an invaluable insight into the countryside, the business of organic farming and the fun of learning outside the classroom. Time on the farm reinforced aspects of the children’s curriculum from maths to science to PHSEE. Head of Geography Miss Grant, described the trip as, “An excellent way of linking food to farming and for the children to learn specifically about wheat as a case study. It also enabled them to get a sense of place and to explore a working farm and link to the work in Geography lessons.” Shimpling Park Farm has been
'Spirited Arts' Competition: artwork inspired by religious studies
May 2021
In lockdown, all children at Senior House took part in the Spirited Arts competition as part of a specific Religious Studies unit of work. This competition gives children the chance to be creative and imaginative in this subject and is linked to the children's spiritual ideas and skills. Last year over 50,000 pieces of art and poetry were created for the competition and some of these are displayed online. After much careful deliberation, ten pieces were selected to be sent to represent St John's with the winners being announced after the end of the academic year. Winning entries will