The activities launched with J6.1 taking a short stroll to a neighbouring farm and equestrian centre to take part in various farm-based environmental activities. After meeting with the farmer, who guided the pupils around the stables and introduced them to the ponies, it was safety first, and they put their riding hats on and prepared to get their hands dirty. Pupils embraced the task of mucking out the stables, equipped with shovels, spades, and welly boots, before restocking the freshly cleaned stalls with water and hay, ready for the ponies’ return. Next, it was time for the ponies to be groomed, even pampered! This included brushing off dirt and loose hair, detangling manes and tails, and some pupils practised their hairstyling techniques by braiding manes and tails, with one pony receiving an extra special makeover with a fully braided mane! With the farm home to numerous donkeys, ponies, dogs, and chickens, the pupils enjoyed their morning immersed in wildlife while also learning how to care for the animals. After returning to School, they got started creating different artworks, which they plan to donate to Abbey Chase Care Home for them to display with their residents who were being visited by their fellow J6.2 classmates.

J6.2 were also rolling up their sleeves during their visit to Abbey Chase Care Home, where they tended to the gardens and entertained the residents with a talent show, bingo and a quiz! They arrived early with gloves, wellies and their tools in hand, eager to start planting and replenishing flowerbeds. With a little TLC, the gardens were refreshed and ready for the residents’ daily outdoor strolls. Pupils then headed back inside to freshen up before setting up for a talent show, which included an incredible saxophone performance and speech. Excitement filled the room from both pupils and residents as the microphone and bingo machine made their appearance, with one lucky table winning multiple times, but they did kindly share their prizes with fellow residents. The excitement continued into a quiz that the pupils had prepared in advance, and it is safe to say that there is nothing like a bit of friendly competition!

We were joined by Darley Dene at the Junior School, and J6.3 did a wonderful job of accommodating the Year 2 pupils in both Forest School and Sports activities. The Forest School session taught pupils about the fire triangle and the three essential elements needed to create a campfire. They learnt the importance of respecting fire while also practising safe positioning, which they thoroughly enjoyed by roasting marshmallows and waffles on one knee, at least a metre away from the fire. They enjoyed making their own necklaces using coloured pens, wooden discs, and wool for threading and they were excited to take home their creations at the end. They also enjoyed a variety of sports circuits in the gym, including cricket, where one Darley Dene pupil particularly impressed with their bowling.

The local Catholic church, Christ the Prince of Peace, kindly hosted our choir alongside J6.4 who organised a music concert to be livestreamed for parishioners, St Augustine’s Care Home, Whiteley Village, and Abbey Chase on YouTube. The pupils were joined by parents and other family members in the audience as they performed solo pieces on violin, piano, and saxophone before coming together to sing ‘Food, Glorious Food’. Homemade programmes were sent to residents at St Augustine’s, Whiteley Village, and Sutton Lodge, inviting them to watch the stream.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Year 6 pupils in their GO! projects. We look forward to the rest of this year’s GO! programme at the Junior School.