More QuadKids at Hornchurch Stadium

Following on from the Years 5 and 6 QuadKids competition, Years 3 and 4 had a chance to display their athletic prowess at Hornchurch Stadium. The children faced a test of all their sporting skills with events including a sprint, a throw, a jump and a gruelling 400 metre race. The children did Hacton proud, supporting each other well and putting in some impressive and determined performances in all events. Well done to all involved - you deserve a gold medal!

Year 6 Activity Week - Adventure Island

Rain couldn't stop play at Adventure Island in Southend on the penultimate day of Year 6 Activity Week. Only the bravest pupils scaled the dizzying heights of the Rage ride, only those with a cast-iron stomach dared ride Scorpion whilst those who wanted a more relaxing day viewed a cloudy seafront from the top of the ferris wheel. Thankfully, every cloud has a silver lining and the weather meant that the traditional queues for rides were non-existent; children had free-run of the park and could go on the rides as many times as they wanted! Ice creams were replaced by bags of warming chips or hot doughnuts and all were glad of the spare clothes they had packed. The weather could have been better but it didn't stop Year 6 having a fun-filled day.

Year 6 Activity Week - Bowling

Another sunny day greeted Year 6 for a trip to Romford for bowling and lunch. We arrived in good time - in fact the bowling alley was still closed - but after five minutes we were in, names on the score board, seats taken (boys on one lane and girls on the other) bowling balls selected and all raring to go! Scores were close for a while but Lucas was the overall winner for the boys and Abbey won for the girls. A few 'scores' but no 'strikes' or 'turkeys' today, although they did manage to score enough points to all win a lollipop and a sweet. A leisurely lunch at McDonalds followed before returning to school for the rest of the day. Back in the classroom there was no time to relax with the Year 6 staff barbecue looming: desserts needed to be made (lemon cheesecake), menus printed and table decorations prepared!

Year 6 Activity Week - Art Day

The Owl Babies by Martin Waddell was the inspiration for Year 6 art day at Sanders Draper school. After looking at illustrations of Sarah, Bill and Percy we drew our own owls and practised shading and texture. In preparation for making clay owls we made a small pinch pot and coil pot to experiment with methods of joining clay and making shapes. Our challenge was then to use the techniques we had learnt to make large owls. Cutting, rolling, coiling, joining... we did it all! The result was some truly spectacular works of owl art. The clay will now have to dry for a week and then be fired in a kiln for a further week. Did you know that a kiln reaches a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius when firing clay?

We are looking forward to painting our completed clay creations when they are returned to us in the next few weeks. A huge thank you to Ms Cavanagh and the Art Department at Sanders Draper for organising and resourcing the day.

Sealyham 2013 - Day 6

For our final day of activities we have enjoyed coasteering, climbing, abseiling and high ropes. Although the day began with cloud and drizzle, the sun burst through and shone on the afternoon activities providing a perfect ending to our week at Sealyham. Despite cumulative tiredness everyone has participated with enthusiasm. It's been an amazing week full of fun, laughter, challenges and plenty of mud! We are so proud of all the children, they have excelled in attitude, participation and have supported each other all week. Finally, their remaining task is to find clean clothes for the Disco!

Sealyham 2013 - Day 5

Two groups headed to St David's today for an action packed day of climbing and abseiling whilst group 3 learnt to shoot an arrow in archery followed by orienteering in the woods. Hopefully rain won't stop play for the evening activity of the Bivi in the woods where the children explore the wooded area around the mansion, cook sausages on the campfire and sleep under the stars!

Sealyham 2013 - Day 4

It was back to the beach today for two of the groups to catch some waves with their surfboards. As the sun smiled down on them, they all enjoyed learning the new skill. Keeping with the water theme, another group went 'sailing' in a local lake; although it was decided that 'capsizing' would be a preferable name! With raft building, kayaking and archery also on the agenda today, it is safe to say everyone had a busy time. Evening activities consisted of muddy team challenges on the assault course and the Nightline. Showered and warm, all the children were tucked up and asleep by 10pm, exhausted but happy.

Year 6 Activity Week - Madame Tussauds

It's Activity Week 2013 and eleven of our Year 6 children spent Monday mingling with Hollywood stars... of the waxwork kind at Madame Tussauds! We spotted Johnny Depp, Brad and Angelina and a diminutive Tom Cruise before Mrs Perry was swept off her feet by Will Smith. After meeting One Direction we soaked up the atmosphere of the Golden Age with Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. Mohammed Ali and Usain Bolt were favourites in the Sports Zone. Moving briskly on, we met royalty past and present before taking on a maths challenge set by Einsten. Flashing lights, loud music and sequins caught our eye in the Pop Stars zone followed by the more serious business of meeting and greeting world leaders. Who could resist ringing the bell of Number 10 or making a call from The Whitehouse with Barrack Obama standing guard?

The Spirit of London Taxi Ride was great fun although poor Mrs Perry was stranded in her cab when the ride came to an abrupt halt. We were then mesmerised by the 4D Marvel cinema experience; not all were brave enough to wear the 3D glasses or sit securely in their seats!

Lunch at Regent's Park in glorious sunshine and time to play in the adventure playground rounded off a brilliant day!

Sealyham 2013 - Day 3

With the sun shining, everyone ate a hearty breakfast and set off for an action packed morning of coasteering, orienteering and kayaking. While two of the groups enjoyed learning new skills and messing about on the water, the remaining group embarked on a morning of discovery as they explored the wooded grounds of the Sealyham mansion. All groups remained dry for the afternoon activities of archery, orienteering and high ropes. Fears were conquered in the trees whilst targets were hit in the archery. Mrs Marriner impressed everyone with her bow and arrow skills, hitting the target every time to earn her a full set of cutlery at dinner! The picturesque scenery of Broad Haven provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of football, cricket, exploring rock pools and wave jumping. Another great day for everyone.

Sealyham 2013 - Day 2

After a good night's sleep the children woke early and were raring to go with an action packed day of surfing, sailing, raft building and kayaking (depending on their groups). All the children had a fantastic day conquering fears; relishing new experiences; packing their own lunches and wrestling with wetsuits! After a sumptuous evening banquet (pizza and chips or curry), calories were burned and energy sapped by another activity: an extremely muddy Trim Trail. Having wallowed in thick, stinking mud baths and competed to become the muddiest child, hot chocolate and warm pjs were very welcome on our return to the house! Everyone is still smiling and looking forward to more challenging fun tomorrow.

Sealyham 2013 - Day 1

Despite being long, the journey to Sealyham was relatively quiet and relaxing. Unpacked and refuelled by a nutritious meal, all the children set off for their evening activities with great enthusiasm. Group 1 (lead by Mr Pinkham) faced the mighty assault course whilst groups 2 and 3 were challenged by an activity based on trust - 'nightline'.

All groups received a muddy and wet welcome to Sealyham. After a trial run at the assault course, the girls - undeterred by the mud - effortlessly defeated the boys in a test of speed and strength. Over on the nightline, friendships were challenged as children had to guide their blindfolded partners through a host of trying and testing obstacles.

The evening has given the children (and staff) a taste of the fun to come. Water activities beckon as Monday presents a day of exciting and new challenges.

 

Penalty Heartbreak for Hacton Girls

Hacton girls enjoyed a magnificent end of season tournament run in the annual Linda Galloway competition. This charity tournament, which is staged each year, is a 7 a side competition. 16 schools were scheduled to take part and Hacton were drawn in a group with Harold Wood, Scotts and Pyrgo. The latter team failed to make the tournament which meant we earned 3 points before a ball had been kicked.

Game 1: Hacton 2-0 Harold Wood

Hacton kicked off and demonstrated how well they had progressed since the beginning of the season with a comfortable win. Harlie netted Hacton's opening goal of the tournament before captain Amy J added a 2nd. Francesca and Mia defended well which allowed the Hacton goalkeeper to enjoy the summer sun. Mr Grant, along to provide support for the day, was suitably impressed by what he had seen.

Game 2: Hacton 2-0 Scotts

Hacton went into this game knowing that a win would see them through to the next stage of the tournament. Amy B and Lucy worked well on the wings and a silky move saw Amy J score for Hacton. Lucy scored her first Hacton goal with a well placed shot which gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Friendly match: Hacton 2-0 Mead

Without a 3rd game to play, Hacton girls were quick to challenge Mead to a friendly match. Roxie and Angelica had the measure of the Mead girls with several committed challenges. Hacton again claimed the win and were ready for another challenge.

Friendly match: Hacton 3-0 Parklands

With a quarter final to come, Hacton accepted the offer of another friendly, this time from Parklands. Lucy showed her growing confidence with another couple of goals and the girls were ready for the quarter final.

Quarter final: Hacton 3-0 Branfil

Watching superfans Mr Grant and Mrs Delmonte were in for a treat in this game. Hacton roared into the match with Amy J testing out the goalkeeper with her trusty left foot. Although the shot was saved, the pattern for the game was set. Hacton, playing confidently, secured a 3 nil win and were serenely through to the semi finals. Again, Francesca and Mia battled hard in defence and the Hacton goalkeeper even had a shot to save in this game.

Semi Final: Hacton 3-3 Langtons

Langtons - pre-tournament favourites - were next up for the Hacton girls. Hacton took an early lead as Harlie pounced from close range. Unfortunately Hacton were unprepared for a long throw bombardment and, after several saves, our goalkeeper was powerless to stop Langtons from equalizing and taking the lead. Undeterred, Hacton fought back and levelled the game at 2-2. Langtons sneaked into the lead and with just seconds on the clock, Amy J dribbled through a host of players and smashed in an equalizer. 5 minutes of extra time could not settle the match and it was time for the lottery of the penalty shoot out...
Despite some heroic goalkeeping, Hacton just missed out with a 2-1 defeat and Langtons went on to win the tournament. Hacton certainly provided plenty of football thrills for watching family members and were left disappointed but proud after a tournament to remember. Well played girls!

QuadKids at Hornchurch Stadium

The sun certainly had his hat on when pupils from Years 5 and 6 competed in the annual QuadKids competition at Hornchurch stadium. 4 girls and 4 boys from each year group sprinted, jumped, threw and ran against 19 other schools in an amazing spectacle of athleticism. All the Hacton competitors demonstrated fantastic sporting ability and enjoyed the sunny morning of sport.

Year 1 Fairy Tale Day

Shortly before half term, brave princes joined beautiful princesses to enjoy our Year 1 Fairy Tale Day. Pupils spent the morning making wands, crowns and gingerbread biscuits in preparation for the day's fairy tale ending: a grand ball. Thanks in large part to the fantastic costumes prepared by parents, children and staff had a magical time.

Reminder for parents: Year 5/6 Quad Kids

A quick reminder to all those children competing in the Year 5/6 Quad Kids competition tomorrow at Hornchurch stadium to set your alarms to be in school by 8.00am! Remember to wear your athletic kit and tracksuit (bring your uniform to change into when we return to school). As the sun has decided to put his hat on, please also remember to wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water to keep hydrated and a packed lunch.
See you in the morning!

African Masks by Year 3

Year 3 have been busy this term creating African masks, all with a unique design and bold patterns. Working in pairs the children used modroc and paper mache to cover balloons before adding detail to their masks. They explored traditional tribal African masks and looked at their different purposes such as to represent the spirits of ancestors, to control the good and evil forces in the community and to make a bond with nature. What do you think the meanings are behind these masks?