The Autumn Studio: Belinda Zhawi

Last Autumn, Art club had the pleasure of visiting the The Serpentine Gallery for a workshop based on an exhibition from artist and poet Belinda Zhawi.

The children spent the morning walking around the exhibition and sketching their favourite artworks, some had never visited an art gallery before and so it was a very exciting experience.

Later in the workshop, the students worked in groups with Belinda to create a sonic poem that drew connections between their experiences, ideas in the exhibitions and her artistic practise.

Our large nature garden has a diverse and wide range of plants and animals.  We have a wormery, ant farm, bird’s nests; we have planted herbs and a variety of fruit and vegetables which we harvest and either eat, cook or sell at Borough Market; fruit trees donated by The Princes Trust are particular favourites among the students. On this occasion 4C went on a habitat hunt whilst studying mini beasts!

We have acquired HEALTHY SCHOOLS GOLD Status again!

To continue our promotion of Healthy Eating, our first trip for 2020 – 2021 at Berrymede was to The Kids Cookery Club in Acton, where pupils form years 4 and 6 were provided an opportunity to use simple recipes to create enjoyable, healthy meals. Children experimented with a variety of vegetables, learning how to cook safely and whilst observing social distancing.  The results were delicious savoury cheese muffins fit for a king! The children had a fabulous time!

Berrymede’s More Able Gifted & Talented Students (MAG&T)

‘Gifted and talented’ describes children with the ability or potential to develop significantly ahead of their peers:

• ‘gifted’ learners are those with abilities in one or more academic subjects, such as maths or English
• ‘talented’ learners are those who have practical skills in areas such as sport, music, design or creative and performing arts

Skills and attributes such as leadership, decision-making and organisation may also be taken into account.

At Berrymede Junior School, once students have been identified as MAG&T, they will be provided with greater challenges in lessons, and provided with further opportunities outside of lessons to further develop their talents.

Each term, MAG&T students are expected to teach mini lessons, to class across the school. This helps the students to develop their planning skills and research skills as well as build confidence. The student will also attend school trips: a visit to Roehampton University. The purpose of this trip is to give students exposure to further education; thus allowing them to start making informed decisions about university through higher education talk, workshops and university tours.