Dear Parents

It has been so lovely to hear about the fun Years Five and Six had at Osmington Bay last week, and also to hear form the staff that the children were a  pleasure to look after and excellent ambassadors for RGS Springfield.  I know Years Three and Four are already starting to prepare for their adventure to the Wye Valley in two weeks time and will have a great time once the nerves settle.

We also enjoyed something of a first this week, an appearance on BBC One at 4.30pm on Tuesday for 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is' with Phillip Serrell (an old boy of RGS). Should you wish to catch up it is on iPlayer, you can jump to minute twenty-four and see our segment, well done to Mrs Salisbury and the Dragonflies.



Another first next week, we are hosting a 'Boden Sale' organised by SPA on Tuesday 10 May,  do bring a friend and enjoy a substantial discount and some goodies. 
A reminder about our Open Day next weekend on Saturday 14 May, we are looking forward to welcoming families who may be considering  RGS Springfield for the next step in their child's education. Do pass on the word to anyone who may be interested. 

Kind regards
Laura Brown

Osmington Bay Adventure
Things are back to normal for Years Five and Six this week after their amazing residential week at PGL Osmington Bay. Despite the snow, freezing temperatures and wind on the first day, the weather for the rest of the week was cold but sunny and the children made the most of it. The trip is a mix of physical challenges such as zip wire, abseiling and a giant swing, along with some learning opportunities in the form of forensic investigations and exploring rock pool adaptations. The children were fantastic and rose to every challenge they faced. It is so rewarding to watch children face a fear and conquer it and the looks on their faces when they realise what they have done is priceless. This year’s group were a credit to their families and the School and were a pleasure to take away.




Water Exploration
The Dragonflies' classroom is awash with underwater displays - from pirate ships and woven seascapes to their latest display - 'The Water Cycle'. The children listened attentively to the story of 'Drippy the Raindrop' who took them on an adventure - evaporating from the ocean, meeting other raindrop friends high in the sky, then falling to the mountains below before flowing back into the ocean. Through the use of story, the children were able to understand and re-tell the water cycle to their peers. They have even created their own mini water cycle in a bag. Impressive work, Dragonflies.



Junk Boats
Year Five have continued their study of 'Forces in Science' this term and this week we have looked at water resistance. We looked at streamline shapes and two weeks ago Mrs Williams set the class the challenge of designing a boat that could be made from recycled rubbish. The boat powered by a hand fan would need to be streamlined and  be able to move across her paddling pool. Lots of design work went on behind the scenes and on Thursday the children came to school armed with their junk. They were given 40 minutes to build their boats and then we headed out onto the sunny paddock to test our final products. All the designs were unique and fantastic. Each boat was tested three times each (and some had a mind of their own) and after taking an average time for each boat, the fastest boat belonged to Sam, Ed and Harry. Their boat was indeed a streamlined shape and had the least water resistance.