Book Week got off to a flying start with an opening assembly by Mr Will Howell, from the Senior School English Department. He explained the meaning of fantasy and how it permeates not just literature, but many other aspects of our world such as art, architecture, drama and music. He highlighted how much duller our lives would be without fantasy.
Monday also incorporated the reading of a ‘Book in a Day’ by each teacher which is always enjoyed by the children. Tuesday morning saw the arrival of our guest poet for the Juniors, Joshua Seigal, who swept into our whole School virtual assembly in a lively and entertaining fashion and soon had his hall audience, the Infants, eating out of his hands. Joshua was a motivational poet and one whose animated performance will be remembered by the children for a long time to come. On Wednesday we welcomed the eminent children’s poet, Valerie Bloom to assembly for the Infants and Year 3. Valerie was soon teaching us Jamaican patois and reciting some wonderful, engaging and funny poems. She also ran two workshops for Years 1 and 2 where similes and metaphors were the order of day and it would be true to say that we have some budding young poets in our midst judging by the work produced. The children also had the opportunity to make their own Top Trump fantasy cards in class which proved highly entertaining. On Thursday, our assembly was a celebration of the staff's favourite poems, compiled into a video that we watched on Teams. Choices ranged from traditional to modern, and from serious to seriously silly! On Friday, we sadly couldn't enjoy the annual House Spoken English Competition, but instead two or three children from every class read out their own fantasy poems over Teams. The children performed brilliantly, with lovely expression and enthusiasm. The competition this year was to design a fantasy book cover, and we had a very jolly lunch break perusing them all, trying to choose winners from each class.
Book Week this year most definitely conveyed to the children the fun and enjoyment that can be derived not only from hearing poets recite their work but also by the children themselves having the opportunity to create their own poems. We hope to build on this love and skill of poetry writing throughout their time at AJS.
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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