Activities Week 2011

"Most students play a full part in the life of the school. Many take part in sporting activities and respond well to the good promotion of healthy eating and exercise." (Ofsted 2011)

Congratulations to the following five Year 7 students who did the best drawings on the sketching trip to Whipsnade zoo. They are: S. Britton, (7PNY) L. Counsel, (7CLG) S. Choudhury, (7CLG) T. Crowley (7CLG) and L. Day (7MLN) They will each receive a prize in the forthcoming 'celebrating success' assemblies.

The Art Department hope that all the Year 7 students found something of interest (Mr Hearn was particularly fond of the burrowing owls) and were able to record lots of images of animals which they will save for their sketchpads, and will be suitably inspired to create sculptures of animals in an exciting Year 8 Animal project which will be running next year.

"Year 7 went to Whipsnade zoo on Wednesday 29th June for an Art Project. We had split up into our form groups and went round the zoo to take pictures for a project in Year 8. The forms took pictures of different animals. All the forms met up so we could see the sea lion show where most people got wet, the forms went into the safari area were we saw the Piranhas, Crocodiles, Monkeys, Spiders and all sorts. To end our day the forms took their last pictures together. I drew a penguin. The best bit of the day was the Sealion dispaly and the shop. I bought a souvenier key-ring. I went round with Miss Speechley and Miss Price. I liked the zebras best because of the pattern on their bodies."

Ashia Ifediora 7CLG

Year 7 Whipsnade zoo Expressive Arts trip On 7th July,

By Ashia Ifediora 7CLG

Year 7 pupils and art teachers were delighted by the many sights and scenes of Whipsnade zoo. As part of an art project, students had the task of drawing an animal they saw at the zoo. So, with sketch pads at the ready, everyone boarded the coaches, bursting with excitement.

Upon arrival, most headed straight down to the first enclosure with their groups, to look at the bears and wolverines. Many cameras clicked, many photos taken, many gasps of wonder uttered as the bears lumbered around their habitat, and the wolverine feasted on his breakfast.

Next, we headed down to the penguins. The fashion of these creatures as they waddled and swam amused some and amazed others. We were momentarily side tracked by a family of wallabies, who roam free at the zoo. Then, we piled on to the safari bus, eagerly listening (and snacking for some) to the commentary of the wild Africa area of the zoo.

We passed zebras and buffalo, finally getting of at the meerkat station. Most of the students were then astonished to discover that not all meerkats spoke with a Russian accent and advertised car insurance. The worn safari tracks then lead to the cheetah enclosure, amusing many by the ‘Are you faster than a cheetah?’ game.