Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Nursery to Year Six Highlights
21 March 2025
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration week is a worldwide initiative which challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Over the past week, Mrs Hobson has led two assemblies to focus on the importance of understanding neurodiversity. With inclusivity being one of our key EHS values, she wanted to help the girls to understand how some people’s brains are wired a little bit differently which means there are some things they find really easy and other things they find quite challenging. She discussed the importance of finding your superpower, whether you are neurodiverse or neurotypical and the girls were fascinated to discover that many highly successful women and men are neurodiverse, including the highly successful actress, Emma Watson and the inspirational space scientist, Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
In Kindergarten, girls shared the Mr Men and Little Miss story All Different. It was a great start to discussions around how the girls thought they were similar and how they thought they were different. They talked about the differences they could see and the differences that they couldn’t see. They found it interesting to think that inside their bodies, their brains were very different and worked in individual ways. Even girls that looked identical had very different views and ideas!
Sign Language Week
In assembly, the girls watched the inspirational dance performance by Rose Ayling-Ellis, an actress who has been deaf since birth. They then learnt some simple sign language and many of the girls proudly shared members of their families who are deaf. Our Reception girls have been learning basic signs since September and, as a whole school, it was lovely to raise the importance of this language and culture.
Discovering Germs!
In Nursery, the focus has been on the rhyme Miss Polly Had a Dolly. The girls have had lots of fun role-playing in the doctor's surgery, taking turns to be doctors, nurses and patients, treating each other, and writing prescriptions. They also learned how to keep Dolly clean, enjoying a bath time activity to practise good hygiene. As part of their learning, they explored the topic of germs and discovered why washing their hands with soap and water is important for staying healthy. It has been a lovely week with lots of opportunities to learn through play.
Outdoor Activities
Kindergarten were pleased to see the return of some sunny, slightly warmer weather this week! The girls have made the most of their time outside, exploring different activities and having fun together. Gathered round the music pallet, they have experimented with different sounds, tapping and drumming to create their own rhythms. Some tested their balancing skills while carefully moving along a line of crates, developing coordination and building confidence. Meanwhile, others were busy digging and building in the sand tyre, shaping their own creations!
Stepping into Spring!
Reception pupils had a wonderful time visiting the Botanical Gardens, exploring nature and looking for signs of Spring. We are so lucky to have these gardens next door and so close to Early Years department. Girls spotted blooming flowers and budding trees, all signs that the seasons were changing. They were excited to see bright yellow daffodils and colourful crocuses and even hear birds singing. It was a great hands-on learning experience, helping them to understand and appreciate the beauty of spring. Once back in the classroom, girls wrote about their visit and what they saw. Well done, everyone!
Superb Sandwich-Making in the Offing!
Year One have been gearing up for their annual sandwich-making extravaganza! They have been busy thinking about all the healthy ingredients needed for the perfect sandwich, carefully compiling their list for Mrs. Hobbs, who will do the shopping next week. They have designed their ideal sandwich, considering both the ingredients and how it will look. The girls are buzzing with excitement about making their sandwiches next week. Stay tuned to see what they create! We are hoping their sandwiches will be both delicious and nutritious!
Bright Sparks!
Year Two have been exploring electricity and electrical circuits. First the girls had to decide whether electrical items were powered by mains electricity, battery power or both. Then they were given wires, a battery and a bulb and were challenged to create an electrical circuit ensuring the bulb lit up. Working in pairs, they explored the items and tried connecting the different parts together before they all successfully made a complete circuit and made the bulb light up. To challenge them further, they were asked to add another bulb into their circuits which led to the discovery that one bulb was brighter than the other. This sparked some fascinating scientific discussions. Great job, girls!
Arctic Explorers
As part of their Geography topic on the Polar Regions, Year Three have been exploring the Arctic. They have studied the countries within the Arctic Circle and compared the lives of the people who live there to their own. Using Google Maps, they explored Iqaluit, Canada, and discovered how different a local school there is from Edgbaston High School. A highlight of their learning experience was a live lesson hosted by the WWF on polar bears, which they found particularly exciting. In the coming lessons, they will deepen their knowledge of polar animals and begin exploring Antarctica.
Party Planning!
In Computing lessons, Year Five girls have been developing their understanding of spreadsheets and databases using Excel. They have enjoyed enhancing their skills by using formulas to organise and analyse data effectively. A key activity involved planning party bags, where they applied their knowledge to calculate costs and quantities accurately. This has helped them build confidence in using spreadsheets for practical problem-solving.
Natural World Curiosity
Why do coniferous trees have cone-shaped branches? At what altitude do trees stop growing in the mountains? As the girls begin their study of Asia’s six biomes, Year
Six have been investigating how climate and geography shape the natural world. From dense tropical rainforests to icy tundras, they have explored the incredible
diversity of this vast continent. Before moving on, they took time to reflect on their Europe posters, which showcased the children’s creativity and research skills. Their
hard work resulted in vibrant, fact-filled displays and they should be proud of their efforts. Well done, Year Six!
Nursery to Year Six Highlights
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