Children from Swans and Robins  enjoyed an unforgettable festive day at Statfold Barn’s Christmas Extravaganza, where every moment was filled with Christmas cheer and excitement.

Over the past five weeks, our Year 5 and 6 pupils have been hard at work completing an exciting sewing unit as part of the Design and Technology curriculum. This project challenged students to apply a range of practical skills, from planning and designing to stitching and finishing, culminating in the creation of stylish waistcoats for their teddy bears.

The unit began with pupils exploring the principles of designing for a purpose, considering size, shape, and aesthetics. They learned how to take accurate measurements, create paper patterns, and select suitable fabrics. Once their designs were finalised, the real hands-on work began.

Throughout the project, pupils developed key sewing techniques, including:

• Threading needles
• Running stitch and backstitch
• Joining fabric pieces securely
• Adding decorative elements for a personal touch

This practical experience not only strengthened their fine motor skills but also encouraged problem-solving, perseverance, and resilience. Many pupils encountered challenges—such as threading needles, keeping stitches neat, and correcting mistakes—but they showed determination to overcome these obstacles. Their ability to keep going, even when things didn’t go as planned, was a real highlight of the unit.

The final showcase was a delightful celebration of creativity and effort. Each teddy bear wore a unique waistcoat, reflecting the individuality and hard work of its maker. Pupils were incredibly proud of their finished pieces, and rightly so—their designs demonstrated both technical skill and personal flair. Staff praised the pupils for their dedication and teamwork, noting how the project brought the curriculum to life in a fun and meaningful way.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who kept Mr Culff sane as 27 children asked for help with threading needles and undoing knots!

This sewing unit has been a fantastic example of how Design and Technology empowers children to combine creativity with practical skills, while building resilience and confidence. It’s safe to say that every pupil left the project with a sense of achievement and pride.

Look out for the buildings of the future!

This term, our children have been busy exploring the world of fruits and vegetables in our Design Technology: Cooking and Nutrition unit. The focus was on understanding the differences between fruits and vegetables using our senses: taste, texture, smell, and even appearance.

Last week, our pupils were treated to an incredible 45-minute music concert delivered by Staffordshire Sounds Entrust Music Service. The session was a true celebration of sound, showcasing a wide variety of instruments from the woodwind, strings, and percussion families.