New SWGfL Merlin!

SWGfL Merlin has received a big update and now looks very different with lots of new features and extra functionality. Over the coming weeks Mr. Spracklen will be working hard to prepare our VLE (virtual learning environment) for the new academic year. In the meantime, why not log on to SWGfL Merlin in the usual way and check out what’s new? As one suggestion why not have a go on the V-Me editor which now includes new items like a space suit (see picture) or a pirate costume. To access the V-Me editor simply click the ‘Home’ tab followed by the ‘My Account’ button on the left hand side. For pupils in Years 3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 depending on how you now see yourself) click the ‘My Place’ tab to see you e-portfolio instantly. While you are on it why not update your blog with your latest holiday news? More ideas to follow, Mr. Spracklen.

Holiday Homework

Over the holidays I hope first and foremost you have a relaxing and enjoyable time! When you start to get bored however…




Here is a list of things you might like to try:



1. Write a diary of your favourite bits of your holiday; include pictures, drawings, photos, postcards, etc.

2. Our topic when we get back will be “Ships and Seafarers”. What do you know about famous pirates? Who was the first person to sail around the world? What was Christopher Columbus famous for? Maybe you could find or write a really good story that is set aboard a ship?

3. Mathletics will be available all through the holidays. Look out for tasks that I will set, I will be keeping my eye out for children who get all 6 certificates during the holidays and also those who achieve the most points in a week – look out for your names on the year 3 blog. The year 3 activities will be changing to year 4 activities after the holidays, so see how many gold bars you can make before then!

4. Spellodrome will be available all through the holidays. Check in for new spelling challenges.

5. Through Merlin you also have access to Purple Mash, Education City and Websites linked to our learning throughout the year, so feel free to use them. Also there are some other favourites with the class at the moment – Poptropica and Cool Maths Games. Always ask an adult before you go online.

6. Reading, the local library often have a summer reading challenge, maybe you could enjoy a summer holiday novel together with your brothers and sisters.

7. Times tables and number facts – these are so important to number confidence through year 4 and beyond. Start with the 2s, 5s and 10s; move onto the 3s and 4s; then the 9s and 11s followed by 6s, 7s and 8s. Can you find a fun way to learn and remember these facts?

8. Check out http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/ to keep in touch with what is going on in the world!



Have a wonderful and safe summer. See you in year 4!

Thank you

Many thanks for the wonderful and generous gifts you have given to the year 3 team.  We have very much enjoyed teaching you this year and Miss Johnson is looking forward to continuing with you next year.  The year 3 team wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Open afternoon

Monday 18th July – 2.30pm – 4.30pm


Just a reminder of this opportunity!

In the School hall will be a gallery of all the children’s work compiled through their work this week in school ‘Gambia week’. Also you are more than welcome to visit your current child’s class and look at their work and join in with this session. At 3.30pm you will then be able to go along and meet your child’s new teacher and discuss with them any questions that may have arisen.

We look forward to seeing you Monday!

Football Club

Just a reminder that today was the last football club for this year. Thank You to all the children who have attended and well done in all the tournaments you have taken part in. Mrs Hibberd and Alex Godfrey

What do you think of Merlin?

How do you use it? What are your favourite tools? Are you batty about blogs?  Wild about wikis? Or dotty about discussions? As a pupil you are invited to tell SWGfL Merlin what you think of Merlin and in return for taking part they will put our school forward to win one of three amazing prizes! A year subscription to I am Learning for your school, the Merlin Team in your school for a day and a stunning digital photo frame. To take part in the survey please Click here. (You will need to sign in with your Merlin username and password).

Open Afternoon

Please come and enjoy a cool smoothy and a game of Kubb on Monday 18th July from 2.30pm.  You can have a wander around our gallery, have a look at your children's work, have a chat to the year 3 team and enjoy an ice cold watermelon crush!  What could be better?

The Gambia

We are having an exciting and arty week this week in year 3.  Mr Farrington has been showing us some of his videos and pictures of his trip to The Gambia earlier this year.  We have followed this up in class be finding out about the River Gambia and the country itself.  The work we have produced will be on display in the Gallery on our Open Afternoon - Monday 18th July from 2.30pm.

Echo Vouchers - DEADLINE

Please check your draws, pockets and bags for any remaining ‘Dorset Echo School Build Challenge’ tokens. The last day our school office can accept tokens is Monday (11/07/11). See previous message: 'The Prince of Wales First School are finalists in the Dorset Echo's 'School Build Challenge' which has a top prize of £3000. To win we need as many people as possible to collect vouchers on behalf of our school. The winning school will be chosen by the highest number of votes per pupil attending the school - this means that every single vote counts. Tokens will be printed in the Dorset Echo every day until 9th July 2011 with the aim being to collect as many tokens as possible. Every batch of tokens must be counted and the number of tokens and your chosen school (The Prince of Wales First School) must be clearly marked on the envelope. Tokens can be given to us at school through the office or sent to the Dorset Echo at School Build Challenge, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD. All tokens must be received by the closing date of 11th July 2011. To win this prize we will really need to go for it and urge you to ask your neighbours, work colleagues, family and friends to save their tokens for our school. For what we would spend the prize fund on please see Mr. Farrington's thoughts as expressed in the Dorset Echo earlier this month - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9050042.__6k_up_for_grabs_in_Echo_competition/ Thank-you for your continued support, Mr. Spracklen'

Viking purses

These are coming along brilliantly and when finished we will display in the school foyer for all to see before they come home in the summer.
Many thanks to Mrs Stevens and Mrs Curran who have been helping on Thursday afternoon 2.30pm - 3.30pm slot, sewing in smaller groups is allowing all children to have super assistance when needed from an adult. If you are able to help then please just let Mrs Mewett or any of the Yr 3 team know, we very much welcome any more help!

Mrs Mewett

Art Competition