HAPPY EASTER!

In the absence of Captain Smith, we have soldiered on and triumphantly reached the end of term. Nessa Class have been brilliant in our leader’s absence, and they have coped admirably with all of the changes that have occurred over the past two and a half weeks. And what a busy time it has been!

We’ve had a rotation of gardening – thanks to the great Mrs. Gunner, cooking & DT – care of the perfect Mrs. Pengelly and science delivered by myself and Mrs. Powdrill. All of the children have engaged and enthused about these various lessons and it’s been a joy to see them working so well as a team.

We’ve also squeezed in a trip to Discovery 42 in Bodmin. The whole of Nessa agree that it is an experience they would highly recommend to others. We had a wonderful time making globe automatons and exploring all of the fascinating activities on offer.

In addition to the trip, we’ve had a visit from the police! Don’t be alarmed, they came to chat to us about safety and justice as well as detailing their everyday role. The children had a whale of a time investigating the various items and uniforms police officers wear, the equipment they use and the vehicles they drive.

To top-off a jam packed two weeks, we had the Easter Fayre, Alternative Sports for some of our Year 3 & 4 pupils, a nature walk and finally an Easter egg hunt! Wow, Mr Smith has missed loads!

Check out the photos of our various learning opportunities and we wish you a very enjoyable Easter break.

Warm wishes

Mrs Morris

The children at Storytellers Nursery are making the most of the spring sunshine, embarking on exciting outdoor adventures that fuel their imaginations and love for nature. With the warmer weather, the nursery’s mud kitchen is a favourite spot, where little hands mix mud, water, and leaves to create their masterpieces. Whether they’re pretending to cook up a storm or exploring the wonders of the garden, each day brings new opportunities for creativity and discovery. The joy of playing in the sun, getting a little messy, and learning through hands-on experiences is all part of the experience at Storytellers Nursery.

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 Storytellers had a blast celebrating World Book Day this year, and the theme was all about fun and imagination! The children came dressed in their comfiest pajamas, ready to curl up and immerse themselves in the world of stories. The highlight of the day was the reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a classic favorite. The little ones were fascinated by the caterpillar’s journey as he munches through all kinds of food before transforming into a beautiful butterfly.

Adding to the excitement, the children explored their very own pot of baby caterpillars, closely observing them and talking about their growth and changes that might occur. It was a hands-on experience that brought the book to life, making it even more magical as they witnessed the caterpillars move around. 

A Fantastic Week at Blisland Primary School!

This week at Blisland Primary School has been packed with excitement, celebration, and new challenges as pupils took part in three major events! From honouring Cornish heritage to celebrating books and mastering skateboarding skills, it has been a week to remember.

St Piran’s Day Parade

We kicked off the week with our annual St Piran’s Day parade, celebrating Cornwall’s rich history and culture. Pupils proudly walked through Bodmin town centre, waving Cornish flags and joining in the traditional festivities. The highlight was gathering together to sing the Trelawny Shout, filling the streets with the rousing anthem of Cornwall. After the parade, we visited St Petrock’s Church, where pupils shared a beautifully read Cornish poem, celebrating the land and traditions of our county. Of course, no St Piran’s Day would be complete without a delicious Cornish pasty, which everyone enjoyed before heading back to school!

World Book Day Fun

Later in the week, we marked World Book Day with a fantastic array of costumes as pupils dressed up as their favourite book characters. The creativity on display was amazing! Some of our winners included Dr. Seuss characters, Dog Man, and Sherlock Holmes, each bringing their books to life with incredible attention to detail. Throughout the day, pupils enjoyed book-themed activities, shared their favourite stories, and celebrated the joy of reading.

Skateboarding Club – Week Two

Our after-school skateboarding club continued for its second session at TR7 Skatepark, and pupils took their skills to the next level! With growing confidence, they worked on dropping in off curbs and riding even higher up the ramps. It was fantastic to see their determination and enthusiasm, with coach Chaz once again providing expert guidance and encouragement. A huge well done to all our pupils for their participation and effort this week—it has been a brilliant mix of culture, creativity, and adventure. We look forward to another great week ahead at Blisland Primary!

Exciting Learning in Our Class This Term!

This term has been packed with exciting learning opportunities across English, Geography, and PE. From exploring gripping stories to investigating the importance of our oceans and developing new sporting skills, pupils have been engaged, curious, and eager to learn.

English – The Mousehole Cat and The Great Storm

In English, we have been delving into the beautifully written and illustrated book The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber. This heartwarming tale, set in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to develop our descriptive writing skills. One of our main focuses has been using fronted adverbials to add variety and depth to our sentences. Pupils have practised structuring their writing with phrases such as With a deafening roar, the waves crashed against the harbour wall and Under the darkened sky, the wind howled through the village streets.
We have also explored figurative language, using similes, metaphors, and personification to describe the terrifying Great Storm that threatens Mousehole. Pupils have crafted vivid descriptions, bringing the storm to life with phrases like: The sea was an angry monster, thrashing and roaring in fury and Lightning split the sky like a jagged scar. We can’t wait to bring all these skills together in our final pieces of descriptive writing!

Geography – Why Oceans Matter


Our Geography unit this term is all about Why Oceans Matter. Pupils will explore: The importance of oceans for climate, wildlife, and human life. The role of coral reefs, learning how they provide habitats for marine life and protect coastlines. The challenges of sea pollution, discussing plastic waste, oil spills, and the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems. To bring our learning to life, we will end the unit with a field trip to Polzeath Beach, where pupils will carry out a beach debris survey. This hands-on experience will help us understand the effects of pollution and consider ways we can protect our oceans.

PE – Tennis

In PE, we have been developing our tennis skills with the help of Pro 20 coaches. Pupils have been learning essential techniques, including: Correct grip and stance Forehand and backhand shots Controlled rallies and movement around the court The sessions have been a fantastic way to build coordination, agility, and teamwork. Pupils are making great progress, and we are excited to see their skills improve throughout the term! It’s been a fantastic start to the term, and we look forward to sharing more of our learning soon!

Blisland Primary School’s Skateboarding Club Takes Off!

This week, 18 excited pupils from Blisland Primary School kicked off their first session at our brand-new after-school Skateboarding Club, held at TR7 Skatepark. With a rotation of 12 pupils attending each week over six weeks, this club promises to be an exciting opportunity for our young skaters to develop their skills and confidence on the board.

Under the expert guidance of our coach, Chaz, pupils began their skateboarding journey by learning the basics of foot positioning, ensuring they had a solid stance for balance and control. They then practised jumping onto the board with confidence before moving on to pushing and gliding smoothly across the skatepark. It was incredible to see how quickly they picked up these essential skills!

As the session progressed, some pupils even had the chance to take on the ramps, testing their bravery and coordination. Chaz was incredibly patient and inspiring, offering encouragement and support to help everyone feel comfortable and motivated. Whether complete beginners or those with some experience, every pupil made fantastic progress during their first lesson.

A huge thank you to the parents who helped with transport—your support makes opportunities like this possible! Keep an eye out for more updates as our young skaters continue their journey at TR7.

Nessa Class Explores Retro-Futurism and Street Art

Nessa Class has completed an exciting six-lesson art unit, exploring the vibrant worlds of 1960s retro-futurism and the dynamic street art of contemporary artist Teis Albers. This creative journey has allowed pupils to experiment with bold colours, textures, and layering techniques while developing their artistic skills in printmaking and drawing.

The unit began with an introduction to retro-futurism, a 1960s artistic style that imagined the future with sleek designs, bold typography, and space-age aesthetics. Pupils examined how this style influenced everything from posters to architecture, inspiring their own futuristic concepts. They then explored the work of Teis Albers, a Dutch street artist known for his use of layering, mixed media, and urban textures. His fusion of collage, graffiti, and digital art provided a fresh perspective on modern creativity.

One of the key skills pupils developed was creating printing plates using a mix of textures. They experimented with different materials to create varied surfaces, which added depth and contrast to their final prints. Through this process, they gained an understanding of relief printing and how texture can be used to create striking visual effects. Pupils also explored layering techniques, combining prints, drawings, and collage elements to build up complex and engaging compositions. This process encouraged them to think critically about composition and balance while embracing the unpredictable and expressive nature of mixed media art.

Throughout the unit, pupils refined their drawing skills, using bold lines, futuristic patterns, and abstract shapes inspired by both retro-futurism and street art. Their final pieces showcased an impressive blend of past and present artistic influences, demonstrating their creativity and skill. Well done to Nessa Class for their enthusiasm and hard work in this unit—your artwork is truly out of this world!

Blisland Blast Away Competition

On Thursday 6th February we attended the Bridge Schools Dodgeball Tournament at Callywith College. We were only allowed to take 6 children from Year 3 & 4, in order to make it a fair pick we put names in a hat and drew out 6 for the team. Our squad for the day was Todd, George, John, Harry, Cadan and Emma. We arrived at Callywith College and lined up along all the other teams. The tournament started off not so well with us losing the first game against Polperro, this seem to get our team fired up and they went on to win every game after that. We finished the 1st phase at the top of our group, this meant that we qualified to play in the play off for 1st and 2nd place. Our final game was against Looe who were the winners of the other group. We won the final game making us the Dodgeball Champions!!! Massive well done to the team, we are so proud of you all.

Gate opening times

A quick reminder that the school gate will be open from 8.30 -8.45am. Please ensure all pupils are dropped off as promptly as possible. After the gate is closed, parents will need to contact the school office using the buzzer. Staff will ensure the gate is manned between 8.30 and 8.45am but we are desperate to get back to supporting learning so please help us keep this process as efficient as possible.

Blisland Primary School’s Valentine’s Disco Fun!

The Valentine’s Disco was a fantastic afternoon full of fun, laughter, and celebration! Held at Blisland Village Hall, pupils enjoyed an exciting night of dancing, games, and friendly competition, making it a memorable event for everyone who attended. The dance floor was full of energy as pupils showed off their best moves to their favourite songs. From classic party tunes to the latest hits, everyone had a great time dancing with their friends and joining in with group dances. The atmosphere was filled with smiles and laughter as pupils celebrated Valentine’s Day together. Alongside dancing, there were plenty of fun games to enjoy. Bingo was a big hit, with pupils eagerly marking off their pictures in hopes of winning. "Pin the Kiss on the Frog" brought lots of giggles as blindfolded players tried their best to place their kiss in the right spot. One of the most exciting parts of the afternoon was the battle remote control cars, where pupils took turns racing and competing in thrilling head-to-head battles. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise the event and to all the pupils for bringing so much enthusiasm! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more photos from the night!

This Week at Blisland Primary Academy

It has been another exciting and eventful week at Blisland Primary Academy, with pupils taking part in a range of fantastic activities, from sporting competitions to creative projects and themed celebrations!

One of the highlights of the week was the dodgeball tournament held at Callywith College. Pupils from Blisland competed against 14 other Bridge Academy schools in a fast-paced and energetic competition. Our team showed incredible teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, demonstrating quick reflexes and strategic thinking in every match. It was a brilliant experience for all involved, and we are so proud of their efforts!

We also celebrated Valentine’s Day in style with a special Valentine’s Disco at the village hall. Pupils enjoyed an evening filled with music, games, and dancing, with plenty of sweet treats to keep their energy levels high! The event was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together, have fun, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise the disco – it was a wonderful success!

In the classroom, Nessa Class has been busy learning about plants and the Earth’s rotation. Pupils explored how the movement of the Earth creates day and night, deepening their understanding of space and science. As part of this topic, they also created stunning space-themed artwork using a combination of print and collage techniques. Their vibrant and imaginative pieces truly captured the beauty and mystery of the universe!

Meanwhile, Kensa Class has continued with their fascinating topic on China. Pupils have been learning more about Chinese traditions, geography, and history, further developing their knowledge of this incredible country. Alongside this, they have been working hard on their gymnastics routines, focusing on balances and rolls. Their dedication to improving their strength, flexibility, and coordination has been fantastic to see.

It has been a week full of achievements, creativity, and fun at Blisland Primary Academy. Well done to all our pupils for their enthusiasm and hard work—we can’t wait to see what next week brings!

Nessa Class Explores the Roman Invasion of Britain

Nessa Class has been on an incredible historical journey, completing an engaging six-lesson unit all about the Roman invasion of Britain. Through research, discussions, and creative activities, pupils have explored key questions surrounding this fascinating period and developed a deeper understanding of how the Romans shaped British history.

The unit began with an investigation into Roman buildings. Pupils examined ancient ruins, mosaics, and artefacts to infer what life was like in Roman Britain. They discovered how advanced Roman engineering was, learning about structures like roads, bathhouses, and amphitheatres. These buildings demonstrated Roman power and organisation, leaving a lasting impact on British society.

Next, the class explored the reasons behind the Roman invasion. They learned that the Romans, led by Emperor Claudius in AD 43, wanted to expand their empire, gain access to valuable resources like tin and gold, and boost Claudius’ reputation as a strong leader. The pupils debated whether the invasion was justified and considered the long-term effects on Britain.

One of the most exciting lessons focused on how the Britons responded to the invasion. Pupils learned about key resistance leaders, including the brave warrior queen Boudicca. They explored how different Celtic tribes either fought fiercely against the Romans or chose to cooperate. The class discussed the strengths and weaknesses of these different responses and considered what they would have done in the Britons’ position.

A highlight of the unit was studying why the Roman army was so successful. Pupils investigated Roman military tactics, armour, and weapons. They discovered how discipline, training, and clever battle formations like the testudo (tortoise) formation helped the Romans defeat their enemies. The class also examined how Roman roads allowed troops to move quickly across the country, ensuring control over Britain.

To tie everything together, Nessa Class put their learning into action in English lessons by writing a discussion text on whether the Celtic tribes should accept Roman rule. Pupils considered both sides of the argument, weighing up the benefits of Roman roads, trade, and new technologies against the loss of Celtic traditions and independence. Their writing showcased strong reasoning skills, with some pupils arguing that embracing Roman rule would bring stability and progress, while others passionately defended the Celts’ right to resist.

This unit has been a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their historical thinking skills, debate important issues, and engage with the past in a meaningful way. Nessa Class should be very proud of their hard work and enthusiasm – well done, everyone!

January 29th 2025, marks the first day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.

The Lunar New Year is an international holiday celebrated in many countries throughout Asia and around the world. The holiday goes by different names depending on where you are celebrating, and it symbolises a hopeful transition from the cold winter to the season of renewal.

As we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon, we welcome the Year of the Snake. People born in the Year of the Snake are seen as charismatic, intelligent, and artistic; they are also often considered cunning and mysterious.

This week, we made colourful dragon pictures; the children created a dragon dance together and took turns leading. We have looked at different traditions surrounding this special time of year and explored mark-making techniques as we made our Chinese name decoration; our decorations were in red to bring us good luck. Lots of fun was had as we improved our fine motor skills and perseverance, using chopsticks to eat at the special banquet that we prepared together. Everyone enjoyed sampling different vegetables and tastes. Opening our fortune cookies proved very exciting as everyone found a hidden message.

 Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate!

Spring 1 

Spring 1

English

'My fine fellow...you see but you do not observe,'' replied Sherlock.

We have entered into a mystery. Mrs Pengelly's golden stapler has gone missing. To solve this hideous crime the great Sherlock Holmes has been sent for. Pupils have learnt how to structure a mystery story - littering it with clues: real and red herrings. Pupils have focused on their rules of speech as well as fronted adverbials. When learning the story pupils used their inference skills to make assumptions based upon the facts within the writing. After pupils learnt the story we innovated it by changing the crime and the setting. Taking inspiration from recent local events pupils decided to write their story using Reverend Robin as a character and the local church as a setting.

Maths

Years 3 and 4 have started this term by learning about division techniques. year 3 started with partitioning and the application of their times tables facts. Year 4 have been using formal written methods (bus stop method). This key piece of learning is foundational to a strong mathematician. Year 5 have started the term with multiplying fractions. They have taken this in their stride and are all pushing for the mastery level in this area. Year 6 have continued their learning with ratio and angles. The pace of learning is fast but they are more than up for the challenge.

Topic

What have the Romans ever done for us? We are looking at the legacy of the Roman empire. Did you know the Romans invented concrete. We have looked the the buildings, engineering and academic influence of the ancient Romans. Pupils have looked at the role of empires in history and compared the achievements of the Romans to the Vikings. Who do you think would prevail in a battle? 

Spring 1

Switch Club

Switch club -the brain child of one of our pupils- has launched! It has proved to be our most popular club with 20 pupils attending from Year 1 - Year 6. Children have enjoyed sharing their passion for all things Nintendo with each other. On the big screen we have been racing in Mario Kart with the next generation of Karters showing fantastic skills. 

Skateboarding Club

We are excited to offer pupils from year 2-6 the opportunity to join an afterschool skateboarding club. The club will be run by TR7 Skateboarding and their professional coaches - all equipment will be provided. We have arranged a 6 week block of skateboarding lessons on Thursday afternoons 4pm-5pm starting on 27th Feb. With the option to stay for another hour to practise skills. The club will be held at TR7 skateboarding in: UNIT 1 Station Approach, Victoria, OFFICES PL26 8LG. This is an inside skateboarding park so weather can’t disrupt the sessions. Teachers and staff can offer a lift to the TR7 site and will supervise (maybe even join in) the session from 4-5pm.

Topic

The Nessa topic this term is the Ancient Romans. Pupils have been attempting to replicate Roman marching tactics. We don't quite have the efficiency and discipline of the Roman army but give us time! We have studied the Roman invasion of Britain as well as the legacy left behind when the Romans retreated. 

Every Wednesday during term time, we hold a toddler group in our wonderful nursery building. Preschool children of any age are welcome to attend with their adults. Attending Twiglets is excellent fun, but it also has some surprising benefits. It’s all about learning through play.

At Twiglets, your little one will love the songs, play and movement, and being around other children the same age. Your child will not just be having great fun but also be busy learning all sorts of critical early skills.

Here are just a few ways that all the play and fun they have at Twiglets plays an integral part of early learning:

Storytime – an early introduction to reading and phonics

We all know how much little ones love stories. But did you know that when you read to your baby or toddler, you also introduce them to many early literacy skills?

Studies have shown that babies with many books read to them have a greater vocabulary and better early reading skills by age 4.

 Moving and grooving is more than just fun!

According to the NHS, once your child is walking, they should stay active for at least 180 minutes (3 hours) of the day! Twiglets is an excellent way for your toddler to run off steam. All the moving and grooving helps them develop gross motor skills, which will continue to develop as they grow.

Mini mark-making helps with writing later on. What might look like play time Twiglets is far more developmental than it might appear. Simply letting your child squish a Play-Doh ball helps them develop fine motor skills in their hands and fingers. Getting creative with chunky crayons or paints is helping them develop these skills, too. Developing fine motor skills from an early age will benefit your child when they learn more complex skills at nursery and school, like holding a pencil and beginning to write.

So next time your toddler gifts you their latest Jackson Pollock imitation painting, remember they’ve developed more than just their artistic talents!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 – classes can bring numbers alive!

Lots of play activities at Twiglets introduce your child to counting and numbers. They might hear lots of counting in songs and rhymes, count out toys as they play, or count the number of hops and jumps they make while dancing. Lots of exposure to counting and numbers will help them develop early numeracy skills in a fun way.

6, 7, 8, 9, 10 – here we go around again – Routines Twiglets is a great way to introduce your baby or toddler to routines, which is a big part of a nursery or school day. Gradually, your child will get used to the different routines in class. That might be sitting in a circle to start, tidying away at the end and stopping for snack time. Introducing this concept at a young age will make it less of an alien concept when it comes to that daunting first day of nursery or school.

Learning to fit into a group. When your child grows up and starts nursery or school, they must learn how to fit into a group. They will learn how to take turns and share. Twiglets is an excellent opportunity to teach all the basics. Greetings, turn-taking, sitting in an allocated spot, and pleases/thank yous all start to happen around your child. This encourages them to copy and do the same.

Tidy-up time teaches key life skills. Little ones can learn to help from a young age. Starting with helping tidy up their toys. Once they start nursery or school, they will be expected to pitch in and tidy their room or space so other children can enjoy it later.

Introduction to other cultures. Little ones are the least likely to judge another based on their background. Twiglets is a great way to begin introducing your little ones to different families from various backgrounds. This might be race, religion, or perhaps other family dynamics.

Making friends – essential social building blocks. Being surrounded by other parents and children may be one of the main reasons you would attend Twiglets. Being in a group teaches crucial social skills that will help your toddler in the future. Your child needs to understand social cues and learn how to make friends. They might start by learning how to share toys or equipment. Or to take turns. By attending Twiglets, you may also introduce your child to new concepts like empathy. If another child is upset, your toddler might start questioning why that is and try to help make them feel better. These are all critical social skills when it comes to making friends later.

But what about the grown-ups?

  Parenting can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavour, especially for stay-at-home parents. Twiglets provides a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This social interaction helps combat feelings of isolation and allows for sharing advice, experiences, and parenting tips. Being part of the group allows you to build a support network of parents who understand the challenges and triumphs of this particular parenting stage. These relationships can provide a strong foundation for mutual support, empathy, and camaraderie.

  Above all, Twiglets group offers a fun experience for parents and children. The laughter, play, and shared activities create lasting memories and positive associations with socialising and learning.