EACH week the Gazette will be visiting a different school to take a look at some of the ways pupils are being encouraged to learn in their classroom.


This week, we paid a visit to Manorbrook Primary School in Thornbury, where a festival themed Focus Week was underway and every classroom was buzzing as pupils got involved in a variety of games, lessons and competitions.


Ballroom dancing, making lego models and decorating biscuits are just a few activities pupils at Manorbrook Primary School have enjoyed this week.


The school, on Park Road, has celebrated its annual Focus Week – five days of exciting, hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom, called the ‘Great Manorbrook Festival.’


Pupils all the way through reception to year six, who are split into ‘houses’ Brook, Mill and Quarry, have been taking part in these activities and competitions in order to win points and the house cup.


Year six teacher Elaine Drayton, who has organised the week, said: “Each year we choose a new theme for the Focus Week, it really gives a good opportunity for the children to try new things and have fun at the same time as learning.


“We organised for University of the West of England students from Bristol to come along and teach the children about compass skills in a geography lesson, using chalk on the playground floor, and we have had a good link with The Castle School as well with some children going to their school for art lessons.”


During the week, children have been challenged through competitions including origami, hand-writing, and lego model building – earning house points which are signified on coloured rosettes in the school hall.


Headteacher Angela Evans said: “The children have enjoyed so many of the activities, which include African drumming, archery, ballroom dancing and lots more.


“We had a school task of designing a wooden sculpture – the winner was a ladybird design- which was then sculpted into wood, sanded down and oiled to be put somewhere in the school.


“During the week we also had children make their own photo frames out of pasta shells, buttons and small mosaic pieces.


“One highlight of the week is the ‘mix up’ where we integrate all the year groups into different classes which allows the children to help each other and build relationships with children from all across the school. They’ve all had a fantastic time.”


The festival theme continued with homework given to pupils, who were asked to design their own bunting based on their hobbies and personality.


Year six pupil Jack Richards, 11, said: “I have actually enjoyed the ballroom dancing, I think it was awesome.”


Nine –year-old Ruby Reeces, in year four, said: “My favourite part of the Focus Week was doing the competitions and winning points for my house.”