UKMT Maths Team Challenge

On Wednesday 10 March the maths department entered a team into the regional finals of the UKMT Maths Team Challenge at St Olave’s

The competition combines mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and offered pupils another way to express and develop their enjoyment of mathematics.

Samantha, Yr 8 reports :

We worked as a team and tried to solve different  puzzles.

It really challenged my brain and although I didn’t find any

of them easy, I managed to solve some!  All of the teams were really enjoying themselves and there was a “fun” atmosphere all day. It was completely different to maths at school, especially the running which made it even more competitive. I didn’t know what to expect but it was a great experience.

ISA Regional Cross Country Victory !

The ISA Regional Cross Country Competition took place last Friday and I am pleased to announce that Babington came 1st in all three races !

Sam won the Y7/ 8 race,  followed by Esmee 5th, Harri 15th, Charla 16th and Paige 17th.

In the Y9/10 race Rachel came first, Emily 29th, Antonia 30th. In the Y11/13 race Melissa won and Leonora came 3rd.

It was very cold - but all the girls ran well and in good spirits; Mrs Leighton treated them all to a hot chocolate at the end to warm them up!  We have 5 through to Nationals in Rugby at the end of March - Melissa, Leonora, Rachel, Sam & Esmee.

The New Kitchens Open for Business!

Over the past couple of weeks there has been lots of activity

in the lower corridor as tradesmen worked hard to complete the refurbishment of our kitchens. Last Monday was their

first day 'Open for Business'.  Judging by the smiley  faces at lunchtime it was all worth the effort !

2009 UK Primary Mathematics Challenge

Selected pupils from Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 took part in the Primary Mathematics Challenge last term.  This challenge is open to the most able mathematicians in UK schools.  Well done to those who took part.

Prep Christmas Production

This week we were treated to not one but two plays from the Prep Department.   The Foundation Stage pupils

performed 'The Christmas Party' and the Pre-Prep Dept gave us ' Father Christmas and Uncle Holly '.

We thank the cast and their teachers for all the hard work

and weeks of practice that went in to giving us such lovely performances.

Click to see more pictures

Sainsbury's - Christmas Competition

Congratulations goes to Jane and Antalya who were declared joint winners in the above poster competition.  Not only did they receive £50 vouchers and goodie bags from Sainsburys, but they were also asked to turn on the christmas lights last Saturday 5th December. Well done !

The girls are pictured here with Sgt Smith from 'The Bill'.

 German Christmas Market Visit

Last week a large group of pupils travelled to Germany to experience the wonderful Christmas Markets.  Please click

on the link below to see their pictures & hear about their trip!

Christmas Market Visit

 Reception Classes Trip to Environmental Centre

In November Reception Classes E and P took a trip to the Environmental Curriculum Centre.  In the morning, the children enjoyed an Autumn walk, where they collected leaves and natural materials.  They then studied their findings and created colour palettes back in the classroom, using chalks.  In the afternoon, they went on a Bear Hunt and found a bear!

Knitting & Stitching Show

Mrs Dodd recently took Yr 10 textile students to visit the knitting and Stitching show in Alexandra Palace.  They

are seen in the picture standing in front of a sailing boat covered entirely by knitting. Mrs Dodd said, "We had a lovely day looking at all things Textiles, especially

the graduate showcase section. Thanks must go to Mrs Watson who kindly accompanied us on the day."

Status Quo at Babington

On Monday 28th Sept the drummer with Status Quo, Jeff Rich, visited Babington for a Masterclass in percussion.

After teaching the pupils about the history of percussion through the ages, Jeff not only gave a fabulous insight into the skill of playing the drums, but also gave pupils the opportunity to join in.

From tamborines to maracas, tom toms to bells, every type of instrument was available.

The Masterclass aims to encourage pupils to take up any instrument, not necessarily drums, and as Jeff himself says "The whole idea of my Masterclass is to inspire students to learn an instrument and if I achieve that, then my job in done."