Learning at Marnel
See all the exciting things your child will take part in as a pupil at Marnel
We pride ourselves on being able to offer a well rounded educational experience or our pupils at Marnel and as a result have devised more ways for our children to learn that compliment the curriculum. Read more below about the extra opportunities for our children to thrive at Marnel below.
100 things to do before you leave Marnel
At Marnel Infant School we are proud of the enrichment activities we provide. As a school our intent is to give the children as many experiences that enrich the broad and balanced curriculum we offer. This was put together in consultation with pupils, parents and staff.
Each child has a copy of our '100 Things' so they can tick them off at home. This also provides a prompt for the children to talk about the things they have been doing at school. Each class also has a poster so that they can keep track as class.
Our school dogs, Deefur and Olive
Vocabulary in the curriclum is taught through Deefur our school dog. In all areas of the curriclum the children identify what they are learning, what outcomes there could be and what vocabualry is being re-visitied or introduced.
At Marnel Infant School we have two school dogs. Deefur is our six-year-old chocolate labrador. She is in school five days a week and is a fully trained therapy dog. Deefur has been with us since she was 3 months old. She belongs to Mrs Giles-Cox and is kept very busy supporting children with their reading, transition into school and emotional regulation.
Olive is our two-year-old Beagle. She belongs to Miss Wheaton. Olive has also been in school since she was a puppy and helps Deefur, on the days she is in school, to support the children. She enjoys going on walks around the school site and the odd treat or two!
In Year Two you can apply to become an Olive or Deefur Assistant and take them for a walk on the school site, groom them and give them a treat.
Enrichment
To ensure the children's return to school is successful, after a holiday, we plan enrichment weeks that link to the curriculum and provide memorable experiences for all. These include:
Arts Week - This week is planned by our P.E., Music and Art, Design and Technology Leads. This year the learning driver is The Carnival of the Animals by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The week will also include a dance workshop led by a Winchester dance school.
Book Week: This week is planned by our English Lead and includes a visit from a children's author and/or illustrator as well as an opportunity to dress up for World Book Day!
Sports Week: This week is planned by our P.E. Lead and includes learning about healthy lifestyles, exercise and ends in our Sports Morning and family picnic.
Science and Outdoor Learning Week: This week is planned by our Science and Outdoor Learning Leads and includes lots of science investigations and experiments as well as a trip to Basing Wood.
We also hold topic days including, People Who Help Us Day and a Pirate Party in Year R and Castles Day and Coasts Day in KS1, as well as supporting charities including Children in Need Day and the Book Trust's Pyjamarama Day. The School Council help to plan our charity days with the help of the School Council Lead.
If you want to take a closer look at what we get up, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook.
