<![CDATA[The Hills Academy Blog Feed - Enrichment at The Hills]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk%2Fblog%2F%3Fpid%3D25%26amp%3Bnid%3D12 Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Wed, 7 May 2025 13:07:48 GMT Wed, 7 May 2025 13:07:48 GMT <![CDATA[ ART COMPETITION ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=998 Just before the Easter holidays, I published a message to TEAMS informing children of the opportunity to enter the Bedford Modern Art Competition. The theme this year was ‘Insects.’

]]> Wed, 7 May 2025 13:07:48 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=998 <![CDATA[ DRAWING COMPETITION! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=988 Some of the children from Prime-Time entered a drawing competition last term and we would like to share the success of our artists,  Some of the children's drawings have been published in a book along with other after school clubs from across the UK.  Have a look in the GALLERY to see our pictures.

]]> Wed, 7 May 2025 13:01:32 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=988 <![CDATA[ WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=956 On the 10th October the children and staff joined together to turn the school yellow to support Young Minds, a charity who support young adults with their mental health. 

]]> Tue, 4 Mar 2025 19:00:31 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=956 <![CDATA[ THE FIRST HILLS IFTAR ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=901 Ramadan is a special occasion for all Muslims around the world. A time for them to reflect and portray values such as kindness, gratitude and patience.

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 10:16:48 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=901 <![CDATA[ WORLD BOOK DAY 2024 ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=898 On 7th March it was World Book Day and the children, and staff, joined in with children all over the country dressing up as their favourite characters to mark the day.

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:09:51 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=898 <![CDATA[ LEGO DRAGONS ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=885 Lego group have learnt about the Chinese New Year and made Chinese Dragons out of Lego.

]]> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:10:15 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=885 <![CDATA[ YOUNG VOICES '24 ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=880 Young Voices is the most amazing experience where hundreds of school choirs from across the country come together.

]]> Thu, 8 Feb 2024 13:55:16 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=880 <![CDATA[ THE HILLS ACADEMY ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FOOD BANK APPEAL ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=867 Each year at The Hills we run a Food Bank Appeal at Christmas.  

]]> Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:07:33 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=867 <![CDATA[ REMEMBERANCE AT THE HILLS! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=851 Around this time of year, the nation stops for a moment to remember those members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces who have served in operations and campaigns, both current and historic, around the world. We take a minute to reflect on the sacrifice of those that have fought for our way of life in the past and those who continue to defend our freedom.

]]> Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:41:20 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=851 <![CDATA[ IT'S NON FICTION NOVEMBER!! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=846 It's Non-Fiction November! Did you know that November is a month to celebrate non-fiction books? Non-fiction books are very interesting to read because they are based on real facts. Have you read one in your class before?

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:54:00 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=846 <![CDATA[ READING BUDDIES ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=798 This term, a selection of year 6 children have been chosen to read with Year 1’s.

 

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:34:38 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=798 <![CDATA[ RED, WHITE AND BLUE DAY! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=796 Last Thursday we celebrated the significant event of the Coronation of King Charles III.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:34:01 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=796 <![CDATA[ PARIS - MARCH 2023 ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=788 At the Hills, years five and six got given an amazing opportunity which was to go Paris. Everyone who went had a fantastic time so here’s a blog to tell you how it was!

]]> Thu, 11 May 2023 09:01:01 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=788 <![CDATA[ YOUNG VOICES 2023 ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=779 At the end of January  the school choir went to Birmingham World Resorts Arena to take part in Young Voices 2023, we had a brilliant experience.

]]> Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:50:25 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=779 <![CDATA[ DROP EVERYTHING AND READ! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=778 As part of our World Book Day celebrations, children have submitted photos of themselves reading in extraordinary places!

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:34:21 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=778 <![CDATA[ MAKING CONNECTIONS FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=776 As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, the school council made connections with Hazeldene School and had an exciting visit to meet their school council.

]]> Thu, 2 Mar 2023 09:06:53 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=776 <![CDATA[ AuTuMN TERM IN THE GARDEN ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=748 Another school year has began in the school garden.  The children have had 2 sessions during this time September to December.

]]> Wed, 1 Mar 2023 08:29:16 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=748 <![CDATA[ WE ARE BACK IN THE GARDEN! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=723 Over the last few months you may have noticed some changes in the garden to get us ready for the new school year.  

]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:40:45 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=723 <![CDATA[ WATER SAFETY ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=705 At the Hills we believe that good understanding of water safety is as important as being able to swim. As the summer holidays approach we want children to enjoy the water. Did you know that in the UK drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death for children, approximately 80% of all drownings occur at inland water sites, and that every 17 hours someone in the UK drowns.

       

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2022 08:03:26 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=705 <![CDATA[ RAGLAN COURT VISIT ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=697 This week a group of children from Year 4 and 5 visited Raglan court for an intergenerational visit to play games and chat to the wonderful people who live there.  It was an amazing experience that the children thoroughly enjoyed.  Here is what the children wrote about their morning:

]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:28:58 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=697 <![CDATA[ PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=689 On 6th February this year Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of being queen. So on Wednesday, we celebrated Queen Elizabeth II platinum jubilee at school! To start the day off, we came into school wearing the colours red, white and blue to represent the Union Jack flag. Everyone was super excited and looking forward to this fun day at The Hills Academy… some of the staff dressed as royalty and we even had a queen’s guard.

]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:50:54 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=689 <![CDATA[ A HAPPY PICTURE ON THE PLAYGROUND! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=682 Today's brief... Work together to create a picture that will make people smile.

]]> Thu, 26 May 2022 15:07:46 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=682 <![CDATA[ S'MORES, BIRD FEEDERS, CRESS HEADS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF MUD! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=585 What a lovely day to write a blog about the garden, the sun is shining, you can hear the water trickling onto the pond, see the flowers growing and the birds are singing! Our garden truly has burst back to life with the return of all the children and Spring definitely in the air :)

]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:10:57 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=585 <![CDATA[ DRAGONFLIES OUTDOOR LEARNING! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=349 We haven't let the cold weather stop us having fun in the garden.

]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 13:11:41 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=349 <![CDATA[ Keeping the wildlife warm and fed! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=308 The weather has turned really cold this week so we made sure the garden was ready to help them survive the winter.

]]> Thu, 1 Nov 2018 11:27:24 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=308 <![CDATA[ scavenger hunt ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=292 This week in Dragonflies the Key Stage 1 Children worked together to find everything on our Scavenger Hunt

]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2018 10:04:52 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=292 <![CDATA[ We are back :) ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=291 This week was the first week in the garden for Dragonflies Outdoor Learning....

]]> Mon, 1 Apr 2019 14:38:00 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=291 <![CDATA[ The hills rocks!! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=266 This week in the garden we are getting crafty.

]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 13:09:29 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=266 <![CDATA[ Ks1 in the garden ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=258 Dragonflies were out and about in the garden on Tuesday, of course the sun went away and the rain arrived but we didnt let that dampen our spirits!

]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 13:11:09 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=258 <![CDATA[ Excitement in the garden!!! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=247 After last weeks cold, ice and snow we are so excited to see the flowers growing and the wildlife moving into our garden.

]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 13:10:44 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=247 <![CDATA[ Dragonflies in the snow! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=241 We could not believe it when we went out for Dragonflies yesterday and it started to snow!

]]> Thu, 23 May 2019 13:09:56 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=241 <![CDATA[ January in the garden! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=235 At Dragonflies we don't let the rainy, dark month of January get us down, we put on our wellies and waterproofs and carry on.

]]> Wed, 28 Feb 2018 09:52:52 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=235 <![CDATA[ Autumn in the garden ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=219 The weather has turned and its a bit wet and chilly outside but we haven't let that spoil our learning in the garden. We have been busy exploring, experimenting and making. 

]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:16:48 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=219 <![CDATA[ End of year coffee afternoon thursday 20th july! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=199 Its that time of year again when we hold our annual 'End of Year Coffee Afternoon' to raise funds for the school garden!

]]> Fri, 7 Jul 2017 11:51:39 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=199 <![CDATA[ Visitors in the garden  ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=186 The garden is really coming to life at the moment!

]]> Wed, 17 May 2017 11:14:22 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=186 <![CDATA[ Easter coffee afternoon ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=172 Alex in 4D  has sent us a fabulous blog about the Easter Coffee Afternoon... Thank you Alex :)

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2017 16:35:21 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=172 <![CDATA[ Dragonflies coffee afternoon ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=122 End of Term Coffee Afternoon in the Hall

]]> Thu, 4 May 2017 17:36:59 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=122 <![CDATA[ Lots going on in the garden this week! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=152 So after last weeks wind (you may have noticed the Tikki Kitchen has no roof!) this week has been much nicer in the garden!

]]> Fri, 3 Mar 2017 09:28:39 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=152 <![CDATA[ Last week of the Spring half term ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=148 Well. hasn't this half term gone fast.... do you realise that today marks the halfway point of the school year!!

]]> Fri, 3 Mar 2017 09:30:47 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=148 <![CDATA[ Spring term fun! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=143 Welcome back, we hope you had a lovely winter break.

]]> Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:26:22 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=143 <![CDATA[ Christmas Tree Competition ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=121 We won! 

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:22:35 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=121 <![CDATA[ So many raffle prizes to win ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=116 Have a look behind the desk at reception to see all of the prizes for the Christmas Raffle!

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2016 08:38:05 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=116 <![CDATA[ Autumn in the Garden ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=142 it's been a bit chilly in the school garden, so we decided in Key Stage 2 that we should practice our fire making skills.... and then roast marshmallows over it, but only because it was cold of course!!!!!

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:23:06 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=142 <![CDATA[ Dragonflies Christmas Raffle ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=111 We are holding a Christmas Raffle to raise funds for the outdoor learning area!

1 ticket - 50p

5 tickets - £2.00

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2016 08:39:18 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=111 <![CDATA[ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=110 The Hills Academy are proud to be, once again taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Pauls Church in Bedford.

]]> Fri, 2 Dec 2016 11:12:42 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=110 <![CDATA[ Christmas Tree Competition ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=109 Today we put up our entry for the Milton Ernest Christmas Tree Competition, the theme this year is '100 years of Roald Dahl' and our entry is based on James and the Giant Peach.

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2016 08:40:09 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=109 <![CDATA[ Busy, busy, busy! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=78 The garden has been a hive of activity this week!

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2016 14:10:38 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=78 <![CDATA[ welcome back to dragonflies :) ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=74 Dragonflies is back after the summer break and the Year 1 and 2 have been making the most of the last of the sunny days before winter sets in.

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2016 14:11:30 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=74 <![CDATA[ Hedgehog pack competition! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=73 We love to improve the school garden and make it as creature friendly as possible so imagine our delight when we came across a competition run by www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk to win a hedgehog pack for the school!

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2016 14:11:04 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=73 <![CDATA[ A little clothing reminder for Outdoor Learning!! ]]> https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=69 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 16:02:07 GMT https://www.thehillslowerschool.co.uk/blog/?pid=25&nid=12&storyid=69