Children at DUCKS Go Up, Up and Away!

The new term at DUCKS lifted off with sky‑high excitement as children arrived to find a mysterious hot air balloon perched on the school roof. With no pilot in sight and no clues about who it belonged to, the discovery became the perfect launchpad for this term’s Creative Curriculum theme: Up, Up and Away.

From the moment the children stepped through the gates, curiosity filled the air. Reporters from our fictional newspaper, DUCKS Daily were ready with microphones and notepads, interviewing pupils as they arrived and gathering their early theories. During morning register, children continued their investigations through partner talk, sharing imaginative ideas about where the balloon had come from and what might be hidden inside the basket.

To deepen the mystery, a visiting Police Officer joined the morning’s events, popping into each classroom to help the children search for clues. Their presence added a wonderful sense of realism and excitement, encouraging children to think critically, ask questions and work collaboratively. This was a fantastic opportunity to develop children’s oracy and to hear their fantastic ideas.

The morning culminated in a whole‑school assembly where the contents of the balloon’s basket were finally revealed. Each item connected directly to the learning journeys ahead. Sand from Africa for Year 2, who will be exploring the continent this term, a parachute for Year 1, linking to their study of forces and air transport and feathers for Reception, who will be “flying” to different countries to learn about global cultures and traditions

The day continued with a rich carousel of themed activities. Children made  dishes inspired by world travel, created stunning sunset paintings, learned expressive movements through dance, and even completed pilot‑style obstacle course training. Every experience was carefully designed to spark imagination, build anticipation, and immerse pupils in the term’s theme.

The result was a day full of wonder, teamwork, and joyful learning. The mysterious balloon may remain unexplained, but one thing is certain: the children at DUCKS are more than ready to go Up, Up and Away into an exciting term of discovery.