Great Links
What's been happening, Year 1RE
In RE, we discussed what Christians believe about Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We then made our own palm leaves and acted out a parade with people waving palms.
What's been happening, Year 1Art
Castles
In D&T, we had to design a castle with a moving drawbridge for the Queen! To begin the unit, we planned our design and included the features of a castle, for example the battlements and the arrow slits. We then discussed how we could make a moving drawbridge by using a simple lever mechanism and then we made our castles using recyclable materials. Finally, we evaluated our castles and wrote about what we liked and what we could change next time.
What's been happening, Year 1100 Days
Balance Scales
In Maths, we have been learning to weigh different objects using balance scales. We had fun comparing the weight of different objects and discussing which objects were lighter or heavier.
What's been happening, Year 63D models
Focusing on the style of Escher, we have looked to create perspective with 3D models by just cutting and folding paper. Origamic Architect Masahiro Chatani inspired these models.
Area
We used written ideas as well as constructed models to understand the concept of area. We began with quadrilateral shapes and then proceeded to triangles. Well done!
English
We worked together in English, to identify the writing elements of an English persuasive text. As a pair, and then as a group, we were able to discuss punctuation, grammar and vocabulary we would need to elevate our own writing. In grammar we focused on our use of modal verbs, and recognising them in sentences. We then were able to apply our understanding to persuasive texts.
Galapagos Finches
The Galapagos Finches have adapted to their environment as a result of food collection. Beak changes were necessary for food collection and survival of the species. We tested out some possible “beaks” and the food we were able to collect.
Adaptation
Adaptation has been the focus for spring 2 term. We have looked at how some native moths have changed in response to environmental pollution. The speckled colouration has provided more camouflage resulting in a higher survival rate for those moths compared to white ones. Using newspaper and plain white paper, we observed the differences and importance of this adaptation.
Microorganisms
We observed changes in our long-term science experiment on microorganisms. Using different variables of light and moisture, the results were very colourful!
Fair-trade
Length
In maths, we have been learning to accurately measure the length of different objects by using rulers, meter rules and trundle wheels. We had fun measuring different items outside of the classroom and we loved using the new equipment!
Making Bread
Reception explored the story ‘The Little Red Hen’. The children worked together to make bread just like the Little Red Hen, following instructions to mix all of the ingredients together before creating little rolls, which they thoroughly enjoyed eating once baked!
RE
We reflected on why we study RE, and the children suggested the idea of respect as a primary reason. We then had a go at drawing our impression of Jesus, knowing there are few descriptions of him.
Haka
During our PE lessons, we have been learning about the Haka. We watched some videos of it being performed and then tried recreating it in small groups. We worked hard to make sure we were in unison and that we looked as scary as possible. Once our routines had been perfected, we had two groups perform at the same time to see who the most intimidating.
What's been happening, Year 5RE
In RE, we had a discussion about rules. We thought about why they are needed and which we feel are important. We also had an interesting discussion about rules we wish we didn’t have to follow. After, we learnt about the 10 Commandments. We discussed what these all mean and then reflected on which we thought might be the most important for people to follow and why.
What's been happening, Year 4Adverts
Spinning Wheel
We created a spinning colour wheel to test the properties of colour and light. We based our conclusions on Newton’s observations of prisms and the colour spectrum.
What's been happening, Year 6French
In French, we looked at different sports we play as hobbies. We then sorted them into “Je joue” (I play), or “Je fait” (I do) based on each sport. Practising answering questions based on these hobbies was a challenge but we all had a go! Well done to all!
What's been happening, Year 6Computing
We have completed some coding in Purple Mash. Well done to those who found fun characters to use and commands to give each one.
Reception, What's been happeningProactive
In Reception, we have begun exploring how to ‘Be Proactive’ – the first of the 7 Learning Habits. We talked about how we can be proactive at school and how to be leaders in our own lives being kind, helpful, gentle, by listening and remembering to use our manners. We also talked about how to be leaders and proactive by thinking about what we need when we set out to do something. We practised this by going on a walk outside, leaving it up to the children to decide what they needed – clipboards, paper, buckets, pencils and the iPad. We stood back while the children gathered items, took photos, drew pictures and made lists to record what they had found while exploring outside. Some of them forgot pencils but luckily one of the children had been extra proactive and brought a number of pencils!
What's been happening, Year 2PSHCE
Year 2 have been looking at what makes them unique in our unit of work family and friends . We looked at snowflakes and thumbprints . The children designed their own thumbprint with elements of what makes them special and unique which they loved !
What's been happening, Year 3Friendship
In Year 3, the children have been discussing friendships and what makes a good friend. As a class, we talked about the importance of friendship and described our friends as people we can trust and rely on. The children created posters to display their friendships.
What's been happening, Year 1Maths
Year 1 children have been exploring place value to 10, using the part-whole model and comparing numbers using <, > and =. We have also started to explore number bonds of numbers to 10 and fact families in addition. Plus, we found out that addition is commutative! We are enjoying investigations from Nrich too. The one entitled ‘Two Dice’ was great fun to try with a partner. We were challenged to try to find out all the possible solutions at home!
Reception, What's been happeningMaths
In Reception, we have been busy learning the rules of counting, including counting in order, assigning one number to each object and that the final number is how many.
We have also been exploring the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, showing them on a 5-frame, ordering them and matching the correct numeral to each amount.
The children have also looked at matching items and grouping by similarities.
What's been happening, Year 1Designing Tshirts
Year 1 have enjoyed thinking about what is special about them by designing a T-shirt to represent themselves and their skills. They have also been identifying a new skill that they would like to develop before moving up to Year 2. Some children wanted to learn a new sport like karate and others were keen to improve their reading or Maths skills. It was a lovely opportunity to share our goals for the future!
What's been happening, Year 1Night and Day
We observed what happens at day and night. We learnt that one day on Earth is a full spin of the Earth on its axis, one month is the time it takes the Moon to orbit around the Earth and the orbit of the Earth around the Sun is one year. Working in groups, we acted this out by taking it in turns to be the Earth, Sun and Moon.
What's been happening, Year 6Poetry
Year 6 have been working on poetry in their English work. The children have planned well and used lots ideas from each other’s work to write war time poems. The unit linked superbly to Remembrance Day where the children made their own version of poppies whilst reflecting on the men and women who fell throughout war.
What's been happening, Year 6Writing
Fractions
The year sixes have been reviewing fractions in Maths. We’ve shown values with models, mixed numbers and improper fraction equalities.
What's been happening, Year 6Purple Mash
Year 6 have been recapping their knowledge of coding using Purple Mash. The children used a coding app ‘Free Code Gorilla’ to make a character (sprite) move, within a time scale and by scoring points. By the end of the unit the children will: plan and create a program using variables to achieve a desired effect. They will then move onto ‘Debugging.’
What's been happening, Year 6Geography
In year 6 our topic on WWII has allowed us to use a variety of research materials. Here, we used our geographic skills to locate the allied and axis countries involved in the war.
Persuasive Text
The persuasive model text needed to be highlighted in year 6. In partners we looked for and discussed persuasive writing elements, high-level punctuation, topic-specific vocabulary and grammar points already covered this year. Well done!
What's been happening, Year 6PE
Our year 6 dance skills have been highlighted with the challenge from Cambridgeshire! We have also been preparing for our “daily mile” by warming up beforehand!
What's been happening, Year 6Art
Art has focused on the artist Henry Moore in year 6. Shading and highlighting on only a few focused items in the pictures, help create visual interest.
Remembrance Day reflection included moments of silence and creating poppies symbolising the blood shed with our red poppy, and white to reflect our hope for continued peace.
What's been happening, Year 3Remembrance Day
Our tribute for Remembrance Day.
What's been happening, Year 1
Solar System
In science, we have been learning about the planets in our solar system. We discussed the difference in their sizes by comparing them to fruit! We then discussed the colours of the different planets. Using a template, we coloured and labelled the planets of the solar system and put them in order.
What's been happening, Year 1Art
Year 1 children had fun creating firework Art using straws and paint. We watched some clips of fireworks to spark our imagination and then had to be careful when using the straws to blow the paint.
What's been happening, Year 6Safety
Electricity
In Year 6 we started our Electricity Science unit by making a circuit using batteries, bulbs, buzzers, switches and motors. The class had very little instructions so really had to ‘Synergize’ and ‘Begin with the End in Mind’ in order to create a working circuit. Obviously, there were many circuits that needed adjustments, as they didn’t work first time, so they had to also problem solve in order to make the circuit work.
Fantastic perseverance Year 6!
Journey Stories
Year 2 have had an exciting half term in English making up their own journey stories based on ‘ The way back home’ . We looked at a range of journey stories and found what the features were of this type of story .The children learnt what an expanded noun phrase was and then used these to describe the characters they had made up for their own stories. They learnt the story map off by heart and added actions, which they loved performing . The children then became authors and wrote their own story using their new story map and new characters.
Reception, What's been happening
Making Bread
Reception have been exploring the story ‘The Little Red Hen’. The children worked together to make bread just like the Little Red Hen, following instructions to mix all of the ingredients together before creating little rolls, which they thoroughly enjoyed eating once baked!
Refraction
We investigated light in year 6, and discussed the idea of refraction. We conducted an experiment to show how light slows and bends through a glass of water, and what happens to objects on the other side as a result.
What's been happening, Year 3Maths
Maths
We have been working hard as mathematicians, learning all about place value and how to partition numbers into different combinations of tens and ones. They have also been revising their number patterns within and to 10 and learning how to apply this to the number patterns within and to 20.
What's been happening, Year 2Art Skills
Year 2 have used their art skills to tell us more about themselves.
What's been happening, Year 2Art
Year 2 used their art skills to draw the Scottish national flag, the thistle.
What's been happening, Year 6PE
Outside during our PE, we enjoyed some distanced invasion sports, before taking a mindful break!
What's been happening, Year 6Science
In Science, we examined objects through a coloured filter, and identified their properties. We used this information to help understand how the filters allow some of the light spectrum through, but not all. Fascinating!
Year 1Self Portraits
In Art, we have been creating self-portraits. First we drew the outline of ourselves by carefully observing and copying our features using a mirror. Then we completed our portraits by mixing different colours together to match the correct colours for our skin, hair and eyes. We also tried hard to stay inside the lines! You might want to come and see our paintings which will be hanging in our classroom windows.
Year 5Ancient Britain
Students learned about and designed their own Anglo-Saxon villages. They also made woven crafts inspired by Anglo-Saxon artisans. Year 5 then learned about the Vikings! We had a good time designing our own Viking ships and learned about the brutal Lindisfarne raid in 793 AD. Both classes submitted wonderful homework related to our topic! Well done, Zebra and Giraffe Class!
Year 5Religion
We had an interesting class discussion around the question ‘What is religion?’. We shared our ideas and listened to each other carefully and respectfully. We then created religion wordles which contain all the words we think of when we hear the word ‘religion’.
Year 2United Kingdom
Polar Bear Class have had a busy term learning all about the countries that make up the United Kingdom, their capital cities and compass directions. They wrote their own information reports on England and published these:
Year 3Maps
In our Topic lessons we have been learning about our local area. Here the children are creating a map of their local area, turning a satellite view of our school into a sketch map.
Year 1Materials
Year 1 have been investigating which materials are waterproof because Traction Man wanted a new outfit to swim in. Exploring the various materials helped us to make predictions about which materials would be waterproof.
We then planned our experiment. We carefully wrapped a doll in one material at a time (paper, tin foil, rubber and plastic), before pouring water over it. We found that tin foil, plastic and rubber were waterproof because the materials have tight bonds. Traction Man was excited to find out which materials would keep him dry!
We continued our investigations into more materials and thought about why they are suitable for their use. For example, metal for radiators, plastic for Lego and glass for windows. We are really excited about different materials and their properties!
Year 4A Love of Reading
This term we have enjoyed delving into books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, David Williams’ series and Harry Potter. We enjoy reading striving to read regularly at both home and school.
Year 4Roman Villas
We have employed our research skills, enjoying researching many aspects of Roman Britain, including learning about the structure of a roman villa and what each room was used for.
Year 4Making Shields
Things got a little messy when we were making the shields. However, we had loads of fun creating, painting and constructing our shields. We persevered even when challenges arose and worked together to solve different problems. We shared our resources and materials. We are looking forward to testing our shields out by completing different shield formations.
Year 4Roman Britain
As part of our History and Design and Technology units we have been designing and creating Roman Shields. To begin the process we researched about Roman Shields. We then designed our own shields, taking into consideration, shape, colours and design features.
Year 3Magic Box Poems
In Year 3 Macaw class had a go at filming their own videos using the ‘Clips’ app on the IPads. We used different filters and effects on some of our videos and filmed our own poems based on ‘The Magic Box’ by Kit Wright. We wrote our poems so that they were filled with memories from the past and interesting images using adjectives, verbs, adverbs and similes to make them as descriptive as we could. Hopefully they will give you an image in your head of some lovely times! We realised that we had to speak loudly and hold the IPad still to make a really good video, so there will be lots of our learning that we can use next time to improve them even more!
Year 3
Poems
This term the children in Toucan class have been writing poems all about their very own imaginary boxes. The class worked in pairs to identify the different senses shown in Kit Wright’s ‘The Magic Box’.
Year 3Computing
Leo used the IPad app Lightbot hour to work his way through the grid and light up the square! He showed his debugging skills throughout.
Times Tables
Jaguar Class have been focusing on speed when recalling times table facts up to 12. The children have started to challenge each other using Times Table Rock Stars and are enjoying sharing their achievements.
Year 1D&T
This week, we have completed our first D&T unit. In D&T we had to design a moving vehicle to help Traction Man escape from the shark scissors! We discussed which recycled materials we could use to make our cars and we planned our design. Next we made our cars and attached wheels to an axle so that our cars can move. Finally, we evaluated our them and wrote about what we liked and what we could change next time. Well done Year 1!
Year 6Light
In Science the children worked in groups to create a human model to show how light enables us to see. They used wool to symbolise a ray of light, members of their group acted as a light source and an object. They held the wool to demonstrate how the light travels from the source to the object and then their eyes. Finally they presented their work to the class.
Year 5Long Ships
This week we learnt about Vikings Long Ships. We looked at how they were made and the distances they were able to travel. It was fascinating watching a video that showed a replica Viking Ship being rowed down a river and then carried across land. We then drew our own ships and labelled the key features.
NurseryBusy Learning
We are doing so well at settling into Foxes room. We have been very busy having lots of fun and learning our new nursery routines. These photos show us busy learning inside and outside.
Year 6Science
During our Science lesson, we demonstrated the principle of how we see objects.
Year 6WWII Art
We focused on Paul Nash and his WWII art, to select colours represented in his art, and practise some sketching and painting techniques.
Year 6Maths
We have great ideas about Maths and are keen to show our methods! Partitioning, column method and grids have all helped prove what we know.
Year 6Periscopes
During our topic work, we looked at the science behind periscopes and together, used a template to create our own.
Number Lines
In maths, we have been learning how to use a number line. We can now count forwards and backwards from a given number when using the number line. To consolidate our learning, we have played a game where we had to count how many jumps we needed to get to the number ten.
Ten
In maths, we have been representing number to ten using the multilink. We have enjoyed counting and we can’t wait to start comparing numbers.
Busy Fingers
We have been starting each day with ‘busy fingers’. Each morning, we have a range of activities for the children to complete to improve their fine motor skills. The children have loved developing their fine motor skills!
Glockenspiels
Autumn Term – Welcome Videos – How to Enter School!
Please follow the guidelines in the video below for your year group to enter school following our new system…