Aliens invade Birch Class!

Our Year 1 children have been science detectives this week - investigating a suspicious alien crash landing in their outdoor area! These three photos are just a snap-shot of what was going on...notice the high levels of engagement!



Wow! What on earth was loud bang?

After hearing a loud bang and discovering wreckage from an unidentified flying machine...the children went outside to explore.

When I arrived at the scene, the children were very excited and keen to investigate just what had happened. It was a great way to begin their new learning topic called 'Moon Zoom'.

I've just got to write this down! It could be important!

The discussions the children were having and the scientific language that was being used was just great.

Look....there! I can see...



Term 4 begins well...

Term 4 has started very positively and already I have seen some good quality work produced this week. Pupils have been 'engaged' in their new learning project for the term with teachers planning creative and adventurous learning in order to 'hook' their children into their learning for the term ahead.

Each year group have a different themed topic - please see below for details:

The topic for our EYFS (Year R) children is based on the question, "Why don't snakes have legs?"
They are being visited by some friendly reptiles next week...look out for a new blog soon!

Year 1 (Birch Class) are studying a topic called 'Moon Zoom'. They have already investigated an alien crash landing site...and will be travelling the solar system later in the term no doubt.

Year 2 (Cherry Class) are focusing their learning on a topic called 'Towers, Tunnels and Turrets'. I know that Rapunzel has already featured this week in their English work!

Elm Class (Year 3) are studying a topic called 'Gods & Mortals'. This week alone they have researched facts about Zeus and written a report about him.

The learning in Year 4 (Fir Class) is based on a topic called 'Potions'. They have become advertising executives this week and been persuading others to buy their potion (which is better than any other).

There will be lots of outdoor learning in Year 5 (Holly Class) this term as their topic is called 'Allotments. Already, the children have been in the school garden measuring up various areas for further development.

Our eldest pupils in Year 6 (Oak Class) have had a great start to their new topic called 'Frozen Kingdom' researching the RMS Titanic tragedy.

Look out for photos and examples of work very soon...

Year 3 response to Home learning

Year 3 were challenged to 'design a playground' in their home learning this term.
The children were asked to think about the different forces that would be needed to make the playground come alive!

The photos below show just one response...I was particularly impressed with the writing that was attached to the playground design. It shows a good understanding of forces in action.

Design a playground of your own and think about the forces in action...

                        

The explanation is clear and shows good understanding...great!

            

Year 5 Home Learning...

Since the introduction of the Cornerstones Curriculum, we have given the children more opportunities to be creative and inventive with their responses to our Home-Learning tasks...

We have seen some amazing work that has been produced at home and I'm delighted that the activities and challenges set have been undertaken with such enthusiasm and interest.

I would like to thank all those children who have engaged in the Home-Learning projects and spent time at home producing a range of responses. We have seen some great writing, some artistic poster designs to name but a few.

Check out the latest offering from one of our Year 5 children. Their topic this term has been 'Scream Machine' - all about the fast and exciting world of rollercoasters...

It is named 'The Bull Run'...are you brave enough?!



What a creative and innovative idea...well done!

Look out for more examples of great home-learning on our blog soon!

Year 5 investigate...

This week, Year 5 have been investigating pulleys and levers as part of their topic 'Scream Machine'.

Have you ever tried to tighten something but you just can't quite get it tight enough?

Could the introduction of pulleys be useful? What happens when we change the ratio?

What does 4 to 1 really mean?

Well, Year 5 should be able to help you! In the photos below, the children are exploring and investigating pulleys...not just brain power, but muscle power too!

Pull! I'm trying....it's not as easy as it looks!

So, what happens when I start to pull? Let's find out!

Downsview 'Enhanced' Healthy School Award

After lots of good work, I am delighted to inform you that we received our 'Enhanced' Healthy School Award this week.

The 'Enhanced' Healthy Schools Award!

We actually achieved the standards for the award back in November 2015 but it wasn't until this week that Patience (from Kent Community Health) could visit and present us with the award!

Mrs Willetts has played a huge part in the success of this award and I would like to thank her for all of her dedication and hard work. I would also like to thank all of the parents who have helped us to improve the 'healthiness' of packed lunch boxes. Last year, we reduced the amount of 'treats' in lunch boxes hugely!

The children have also contributed hugely to our achievement. They have participated in lessons about healthy living, eating a balanced diet, doing exercise and making decisions that will keep them safe and happy.

Our School Council receiving the award.

Our School Council received the award on behalf of the school - we gave ourselves a big clap at the same time!

We are now keen to continue our good work and maintain this level of success. Being healthy in body and mind is really important to us!