Have a look at what we’ve been learning…
Viking Day
This week, Class 5 enjoyed an exciting, hands-on Viking workshop. They looked at and investigated various artefacts to discover more about the lives of the Norsemen that invaded during this time. We were all really surprised to discover they used horse bones as ice skates! After learning about Viking runes, they were able to craft their own leather keyring. In the afternoon, they were thrilled to hold and try on the huge collection of weapons (with some extremely heavy swords) and armour, as well as discover how coins were made and how trading was carried out.
Metamorphosis
Class 5 were sad to see our temporary class pets set free this week. As part of our science unit on life cycles, we have enjoyed observing how the caterpillars change and become butterflies through the process of metamorphosis.
Epic Prologues
This week, Class 5 completed their work on writing an epic sci-fi prologue. After developing an understanding of what a prologue is by analysing some classic sci-fi openings, they had a go at writing one for their own story ideas. They then performed them thinking about correct pace, volume and intonation.
Adam Bushnell
Class 5 were lucky to have a visit from the award-winning children’s author Adam Bushnell this week. He worked with them on developing and inspiring their figurative language and created some fantastic winter descriptions using their imaginative ideas. We then spent time outside using drama to bring their ideas to life.
Living Soil Project
This week, years 3 and 5 took part in the start of a 4-year ‘Living Soils’ Project. The aim is to teach children that soil is living and that climate change is linked to soil health and therefore needs be cared for. They began by first considering what they already knew about soil and how they use it in their lives. Following this, they then discovered what soil was composed of before going out into the school grounds to examine it close up. The children were shocked at just how much life there was in the soil and that it takes hundreds of years for soil to become healthy.
Science – Rockets
Class 5 finished their science unit of work on materials this half term by looking at irreversible changes. They investigated the chemical reaction which takes place when bicarbonate of soda reacts with vinegar. Once they knew it released a gas, there was only one thing to make…ROCKETS!
Anglo-Saxons
In history, Class 5 enjoyed exploring the replica artefacts of the Anglo-Saxons. They examined many items including: coins, runes, weaponry and armour, as well as dressing up. The children then returned to the classroom to find a crime scene. They had to use their detective skills to solve the case of the mystery of the empty grave. Using the clues left behind at the famous site of Sutton Hoo, the children came to conclusions as to whom the burial might have been for.
Red Nose Day
Class 5 had a great time raising money for Red Nose Day. There were plenty of sweets and treats to be won on the stalls and a big well done to our councillors for helping to organise the event.
Art
Class 5 have been studying the work of artist Antony Gormley and his sculptures focusing on the human body. We began by making simple sketches to understand proportion and body shapes. After exploring emotions which can be conveyed by different poses of the body, we recreated some of our own using tin foil.
World Book Day
Class 5 enjoyed dressing up as some of their favourite characters today and spending some time sharing some of their most loved books.
Tennis
This week, we began our new PE unit of work on tennis. We began by practising ball control by repeatedly bouncing the ball using our rackets. Once the children were confident, they then worked with a partner to see if they could control the ball back and forth enough to develop a cooperative rally.
Police and Crime Commissioner’s Challenge
What is the PCC challenge?
The aim of the PCC challenge is to allow young people and schools to give a little extra to help your local area become even more safer, stronger and more resilient to crime and anti-social behaviour. The project allows enough time for the children to complete certain tasks in the PCC challenge booklet.
The PCC challenge booklet consists of 3 stages:
Stage one: Bronze – this section focusses on keeping family, friends and neighbours safe.
Stage two: Silver – this section focusses on keeping the streets safe.
Stage three: Gold – this section focusses on keeping ourselves safe.
Once each stage is completed the pupils will receive stickers to put in their booklet to keep track of what they have completed. Once the whole booklet is completed the pupils will be rewarded with a badge/award for taking part.
How can the PCC challenge benefit young people, schools and local community?
The PCC Challenge involves several important responsibilities and duties inside and outside of school. It allows young people to engage with their communities, increase self-confidence, and attempts to remove any barriers between policing and young people. The challenge supports learners to develop their character – including their resilience, confidence and independence – and help them know how to keep physically and mentally healthy. It prepares learners for life in modern Britain by: equipping them to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society; developing their understanding of fundamental British values; developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law.
Parachute Investigation
Over the last two weeks, we have been working on air resistance in Science. We created an experiment based on parachutes to investigate the effect of gravity and air resistance. This week, we dropped our parachutes from the top of the climbing frame and recorded how slowly they fell. Most of us concluded that the larger the surface area, the greater the air resistance and therefore the slower the descent of the parachute.
Investigating the Planets
To find out some facts about the planets, we had a team quiz. We found out lots of different things including which planet had the shortest year and the longest day. We then went outside to find out how the planets moved around each other and where they were located in the solar system. We found out that Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars were all really close to each other and very close to the sun in comparison to the others.
Place Value Game
Today we consolidated our knowledge of 5 & 6 digit numbers by playing a game. We had to roll a die to create a number e.g. 63,356. We then rolled the die again and had to decide what place value the number held e.g., if we rolled a 2, it could be counted as 2, 20, 200, 2,000 or 20,000. We had to try and change our number to 55,555 so we then added or subtracted our numbers to reach our goal.
Problem Solving
In class, each week, we have Problem Solving Friday. This week, we put our skills to the test by building up a multiplication grid!
School Council Vote
It is always very tricky to pick a School Council member who will be brave enough to stand up for our pupil’s rights. To help us pick the correct candidates for the job, those who wished to run for School Council had to give a speech about why they should be chosen at the front of the class. The candidates produced some fantastic speeches! Following this, we discussed one of the British Values – democracy. We practiced voting for our School Council members like we would if we were voting in a local election. A huge congratulations to our winners – Chester and Izzy!
