1AI - Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

Date: 3rd Dec 2023 @ 8:37am

What a busy few weeks we have had in 1AI!!!

It's looking a lot like Christmas in school and we are busy rehearsing for the Nativity performances next Tuesday. We are very excited to share our singing, acting and dancing skills to EYFS and KS1 grown ups on Tuesday 5th December in the morning and afternoon. 

In class we have also been busy writing setting decriptions using some of the settings in the story Stickman. In maths we have continued to find the parts for numbers 7, 8, 9 and 10 in a systematic way. In science we have been learning about the properties of materials and using some vocabulary to describe these properties. 

In our Connected Curriculum work we have continued our geography skills by learning about compass points and how we can use them to give directions to get to certain landmarks on a map. 

Phew! Lots more to do in the last two weeks before the Christmas holidays!!! 

A2 Week 4 in Year 3

Date: 26th Nov 2023 @ 1:38pm

This week in year 3, we further explored the Amazon Rainforest. We learnt all about deforestation, and argued reasons for and against this - although most of us voted against, we have begun to understand the benefits for deforestation as well (such as space for farm land).

In science, we begun to explore the inside of a plant, and used this to understand the process of pollination and fertilisation - this was very confusing at first, but we continued to explore this until we felt more confident. We will have to keep revisiting the different names for parts of a plant, as there were a lot to remember!

In maths and english, we completed assessments. We're looking forward to moving on with our learning next week, where we will begin to write/read non-chronological reports about animals in the Rainforest, and learn how to compare and order 3-digit numbers. 

Gregg's bakery

Date: 26th Nov 2023 @ 1:04pm

Hello,

Well what can I say. I think all the children and the adults would agree that we had an amazing time at the Gregg's factory this week. The children were asked to wear hair nets, special coats and wash their hands before they entered the factory. During their visit they looked at how the bakery makes bread, pizza and sandwich fillings. They compared Thomas farriner's bakery in London 1666 to the bakery's now and quickly recognised that they had dramatically changed! It was a lovely opportunity to see how the bread dough is made, how it is left to rise, how it is baked and packaged and then put on a lorry. The children particularly enjoyed watching how the pizza bases were made and how the toppings were added. They even had an opportunity to put the pizza bases on a conveyor belt, just like the Gregg;s staff. Mrs Cooper and I were extremely proud of all the children. They walked sensibly to the factory, which did take 25 minutes!  and were polite and well behaved during the visit. They asked lots of interesting questions and learned so much about how the factory operates. If that wasn't enough the children got to sit and have a drink, eat cakes and decotate Gingerbread people. They had a brilliant time and were so lucky to get this opportunity. Look at how much fun we had!

We feel so privellleged to be the first school to go on such an amaazing visit.

The children had a wonderful time!

Miss Wolfenden and Mrs Cooper

2KW Diwali Day

Date: 26th Nov 2023 @ 12:35pm

Hello,

The children have been learning about Diwali. They listened to the story of Rama and Sita and learned how Hindu families celebrate this special event. The children enjoyed making lanterns, Diva lamps, Diwali cards, door decorations and Rangoli patterns. Have a look at their amazing work!

The children had an amazing time and learned so much about the Festival of Diwali. Come and look at the work that is displayed in the classroom.

Thanks for your support

Miss Wolfenden and Mrs Cooper

North, East, South and West!

Date: 25th Nov 2023 @ 9:05am

In Geography, we have been learning to use directional language. We learned about the compass points North, East, South and West. In pairs, we used directional language to give instructions. We also learned how to use directional language when using a map! With our partners, we directed the Wolf to visit the Three Little Pigs houses on the map. 

Aut 2 Week 4 5HC

Date: 24th Nov 2023 @ 3:57pm

We're over halfway through the half term! Where is the time going?!

This week was assessment week. The children worked so incredibly hard and really tried even though the tests were not easy. Some felt a little downhearted when they saw their results but as I explained to them, the tests are designed to cover the whole of the year 5 curriculum - much of which I haven't yet taught. They inform my teaching to help me decide what to focus on rather than test the chidlren. I will feed back all results next week at parents evening (please book an appointment via school spider if you haven't already).

We had a little time to finish off our inventions unit this week. I showed the class 'bing image creator'. You have to have an outlook account to use it so I suggested that if they wanted to use it, maybe they should with their parents at home. As a class, we used it to create visual representations of their designs by inputting a short description. The images created were absolutely amazing! I will send a copy home next week so the children can continue to practise their vocabulary and explanations.

We enjoyed a science experiement on Wednesday, testing the hardness and smoothness of different materials to find the most appropriate one for a food preparation area. The class identified that metal was the best choice because it is both hard (durable) and smooth (easy to clean). I've included some photos below. 

Have a great weekend!

Y4 visit to St Cross Church

Date: 24th Nov 2023 @ 2:02pm

What a busy week! We have visited St Cross today (Friday 24th November 2023), where we met Father Chris who taught us a lot about Christianity. This is a part of our RE learning about What it means to be a Christian in Britain today. 

Mrs Hughes received an email from Father Chris saying how utterly utterly delightful Y4 were. Mrs Hughes was very proud. Please see some of the pictures below. Because of this lovely comment, we have managed to earn some extra golden time...

Diwali comes to 6DL

Date: 22nd Nov 2023 @ 2:46pm

We have been learning about Diwali in year 6. Last week we rehearsed and performed some Diwali plays as well as a sepcial Diwali dance. Everyone really enjoyed the experience and it is so lovely to wokr with a group of young people that give everything to the task at hand. There are some amazing actors in 6DL as well as some incredible dancers! Well done everybody 

Aut 2 Week 3 in 5HC

Date: 20th Nov 2023 @ 4:28pm

Last week seems a long time ago! I had a very busy weekend as many of us do around this time of year so I'm updating this blog later than usual.

Writing was all focused on our final write about our inventions. The class seemed to really enjoy this piece of writing and did a great job of it as a result! There were some really good attempts to include technical vocabulary such as gadget, prototype or design. The class edited their work on Friday morning and will be completing their final edits on Wednesday.

In reading, we were continuing to identiyf the features of non-fiction texts and how they help the reader. We also worked on the different reading strategies we can use to work out an unfamiliar word's meaning - word parts, prediction, semantic fields and context clues. The trouble was that many of the children in 5HC this year have a really good understanding of word meaning already so it can be hard to find ones they don't already know! Its certainly a good problem to have.

In maths, we started looking at strategies for written multiplication. The class worked through the partitioning, expanded and compact methods. They were particularly confident with expanded but we will now start encouraging them towards the short method as it is much more efficient - especially with increasingly larger numbers. If any parents would like an explanation of the method then please come and see me.

By a long way, Friday afternoon was absolutely the highlight of the week! We had practised the story of the hindu festival of Diwali about Rama and Sita. It became so much bigger than I ever intended because of the children's enthusiasm for the topic. In the end, we performed the show to year 1 and everyone did a great job! It wasn't easy as we had to do it via zoom given the current situation with illness in school but the class really stepped up and I was very proud.

And then to finish our week, the golden activity was trick shots. Each small group of children had the challenge of creating a trick shot and landing the ping pong ball in a cup. There was a little bit of frustration from some of the class but overall, they did a great job! Please take a look at the photos from Friday. We really did have a brilliant time! Our next golden time activity is dodgeball if the hall is free but chrome books if dodgeball isn't possible. Here's hoping the class earn lots of golden time!

Wolf Sock Puppets!

Date: 19th Nov 2023 @ 10:00am

For the past couple of weeks, we have been reading different versions of the traditional tale 'The Three Little Pigs' and we especially enjoyed reading about the naughty Big Bad Wolf! 

As a class, we decided that we wanted to make a Big Bad Wolf sock puppet. We read some instructions and watched a You Tube video clip on how to make one. The next day we made our very own sock puppets which was very exciting and they all looked fantastic! Look at this one!

Afterwards we all wrote our own instructions on how to make a wolf sock puppet. We included a title, a list of things you need and sequenced steps to follow.

This one is Hau Chings!

This one is Emily's!

This one is Ayaan's!

Week 3 in 1AI - Diwali, Maths week and Anti-bullying week!

Date: 19th Nov 2023 @ 6:26am

We have had a very busy week in school! We started the week with wearing odd socks and discussing bullying for Anti-bullying week. We used our Jigsaw session to talk about this important topic and designed some odd socks. 

On Thursday afternoon in Year 1 we had our Diwali celebrations. We found out about what Diwali was and the story behind this important Hindu festival. We made some Diya lamps out of clay and learnt some Bollywood dancing. Here is the video link for the dance that we were learning if you wanted to try at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fR-VUDvH9g&scrlybrkr=262b57f7

This week was also Maths Week. We were learning how to play some games, sharing and practising the skill of turn taking. We also designed some new board games all about odd and even numbers which will be laminated and put into our maths area for everyone to play. 

In writing we also wrote our wolf sock puppet instructions.

Phew it has been busy this week! 

Week 3: Maths Week, Diwali and Children in Need!

Date: 18th Nov 2023 @ 7:51pm

This week has been busier than most for year 3.

We began the week by celebrating Anti-Bullying Week. We explored this in assembly, and wore odd socks to school.

We then entered a times tables rockstars tournament against each other, as part of our maths week celebrations. It was a close competition, and we took part every day in hope of being the winning class. In the end, 3CB scored 9,184 points and 3JH scored 4,628 points. 

On Thursday and Friday, we learnt all about the festival of Diwali. We then filmed our own play of the story, which we shared with Nursery. 

Finally, the week ended with our Children in Need celebrations - including wearing Pudsy/Spotty clothes to school.

Attached is this week's homework, which is due on Friday 24th November.

Diwali Celebrations!

Date: 17th Nov 2023 @ 2:44pm

In Reception, we have been learning about different types of celebrations. This week has been a very special week as we have been celebrating: Diwali!

First we listened to the story of Rama and Sita. We learned that Diwali is a festival of lights! 

Next, we made cards for our grown ups. We decorated them with rangoli patterns. We even designed our own mehndi patterns! 

Finally we learned how to perform special dances for Diwali. 

It has been such a fun week! Why don't you ask me all about Diwali at home? 

Diwali Celebrations

Date: 17th Nov 2023 @ 12:23pm

In class, we have been learning all about Diwali. We spent a whole day completing different activities to learn more about the festival of light.

We listened to the story of Diwali, learnt a dance, created paper lanterns, and even made candle holders. Making paper lanterns was definitely our favourite activity.

4RJ artwork

Date: 17th Nov 2023 @ 12:21pm

What a busy week we have had this week. It has been maths week, so we have been challenging eachother on TT rockstars, and Mrs Ranyard has been in to tell us our scores. We've also had parent workshops for our MTC. 

On Tuesday, we had our first art session with Miss McAffer and we learned about an American artist named Margaret Taylor-Burroughs. She focussed on printing images using patterns. We made some patterns of our own, using ink. Have a look at our pictures below.

Next week, we have our trip to St Cross Church (Friday 24th), so please make sure you return the permission slips! 

Diwali Day

Date: 16th Nov 2023 @ 3:02pm

Today we have taken part in Diwali Day, learning all about how Hindu people, and some Sikh people, celebrate Diwali.

We read books, watched videos, learned how to dance, wore traditional clothes and tried to create Rangoli patterns with sand. It was very tricky to sprinkle just a little bit of sand.

As we celebrated, the children talked about their learning "demon king" 

                                                                                             "They have lot's of food"

                                                                                              "Candles light up"

                                                                                               "They go to the temple and fireworks come"

                                                                                                "Lights!"

                                                                                                 "People pray"

  If you want to celebrate Diwali at home why don't you join in dancing with us. We think you'll agree that we have some amazing moves!

Autumn 2 Week 2!

Date: 12th Nov 2023 @ 1:56pm

A very busy week in Year 3!

In maths, we explored how to find 10/100 more than/less than 3-digit numbers. This was challenging at first, as we often wanted to change the wrong digit. However, we persevered and tried a range of different 'prove it' and 'think it' challenges.

In English, we continued to explore the Kapok Tree. We used drama to imagine ourselves as either the man, an animal or the Kapok Tree. This will help us when we write our dilemma story next week.

We also began our science journey - learning all about plants. This week, we focused on the different parts of a plant and their functions (did you know that leaves use the sun to make food for the plant?)

The homework is attached below, and must be returned to school by Friday 17th November.

Key dates to remember:

Monday 13th November - Odd Socks Day! Don't forget to wear odd socks to school to celebrate anti-bullying week.

Friday 17th November  - Children in Need Day! As part of our children in need celebration, you can come to school wearing spots.

Please remember to wear your P.E kit on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Great Fire of London artwork

Date: 12th Nov 2023 @ 1:28pm

In art, we created our own pieces of artwork based on Pudding Lane in 1666. We started by looking at different images of the houses and used our observational skills when drawing the houses. Next, we created our background with oil pastels. We selected red, yellow, and orange to represent the fire. Then we went over our drawings of the houses in charcoal in order to get them to stand out and show that the houses were burnt.

Stop, Drop and Roll

Date: 12th Nov 2023 @ 1:22pm

To launch our connected curriculum topic, 'Could the Great Fire of London happen in Clayton?' the fire service came in. We learnt all about how to keep ourselves safe from fire. We were able to think about how fires are put out today and compare this to how fires were put out in 1666.

The Great Fire of London Artwork

Date: 12th Nov 2023 @ 12:07pm

Hello,

The children have been finding out about London this week and have been identifying and locating London Landmarks using a map. They remembered lots of Landmarks and then used this knowledge to draw moving pictures. Have a look at their sketches and see if you can see London Bridge, Big Ben or th London Eye.

The children then compared London now to London 1666. The children looked closely at Tudor houses and then sketched them to create a scene from Pudding Lane in 1666.

The children have worked so hard. They are going to use this work to help them create a 3d scene of London in 1666.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend 

Miss Wolfenden and Mrs Cooper

Wolf Sock Puppets!

Date: 12th Nov 2023 @ 9:09am

This week we have made some wolf sock puppets to support our writing for the next two weeks. We watched a video to help us to think about the instructions/steps that we needed to do to make the puppets. Whilst making the puppets we thought about the steps we needed to do to make them. We used time connectives such as first, next, then, after that and finally.

Next week we will be writing the instructions on how to make these sock puppets and putting them on the class blog. Come back next week to see the instructions! Let's see if you can follow the instructions to make your own sock puppet!

Four Countries of the United Kingdom

Date: 11th Nov 2023 @ 7:23am

We have been learning about how the UK is made up of four countries! We have been exploring globes, maps and Atlases. We were able to look at a map of the United Kingdom and locate England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland then we created and labelled our own maps. We have also begun to learn about the capitals of these countries by looking at photographs and locating the places using Atlases. We have also learnt a fun song to help us recall the names of the countries and capitals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDIZoQLgIE

Click on the link and listen to the song!

Week 2 Aut 2 5HC

Date: 10th Nov 2023 @ 5:08pm

Its the end of another busy week! We've had some really great highlights. I can see some members of our class maturing into such lovely individuals. It really is a pleasure to teach them. Thank you for continuing to support us as we make in roads with improvements in behaviour. Some children are still finding it tricky sometimes but I can see the effort they are putting in to keep things under control.

On Monday, we started the week with our purposeful play session when we focused on sharing. The children have one activity that they stick to for the session. They are rotated between sessions but they stay as one group. This helps them to build relationships with other children over a longer period of time and allows them to feel more secure by understanding what to expect. See below for some pictures of the session.

In reading, we have continued our learning about non-choronological reports on different inventions. We have learned about the wheel and identified key features of non-fiction texts.

In writing, we have learned about parenthesis, tier three vocabulary and some of the vocabulary they might encounter in non-fiction texts.

In maths, we have finished our unit on negative numbers. Today, we applied our understanding to bar and line graphs. It certainly wasn't easy but the level of perserverance was incredible! Ammanuel blew me away with his explanation of being above or below expectations and how this can be represented with positive and negaive numbers.

In golden time, we played some old-fashioned games including wink murder and duck, duck, goose. We had a great time, next time we will have to go outside for more space. I forget how much space a class of year 5 pupils needs!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Painting Poppies

Date: 10th Nov 2023 @ 4:44pm

To continue our learning about poppies, this afternoon some children followed Steps to Success to create a painted poppy or a craft poppy. These were our choice challenges. Not everybody chose to make one to support autonomy over our learning. Some children  created their own challenge and used the mark making materials to draw their own poppy. 
The teachers said we had created some beautiful artwork. 
Can you complete some of our Friday Challenges at home?

Year 4 Temple visit

Date: 10th Nov 2023 @ 3:26pm

As part of our Diwali learning, we visited Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple. We learned lots about the Hindu religion. As part of our learning, we also performed the story of Rami and Sita to the children in Reception. Look at some of the pictures we took!