Our Primary School section, for children from 6 to 11 years old, are divided into three classes namely Walnut, Birch and Oak.
IPC at Birch
Birch class topic work for term 2 under the IPC International Primary Curriculum, was focused on history. We looked at ways through which we can learn about the past. More specifically, we learned about the work of archaeologists and the clues that can bring information about the past into the light. The children examined a number of old and new items and described their characteristics (material, date, purpose).
In order to extend our learning on the way of life of Stone Age people and especially their expression through art, Birch and Walnut class visited the National Archaeological Museum of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The museum guide showed us selected artefacts and the children tried hard to draw them on their notebooks. They were all very attentive and asked many questions.
Arts
During our last week of the term, we dedicated ourselves to an art project of creating scented candles. The children learned how to do this themselves while having heaps of fun! Birches took all precautions and used the necessary equipment; wax flakes, electric stove, wicks, glass jars, wax colourants, essential oils, pipettes and wooden skewers. They were responsible for all tasks, from melting wax to adding scent and decorating the jars.
Birch class decided to sell the candles to raise money for charity. During the candle sale, the children did all transactions and gave change themselves.
Oak Class, Primary School
In addition to their busy schedule and team challenges with Elm Class (Middle School), Oak were busy in the kitchen once again.
Just before Christmas, we have learnt a traditional Spanish recipe: “Tortilla”! We wrote down instructions, ingredients, measurements and we cooked it.
Maths
We have worked a lot with fractions using visual aids or learning about different strategies for calculations. We have seen and solved various real-life problems involving them. A large variety of activities has helped us to understand the use of comparing and order fractions, identify and write equivalent fractions, recognize them and relate them with decimals.
We have also worked with geometry and with the calculation of different areas, involving real- life problems too. We have learnt properties of different shapes. We have seen and understand the use of them by tackling real life problems.
We have also learnt about the importance of measuring, not only length, area or volume but also turns/angles.
Meanwhile, at Walnut Class (Primary School)
We had the opportunity to develop our literacy skills through a range of literacy activities:
The Christmas show has allowed us to build our vocabulary, to practice speaking audibly and fluently through our respective roles, to work on gaining and maintaining the interest of the listeners and to acquire a better understanding of the use the appropriate register for effective communication.
We consolidated the use of correct punctuation and sentence organisation through daily writing activities. Furthermore, we practised alternative and phonic word spelling by using the words learnt in context.
We made a tricky words list to order to improve spelling and to note unusual correspondences spelling and sound.
We also reviewed some grammar concepts such as suffixes (-full, -less) and have learnt using some new ones in context. Studying an inspirational moral story and creating our own one was enjoyable! It helped us to illustrate the learning that took place and to familiarize ourselves with this type of narrative. Debating and exchanging ideas about meaningful values such as generosity, determination and kindness was a great way to reinforce these values on an everyday basis in our classroom.
We took pleasure in presenting of our chosen country (based on our personal preferences) and sharing some cultural, historical and culinary elements related to our country to the rest of the class.. The culinary experience will remain our favorite one!
At last, we have been very lucky to spend library time with Monica who helped us to read at loud some of our favourite books and to listen to some great stories with on Fridays! We love reading that way !
