Tag: Birch Class

This term we took advantage of the sunny weather and made the most of our learning outside. The children had the opportunity to learn, explore and discover the world around us and learnt about all living things: plants, animals and humans and how they all need a home, a ‘habitat’. A habitat can be huge like the ocean or small like a leaf.

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Magnificent Maths

This term, we introduced the concepts of “multiplication and division” by learning the skills
of grouping, counting in groups and equal sharing.

We explored the patterns of the two, five and ten times tables in a range of real-life contexts and begin to solve and to generate simple puzzles and
number stories.

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Taking our learning further, we learned about fractions and how to identify “whole”, “half” and “quarter”. We worked hard to find halves and quarters of objects, shapes and quantities.

Birch class also teamed up with Maple class to make playdough together and we used it in our fraction lessons.

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In maths, we also learnt about position and direction and practised different movements including whole, half, quarter and three quarter turns.

Birch class learnt to sequence events in chronological order, use language related to dates and begin to tell the time on an analogue clock.

We gained confidence in counting, reading and writing numbers up to 100. We played games and sang songs.

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Loquacious Literacy

This term, Birch have continued to develop their phonic knowledge and apply it to different areas of their learning. We focused on blending and segmenting words that we were familiar with and then applied this to learning new words.

Phonic work

The class then experimented with their new vocabulary when playing games or exploring the local area. It was great fun the use new words and listen to them in sentences.

Games

Birch class have enjoyed taking part in a range of activities that have helped them to grow in confidence when speaking aloud to the class.

Show and Tell

The class then applied their new skills when working with others. As part of our learning this term we were asked to become the teachers and support the children that we wouldn’t normally speak with. The class decided to make playdough with Maple class. This encouraged the children to develop their speaking skills further.

Playdough

They have also worked towards developing their writing skills and are able to use the vocabulary learnt through reading and games to write short sentences.

Descriptive writing

As a class we read a range of different tales that used great setting descriptions. From this we created word banks of words that would help us to describe a setting. Once we had done this the children were set the challenge of writing a setting description using the words they had collected.

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International Primary Curriculum

Savage Science

In science, we learned about living things and their habitats. We explored the school grounds and the forest looking for examples of food chains.

Dynamic Design and Technology with Mr Kralka 

In Design and Technology projects, Birch Class has had the opportunity to extend
their understanding of a variety of different carpentry techniques while completing
our FISP Book swap Box.

The children were always eager to get on with the project straight away and
demonstrated precise actions while using a drill, hammer and a saw and now know
how to use them safely. Birch Class designed their own blueprint for the Puppet
Theatre and then investigated with the different sticks in order to agree on the
measurements of each side.

Linked to our “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle” theme in IPC, We investigated with
the different electric components, discussed their role and then constructed our own
drawing robot out of recycled materials. Our robot was then busy creating one of
the masterpieces that were displayed on the art auction. Birch Class also designed
their own buzzing-drawing robot and it was keen to add its own finishing touches
to the painting. What a Fantastic Year Birch Design Team. You have learnt so
many new skills and thoroughly enjoyed working collaboratively on ‘Stick Man’,
‘Insect Hotel’, ‘Mathematical Christmas tree’, ‘Drawing robot’, ‘Wooden toys’,
blueprint for ‘Puppet Theatre’ and ‘FISP Book swap box’ projects and I am very
proud of your achievements.

Pony Trip

This term Birch and Walnut took a trip to a Pony Camp. This was the first time for some spending a few days away from home. The children were amazing! they learnt new skills, made new friends and developed their independence.

First, we met at the train station and all got ready to take our long trip. It was a fun journey as we played games and spoke with friends. We couldn’t wait to arrive at our camp!

When we arrived we took part in a welcome presentation were we learnt about the different types of activities we would be taking part in over the next couple of days. We also learnt about the different types of ponies that live at the camp.

We learnt how to care for the ponies as well as all the important safety rules that needed to be followed when working with the ponies.

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Show and Tell

This term, the children have worked on developing their speaking and listening skills. They have been given the opportunity to bring into school an object of importance to share and discuss it with both classes.

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Super Swimming

This term, we continued with our swimming lessons and had the opportunity to further develop our skills and learn more about water safety. We practised the common strokes such as crawl, breaststroke and backstroke. We also tried to grab objects from the bottom of the pool and played different games. We had so much fun!

Summer Fête

What an amazing day we had at our summer fete! The whole school took part in an amazing performance in the forest.

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Sports Day

We had an amazing day at sports day!

First we prepared poster to cheer up our teams! We took part in a range of different sports and gained points for our teams.

We learnt about team work and good sportsmanship.

Forest Exploration & P.E.

Forest exploration is a huge part of Forest International School.

As always the forest is a good opportunity to explore, run, climb and play! They improved their fine and gross motor skills, as well as, bonds with their classmates. Pupils used their imagination of being in amazing places, in the rainforest, desert,… playing different roles explorers, hunters,… by using objects found in the forest they developed their imagination and creativity.

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In PE we played so many new games such as “polis y cacos”, “spyder”, “el pañuelo” or “el pistolero”. We learnt the importance of playing and competing as a team and that no matter the result, the point is to have fun and always try your best.

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Fascinating French

We continued to build our vocabulary in French, exploring everyday words that describe our habits and environments as well as some inter-disciplinary learning (IPC) in French.

Click on the links below for our learning in French.

Our Topic this term has been ‘From A to B’. It was linked to an in-school project called ‘Exciting Eggs’. The children had the opportunity to learn and observe the incubation of chicks and follow their journey from eggs to chicks. The next stage of the chicks development will take place in the upcoming term. We are excited to share this with the children as they will be learning how to care for them.

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Marvellous Maths

Measurement: Length and Height

This term, we learned to define length and height and compare the lengths and heights of everyday items. We also learned to use non-standard items such as cubes, feet, hands and linked chains to measure the length and height.

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Taking our learning further, we learned to use a ruler correctly, measure using a ruler and even add and subtract length and height.

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Some of us even learned to use a measuring tape correctly, measure our friends and compare centimetres, metres and millimetres! There were some marvellous measuring skills on show. Perhaps, we have some future engineers or designers in Birch!

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We really loved reviewing our prior learning by playing games. Bullseye and Whiteboard football were particularly thrilling.

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Measurement: Mass and Capacity

We also learned to define mass and capacity and compare the weight and capacity of everyday objects. We used vocabulary words for mass and capacity such as heavier, lighter, empty, full, almost full and almost empty.

We used non-standard units to measure mass like cubes and cupfuls and spoonfuls to measure capacity.

Deepen our learning, we used balance scales to compare the mass of different items and we even resolve mass and capacity problems by adding and subtracting weights and volumes.

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Lively Literacy

This term Birch class have been up to lots of amazing things! They have continued to build on the skills that they acquired last term. The children have been working very hard on developing their phonic knowledge and understanding, which, they are now using this to read independently. Great job! 

First, the class read the story ‘Egg Drop’ a story about an egg that wishes to fly. The class received a desperate letter from the egg asking for help. The children all agreed it would be a good idea to help the egg achieve his dreams of flying become a reality. The class quickly got to designing flying machines. 

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The children later worked with Mr Kralka to build and test their flying machines. This supported the children with the development of their English-speaking skills. 

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We then read the story about a boring looking egg. Which taught the children that it doesn’t matter what things look like on the outside but it is important what is on the inside. The children then discussed the events of the story and were set the challenge of sequencing the events that took place. This encouraged the children to develop and improve their skills of story retelling. 

From this, the children learnt about how all eggs look different depending on the animal that has laid them. They were set the challenge of creating a new egg that would have been laid by a mythical character of their choosing. 

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Finally, the children have been learning about the life cycle of a chicken. They learnt about the different stages of a chicks development. As a class we discussed  what happens at each stage and what is needed to support the chicks development. From this, the children created a life cycle using the information that they had learnt. 

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International Primary Curriculum

Smart Scientists

In science, we learned about everyday materials. First, we learned to name and identify everyday identify materials such as wood, glass, plastic, metal, fabric and rubber. Then, we hunted for items within our environment that were made using these materials. We also learned about the sources of different materials and were particularly shocked to learn that metal comes from rocks and plastic from oil!

We also tested out different shopping bags to see how insulating they were. We thought the blue insulating bag was insulating but not much better than using a plastic bag during a thirty minute experiment. The paper bag wasn’t very insulating at all. Don’t place your ice cream in a paper bag!

Game-based Learning: We greatly enjoyed sharing our learning with the Walnut class by playing games around Rock, Paper, Scissors with them. Which material is strongest?

Delectable Design and Technology with Mr Kralka 

During this term we continued working on our collaborative creation “FISP Book Swap Box”. Students had the opportunity to extend their understanding of a variety of different carpentry techniques. It is pleasing to see that Birch and Walnut students now demonstrate precise actions while using a drill, hammer and a saw. Birch and Walnut students should to be congratulated on their efforts and eagerness to get on with the project right away from the beginning of each session. Fantastic work young designers and carpenters, you should be proud of your achievements! 

Linked to our studies on “Egg drop”, we created our own flying contraptions and investigated with the different parachutes. We conducted a serious of tests and investigated with the air resistance, made predictions and tested them three times. We carefully recorded our findings and then made some important conclusions about the size of the parachute and how it effects the time it takes for the object to land. 

Fantastic work, Birch and Walnuts!

Amazing Art

This term, we have been learning about POP ART. The children have look closely at a range of different artists that use this art form. We have explored bright colours, patterns and printing.

First, we focused on the work of Andy Warhol, the children chose a famous face from the present day and recreated the well known print of Marilyn Monroe. The children had to ensure that they used bright colours to recreate a new work of art.

From this, the children learnt all about the Brazilin artist Romero Britto. The children created images of people, places or objects and then cut and stuck different patterns to fill their artwork with colour.  Finally, we created our own POP ART pieces onto canvas using all of the different techniques we have learnt.

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Trip to the Airfield

As part of our topic learning this term both Birch and Walnut took a trip to the local Airfield. This was a great opportunity for the children to take their learning outside the classroom. 

We were very lucky to have a guided tour of the hanger, workshop and air traffic control tower. Whilst on our visit the children were able to see a small aircraft take off and land.

We took turns sitting a light aircraft and learnt about all the different controls that they have to control the movement of the plane.

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Show and Tell

This term, the children have worked on developing their speaking and listening skills. They have been given the opportunity to bring into school an object of importance to share and discuss it with both classes.

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Capoeira and Music Workshops

The children have taken part in weekly Capoeira and music workshops, where they have learnt about the special movements needed to create this beautiful dance. The children have learnt how to control their bodies as well as the history behind the dance. Both classes have also explored the music and rhythm.

Orienteering

The children of Middle School were set the challenge of teaching others how to direct themselves through the forest. The children worked together to set up presentations and games to support development of others orienteering skills.

The learning was then taken outside of the classroom into the forest. This is where the children were set the challenge of applying their new skills to map reading, through Treasure hunting and compass work.

Easter Egg Hunt

On Good Friday, the children had a surprise visit from the Easter Bear. The children were able to successfully catch up with him as he dropped eggs along the way. They sadly lost him deep in the forest.

On our return to school, we decided as a group that we should share the eggs evenly between all the children. They were yummy!

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International Book Day

For international book day the children all dressed up as their favourite book characters. We were also lucky enough to have a visit from a local author that has her books published in both English and French.

Outdoor, Forest Exploration & P.E.

Forest exploration is a huge part of Forest International School.

Both classes have spent a lot of time in the forest this term learning how to work in teams as well as developing skills learnt in previous terms. The children have enjoyed taking part in different challenges and games.

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We also played lots of different games and we had so much fun.

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Fabulous French

We continued to build our vocabulary in French, exploring everyday words that describe our habits and environments as well as some inter-disciplinary learning (IPC) in French.

Click on the links below for our learning in French.

Weekly Updates

This term, we welcomed new friends into our class. We are delighted to have you with us.

Through an active, rich and diverse curriculum, we continued to make excellent progress in our learning during this term. We particularly enjoyed creating different pieces of art through our learning in IPC.

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Marvellous Maths

Addition and Subtraction

This term, we learned to add and subtract within twenty. We began by using concrete materials such as blocks (and pictures of blocks), base ten blocks and ten frames. We then explored the number line and part-whole model as tools for addition and subtraction. Many of us can now count on and back in our heads!

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Pokemon addition and subtraction was a hit!

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We enjoyed an ocean-themed spinner game where we practised adding ones to ten quickly.

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Place Value

We also extended our understanding of place value by learning to count to fifty (some of use can count well beyond this). We compared numbers up to fifty and focused on understanding the value of the tens and ones places. In order to consolidate our understanding of tens and ones, we created animals, trees, people, vehicles and even the Eiffel Tower out of tens and ones!

Skip-counting

In preparation for multiplication, we learned to count in twos and fives.

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Lively Literacy

This term, Birch class have been learning about different fairy tales. We have looked closely at traditional tales that reveal a meaning at the end of them. As a class, we read these stories and retold them in our own words. 

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First, we read the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and explored the vocabulary used. Then, we created leaves that would complete our own class beanstalk. 

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Birch was then set the challenge of sequencing the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. We carefully re-read the story and then ordered the events. 

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Next, the class learnt the story of The Three Little Pigs. We read the story carefully and then discussed the types of houses the pigs tried to build. This led to the class building their own versions of possible houses the pigs could live in. 

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Pre-writing Skills

To develop our writing skills, the class has taken part in warm-up activities that enable them to build and strengthen the muscles in their fingers that are used for writing. 

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The class used playdough and followed instructions to shape and mold their dough into different shapes. This encouraged the children to use different areas of their hands and fingers. 

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Love for Words! 

As part of learning, Birch class have been working hard on developing their language skills. We have looked closely at building a bank of words that could be used in their spoken vocabulary as well as for when they write. 

 

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International Primary Curriculum

Our topic for this term was ‘Stories People Tell’.  We learned about myths and legends from around the world with a particular focus on Ancient Greece.

Smart Scientists

In science, we learned about the weather and seasons. Through virtual trips and hands-on exploration, we learned about the four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. We investigated the features of each season by looking at how plants, animals and people adapt and take advantage of the changing seasons. We also thought about our favourite things to do each season.

We learned that weather can be measured and used tools to measure weather. We learned how the wind sock, wind vane, thermometer and rain gauge can help us measure weather. We also learned how weather can be represented using symbols.

Delectable Design and Technology with Mr Kralka 

Brilliant Birch and Wonderful Walnuts on their construction journey. 

We worked with different materials and carpentry tools to create our own FISP Book Swap Box.  We measured, estimated and solved real-life problems and most importantly supported each other on our challenging carpentry mission. The children realised how important it is to measure and remeasure. They now know that only when certain should we cut.

Young designers and engineers learnt how to use a distance measuring wheel, string, rulers, measuring tape and their bodies in order to measure the different distances. Birch and Walnuts also practised drawing nearly perfect circles whilst using a string, pencil and a stick with the centimetre scale.

Fantastic work, Birch and Walnuts! You are our Design and Technology Dream Team.

Amazing Art

Historical – Ancient Greek Art

As part of our learning journey this term, we have closely looked at the Art produced in the time of the Ancient Greeks. We began by looking at the art found on pottery.

Pottery

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We discussed the types of images and colours found on a mixture of different pottery from this time period and compared it to pottery we have seen in today’s world. The children were then set the challenge of creating their own versions – first taking the time to carefully plan and design them based on pictures they had seen.

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The class then took part in a clay workshop – molding and creating their pottery. The children thought of new inventive ways when recreating their designs onto the pottery.

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The children then decorated their pottery in the colours that would have been used back in Ancient Greece. They took their time to layer the colours one by one.

Super Statues! 

The children continued to explore Ancient Greek expressions by creating their own statues. The class viewed and discussed different types of statues from this time period and then decided the type of statues they wanted to create. The class chose an early Greek style of statues that were very similar to the Egyptian style.

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Our statue gallery:

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Mythical Art

As part of our IPC topic, “Stories People Tell”, we listened to the story called “Tell Me a Dragon”. Then, we drew our own dragons. Fire dragons were quite popular!

Dragons

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Pandora’s Box

We also listened to the story of “Pandora’s Box” and created our own boxes. We filled our boxes with things and people that add joy to our lives. It was lovely to see the variety.

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Groovy Geography

The children of Birch and Walnut have been learning about the different countries found in Europe. Once they had located them on the map, they were asked to label and colour them. We took our learning further by researching the capital cities of chosen countries.

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Music

In music, we learned to appreciate a variety of music types. We also learned to represent music using symbols such as the semibreve, minim, crotchet, quaver and semi-quaver. Furthermore, we learned to respond to music by drawing what the music reminds us of.

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Outdoor, Forest Exploration & P.E.

Forest exploration is a huge part of Forest International School.

We enjoyed learning to climb a tree.

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We had fun jumping over a rope.

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We enjoyed exploring the forest.

We cycled with our friends and even played with bubbles!

We played dodgeball and football.

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Fabulous French

We continued to build our vocabulary in French, exploring everyday words that describe our habits and environments as well as some inter-disciplinary learning (IPC) in French.

Click on the links below for our learning in French.