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Walnut Class Term 4 2019/20

This term we have continued our learning journey through the virtual platform ‘Seesaw’. This has provided us with some amazing and very out of the box learning experiences which are providing us with opportunities to become more independent thinkers and learners.

Let’s look back on the fantastic learning that has taken place!

Our topic this term was ‘Children of the Second World War’. We looked closely at the evacuation of children from the big cities to the countryside.

Literacy

First, we identified the features of a narrative.

Identifying 3 of the features of a narrative in the model text.
After identifying the features of the model text the challenge was then set to edit and re-write sections using the skills we had learnt in class.
Before we started to write we generated different descriptive words to support us with our writing. We created word banks and examples that we could later use.

Narratives

In Literacy, we wrote Narratives that had told the story of evacuated children. We explored the Narrative and broke it down into sections this helped us have a clear idea of what would happen to the characters and where they would go.

Making sure that we included exciting and descriptive language. To do this we read through our work and edited.

We looked at sentence structures and the development of the language that we use when we write a descriptive piece.
We used sections of the model text and adapted it. Doing this we work on our editing and drafting.
Cartoon strip Narrative
We drew out the story this helped us to think about what we wanted to write.

Virtual learning has helped us to present work in different ways. We have been able to present work using pictures, videos and voice notes.

Diary entries

Diary entries. We looked at planning and writing recounts in the role children that had been evacuated.

Before writing our diary entries we planned using the features of a recount and made sure that all our ideas are clear and easy to follow when writing.
Using a planning template can help to keep our writing on track.
Recount -Diary entry
We discussed the different features of a diary entry and looked at what we needed to include. We were also given the choice of writing a diary entry as ourself or as a child in the Second World War.

Support for Spelling

To support our writing we worked on the basic writing skills. For example tenses and what type of sentence is the correct one to use.
Using columns we were able to identify what type of sentence we were looking at.
Then we were set the challenge of converting the tense of words taken from a sentence.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, we explored many topics, the virtual learning experience has helped us to become more creative with our maths work. This term we covered statistics and Geometry -properties of shape.

Activities completed using Seesaw.
Exploring collecting information and presenting data collected in Statistics
Identifying properties of shape -lines of symmetry also finding shapes within a pattern.
Using different mediums to complete the work set.
Painting and constructing their own 3D shapes.
Completed tasks set through Seesaw.

History

Throughout this term, we have looked at events of the Second World War. Using Seesaw and other media sources to conduct our own research about the events. We looked at the ‘Blitz’, ‘Evacuation’, ‘D-day Landings’ and ‘VE-day’.

D-day landings
D-day landing poster
Evacuation Poster
Note-taking – information collected about the children of the Second World War.

Science

In science, we have looked at actions and reactions. Then we conducted our own investigations. Next, we designed and built our own modes of transport.

Mode pf transport designed to carry an egg safely from A to B.
Labelled design of a parachute that will safely carry an egg from A to B
Testing the paper parachute – discovered that next time the paper bag and the candle needs to be larger… Please don’t worry no eggs were harmed in conducting this experiment.

After exploring different structures of bridges we designed and built our own.

We then put our investigative skills to the test by designing and constructing bridges. We formed our own hypothesis and then tested them.
Bridge completionDownload

Design Technology

Design and make an air-raid shelter.

The children were asked to show the inside and outside of their air-raid shelter.
The finished project!

What a fantastic learning experience this has been for all of us. Using the virtual platform has helped us to carry on and grow as learners.

Thank you to the parents for their continuous support.

Mr H

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Primary School Classes Update – Winter 2018

Primary Classes Winter 2018

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.

At the Museum of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

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.

Candle making at Birch class, Primary School
Read the full Birch class news update

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.

Oak class preparing the Tortilla
Oak Class (Primary School) preparing the Tortilla

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.

Oak geography and literacy class.
From our geography and literacy activities, Oak class
Read the full Oak class news update

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 !

Walnut class term 2 year 2018-2019
Walnut Class (Primary School) term 2 updates
Read the full Walnut class news update