This term we have been learning about ourselves and famous people from the past. As a class, we have made new friends and built new relationships. We have learnt that we are all different and that being different from one another is a good thing.
Information Inpectors!
This term, we have been learning about different genres of writing. First, we learnt about information texts and the features that are used to create an information text.
We started by exploring a range of information texts looking for clues on how they are written and the style in which they are presented.
After learning about the features used to write an information text we then chose a famous person from the past and conducted research. As a class, we decided that we wanted to find out more information about Marie Curie.
We recorded our findings using a spider diagram. From this, we carefully planned our information texts. Once this process was complete we wrote up our information texts using our plans to support our writing.
We then wrote our Hot pieces where we were challenged to use all the skills/features of the genre we had been learning about. Later in the term, we revisited information texts and asked to write a Yellow piece. This is to show us what we have remembered about this genre of writing.
Amazing Artist!
As part of our Art programme this term, we have been learning about different artists and their processes. First, we learnt about Monet and his style of painting, then we explored his painting of the water lilies. Once we had carefully looked over the painting we were set the challenge of creating our own versions.
Mathemagicians
This term, we learned how numbers are put together by exploring place value. We also learned to add and subtract greater value numbers and applied our learning to creative crafts such as a place value creature, space-themed colouring and skip-counting spider.
Place value
We started by learning how numbers are put together: place value. We learned to recognise the value of each digit in a three-digit number (hundreds, tens, ones). Then we applied our understanding to find 1, 10 and 100 more than a given number. We rounded up our learning by creating a place value creature!
We learned to use mathematical symbols to compare numbers and order them.
Comparing numbers using mathematical symbols
Also, we consolidated our skip-counting skills by counting in multiples of 2, 3, 5 and 10. We enjoyed using some catchy songs to help us. In the spirit of Halloween, we created skip-counting spiders!
Addition and Subtraction
After understanding place value, we learned to add and subtract numbers both mentally and using formal written methods. We applied our understanding as we tackled number puzzles, board games and even created some space-themed colouring.
Superb Scientists
We learned about the theme ‘Amazing Plants’. We also celebrated Space Week and took a fabulous trip to Ferme de Gally!
Amazing Plants
To link with the theme ‘Amazing Plants,’ we learned about the parts of a plant, flowering and non-flowering plants, plant uses as well as how plants grow and adapt to less than ideal environments. Our learning was highly hands-on: we used the engineering design cycle to develop prototype wind seed dispersal systems. Throughout our learning, there was a strong focus on collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication – key twenty-first-century skills.
Watch a video of the testing of our wind-propelled seed dispersal systems here.
We also designed and created prototypes of new carnivorous plants!
Space Week
During Space Week, we learned about the planets of our solar system! We also had a terrific time, working as a class to create their own model of our solar system.
Space Cartoons
As part of our space week, we read stories about space and role played adventures that the characters of the stories would take. From this, we created our own cartoons. We created our own worlds for our characters to explore.
Time travelllers!
As part of our topic this term, we have been learning about important events that have taken place in history. We were given a range of different events and asked to place these events in chronological order. To do this we had to learn about the difference between BC and AD.
We worked in small groups and discussed our choices for placing an event in a particular place in history. We were challenged to provide a reason for why we had done this.
Trip to Ferme de Gally
We had a wonderful time at Ferme the Gally. Choosing pumpkins was quite a task and we got to pick and eat some apples. This was a wonderful link to our Amazing Plants topic as we picked roots (radishes), fruits (apples) and leaves (lettuce). We also spotted some stems (celery), but they were not yet ready to be harvested. Plants are incredibly important to us, aren’t they?
Felting Project – Japanese bridge in Monet’s garden in Giverny
The process of felting is very hands-on! The children have to tease the wool, layer it, apply hot water and soap and manipulate and mesh it together with their hands and feet as well as rolling pins.
Inspired by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Birch and Walnut classes decided to recreate the Japanese bridge in Monet’s garden in Giverny.
The felting piece was made from fine merino wool, additional felt pieces to make the lily pads and coarser rare-breed wool for the hanging willow and to bring added texture.
By using sheep wool, soap, mesh, boiling water and tender hands, the children created this felting piece that represents their interpretation of the famous painting.
We then embarked on the journey of writing step-by-step instructions.
First, we explored different types of instructions and discussed the common features found across all of them. From this, we were set the challenge of re-organizing a set of instructions.
We then explored the use of bossy verbs and time connectives that are used to make sure that instructions are very clear and easy to follow. We completed a task to ensure the order of words were correct.
Insect Hotel
Linked to our learning in Science based on ‘Flowers and insects’, we measured, estimated and solved real-life problems. We worked with different materials and carpentry tools to create our own Insect Hotel.
The children drew their very own and very different designs and then shared their ideas with each other before agreeing on the final version. We estimated, measured, re-measured, sorted, cut and hammered different materials and now are very proud of our achievement. In order to accomplish our mission, we learnt how to use a variety of carpentry tools safely. We collected and sorted different natural materials to make each room comfortable. Different habitats are organised to welcome our future guests and we will be observing their behaviour as soon as they arrive. The Insect Hotel welcomes all the mini-beasts and 1-meter social distancing does not need to be respected.
Super Swimmers!
This term, We have taken part in weekly swimming sessions and had the opportunity to build on previous skills and to learn new ones.
Completing the sessions our confidence grew and grew! We all look forward to continuing our swimming learning journey in the summer term.
Fun in the Forest!
We spent lots of time exploring the forest floor and investigating signs of new plant growth. As a group, we were challenged to apply our scientific understanding and skills outside the classroom.
Spooky Halloween Fun!
As part of our Halloween celebrations, each class was given a pumpkin to carve. We discussed what type of pumpkin we wanted to have. Once we had carved it we then decorated the school with our different class pumpkins.
Halloween Celebrations!
On the last day of term, the whole school celebrated Halloween. We had a great time dressing up and completing a carousel of spooky activities.
The amazing PA were there to help us finish our day on a sweet note!
Trunk or Treat was super fun!
Fabulous French
The children have learnt new vocabulary and applied their French language skills to a range of different written and spoken activities, songs and games.
French IPC
Walnut class have continued to develop their French language skills through a range of different activities. The children have completed Autumnal Activities in French this has supported the development of seasonal vocabulary.