i-pad training

This afternoon, each class was given some training using some new apps for the i-pads from a company called Toucan.  Following this, all staff received training with some new and exciting apps for use across the curriculum.  This is largely in preparation for the new Computing Curriculum which we will be following as of September 2014, but following today's training, I think we will see some examples of the i-pads being used even more creatively in the not too distant future ...

Scientific Enquiry

There is a buzz of scientific themed excitement in Years 3 - 6 this morning!  Over the course of this half-term, children are working in teams to develop their understanding of the 5 scientific enquiry skills (Research, Classification, Fair testing, Observing over time and Pattern finding).  Each member of the team has a specific role to play, for instance Equipment Officer, Presentation Manager, Project Director, Photographer, etc.

At this stage, each team has decided on the theme of their Science project (plants, micro-organisms, electricity, etc.) and are now conducting research, using the ipads, to see what equipment/resources they will require to carry out their investigations.  We will keep you updated with their progress!

Super Readers!

There has been some fantastic progress going on with reading in Reception: Matthew, Maddie, Lucy and Olivia have all gone up a stage in their reading!

They tell me it's because they are reading all the time - at home, at school, at Grandma's house, at Nanny and Grandad's house at Grandpa's house, at breakfast time - all the time!

What a difference it's making!  Well done to you all.

Performance Poetry

Children in Years 3 and 4 are working on their performance poetry.  Working in groups, they have presented their poems to an audience.

Corey, Kaia and Bradley have created a fantastic performance of their poem; excellent expression and great team work - take a look.

Marvellous Maths!

This morning, children in Reception were adding multiples of 10.  They created some very challenging sums such as 70 + 20, 50 + 40, 30 + 40.

Extremely impressive work from some of our youngest children. 

Dear Mr Walliams ...

This is the year of WRITING at Great Gaddesden and we are continuing to see tremendous quality writing across the school.

Last week, Years 3 & 4 were concentrating on writing persuasive letters to David Walliams.  (Their goal is to get him to name a character after them!)  There are some really terrific examples of great quality writing.  Hattie is one such example:

Great Gaddesden Church of England School

Church Meadow

Great Gaddesden

Hemel Hempstead

Hertfordshire

Thursday 8th May

Dear Mr Walliams,

I hope this is not a waste of your time but I have had a character idea named after me.

Everyone agrees you're the most talented author we know (hence why we are researching you for English!)

My name is Hattie (I can also be called Harriet).  There are many personality traits in the name Hattie - cheeky, adventurous, fiesty, wild and so on.  In addition, Hattie can be spelt in many different ways:  Hatie, Hatty, Hatti, Haty, Harriet - the list is endless!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Hattie

Well done for the terrific choice of phrasing and vocabulary!

License to write ....

Yesterday, Grace became the latest recipient of a pen licence.  These are gifted to children who consistently demonstrate a neat cursive style to their handwriting.  Grace has worked really hard on her presentation and we are delighted with the results - excellent work Grace!