SAM Learning

This morning, Years 5 & 6 were (re-)introduced to SAM learning.  This is an on-line tool which supports development across the curriculum.  Children are able to log on to their account (either at school or at home) and complete challenges in Maths, English and Science.

Children in Years 5 & 6 have a curriculum guide to independently track their progress in these areas as well as their Mental Maths and Spelling scores.  There are also opportunities for pupils to work on the Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9) curriculum. 

Unity

This month, we have been concentrating on the value of 'Unity'.  We have identified that being able to 'work together' is an important skill to develop.

We watched this video and then answered the question:  'What has this got to do with Unity?' 

 

'It's better when people are working together.'  

'It all started from just one person and developed into everyone dancing together.' 

We discussed that it was a good metaphor for showing unity within our own lives and looked at the quote that we have on our Values display:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  

Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."  Margaret Mead

Creative Writing and Handwriting Club

Miss Groves' Year 1 and 2 Creative Writing and Handwriting Club has got off to a flying start this term.  There is some wonderful descriptive writing taking place.  Children are choosing a mythical character (fairy, goblin, etc.) to describe.  They are thinking carefully about their WOW words (adjectives) as well as working carefully on their handwriting.  A special mention to Evangeline for her super presentation!

First Week in 2014 ...

I have just had a look at each class blog and have been so impressed with the quality of learning taking place in each and every class.  For instance, today:

N/R children have been using their enquiry skills to find out more about a mystery object as well as putting the technology available to them to wonderful use (Rhys - keep up the fantastic Maths work!)

In Years 1/2, there has been some terrific vocabulary (WOW words) used to describe one of the character's feelings - including shocked, perplexed and amazed - in the text they are studying this half-term.

Children in Years 3/4 have been focusing on improving the quality of their writing in their BIG write lesson.

Finally, in Years 5/6, children have been developing their scientific enquiry skills to find out more about the various parts of flowers.

If you haven't already, I would urge you to visit the class blogs.

A terrific start to a new year and a new school term. 

Carroll Diagram supporting scientific enquiry skills in Years 5 & 6.

Scientific Staff Training ...

During our INSET day today, staff received Science training from Joanna Conn, the local authority's Science advisor.  During the training, we undertook a wide variety of explorations linking to the following enquiry skills:

Classifying

Observing over time

Pattern Seeking/Surveys

Fair testing

Research

We are already planning for opportunities for children to get hands-on in their Science lessons.

Handwriting

Improving pupils' writing is a focus for the school this academic year.  We are striving to improve the quality of pupils writing across a range of fiction and non-fiction genres as well as improving spelling & grammar and handwriting.   At the end of last term, 8 children were presented with certificates and writing-related prizes for either demonstrating consistently excellent handwriting or the most improved handwriting.  Congratulations to Grace, Jamie, Evangeline, Aidan, Beau, Corey, Shyla and Josh!  Keep up the great work!  We will repeat these awards at the end of the Spring Term.

Scientific Enquiry...

Last term, we had a Christmas-themed Science afternoon where children were able to investigate questions such as:

Which bell will be the best at helping us to hear Rudolph coming?

How can we make tinsel fly?

As well as exploring a range of Christmas materials.  As the year progresses, we shall be creating further scientific questions to explore the world around us.