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.

Improving Technology

In a drive to increase and improve the use of technology, we are trialling having laptops permanently out in classes.  This has begun in Years 5 & 6.  This simple change means that laptops can be used in an instant across the curriculum to support learning.

Investigative Science

Following on from our Ofsted inspection, we are really excited to improve the quality of our investigative Science.  We have planned a Christmas Science afternoon for next Wednesday.  Every class will be involved in scientific enquiry activities (with a Christmas twist!)  Watch this space to see how we get on...

Improving Writing

This morning, I have seen some fantastic BIG writing by Years 3 & 4.  Their writing has a Christmas theme and is of a very good quality.  Special mention to Beau for much improved handwriting; to Seth for super progress in the quality of his independent written work and to Hattie for demonstrating excellent awareness of her reader - keep it up!