In Year 2 we continued to consolidate our learning about multiplication. We solved multiplication problems that included the 2, 5, 10 and 3 times tables. We even took part in an investigation regarding the number of spots on different ladybirds. It was a lot of fun! In English we wrote diary entries in character as Zog from the book by Juila Donaldson. We applied what we knew about how to write in first person and the past tense. 

Half term two was a very busy half term for Year 6; we had a fantastic few weeks. Pupils conducted their own remembrance service, with many reading the names of those from the surrounding areas who had fallen during conflicts. Following the service, the public were invited back for tea and biscuits and enjoyed performances from each Year 6 class. In English, we created our own warning narratives using a variety of figurative devices; the children were experimental with their characters and their storylines.  
We also had a very interesting time in science, learning about light and reflection. Children had the opportunity to work in pairs to create their own periscopes using household materials, which they enjoyed immensely.  

Of course, this great learning and attitude continued into half term three - well done Years 2 and 6!

​In year 4 this week, we have spent the mornings rehearsing for the Spring Production. During English we have continued our work by completing non-chronological reports using all the correct features, whilst in maths we have been adding and subtracting mixed numbers as part of our work with fractions. Towards the end of the half term, there was a project evening where we were able to share our amazing homework projects.

Recently, Year 5 had the opportunity of becoming curators, as part of a workshop run by the Bata Heritage Centre, during which pupils restored artefacts that were damaged during the devastating fire of the local library (January 2017). We also had to catalogue each item: writing a short description; recording the catalogue number; using ICT skills to take photographs before and after the cleaning process. As part of the workshop 5NM - the lucky ones - were filmed; the footage will be streamed later in the year. Fortunately, the library is being rebuilt and we are hoping to visit it in the summer term. 

​Feedback from our MAT Parent/Carer-child workshops last term included requests to have some more subject specific workshops for pupils exceeding age related expectations in specific subjects. Dates for forthcoming workshops will be sent home soon for parents and carers invited to these workshops this term.

The Year 5 Scholars Programme will also be starting soon, with ten pupils completing a university style module, supported by tutorials from a phD tutor. Pupils will also visit some top UK universities and, following successful completion of their final assignment, attend a graduation ceremony to receive their award for completion of the programme.

We feel that it is important for all pupils, including our most able pupils, to gain experience of aspirational work opportunities and spend time with people who have experience in some of these more aspirational fields. If you or someone you know have experience of gaining higher level qualifications or working in a professional capacity and are able to offer some time to share your experience with pupils at our school, please contact Dr Emmanuel via the school office to discuss this.

​Reception

A monster has invaded the pages of this original and super-fun bedtime picture book! 
Children need to read aloud and follow the interactive instructions to help free the pesky monster by tilting, spinning and shaking their book.

Years 1 and 2

When Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief, his mother calls him a "wild thing" and sends him to bed without any supper. Alone in his room and furious, Max sets sail across the sea to the place where the wild things are. The wild things roar their terrible roar and gnash their terrible teeth and roll their terrible eyes and show their terrible claws. How Max tames them, is made their king and joins in the rumpus before returning home to his bedroom – complete with a comforting bowl of supper that is still hot – is brilliantly told in Sendak's classic illustrations.

Years 3 and 4

​Greg Heffley is a normal American child, albeit one with a habit of getting into (and out of) trouble. His diary, complete with hilarious cartoons, records a year in his life and follows his relationships with his nerdy best friend Rowley, annoying brothers Roderick and Manny and long-suffering parents.

Greg is constantly trying to boost his popularity but his attempts at bodybuilding, cartooning and money-making - all recounted in the same deadpan tone - inevitably fall flat. 

This laugh-out-loud book was a New York Times bestseller and has had enormous success with children on both sides of the Atlantic.

Years 5 and 6

Tom is sure that even Matron’s warped tyranny and the general misery of the Lord Funt Hospital (surely very top of any NHS ‘improvement needed list’) is preferable to the torments he endures at his horrible posh school, and he’s even more determined to stay on the wards when he comes across the Midnight Gang, who secretly roam the hospital corridors at night making dreams come true! 

This term in year 2 we have been learning all about The Great Fire of London. We have enjoyed finding out about how the fire started and many interesting facts through researching along the way.  
This week in English we have been writing diary entries, we started off by writing a diary all about our own life. Once we were confident with the features, we used drama to learn more about Samuel Peyps’ diary and how everyone would have felt at the time. We then transported ourselves back in time to 1666 and took on the role of a character to write our diaries.  
In Maths this week we have been learning all about 2D and 3D shapes. We have been trying our best to identify the features and have even started to compare these. We have got very good at guessing the shape when given its key features. 
In the afternoons this week we have been working in small groups to create our own Tudor houses. Firstly we planned and designed our houses using inspiration from houses of the time to think of our own unique designs. We had to use our problem solving skills to work out how to connect the different pieces before gluing it together and painting it white. We will be adding to our houses to add detail before an exciting ending for our buildings at the end of the term. ​