This week, Year 4 were inspired by the work of Gillian McFarland to create their own unique artwork. The children began by drawing abstract designs onto cartridge paper, before carefully using sharp pencils and drawing pins to punch holes at regular intervals.
When the artwork was turned over, it revealed a beautiful, Braille-like pattern. This process was not only satisfying to create, but also enjoyable to explore through touch. The children found the activity calming and therapeutic, and were delighted with their finished pieces.
The Nursery children went to visit the chicks in Reception. All ten have hatched and they were lucky enough to hold and stroke one as well as see them in the incubator.
We have been learning about people who help us. Today, Reception had a very special visit from the fire service! We learnt about fire safety, got to go in the fire engine and have a look around it!
Year 1 had a great time on Friday, taking part in three experiements as part of our Science curriculum day. After our Mad Science assembly, we were all thinking like scientist and ready to experiment!
Experiement 1 – Teamwork!
Children were challenged to copy a drawing in teams of four each holding a peg attached to the same pen! Children were not allowed to talk for the first experiment. The results were ‘interesting’! The next time, children were allowed to talk and their end result was much improved. Children agreed that talking and listening to each other definitely helped!
Experiment 2 – Crafty Rafts!
Children were given an A4 sheet of paper and challenged to build a raft. The raft that held the most marbles would be the winner. Children designed their rafts, built them and then tested them. The winning design hed a whopping 63 marbles before sinking! A flat sheet of paper held 59..
Experiment 3 – Solivng a crime!
During lunch there was a theft from the classrooms! Clues left behind included a ransom note and four different black pens used by four suspects. Children solved the crime by testing the inks on cartridge paper and discovering which pen had been used to write the ransom note.
As part of our Design Technology lessons, children have been learning about the design cycle – Design, Create, Evaluate. Alongside this in Geography, we have been thinking about food and where it comes from. To bring this learning together, we decided to make our own fruit kebabs. Children designed their fruit kebabs, then made them in the Cookery Room. They then got to eat their fruit kebabs with their friends before writing about what they liked about them, and what they would do differently another time. The group verdict was “Yummy!”. Next week, we will be looking at where the food we used in the fruit kebabs was grown.
This week year four have enjoyed taking part in a number of practical science investigations as part of British Science Week. We looked at properties of materials to see which would make the best handkerchief. At the end of the week, we melted butter, chocolate and cheese to see which had the highest melting point. The children had to put all of their scientific skills to the test during the past 7 days and have increased their passion for scientific experiments as a result.
Year 6 celebrated Science Week by completing a range of tasks which required them to utilise their teamwork skills.
We know that scientific discoveries are never just one person, but instead a group of people who all bring a different set of skills and ideas.
Year 6 were challenged to write their names and draw a picture with a pen that they could only control using pegs. A fantastic afternoon, well done Year 6!
Golden Eagles went one step further and decided to try the challenge blindfolded!
Today, Year 4 carried out a science investigation to find out who had stolen and scoffed our biscuits! 🍪🔍
The culprit had left a message written in black ink, so we used chromatography to test the ink from the four suspects’ pens. Using filter paper and water, we separated the colours in each ink and compared the patterns.
After careful investigation, we discovered that the biscuit thief was… Mr Moon! 😲
