Young Spanish linguists in Reception were tasked with learning the words for various vehicles, and they proved up to the task. The children paid careful attention to  learn, sound out and spell the Spanish words for different modes of transport such as aeroplane and lorry before being working together to colour in pictures of the different vehicles and add unique designs. The children were proud to add new words to their Spanish vocabulary and showed great imagination during the picture design process.

Sergio Heredia Rodriguez, Reception Spanish Teacher

Year 1 worked in teams to choose the correct grapheme to use when writing the ‘ow’ sound in phonics. In a fun game, they had to problem solve and listen to their team members in order to choose the correct grapheme to use and to then secure a space for their team on a noughts and crosses board. As the game progressed, the children noticed that the ‘ou’ grapheme was mainly found at the start or middle of words and the ‘ow’ grapheme was at the end.

Kathleen Salusbury, Year 1 Class Teacher

In science, Year 2 had to identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials for particular uses, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard. As part of the lesson, the children were challenged to think about objects made of alternative materials and how suitable these would be in real life. For example, what are the pros and cons of a metal umbrella, a glass fence and a cardboard lampshade? As a result, Year 2 were able to extend their vocabulary by learning and using words such as transparent, opaque, absorbent and brittle as well as joining in in some great discussions.

Kerri Wilkes, Year 2 Class Teacher

To bring their Mayan topic to life, Year 3 went on time travel adventure with archaeologist Sally Sharp, of The Drama Hut. Creatively dressed in homemade Mayan headdresses and costumes, Year 3 worked in teams to create Mayan pyramids, discover the powers of Mayan gods, and devour the importance of chocolate to the civilisation. Year 3 really relished the opportunity to bring their understanding of Mayan civilisation to life through drama.

Rosie Statham, Head of Year 3

In maths, Year 5 have been learning all about finding and using equivalent fractions. The ability to overcome obstacles was put to the test as the children worked in small groups to match a series of different pictorial representations of fractions. Unable to talk or give non-verbal actions, team members could only give cards and each member had to have at least two cards in front of them at all times. They worked together to complete the matches, finding four different ways a fraction can be represented. The children quickly discovered that verbal communication was just one way of solving a problem and that collaborating to complete a task is both rewarding and satisfying.

Robert Grech, Year 5 Class Teacher

This term in French, Year 6 conversationalists have been delving into the world of health through role play, games and songs. This week, the children had fun and were fully engaged while learning the French names of various body parts such as the neck, eyes, ears and mouth, which will lead in beautifully to role playing as patients and doctors in order to determine and treat various illnesses such as a sore throat or pain in the knee. Learning a modern language is all about communication, verbal and written, enthusiasm and fun which paves the way for confidence and success.

Helene Pidebois, Year 6 French Teacher

Ahead of next month’s big cross-country event, when we will welcome schools from around the area, Year 7 used PE this week to familiarise themselves with the course. They also looked at key warm-up techniques which are essential for an athlete. In a bid to test themselves, Year 7 took on a time-trial challenge on a single-track trail on Lynchmere Common, attempting to secure as quick a time as possible. The lesson proved to be invaluable to Year 7, with a wealth of benefits; being out in the woods in the beautiful winter sun, improvement of their running technique, and getting a rush of endorphins from exercise which helped them tackle the rest of the school week.

Dan Bather, Director of Sport

It was revision week for Year 8 and in Latin this meant a heady mixture of vocabulary, grammar and looking at aspects of Roman life. With the challenge of having to translate a passage of Latin ahead of them, problem solving was the watchword. The pupils had been asked to dig deep and reflect on where they felt confident, and where they needed to plug gaps. Lessons consisted of need-to-know information written out again until it was secure. For those writing an essay on how life in Pompeii compared to modern life, there was a chance again to look at the material covered in last term’s project. With the progress Year 8 have made, they should be able to approach their exams next week with confidence.

Alex Walker, Head of Classics