Term 4 Learning

Dear Parents & Carers,

As you can see it has been a packed term. From sporting events such as Dodge Ball & Tag rugby, to Science week, to visits to We the Curious & the Bristol Aquarium and to the grand finale of ‘Panto Pandemonium’! The children have all worked hard this term and should be really proud of their achievements. It was great to see Swift class this afternoon share their learning for the first time in front of the school – they did an amazing job.

I have really enjoyed being back in the classroom but obviously it’s been tricky to keep up with everything else on top! I will continue to teach on a Friday for Terms 5 & 6. The rest of the week Owls and Year 5s for English & Maths, will be taught be Sandy Hayes. She has already been in to meet some of the children and joins us from another Palladian school.

Our Equalities & Eco groups have been busy getting involved. The Eco group took part in ‘The Great Big Clean Up’ collecting litter from around the school and area, the Equalities group delivered an assembly about EID. The School Council will be back in action next term.

Have a lovely Easter holidays – hopefully the

sunshine will continue!

Best wishes

Jo Hill

What a busy term Swift Class have had! We have gone on an imaginary train journey and followed as Duffy Driver chased The Runaway Train. We have been sequencing the story and writing parts of it. In maths we have been learning about symmetry, making symmetrical patterns and pictures. We have also been looking at how whole numbers can be broken into smaller parts and have been drawing and telling number stories. We are learning how to record our maths using part-whole diagrams. We have been scientists and carried out our own sound experiment after learning about Hedy Lamarr. We loved our visit from the Marvellous Magical Maths maestro. We have also been looking at maps with our friend Pip the Pirate Mouse and have been creating our own after a fantastic trip to the park. A huge thank you to the parent helpers who made it possible to go. We can’t wait for next term!

It has been another fabulous term in Wagtail class.  The term started with a treasure map left in the classroom which the children followed.  They thoroughly enjoyed finding (and eating!) the treasure. We then went on to looking at maps in more detail, including maps of the school and maps of Bradford on Avon.  The children particularly enjoyed using Google Earth to zoom in on the local features that they recognised. They understood why maps are drawn from an aerial view.  In English we have focused on writing recounts, we started with a walk around school that the children then wrote about, we then went on a trip to the park. We used the features of recount writing, starting our sentences with first, next and finally.   Wagtail class really excelled themselves in terms of their behaviour and enthusiasm on the trip and Mrs Wilson and I were very proud of them.  In DT the Year 1 children used their design, planning and making skills to make Ferris wheels which were a great success.

As we wrap up the term in Falcons & Blackbirds, it's been a fantastic journey through various subjects. In English, we delved into "The Boy Who Loved Maps," crafting recounts of our adventures to school, which sparked some wonderful writing. In Maths, we've been busy with money, learning how to budget like pros! Geography lessons took us on aerial map explorations of our local area, allowing us to discover hidden gems around us. Our Music sessions brought the vibrant sounds of Reggae, particularly the catchy tune "Zootime." In Art, we created stunning relief maps, while Science Week had us inspired by the Wright Brothers and the marvels of flight. What a creative and educational term it's been!

This term: Year 3 and 4 have had another very busy time , learning all about light and the Maya civilisation. We have learnt all about how light travels, that light is white and how we see light. This term, we have been reading ‘The Genius of the Maya’, we have used this text in our English lessons to write information posters about an aspect of Mayan culture; did you know the Mayans should be thanked for giving us chocolate?! Our fabulous finisher was a fantastic trip to ‘We the curious’ in Bristol, the children attended a light and shadow workshop and visited the planetarium, a great day out was had by everyone. This term, all the children have been working hard to be ready to perform their end of term production of ‘Panto Pandemonium’, the children should be very proud of themselves, what a great show!

This term has flown by, and Year 5/6 have made incredible progress! They’ve written some beautiful narratives and informative texts, showcasing their creativity and knowledge. In science, the children continued their research on Charles Darwin, deepening their understanding of natural selection and animal adaption. To enhance this learning, we visited Bristol Aquarium, where they explored fascinating animals, learning about their habitats and adaptions. We also delved into the importance of oceans, learning about the challenges they face and how we can contribute to their preservation. In design technology, the children have been busy designing and sewing their own stuffed toys, using a blanket stitch, developing both their craftsmanship and creativity. It’s been a term full of learning and hands-on experiences!