In our lessons this term, we are continuing to explore the fascinating world of the Ancient Maya in History, learning about their daily life, achievements, and impressive cities. In English, we will be enjoying an updated version of our class text, The Magic Faraway Tree, using it to develop our reading and writing skills through imaginative stories and exciting adventures. In Geography, we are investigating where our food comes from, helping us to understand how it is grown, produced and transported around the world. In Design and Technology, we will explore the links between chocolate and Fairtrade, while designing and making our own chocolate-based product.

Week 6

This week in Computing, we have been learning how to manipulate images and create animations. We used different tools and techniques to edit images by resizing, cropping, adding effects and changing colours to improve their appearance.

This week in English, we have been creating character profiles to help us better understand the characters in our stories. We thought carefully about their appearance, personality, strengths, weaknesses and interests, as well as their background and relationships with others.

This week in English, we have started learning about Haiku poems. We explored the traditional structure of a Haiku and practised counting and recognising the syllables in each line. We learned that Haikus usually have a pattern of 5 syllables, 7 syllables and 5 syllables across three lines. By identifying syllables in different words and sentences, we are developing our understanding of rhythm and poetry, helping us prepare to write our own Haikus in the coming days.

Week 5

In English, we have been using our imagination to create survival guides for visitors travelling to our Faraway Worlds. We thought carefully about the challenges travellers might face and included helpful advice, safety tips, and essential equipment they would need for their adventures. To make our guides engaging and informative, we used descriptive language, clear instructions and illustrations to help visitors stay safe and enjoy their magical journeys.

In PE, have been making the most of the sunny weather by playing rounders on the cricket field. Throughout our games, we have worked on our batting, bowling, fielding and teamwork skills while having plenty of fun. Everyone has shown great enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship. It has been wonderful to see our confidence and enjoyment grow. ⚾🌞

Ash Class were busy preparing for our Enterprise stall at the school BBQ. The children created a unique collection of bracelets using a range of techniques. We used embroidery thread to make friendship bracelets, crocheted chain bracelets and used beads to make binary bracelets with hidden messages. Thank you to those of you who visited our stall at the BBQ and purchased one of their wonderful creations. We appreciated your support.🌟

In Maths, we have been testing our skills and using the inverse operation to test a theory. 

In spelling, we have been learning about homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. We have explored examples such as there, their and they’re and practised using them correctly in our writing.

Week 4

It has been Assessment Week in school this week, and I am particularly proud of the focus and drive the children have demonstrated. We certainly love Maths more than any other subject in Ash Class!

 In Geography, we have been studying the impact of food on our environment through air miles and pollution. We talked about eating crops in season and buying locally. We discussed points for and against each source and decided that, if we could, some local produce and some from abroad would be the best solution to the problem.

In DT, we have been tasting a variety of chocolate. We found the cocoa mass in each type and other the ingredients used. Surprisingly, we decided we liked the dark chocolate more than some of the other types.

Week 3

In PSHE, we had a visit from DR Pop and NRG. Dr Pop  delivered an engaging talk on the importance of sustainability, highlighting practical ways to save energy and reduce our environmental impact both at work and at home.

In History, we have been exploring the importance of cacao to the ancient Maya. The children discovered how cacao was highly valued, used both as a food and in ceremonies, and even traded as a form of currency. The children particularly enjoyed taking part in a small game, which helped them to understand just how important cacao was to the Maya people. 

This week in DT, the children have been exploring a range of different food products and their packaging as part of our current food unit. They have been looking closely at how products are presented, the materials used and how packaging can attract customers and provide important information.

We have finally finished our pencil cases too. Our stitching is getting really rather good now.

Week 2

In DT,  we have been researching Cadbury to gain a better understanding of its history, products, and impact on the chocolate industry. Through our research, we have found out that Cadbury is a well-known British company with a long heritage, famous for producing a wide range of chocolate products enjoyed around the world. We have also explored how the company has grown over time, including its innovations and marketing strategies, as well as its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Overall, this research has helped us appreciate how Cadbury has become one of the most recognised and successful confectionery brands globally.

In Geography, we have been investigating the origins of food to better understand where different foods come from around the world. To support our learning, we used atlases to locate countries and explore the products that are grown or produced there. This helped us see how climate, geography, and culture influence the types of food each country is known for. 

In English,  we have been developing our writing skills by writing in role and exploring ideas linked to The Magic Faraway Tree. By imagining ourselves as characters from the story, we have been able to describe events, settings and feelings in a more creative and detailed way. This has helped us to build our ideas and use our imagination to bring our writing to life.

Week 1

In English, we have been studying the poem 'Through the Woods' by Rudyard Kipling. We went out onto the yard to take photos of nature. Then we edited the photos to create an overgrown feeling and marked these up with words from the text.

 

This week, we have been learning about Maya inventions in History. The children explored different inventions and thought carefully about how these were connected to the Maya people’s beliefs. We particularly enjoyed working in pairs, discussing our ideas and sharing our thoughts with each other. 

In Art, we’re excited to share that our very first throne has now been completed! This piece has been a creative and inspiring journey. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and imagination that went into making it. We can’t wait to showcase our artwork at the upcoming exhibition and celebrate this special achievement with everyone.