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
 

In History, we became expert historians as we investigated the mystery of why the Maya civilisation came to an end. We explored a range of possible causes, including overpopulation, drought, warfare and deforestation, and discussed how each factor may have contributed to people leaving the Maya cities. The children carefully examined the evidence before deciding which factor they believed had the greatest impact on the collapse of the civilisation. They presented some excellent arguments and demonstrated impressive historical thinking skills throughout the lesson.

 

    

In DT, we have been tasting a variety of chocolate treats to help us plan and design our own chocolate tray bake recipes. The children explored different flavours, textures and ingredients, discussing what made each product appealing and how they could use these ideas in their own designs. This learning has linked closely with our history topic on the Maya civilisation, where we have discovered the importance of cacao beans and how they were used by the Maya people. The children have enjoyed making connections between the two subjects and are excited to begin creating their own delicious tray bakes.

 

   

In Maths, we have been introduced to decimal tenths for the first time. The children have been exploring the value of digits in decimal numbers and learning how tenths relate to whole numbers. We have used a range of practical activities to identify the place value of digits and have developed our understanding by placing decimal numbers accurately on number lines. The children have shown great enthusiasm and are becoming increasingly confident when working with tenths.

 

Week 5

In RE, we have been learning about agape love and exploring how Mother Teresa embodied this through her selfless acts of kindness and compassion towards others. We discussed the impact she had on people's lives and why she is remembered as such an inspiring figure. The children then imagined they were presenting Mother Teresa with the Nobel Peace Prize and wrote their own speeches, explaining why she deserved this prestigious award. They produced some thoughtful and persuasive pieces of writing, demonstrating a strong understanding of her values and achievements.

   

 

In Music, we have been studying the Indian song Anile Vaa. The children have been learning to sing the song together with confidence and expression, whilst also developing their instrumental skills by playing accompanying parts on the glockenspiels. Throughout our lessons, we have practised both the vocal and instrumental sections and are now working towards combining them into a full performance. We are looking forward to bringing everything together and performing the song before the end of term, showcasing all the hard work and progress the children have made.

 

As part of our School Enterprise project, we created beautiful hanging hearts to help raise money for our school whilst also spreading kindness within our community. The children carefully designed and made the hearts, which could then be gifted to someone special as a thoughtful reminder of how much they are loved. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their generous donations and continued support. Your contributions helped make the project a great success and are greatly appreciated by all of us at school.

 

In maths, we have been developing our division skills. We have introduced the long division method using a number line and a fact box to help us. The children have produced some excellent work, especially on such a tricky concept. 
 

 

Week 4

In PE, the children have been developing their skills further by throwing and catching and had their first go at a mini-game of rounders. The children loved this and cannot wait to take their skills onto the pitch and test them.  
 

 

In PRSHE, the children have been studying the importance of exercise and sleep. We talked about our daily routines and how we could improve them.

 

Week 3

Although we do not have any photographs to share from this week (with Mr Taylor supporting at PGL), lots of fantastic learning was still taking place in the classroom. In Geography, the children explored the advantages and disadvantages of buying locally produced goods compared to imported products, considering factors such as cost, quality and environmental impact. In Maths, they continued to refine their multiplication and division skills, building confidence and fluency when solving a range of calculations and problems. In English, the children used their creativity to write their own Magic Faraway Tree stories, creating imaginative characters, settings and adventures inspired by the class text. We look forward to sharing more of their learning with photographs in the coming weeks.

Week 2

In Art this week, we have been finishing off our fabulous project. The children have been exploring and experimenting with the chains and nets they have made to create their own piece of artwork.

   

Week 1

In RE we have looked at our initial assessment questions, focusing on the wisdom we have gained, what wisdom we want to pass onto others and how we can show love for all. The children generated some thoughtful answers, showing how amazing and kind our Pendle pupils are! We then looked at morals in fables and how they can teach us new things. We then choose some of our favourite ones. 
        
In PE, we have started our new unit on rounders. To help us with this, we have been revisiting our throwing and catching skills with accuracy to help us. We looked at how to catch correctly, avoiding crocodile catches so we didn't hurt ourselves. The progress in the first few lessons has been amazing to see and the children are very eager to develop their skills. 

  

In history, we explored the amazing things the Mayans invented, discussed what this told us about the Mayans and seeing if we still use them in life today. We were shocked by how many things might be different if the Mayans had not discovered or invented them. 
 

   

In English this week, we have been introduced to our new story focusing on The Magic Faraway Tree. We recapped our learning on prepositions by exploring our playground. We then read the first two chapters of the book and used book talk to give our thoughts and opinions about things we are puzzled by, interested in or things we'd like to know. The children generated some fantastic ideas.