Category: Our Classes

Year 4 had glorious weather for their trip to Kew. The question was, on a day like Thursday, was the weather more tropical in Kew or the rainforest habitat in The Palm House? I was pleased to see the children remembered the geographical knowledge from the last two years, telling Katie – the Kew education leader – about the equator, why countries there were hotter, naming the Amazon Forest and the countries it covers. The children used specialist equipment to measure humidity, soil temperature, soil moisture and air temperature. We then explored The Palm House to find out how animals and plants co-exist in rainforest eco-systems. Can your child tell you some of the examples? The children also enjoyed sketching in the Temperate House – which was cooler than it was outside – and had lovely picnics sitting in the shade on the botannical garden’s beautiful lawns.

The lily pond house was stunning and the children enjoyed seeing, and some sketched, the enormous lilies. Wel also visited the hive which is an amazing structure – a type of pavilion – which “hums” the hotter it is.

A huge thank you to the very kind parents who gave up a day to help out on the trip. These events would not go nearly as well without your support. And apologies for the mix-up about collecting at the end of the day. I didn’t realise adults would wait at the front of the school and then thought we could dismiss children from the car park, but the children went through to the classroom first. Thank you for coming round to the playground where we could see everyone safely to their adults.

After the father’s day assembly, the children will be painting based on what they saw and experienced on Thursday.

As part of our learning in Science and Computing, we had a wonderful trip to RSPB Rye Meads. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves hunting for little creatures in a variety of habitats including ponds, grassland and the woodland floor.

We recorded the information that we collected on the computer and have learned how to present this data in many different ways. We are also creating shoebox habitats that include all the things that an animal needs to survive, such as food, water and shelter. Once again, we have shown just how creative we are! We are looking forward to displaying our habitats for everyone to see at our open evening on Wednesday 28th June (4-5.30 pm).

It was fabulous to see so many dads at our Father’s Day assembly. The children were very enthusiastic about singing their song and even asked to practise on the coach when we travelled to Rye Meads together. The children all have a beautiful card for their fathers in their book bags which they are looking forward to giving them on Sunday. Happy Father’s Day everyone!

We have been learning all about “Iggy Peck Architect” this week. We have learnt that a whole can be split into two equal halves. On Friday we were very excited to take part in a drama workshop.

We have been practising reading alien words and words with the split digraph or “magic “e””.

We finished the very interesting book “Letters from the Lighthouse” this week and several mysteries were cleared up. Next week will we start reading “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.
It was very exciting to see the works of art on display in the hall. If you purchased one, I’m sure it has pride of place in your home.
The season for athletics has arrived and the children had a great time running holding their arms in different positions – by their sides, for example – to understand the benefit of the pumping arm action when trying to run as fast as you can.
We are nearly at the end of our learning about the Anglo-Saxons and we are evaluating what remains of Anglo-Saxon culture and society today.
Our Maths topic is now money, which has become nearly redundant for lots of people! So any opportunity to use and count would really help your child’s Maths development.
I’m attaching the photos which I didn’t do before the half-term holiday.
I hope you have an enjoyable – and sunny! – weekend.
With best wishes
Katharine Gibbons

We have had a fantastic first week back! In English we started our new book which is cautionary tales by Hilaire Belloc. We enjoyed reading the poem Jim, we discussed the consequences faced by Jim in the poem. Then we recited the poem in small groups.

In maths we have been learning about angles here are some photos of us creating a right angle, obtuse and an acute angle using metre sticks.

On Wednesday we visited the art exhibition. We were fascinated by all the different art created by the school!

The children had a very exciting day on Tuesday when they enjoyed their Big Bounce and also raised lots of money for the PTA. Thank you very much for all of your fantastic donations!

Well done to the children for performing so wonderfully in their class assembly celebrating the festival of Pentecost. The assembly had a great message and everyone loved the children’s singing and tremendous artwork. The children have worked tremendously hard this month and their class assembly was an amazing way to reflect their enthusiasm and passion for learning. Have a well earned break, Year 2!