Teaching & Learning Weekly Summary
Below you will find our weekly teaching and learning summary to find out how we develop and enrich your child's teaching and learning whilst they are with us.
| Week ending | What we have been learning about |
|---|---|
| 26/04/24 | This week, Magpies delved deeper into fractions, honing their problem-solving skills. They expanded their understanding by applying fractions to various scenarios, including complex multistep calculations. In their writing sessions, the children embarked on an exciting journey into the Amazon rainforest, immersing themselves in animal research. They selected a diverse range of rainforest creatures, investigating their habitats, dietary preferences, physical characteristics, and intriguing facts. Additionally, in Geography, Magpies embarked on a fascinating exploration of European countries. They not only learned about their locations but also enhanced their understanding by labelling them on a map. |
| 19/04/24 |
Welcome back, Magpies! What an incredible start to our Summer term! What an incredible start to our Summer term! The children enthusiastically delved into the world of fractions, beginning with the fundamentals of adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators. Utilising numicon, they explored adding fractions within a whole, enhancing problem-solving skills and reinforcing their understanding. In our writing sessions, the children embarked on a captivating journey with a new text, engaging their senses through various activities. From immersing themselves in the sounds of the rainforest to crafting intricate mind maps filled with insightful questions, the enthusiasm was palpable. As the Magpies uncovered the theme of the rainforest within the book, their excitement soared to new heights! |
| 28/03/24 | This week, Magpies seized a remarkable opportunity as they welcomed author Andrew Weale, igniting children's passion for books. Andrew engaged the children by reading captivating stories, encouraging their active participation in the storytelling process. Additionally, the children were invited to participate in an Easter Experience at St Paul's Church,enriching their understanding of Easter through a range of engaging activities. In Mathematics, Magpies delved into the realm of volume and capacity, where they discovered that capacity elucidates the amount a container can hold. Through their exploration, they compared containers of various shapes and sizes, deepening their grasp of this fundamental concept. |
| 22/03/24 | This week, the Magpies delved into the realm of friction investigation. We began by revisiting our understanding of forces and magnets. Then, we explored the concept of friction and collaborated in groups running our own experiments exploring friction across various surfaces. Our findings revealed that surfaces with minimal friction require less effort to lift, as gravity effortlessly pulls objects downward. We meticulously documented our results in a comprehensive table and conducted thorough analysis. In Geography, our exploration of maps and compasses continued, focusing on mastering compass points and engaging in captivating compass direction activities. Additionally, in Math, we delved into the concept of mass as a measure of an object's matter. We discovered why mass is important and how mass is measured. |
| 15/03/24 | During our PSHE session the Magpies were made aware that it was Young Carers Action Day. Together we discussed what that meant for them and what were the means of their responsibilities as young carers. Next, the children engaged in the conversation on how important it is to look after themselves and help their bodies and their minds feel good while being a young carer. We also discussed what people/children can do to support young carers. Moreover, the children discussed "Who loves me" and "Who can help me?" and we generated ideas for both. |
| 08/03/24 | Magpies had a fantastic week full of activities related to World Book Day. We started from brainstorming ideas for the improvement of our already fantastic book corner to actual book writing. Throughout the week, the children gathered their ideas and thought about a main character, describing their character's appearance, creating a clear picture for the reader. In PE, the children were super excited to continue their gymnastics session where they could jump, climb, run, bounce, swing and try new things! Gaining those vital skills will enhance the children's physical development. |
| 01/03/24 | This week, Magpies enjoyed the Tagtivate activity related to learning the times table. The children were working in groups finding and manipulating different multiples. In Science we have started a new topic, Forces and Magnets. We have learnt what a force is and explored the pull and push forces. Together with a partner, the children chose a force and created a freeze frame for their peers to be guessed. Next, we learnt about magnets and a magnetic field. Magpies investigated which certain materials when entering the magnetic field they would be attracted to the magnet. |
| 23/02/24 | The magpies' classroom became alive after the half term break! The children came back rested and enthusiastic about the learning this Spring term. In Writing, we have started reading our class text which has already inspired some fantastic new vocabulary. The children have started working in groups to describe the main characters and transferred those skills into writing the information poster. Moreover, in Maths, we have started a new unit Fractions. We were learning about unit and non unit fractions. Furthermore, we were taking care when representing those on a number line as well as comparing and sorting the fractions. |
| 09/02/24 | This week Monday it was 'No pens day' therefore children experienced an amazing day full of activities. In Maths, Magpies took part in the carusele of activities related to the measuring length topic. The selected activities supported children's skills development and built their confidence whilst working in a group. Moreover, the children continued to develop their skills in Art. After studying a variety of prints, Magpies made an original print inspired by Patrick Caulfield. On Friday, the children had a fantastic time during our Caribbean day with a variety of activities such as tasting tropical fruits, making beautiful Leis in the style of those worn in the Caribbean during festival celebrations, listening to the Caribbean tales, learning the Caribbean dancing and creating Caribbean music. |
| 02/02/24 | This week, Magpies immersed themselves in creating their product for Enterprise week. Using their skills gained in the Autumn term, they made stunning pieces of art sold to their parents and the school community. In Maths, the children continued to compare lengths using the metric system. They learnt how to convert between standard units when solving calculations of length. Furthermore, Magpies developed their xylophone skills in producing clearer sounds. Together they endeavoured to play in sync with each other. |
| 26/01/24 | As the children are continuing to learn about the Caribbean, this week Magpies created a leaflet to convince their parents and everyone they know to visit one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands - Tobago. They used their persuasive techniques and engaging vocabulary in their writing. In French, the children learnt about days of the week. They explored how to pronounce the words correctly as well as how to write it. This week, Magpies embarked on a new journey in Maths, learning about length. They used rulers to measure and draw, expanding their knowledge related to converting metric units. |
| 19/01/24 | This half term Magpies are learning about the Caribbean in Geography. This topic links with our book, Gregory Cool who visits his grandparents in Tobago, one of the Caribbean islands. The children are slowly discovering the beauty of the islands as well as the history, weather and learn about their traditions. In one of our Writing sessions, Magpies learnt the technique on how to pick coconuts. Furthermore, they had an opportunity to try fresh coconut water as well as the coconut itself. In Maths, the children learnt scaling which they can apply to everyday life. |
| 12/01/24 | This week, Magpies have started to learn one of the best percussion instruments, the xylophone. Following the notes, the children practised playing A and B notes in 4/4 time signature considering pauses. In English, Magpies have started reading their new book, 'Gregory Cool' and the children hot seated as the Gregory reacting to what had happened during his visit to his grandparents in Tobago. Furthermore, children have continued to learn about multiplication and division, linking both concepts together. |
| 05/01/24 | It was fantastic to welcome the children back after the Christmas break. Magpies have settled well and showed their maturity when sharing their news and activities done over the past two weeks. Children have been introduced to a new book today and using their writing skills, predicted what the book is about. Furthermore, Magpies have started learning about Printing in Art. Together we have looked at the history of Printing and some of the fantastic artists like Pablo Picasso. |
| 15/12/23 | This week, Magpies enjoyed decorating our Christmas tree. The children were entertained by 'Little Red Riding Hood' panto and had a very festive Christmas dinner with crackers and Christmas songs in the background. Furthermore, Magpies were working hard revising their learning in Maths, including Place Value, Addition and Multiplication, and Multiplication. They were solving two step word problems related to their everyday life. |
| 08/12/23 | This week, Magpies enjoyed reading 'Pebble in my pocket' followed by exploring further the topic of climate change. This led to new learning on how to write a persuasive letter. The children had a discussion and thought about using logical arguments in their writing. Furthermore, Magpies revised their place value learning whilst enjoying using numbers as words. |
| 01/12/23 | This week, Magpies have continued to learn the 4 and 8 times table using different structures and interpretations of multiplication and division. To support our learning, the children started to skip count in fours and eights as well as explore links between the two and four-time tables, and between the four and eight times tables, applying their knowledge of doubling and halving. Throughout the week, Magpies have been learning how to write a non-chronological report on volcanoes. Furthermore, we have been developing our skills of using a dictionary. |
| 24/11/23 |
Magpies had a wonderful day at Butser Ancient Farm to support our learning about the Stone Age and Iron Ages. There was lots of exploring to be had, viewing the different houses and learning some fascinating new facts about the differences between the two periods. Our day was full of different activities. The children loved having the opportunity to make jewellery using pliers, creating either an earring, ring or a bracelet. Whilst exploring the houses, we all enjoyed our lunch in a Stone Age house around a large fire and after lunch continuing to learn and enjoy some great fun and challenging activities. The children all loved visiting the Farm. |
| 17/11/23 |
Great week for Magpies! This week the children had a chance to explore a variety of poems and be creative while using some exciting vocabulary. Whilst it was anti-bullying week, the children took part in different activities throughout the week. We had a class debate where they discussed different scenarios, deciding if it was banter or bullying. Magpies visited the nursery children and had a chance to colour odd socks together as well as exploring a variety of activities set for them. |
| 10/11/23 | What a fantastic week we had! Magpies started a new topic in Maths, multiplication and division. Their confidence and fluency in the learning of maths is growing. The children started to feel comfortable and ready to explore mathematical ideas and make mistakes. Magpies became enthusiastic about the art project where they will use their sawing skills to make a Stone Age pouch. In writing, children are learning about poems gathering enough information to create their own poem. Next week, we will be planning and writing a newspaper article about Iron Man and reading deeper into our PoR text. |
| 03/11/23 | Magpies continued to progress in improving their column subtraction technique. As we started a new book, the children were making predictions and learning how to use descriptive language to help the reader feel almost as if they were a part of the scene. Furthermore, our new topic in Science has inspired the children to talk about healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. |
| 20/10/23 | This week children enjoyed exploring Taiko drumming and their performance was fantastic. The class worked in groups where they used their communication, leadership and creative skills. In Maths, they were challenged to solve higher level word problems which they tackled extremely well. Furthermore, Magpies produced fantastic comic strip books that were based on our book of the half term - 'UG'. |
| 13/10/23 | Throughout this week, Magpies continued to learn more about addition and subtraction, how to choose appropriate strategies to solve problems. In RE children learnt about the Genesis 1 and the Creation Story which they later replayed using their drama skills. Magpies have turned into scientists and investigated soils. They recognised that soils are made from rocks and organic matters. |
| 06/10/23 | What a fantastic week we have had in Magpies. The children enjoyed learning numbers 1 - 10 in French as well as singing 'Frere Jacques' song! In Art lesson, Magpies learnt to use chalk pastels to create beautiful pictures supporting out Stone Age topic, blending it nicely together. Furthermore, children learnt how to write a letter to another child, forming questions about other children's learning. |
| 29/09/23 | In the exciting world of numbers, Magpies have embarked on a thrilling adventure! With the help of colourful visuals, children have dived into expanding their knowledge of addition and subtraction. During our weekly science lesson, children had a chance to create paints from natural, gathered resources, later to be used to create cave paintings. |
| 22/09/23 | This week Magpies continued to explore the Stone Age and created painting tools which they will use to make cave paintings next week. Furthermore, the children researched what prehistoric people ate and created Stone Age cafe menus as well as designed specific dishes that people would eat. |
| 15/09/23 | What a fantastic week the children had! On Monday the children began a journey towards gaining new knowledge about the Stone Age and started learning a new language. Later throughout the week, they started to explore the Djembe Drums in music. |
| 08/09/23 |
It was a pleasure to welcome all the children in Magpie class. All the children have a fantastic week and are on way to achieve their goals. |
