What a great start to 2020! All the pupils who attended morning groups regularly in the Autumn Term were rewarded with a trip to see Cats at Empire Cinema.  The children represented the school really well; they were a pleasure to take.
To conclude our Aztec Topic, the children designed, wrote and performed a presentation of learning.  Each group of children created a short drama piece based on an episode of Horrible Histories.  The finished pieces were hilarious and informative, showing off their history and geography learning whilst showcasing their drama skills.
In Maths, 6T and 6C have been working on fractions, decimals and percentages and are now moving on to time. 6M have been learning about coordinates and translation.  
In Literacy, we have been describing contrasting settings: a magical winter wonderland and a sinister, eerie blizzard.  In line with National Story Telling Week, the pupils have learnt and re-told 'The Man in Search of his Luck'.  Each class have chosen a winning performer(s) who have made it through to the semi final on Tuesday afternoon, where a year group winner will be decided.  This winner will be performing in the assembly on Friday 14th February.

Year 6 pupils have made a great start to the year.  In Creative Curriculum, they have been learning all about using OS maps, compasses, trundle wheels and how to read 4-figure and 6-figure grid references.  For our presentation of understanding, the year group visited Christchurch Park to combine all of the skills learnt to navigate a 'figure of 8' route around a section of the park.  

In our Arts lessons, we have been learning about music from other cultures and we enjoyed performing an African 'call and response' song to parents at our Tea Afternoon.

In Performing Arts, the classes all learnt a song from the musical 'Cats' and choreographed a performance.  This was shared with the whole school and parents on Friday celebration assembly.

We must say a huge 'well done' to all pupils who are regularly attending morning groups.  Some pupils are in most mornings from 8am!    

Year 6 have been looking at elements of safety during our first week back from half-term. On Wednesday we went to Inspire Suffolk to take part in 'Crucial Crew' which allows the children to experience personal safety scenarios. These include a variety of situations: gang related crimes, fire safety, water safety, healthy living and healthy relationships. On Thursday, each class was able to participate in a First Aid workshop which was run by our visitor, Ollie.

In Art, to link with the Battle of Britain, the children have made some spectacular model Spitfires and Messerschmitts. Lennon Keeble was so inspired by these lessons that he made his own Spitfire model at home and brought it into school. It is brilliant.

​After SATs, the children are looking forward to many exciting activities, especially the residential trip, Crucial Crew and the Year 6 production.  

The Battle of Hastings
The spring term began with our next creative curriculum topic: The Battle of Hastings. Once the children had listened to the basic details of the battle, they were eager to launch into action and act out this historic event albeit in slow motion! Each group took their roles very seriously and produced some very effective freeze-frames to highlight the key stages of the battle. It was a memorable afternoon with plenty of enjoyment and learning.
A debate about who should be King of England was followed by a vote. It was an excellent opportunity for the children to practice their oracy skills. Some children were the candidates: Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada and Duke William of Normandy whilst the other pupils played the members of the Witan – the ruling council.  It was a difficult choice to make because the candidates spoke with great conviction; however, the successful candidate was Zanetta Erhahon who convinced the majority of the Witan that she was the rightful ruler.
To conclude this topic, the children designed and then sewed a bookmark with varying degrees of success! This linked with the Bayeux Tapestry which they also re-created with card in their Art lessons.  These beautiful works of art are now on permanent display in the corridor by Mr Lynch’s office.

Year 6 began their Autumn term topic with each class participating in a 'Treasure Trail' around the playground using map skills. Who could complete the trail in the quickest time and get it right? Evie and Alex are in the middle of following their map route. The topic will continue with the children learning how to use a compass and further map skills, which will lead to an orienteering activity to conclude the topic.

This eagerly anticipated event (by both children and teachers) started promptly at 1.15p.m.  After initial introductions, the children had a quick taste of Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy! Having successfully completed this, a more relaxing activity followed.

The children looked at caricatures of their new teacher before drawing one of themselves to show some aspect of their personality or interests. During this session the children and teachers chatted together so they could get to know each other a little bit.

​The afternoon was soon over and everyone is looking forward to September. We wish you all a wonderful summer holiday.