Friday 30th January
On Tuesday, Year 6 ventured on a school trip to Ouseburn. Despite the torrential rain (!), spirits were high and we were excited for the day ahead. In the morning, we headed for a workshop with the Ouseburn Trust, where we learnt about evacuation and rationing, and also had a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel, which was used as an air raid shelter for the residents of Newcastle during World War 2. We listened to really interesting stories and anecdotes about what it would have been like, and made it all seem much more real to us. Then, in the afternoon, we headed to Northern Print for an art workshop based around World War 2 propaganda posters. We focused on "Dig for Victory" and used a range of stencils and templates, as well as designs of our own, to create our own posters, before using the printing press to make our final products. We were really proud with what we produced, and had a thoroughly enjoyable day in Ouseburn.
Friday 23rd January
We were treated on Wednesday morning to another visit from our friends from the Music Service, for a KS2 music workshop. These are always filled with fun and the sessions are very much looked forward to. We weren't disappointed this time, as the team brought with them a set of djembe drums from Africa. As we all joined in with a variety of African songs, singing in unison, echo, call and response and in rounds, some of us were lucky enough to be given the chance to drum along with the beat.
We left the hall with our hearts lifted and our spirits high.
Friday 16th January
Our History and English topics link together this half term, which has helped to deepen our understanding of life in Victorian Britain. In English, we are reading Street Child, and have learnt all about Jim Jarvis and how he was helped by Dr Barnardo. In History this week, we looked in more detail at the sort of jobs that children had to do, and why they had to work in such conditions. After carrying out some research, we did a hot-seating activity where we took on the role of a mine worker, chimney sweep, factory worker and a bird scarer. We then followed this up with a diary entry showing a day in the life of these children 150 years ago. The entries are so informative, but also perfectly sum up what life could've and would've been like for these children! It was eye-opening, and made us feel slightly less frustrated about having to tidy our bedrooms, or help to empty the dishwasher!
Friday 9th January
It has been so lovely to welcome the children back after the Christmas break, and hear all about the lovely time they have spent with their families. We have got straight back into the swing of things, starting new units in most subjects. We have particularly enjoyed starting to read Street Child in English, and deepening our understanding of life in Victorian Britain.
Before Christmas, some of the children entered a competition organised by Daisy Education, where they wrote a poem all about festive feelings. We were thrilled to hear this week the news that our lovely Charlotte was overall winner. I emailed back to say how pleased we were, and that it was a double celebration as it was also her birthday. That afternoon, Charlotte's prize (£200 worth of Amazon vouchers!!) was dropped off at school, along with a birthday banner and balloon for her. What a birthday treat. We are so proud of you Charlotte!