Friday 9th October
We have had another fantastic week filled with exciting learning across the curriculum!
We have started our new history topic all about the Shang Dynasty this week. We have explored when and where the Shang Dynasty existed and investigated the different pieces of evidence that historians use to prove that it really existed. We looked at artefacts, archaeological discoveries and written evidence, thinking carefully about what each source can tell us about life during this fascinating period of history. Furthermore, we debated about which pieces of evidence were most reliable.
In English, we have begun exploring our new focus: information texts. We have looked at the features that make an effective information text and considered how writers organise facts and information clearly for their readers. Next week, we will be starting to plan our own information texts.
Our Oceania scientists have been busy this week designing an experiment to investigate how sugar dissolves. We have thought carefully about the variables to use in our investigations, identifying what we would change, what we would measure and what we would keep the same to make our test fair. We are looking forward to seeing what our investigations reveal next week when we begin to carry them out.
In art, we have developed our drawing techniques by practising the skills of hatching and cross-hatching. We experimented with using lines in different directions and densities to create darker and lighter areas. Following this, we began to add this into our propaganda posters. I can't wait to see the final pieces next week.
In computing, we have been learning about the fascinating process behind how websites work. We explored what happens when we visit a website and began to understand how different parts of the internet work together to allow us to access and interact with webpages.
During our Religion and Worldviews lesson, we explored different viewpoints and beliefs about religion. We discussed how people can have different beliefs and perspectives and thought carefully about the importance of listening to and respecting viewpoints that may be different from our own. We enjoyed sharing our ideas and having thoughtful discussions with one another.
It has been another brilliant week, and I am incredibly proud of the curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm everyone has shown in their learning.
Have a lovely weekend!
Mrs Thompson
Friday 2nd October
Welcome to this week’s Oceania class update! We’ve had a busy, creative, and action-packed week across all our subjects. Here is a look at what we’ve been up to:
In Geography, we journeyed north to explore the Tundra biome. We learned about the harsh, frozen landscapes and how plants and animals have adapted to survive in extreme arctic cold. As a challenge, we had to become biologists and invent our own species of animal that could live in the Tundra biome. We thought about what features the animal would have to be able to survive the harsh conditions.
In English, we were lucky enough to join a live poetry lesson with the brilliant poet Alan 'Kurly' McGeachie. Inspired by his session, we wrote our own moving Remembrance poems, using powerful imagery and thoughtful language to honour those who served. We tried to include techniques of rhyme, repetition and figurative language.
In Art, we began designing our WW1 propaganda posters. We looked at historical examples to understand how strong slogans, bold colours, and persuasive imagery were used to influence people during the war. I can’t wait to see the final pieces after the next couple of lessons.
Out on the court, we’ve been refining our basketball fundamentals! We spent time this week practicing control of the ball while dribbling and mastering accurate chest and bounce passes in fast-paced drills. We are looking forward to completing some tournaments in the next lessons.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Mrs Thompson
In English, the children have been flexing their creative writing muscles as we dive into crafting our own warning stories. We’ve been focusing on building suspense, describing setting details that hint at danger, and ensuring our main characters make those crucial bad choices that drive a great warning tale! I couldn't be more proud of the children's resilience when writing these stories and I can't wait to read them all over the next few days.
In both our History and Art lessons this week , we took a step back in time to investigate World War One: In history, we explored what daily life was like for soldiers on the front line. We discussed the harsh conditions, the routine, and the bravery of the troops, helping the children develop a deeper empathetic understanding of the past. They wrote letters back home from a solider who was fighting in WW1 describing what their daily life was like. In art, we analysed various WW1 propaganda posters. We looked at how colour, bold text, and imagery were used to influence people's emotions and actions during the war effort.
Today was a truly special end to the week as Oceania Class laced up their trainers and took part in a colourful Rainbow Fun Run in memory of an amazing little boy named Ozzy. Many of the children knew Ozzy and it was so touching to hear of all their memories with him. It was wonderful to see everyone coming together, supporting each other, and filling the field with energy, colour, and smiles for such a meaningful cause.
Have a lovely weekend!
Mrs Thompson
Friday 18th September
We have had a busy, thought-provoking, and hardworking week across all of our subjects - it is hard to believe how much we have packed in!
In English, we have been diving into the world of creative writing, innovating our very own warning stories with thrilling plots, suspenseful moments, and imaginative twists inspired by our model text of Leave the Bees Alone. I can't wait to read the stories that we will begin writing next week. We also made a big splash during our second swimming lesson with everyone working hard on building their confidence and learning the correct stroke techniques. In Art, we focused this week on precision and detail by completing some fantastic observational drawings. We made sure to keep looking at the original drawing before completed any drawing. Finally, in Geography, we officially kicked off a brand new topic by beginning to learn about biomes from around the world and the unique climates that define them. We completed some maps to show the different climate zones in the world and began to make some links between climate and biomes.
A huge well done to all of Oceania Class for their positive mindsets and wonderful attitude towards their learning this week. Keep reaching high!
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Mrs Thompson
Welcome to this week’s Oceania Class update! We have had a busy, thought-provoking, and hardworking week across all of our subjects, and the children have settled into their learning brilliantly. It is hard to believe that this is our second week of Year 5.
This week, we opened the pages of our new guided reading book, The Brockenspectre. Before revealing too much of the plot, the children put on their reading detective hats! Using clues from the cover, everyone made some fantastic, well-reasoned predictions about the mystery and adventures ahead. We can't wait to see if our theories turn out to be true as we begin reading the story next week.
In our history lesson, we turned our focus to the early 20th century to explore the complex chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. Everyone showed great maturity as we unpicked key historical concepts, discussed alliance systems, and tracked the main trigger events that changed the course of world history. We wrote some newspaper reports to document the events to showcase our understanding about the time.
In PSHE this week, we have spent time reflecting on the brand-new school year ahead and have set some meaningful personal goals. It was wonderful to hear such a variety of ambitions across the room. Some children are determined to polish their handwriting and earn their pen licence, while others are aiming to build their confidence and skill in swimming. Also, several pupils are striving to represent Oceania class as school councillors or wish to wear the school kit with pride at sporting events this year.
A huge well done to all of Oceania Class for their positive mindsets, clear ambition, and wonderful attitude toward their personal growth this week. Keep reaching high!
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Mrs Thompson
We have hit the ground running this week with an exciting mix of creativity and Geography. Yesterday, the children created personality spirals. These vibrant designs allowed them to showcase their unique selves and it was so wonderful to see the positive words the children wrote about themselves. Linked to our class name, we have spent time this week learning all about Oceania. The children have been diving into independent research, discovering fascinating facts about the geography, climate, and diverse cultures of countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Bringing their research to life, the children then used their knowledge to design and construct their own pop-up books all about Oceania.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Mrs Thompson