Who do you think you are?
Last week was a very busy week in Year 3/4. With a big focus on our identity, we began the week discussing and thinking about all the different things that make us who we are.
As well as identity, we thought about what the word community means and what different communities we belong to – local, nationally and internationally.
On Wednesday, we spent the afternoon at Sandringham Park – an important place for our local community. There we made bug hotels and learnt about the importance of looking after and valuing this and other parks and green spaces.
On Friday, we considered how diverse communities can be and how we should celebrate diversity in different communities. Children had the opportunity to become part of the para-athletic community and experience how different sport could be for those people with a physical limitation.
Watch us while we work
This week, many of you came to ‘Watch us while we work’. This was a visit to school to get a flavour of what Reading, Writing and Maths teaching and learning is like in school, and hopefully to help you understand more about your child’s progress and how you can support at home.
The children loved having people watch them learn and were exceptionally keen to show off their books under the visualiser during the lesson, demonstrating just how much pride they take in their presentation and handwriting. It’s wonderful to see how much this has improved so much in such a short space of time.
Elsewhere in the week, we’ve been building up to writing a setting description using the third and final book in Aaron Becker’s Journey series – Return.
Our penultimate stop for our ‘explorers’ topic was a dense jungle. We created some artwork in the style of Rousseau, trying to re-create the scene you see below.
A snap-happy visitor
Just before the holidays, as part of our ‘Explorers’ topic, we had a very special visit from Dr David Ian Higgins, who has a serious passion for wildlife and wilderness and is a perfect example of a 21st century explorer.
David is a world class photographer and brought in some examples of his excellent photography work. However, the children were even more amazed by his camera equipment that he uses to capture such wonderful images.
Emily, described the visit: “My most favourite part was the pictures and story about the lion traffic jam because I thought it was funny that a lion was blocking the road. I was amazed how he went swimming with a whale shark and surprised how they have tiny teeth and couldn’t swallow us”.
Alfie said, “Dr Higgins made me want to swim with whale sharks and see the dolphins with phosphorescence.
Rodi added,“He inspired me to be a photographer when I grow up and travel around the world to see unusual creatures.”
We still have a few weeks remaining on our topic. Who knows where our ship could end up next.
It’s the half-term holidays…
…and so there’s no specific homework next week. This is in-line with our Homework Policy.
During the half-term, please encourage your child to read each day, even if just for 15 minutes. As well as their current book, reading comics, newspapers, websites are all good – and why not take a trip to the library!
It would also be really helpful to help your child brush up on their times tables. Children in Year 2 should know x2, x5 and x10 (and the related division facts) by the end of the year – so give them a head start now! By the end of Year 4, children should know all their tables up to 12 x 12 (and the related division facts).
And make sure they enjoy the break, too: perhaps an autumn walk, a day out, a trip to the cinema… There are lots of things going on in Leeds – check them out.
Whatever you get up to, we’re looking forward to seeing you again on Monday 30 October.
Shipwrecked!
Disaster has struck
The good ship, Shamrock, was shipwrecked in a freak storm this week. All our supplies and equipment were scattered far and wide.
Luckily, we had locator beacons on them so we knew where our supplies were; we just had to find their co-ordinates and then search for them.
The children quickly found the co-ordinates of our supplies and were off into the school grounds to find them all.
I’m happy to report, all the supplies were recovered intact and we are safely back on our way.
Stay tuned for more adventures.
All aboard the good ship, Shamrock
Our topic of ‘Explorers’ has well and truly kicked off. Our good ship, Shamrock, will be travelling the world and exploring many varied and exotic locations.
However, we first had to learn to navigate in order to sail the seven seas. So, we’ve looked at world geography and where the continents and oceans are. Our navigator training will be continuing over the next few weeks with work on grid references and co-ordinates. As well as this, we’ll be recruiting new members of the crew along the way. Let’s hope we don’t get shipwrecked though!
This week we visited Patagonia, in South America – breathtaking and beautiful place full of mountains and glaciers. We all loved it so much we wrote a postcard home.
In coming weeks, we’ll journey to a fantasy world of knights, kings and samurai warriors when we study a series of books by Aaron Becker, known as the ‘Journey’ series.
Swimming starting soon
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Swimming will be starting next Thursday, the 14th September, for all Year 4 children.
A full information letter will be sent out next week.
Thanks
Hello and welcome
Welcome back everybody to the new school year.
Let’s first introduce ourselves as we are both brand new to school. Mrs Richardson will be teaching the class Monday to Wednesday and has come from a very successful Leeds school.
Mr Mills will be teaching the class on Thursday and Friday and has joined us from Scholes (Elmet) – one of our federated schools.
It’s been lovely to meet the children this week and they have shown themselves to be a bright and happy bunch, eager to get on and learn.
Just a few points of housekeeping to keep you updated.
- Reading books will be changed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Try these activities with your child when you’re reading at home.
- PE will be Mondays and Thursdays. Check out the uniform policy to ensure your child has the correct kit.
- Homework will be given out every Friday to be completed by the following Thursday. Check out our updated homework guide for an explanation of homework this year.
Our class book at the moment is ‘Orion and the Dark’ written by Emma Yarlett. Her website is lovely and very child-friendly. Have a look with your child.
Check back weekly for more news and updates.
Mrs Richardson and Mr Mills
Christmas card competition
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Jane Dowson, is looking to have her Christmas card 2017 designed by a child from Leeds (aged up to 13 years). The card will be sent out by the Lord Mayor across the city and beyond. The theme is “Leeds at Christmas”.
The rules/details are on the attached poster and the closing date is 09 October. The winner will be presented with a copy of the card and a special gift by the Lord Mayor.
This is a really exciting and unique opportunity for children.
How to enter: Designs should be completed on A4 paper. Please write (in pencil) the child’s name and age on the reverse and a parent or guardian’s contact number. Crayons, felt tip, pen and paint can be used for the design, however items should not be stuck on to the paper as this will not replicate when the design is scanned. Entries should be sent to: Lord Mayor Christmas Card Competition, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds LS3 1AD by the closing date of Monday 09 October 2017.