It has been a busy week with lots of exciting learning happening.
The Nursery children have had fun playing in their new gravel pit this week.
https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/eyfs/atw-nursery-news-24th-april
In Reception, this week the children have been focussing on the story of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. You can read more here. https://www.pegasusacademytrust.org/news/eyfs/atw-reception-news-jack-and-the-beansalk
This week, as well as learning about African dancing, Year 1 have been learning about the different countries of Africa. They selected a country’s name and used an atlas to find where it was on a map of Africa. They then used the compass points of the map to say what countries were to the North, South, East and West of the country. In English, Year One have continued to plan their own Tinga Tinga story and have written their first paragraph, introducing their main character and describing them. In maths, Year One have been making and counting groups of two and have created arrays of two. Finally, in art the children have completed their Tinga Tinga paintings, combining their animal picture with a sunset wash to create their finished work.
This week, Year 2 began writing their incredible Iron Man stories! The children have been thinking about their word choices to make their sentences really powerful. In PE, the children began learning all about the topic Athletics and getting ready for Sports Day! They even practised the relay and are getting better at receiving the baton on the move. In Maths, the children are becoming more confident when working with money! They have looked at different coins and been investigating how they could use them to make different amounts.
This week, in English, Year 3 have continued gathering information for their non-chronological reports about the Stone Age. They have used Chromebooks to research facts and have been practising their organising and grouping skills by sorting information into clear sections with subheadings. This will help them prepare and plan their reports for next week. In Maths, the children have finished learning about adding and subtracting fractions. They have now started their new topic on time, discussing years, months, weeks and days, and exploring how time is measured. In Science, the children have started their new topic of light and shadows. They have been learning about Ibn al-Haytham and the important impact his work had on the study of optics and science. In Thematic learning, the children used their geography skills to hunt for our missing mammoth around the school using compasses. They then mapped their journey carefully using the directions north, south, east and west.
In Year 4 this week the children have started their swimming sessions at Warlingham School. The children were very excited to get in the pool and demonstrate their skills. In maths, the children have started to look at length and perimeter and have been converting metres into kilometers. Today, the children went for their nature walk on Riddlesdown Common. In glorious sunshine the children set off with their spotter guides and binoculars. While they were there, they managed to see a wide variety of birds. They also spotted different wild flowers and identified some trees such as the silver birch.
This week, Year 5 have been focussing on the book Hidden Figures. The children have learnt about the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan to the Space Race and why they are such an inspiration. Next week, they will be using this information to write a biographical report. In maths, Year 5 have been rounding decimals to the nearest tenth and the nearest whole number, as well as making links between fractions and decimals. The children have really enjoyed their art this week which has been based on Aboriginal dot paintings. The children designed their own painting using traditional Aboriginal symbols to try and tell a story. They all tried so hard with this and their finished pieces look amazing!
Year 6 continue to impress with their dedication towards their SATs preparation. They have been working hard on reasoning problems in maths and thinking about how they need to apply their mathematical knowledge. In English, the children have started planning their survival guides with top tips on how to avoid predators or find a safe source of water. In their PE sessions, the children have been refining their athletics skills and this week they focused on the high jump and how to land safely on the crash mat.
Tips for Raising Digitally Resilient Children
Every parent knows how difficult it is to monitor their children whilst they’re online. It can be difficult asking children what they’re seeing, their motives, healthy screen habits and more.
Written by a clinical psychologist, BBC Bitesize have released some new advice and support for parents. Although aimed at parents of teenagers, I think this would be useful for any parent.
Parking…again
At the risk of repeating myself, please can I ask people to be considerate when parking in the streets close to school. Over the past few weeks, the school has had a number of phone calls and emails regarding inconsiderate parking. These often come with photos attached of the cars and number plates urging me to name and shame drivers. Rather than do that, can people just be mindful of our neighbours when parking or better yet, walk to school and enjoy some sunshine.
Carbon Counting
Recently the school has been working with an organisation called ‘Let’s Go Zero 2030’ to help us understand more about our carbon footprint. We have been looking at various areas such as energy, food, waste and water and measuring how much we use as a school. We now have a climate action plan and over the coming year we will be looking at ways in which the school can reduce its carbon footprint. We will keep you updated with our progress through this newsletter and our website.
School Disco
Many thank to all the volunteers who helped out with the disco last week. It was lovely to see the children dressed up in their finery and enjoying some music and dancing.
Wear Blue for Diabetes UK
A reminder that on Monday children are invited to come in to school in mufti clothes with either a splash of blue or go all out and wear blue from head to toe! We are asking for a suggested donation of £2 to support this charity which can be paid in cash or through the link.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/mia-carlucci-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Friday 1st May: Green Class Assembly
Monday 4th May: Bank Holiday- school closed
Wednesday 6th May: Class photos
Wednesday 6th May: Indigo Class Fairy Tale Workshop Trip
Friday 8th May Lavender Class Assembly
Week Beginning 11th May: Year 6 SATs
Friday 15th May: Year 6 Picnic in the Park
Friday 15th May: Teal Class Assembly
Monday 18th May: Year 5 Science Museum Trip
Monday 1st June: Year 6 Chessington Trip
Tuesday 2nd June: Reception Godstone Farm Trip
Friday 5th June: Year 3 Caveman Visit.
Friday 5th June: Year 2 Wakehurst Place trip
Saturday 6th June: FOAP Summer Festival
Tuesday 9th June: Year 5 Wonderdome Visit
Friday 12th June: KS1 and 2 Sports Day
Week 15th June – 19th June Year 6 Isle of Wight Trip
Friday 19th June: Nursery Fun day and Picnic / Reception Sports Day.
Wednesday 24th June: Blue Class Assembly
Friday 26th June: INSET Day – school closed
Monday 29th June: Year 3 RHS Wisley Trip
Wednesday 1st July: Whole school photograph
Thursday 2nd July: Year 5 Tower of London Trip
Friday 3rd July: Violet Class Assembly
Friday 3rd July: Year 4 Camp Atwood
Tuesday 7th / Wednesday 8th July: Year 6 Production
Friday10th July: Atwood Invitational swimming gala
Friday 17th July: Year 6 Leavers’ assembly
Friday 17th July: Last day of term
