Freeze Framing Harry Potter

29th September 2023Mrs Storey

In Sycamores, we are reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.  This week, we have been learning all about diary writing.  The children used freeze framing for four key scenes to infer the character’s thoughts and feelings at different parts of the chapter.  They really focussed on the facial expressions and gestures to show how the characters were at that moment.  The rest of the class were a great audience whilst each group performed their freeze frames and could guess who each of the characters were from their expression.  Great work Sycamores!

 

Blood Flow Investigation in Science

27th September 2023S Graham

In Science this week, Oaks planned and carried out an investigation to measure how restricted or blocked arteries affected blood flow.

We used 4 cups, each with a different sized hole to represent the size of a blood vessel. We measured how long it would take 100ml of liquid to empty in each cup. We recorded out work in small groups and did it 3 times with each cup so we could work out the average.

At the end of the session, we compared our results with our predictions and discussed what this showed us and proved.

The children had a great time working in small groups and work tremendously hard to involve everyone at each stage of the experiment.

 

Parachuting Away

22nd September 2023Mrs Storey

In Science, we are learning all about forces.  This week, Sycamores were investigating if size or material created more air resistance when dropping a parachute.  We decided in groups whether to test size or material and then created 3 parachutes; changing the variable of size or material each time.  We then dropped the parachute from the same height each time to ensure a fair test.  We timed how long it took the parachute to fall to the ground.  We did this 3 times for each parachute and then found an average to have more accurate results.  Sycamores concluded that the larger the surface area, the greater the air resistance and so the slower the parachute.  From the materials that we tested, we found that the card and the bin bag created the greatest amount of air resistance.

Exploring Tints, Tones and Shades

20th September 2023Mrs Storey

In Art, Sycamores have been learning all about how to make tints, tones and shades using paints.  We have added white to a base colour to create a tint, exploring what happens as we add a small amount of white paint each time.  We then looked at shades and added a small amount of black each time to our base colour.  As we added the black, we realised we didn’t need to add that much!  Finally, we learnt about tones and added grey by mixing black and white together to our base colour.  It created a muter colour palette.  Well done Sycamores!

The Yellow Emperor and the Xia Dynasty

20th September 2023Mrs Storey

Sycamores began our new History topic by taking part in some drama.  We acted out the story of the Yellow Emperor and the Xia Dynasty; finding out information about it whilst remaining in role.  Did you know that the Yellow Emperor of the Xia Dynasty may not have even existed?  There may be truth in the stories but people often question parts such as the Yellow Emperor being taken to heaven by a dragon.  Great drama work around a historical idea Sycamores.

Great North Run- Mini Fun Run

8th September 2023S Graham

Some children from Oaks, Sycamores and Birches were extremely excited to take part in the first Mini Fun Run! We enjoyed the atmosphere at the starting line and began by warming up our bodies for the run ahead.

We got to meet running legend Sir Mo Farah before the race  and he gave us some expert advice about the run ahead: Enjoy the moment.

The children were terrific and ran the entire 1.44km from the starting line, down towards the seafront, along the coast and finally back up to Gypsie’s Green.

We collected out medals, posed for photos with Sir Mo and Taylor even got to ask him a question.

We cooled down by taking part in a dance-a-thon with all of the other schools before heading back.

It was a great experience and something we all will not forget!

 

Cinema Trip

19th July 2023A Tod

At the end of term, Willows travelled by metro to The Customs House cinema to see the Disney film Elemental. They enjoyed the film and the snacks while they watched it too!

When they got back to school, they had a go at drawing the main character, Ember.