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.

Choc Chip Cookies

22nd September 2023A Walker

We have all had a great time in the first cookery club of the new school year.  Everyone worked really well following the recipe and taking turns. It was lovely to see the older children helping their younger friends. We all helped with washing and drying the dishes and even had a little bit of time to play in the hall. We hope everyone enjoyed their cookies!

Every Child is an Artist!

22nd September 2023S Wilkinson

In Art this week, the children in Maples have been looking at mixing primary colours in order to make secondary colours. The children have enjoyed creating their own artwork using the primary colours: red, yellow and blue. They have also created addition sentences showing what secondary colours can be made by mixing two primary colours.

Have a look at their amazing work!

Bear Hunt Fun!

22nd September 2023A Malone

This week in Acorns we have been reading ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen. This story links to our current topic of ‘Let’s Explore’.

First we listened to the story and shared our thoughts and ideas. Then we re-read the story, making up actions to go with the words. Next we watched Michael Rosen performing the story. He was very funny! Then we made a story map to show what happens in the book.

 

We did some research about bears and found that they like honey, so we made some honey and oat flapjacks just in case we get a bear visitor! We followed the recipe carefully and everyone helped with the mixture. We can’t wait to taste them!

 

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.

Acorns Family Phonics Session

20th September 2023A Malone

Today in Acorns we invited our grown-ups into school to join in with a phonics session. They listened to the story linked to the new phoneme, and practised the action and letter formation with us. Then we explored activities linked to our new letter sound.

We received some lovely, positive feedback from parents –

“The session was great. It’s good to see how the children are learning and how we can help at home. Fantastic to see how settled the children are and how comfortable they are in their classroom.”

“Really enjoyed the session. Lovely to see the children in their classroom and be involved in their learning. What a lovely class.”

“It was great to see how well the children have settled in already. I was pleased to see how confident my child was to share her thoughts with the group.”

“Thank you for the invitation to the phonics lesson and providing useful information!”

At Fellgate we understand the importance of involving families with each step of their child’s learning, and sharing reading is vitally important in a child’s development. We are starting weekly family library sessions in Reception class from this Friday onwards, inviting parents and carers to come in and read for pleasure with their child, and then take a book home to share.

 

STEM Activities

19th September 2023L Abbott

Birches class have been learning through building this week. They have used their maths and science skills to create models and experiment with magnets.

The boys were able to follow instructions to create different lego models. They experimented with magnets to see how they attract. They also built some interesting models using the marble run.

 

Birches Surfing Lesson

18th September 2023L Abbott

Birches had their first surfing lesson last week. The children were really excited about their first lesson.

The children learnt about water safety and were given help to use the surf boards. Over the next 5 weeks the children will be learning about how to stay safe in the water and how best to use the surf boards in the water.

The children had lots of fun in the water playing in the waves. This is a great opportunity for the children to gain water confidence.