Friday 25th October, 2024

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This week we have had a wonderful time finding out about Peru during One World Week.

It was lovely to see you at Parent Consultations this week and chat with you about how the children have settled into the Year 6 class this half-term.

The children have been presenting their home learning to their peers this week and it has been lovely to see that they have embraced learning about the physical and human features of this wonderful country as well as the wildlife and plants and fauna etc..

Yesterday,  the scent of cinnamon was coming from the Year 6 classroom as a group of the children cooked Peruvian Rice Pudding with the help of Mrs Hammond. Every child had the opportunity to sample this and overall it was a hit with many of them!

On Wednesday the Laudato Si group, Nathan, Aaram, Finn B and Raylan, organised the clothes swap which was well supported by the school community.  Well done!

Today, the Liturgy group and the House Captains led the Harvest Assembly and helped prepare the many bags of donations for the local foodbank.

In PE, they played a Peruvian skipping game using a large rope. It is called reloj, which means clock in Spanish. Year 6 had to jump in, jump the required amount of jumps before jumping back out.

 

                                                                                            

Making Peruvian Rice Pudding

Wishing you and your families a wonderful half-term.

See you on Tuesday 5th November!

Mrs McNamara and Mrs Lines

 

ENRICHMENT REMINDERS

Writing club will commence on Mondays after school again next half term. Please note that there will be no writing club on Monday 2nd December.

Maths Enrichment: Thursday’s am (8am – 8:30am) and pm (3:15pm – 4:15pm).

There will now be maths on Thursdays after school which any member of Year 6 can attend.

Autumn 1 Week 6

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On Monday, the police visited us to tell us what they do to help people. The children asked lots of questions, tried on their clothes and sat in the police car. The children have been role playing police in the playground.

This week, we have been learning about India. We learnt about the flag and where to find India on a map. The children made their own flags to be displayed around our world map. Our home corner has changed to a Indian restaurant where children have been wearing saris and serving food. The children made Rangoli patterns using chalk, felt tips and natural resources. We learnt about the National bird- the peacock and the children made peacocks. We also learnt about how people bath and wash clothes in the River Ganges -the children have been washing clothes in our water tray. Following our theme of the Year of the Disciples, we learnt about a charity called Caritas that supports people in India. Raylan, Aanay and Tiya from Year 6 showed us their traditional dress and some Indian dancing. Jonathan’s parents made us some traditional food from India. Freya’s parents made us some sweets and Ayden’s parents bought us some Indian snacks. Thank you for your support. We made Laddoo, the children enjoyed mixing and rolling. We also learnt some Indian dancing. Outside, we made the Taj Mahal.

On Friday, Jonathan, Freya and Raiya came to school in their traditional dress.

In Maths, we have been finding different ways to make 2 and 3 using a cherry model (part, part, whole), a tens frame and many other resources.

In Phonics, we have been revising the sounds and tricky words we have learnt this term. Please practise saying and writing all of the sounds in their phonics book. Practise reading tricky words I, no, go and the.

Thank you for all of the donations for the food bank.

On Friday, we read the story Pumpkin Soup and made some pumpkin soup in our mud kitchen.

Could you go for a walk and collect some signs of autumn? Bring in some different colour leaves, conkers and some twigs please. Please send in a plastic bottle with a lid for the Tuesday after half term.

Have a wonderful half term.

Mrs Carey and the Early Years Team

Year 5 – One World Week | Zimbabwe

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This week, Year 5 explored Zimbabwe as part of our One World Week learning. Here’s what we got up to:

  • Flag and History: We studied Zimbabwe’s flag colours and learned about its rich history—from ancient Shona and Bantu settlers over 2000 years ago to its colonial past under Cecil Rhodes as “Rhodesia” and finally its independence in 1980, when it became Zimbabwe, meaning “Stone House.”
  • Significant Sites: The class researched and presented on iconic places in Zimbabwe like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Motobo Hills, Nyanga National Park, and Great Zimbabwe. They even made 3D models of the Great Enclosure in Great Zimbabwe and recreated traditional rock art from Motobo Hills.
  • Symbolic Art: We made clay replicas of the famous soapstone birds, discovered in the Great Zimbabwe ruins, which have become national symbols of freedom and independence.
  • Guest Speakers: Mya and Maddie from Year 6 shared interesting facts about Zimbabwe, including Mya’s favourite foods and Maddie’s dad’s Nyami Nyami stick.
  • Learning from Charities: We discussed challenges Zimbabweans face due to economic issues and drought, and how charities like Caritas, Cafod, and Mary’s Meals support food security and education. Through their work, these organizations live out their Catholic mission of bringing hope to others.

We also held a special class Mass, where Fr. Shaun reminded us of our global responsibility, urging us to stand in solidarity with all people as part of one human family, made in God’s image. It was a meaningful week of learning and reflection!

Here’s the song that Mya played to us:

Well done Clodagh, D’hani, Hanna, Isabella B, Isabella P and Sophia P for your efforts in organising and running this afternoon’s cake sale in aid of the British Heart Foundation – hopefully it has raised lots of money!

An optional home learning for this half term is to get involved in the BBC 500 Words Competition, details for which can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words/articles/zctk7v4

The deadline is Friday 8 November 2024 and submission is online, but if you do get involved, I’d love to see what you come up with so please bring in a copy!

Wishing you all a lovely half term.

Miss Donatantonio

Year 1 Week Beginning 21.10.24

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Year 1 have had a wonderful week of learning!

As part of the school’s One World Week, the class had lots of fun learning all about the country Brazil. Over the course of the week, the children participated in a range of different activities including:

  • Learning how to dance the Samba
  • Making and eating fresh salsa dip and tortillas
  • Trying out football tricks inspired by Pelé
  • Learning about the Amazon rainforest and the work Cafod do to help the indigenous tribes and the animals who live in it.
  • Learning about the Rio Carnival and creating their own carnival wear
  • Creating collage pictures of the Amazon based on the art work in the book Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
  • Making their own 3D rainforests from paper
  • Learning about the incredible Christ the Redeemer statue

Year 1 also used their developing oracy skills to share home learning about Brazil- thank you for supporting your child with this!

 

Wishing you all a well deserved break,

Ms Pemberton and the Year 1 team

Friday, 25th October 2024

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This week in Year 2, we have had a wonderful time finding out about Colombia during One World Week. First, we located the country using maps and globes, before looking at its rich history and culture. We learnt some simple phrases in Spanish and made orchid bracelets depicting Colombia’s national flower. We later made paper toucans and used clay to re-create the megalithic statues found in San Agustin. We also learnt about the life and work of the only Colombian saint, St Laura Montoya and researched how Fair Trade and Cafod are supporting the coffee farmers of Colombia. We learnt about the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest too and listened to great ideas from Cafod to stop the damage caused and ways to help recover God’s Creation. We listened to Colombian folk music during activities such as making festival masks or creating our own ‘mola’ patterns. We made Colombian muffins and sampled Plantain crisps as well.

Another highlight of the week was Mrs Wilson’s absolutely brilliant animal workshop, where the children had the opportunity to learn about insects, invertebrates and reptiles as well as handle them. They thoroughly enjoyed this experience and were very open and careful when it came to holding the animals. We thank Mrs Wilson for supporting our Science learning in such an amazing way!

Thank you for all of you who came to see me for this week’s Parent consultations; it has been great to celebrate the children’s achievements with you. They worked hard this half term and settled well into Year 2’s new routines.

I wish you all a lovely half term,

Ms Varga

 

Week 8 25th October 2024

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One World Week

This week our focus has been on Nigeria, the children have taken part in some engaging, creative and practical activities. They have located Nigeria on a map, and understand that Abuja is it’s capital. They also explored some of Nigeria’s landscape facts.

At the beginning of the week, the children made their own Nigerian flags using collage. They then went onto to explore Cafod, and how their work supports Nigeria.

Towards the end of the week, the children explored Nigerian musician Burna Boy and listened to some of his songs. We discussed how he uses his platform to speak truth to shine a light on issues affecting people in Nigeria and around the world.

Year 3 have enjoyed learning about Nigeria this week, they have had lots to say and thrown themselves into all of the activities that were on offer! Additional information can be found here- https://cafod.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/africa/nigeria

 

We wish to thank you for your continued support with your child’s learning this half term and wish you a safe and happy half-term holiday.
We look forward to welcoming you all back on Tuesday 5th November.

Mrs Poyiadzis and Miss Lambie
Mon, Tu & Wed        Th & Fr

Reminders:

  • Year 3 assembly Friday 15th November at 9:15am.
  • Homelearning is not set during the school holidays but Mathletics and Spellingshed users are still active.
  • Reading books to be in school every day please.

Autumn 1 Week 8

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It was lovely to see you at Parent Consultations this week and share how the children have settled into the Year 4.

This week we have had a wonderful time finding out about Mexico during One World Week.

Geography: We have located Mexico and identified some of it’s human and physical features using an atlas and created our own maps.

Art: We explored the life and art of Frida Kahlo and created self portraits in her style.

Languages: We have learnt to say simple greetings in Spanish.

RE: We also explored the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico and learnt about their traditions, food and celebrations.

Thank you for your generous donations to the Harvest Festival and for your support this half term.

Have a lovely week and don’t forget to read.

Miss Pringle

Friday 18th October, 2024

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Another week has whizzed by and it has been a busy one!

On Tuesday the Liturgy group went to the church to participate in the morning rosary and next week, they will be leading the rosary which they are excited about.  They have also been leading the rosary each lunchtime with the rest of the school and many of the children have joined them in the Year 5 or 6 classroom to do this.  It has been such a joy to watch them lead the children in such a prayerful way. Well done Michael, Chloe, Mya, Tiya and Sophie!

On Tuesday the class also did a local visit around Potters Bar as part of their History Topic: Potters Bar at War.

The children have been very keen to learn all about what happened in the first and second World War and especially learn about what happened in Potters Bar.  In 1916 the Zeppelin L31 was shot down over Potters Bar, by pilot officer Tempest. A road was to be later named after him. The Zeppelin pilot, Heinrich Matty, jumped from the airship without a parachute, rather than be burned alive.  The children visited the cemetery in Mutton Lane,  officially known as St Mary’s Cemetery, as it is associated with nearby St Mary the Virgin and All Saints church. The cemetery includes a garden of remembrance for prisoners of war and the children located the graves of those they had been reading and learning about in their history lessons and then went onto visit the Potters Bar war memorial which is located in St John’s Churchyard in the High Street to see the names of those who had lost their lives.  To end our trip out we went into Oakmere Park to complete the challenge of a race on the 27m cableway and zoom towards the high ‘Super Zeppelin Tower and climb to the top to take on the 8m long slide!

This week we have started our Art Project so the classroom was a hub of busy artists using materials to begin their collage work.  In Maths we have started work on place value up to 1, 000, 000 and powers of 10.

Next week it is One World Week and we will be focusing on the work of the charity ‘Caritas’ in Peru.

We look forward to seeing you at the Parent Consultations next week (Tuesday/Thursday).

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

Mrs McNamara and Mrs Lines

Home Learning

Spellingshed

Create a factfile about Peru in the form of a poster, ready to share with the class next week. You could include information about:

  • biomes found in this country
  • Population
  • Currency
  • Famous Peruvians
  • The flag
  • Music
  • Art

 

Autumn 1 Week 6

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This week we have been learning about the people who help us. We have been lucky to have many visitors. On Monday, we had Esther’s mum, who is a dentist come to tell us about her important job. We learnt about how to keep our teeth healthy and how dentists can help us. We cleaned teeth at school, sequenced pictures of how we brush our teeth and we pretended we were dentists.

On Tuesday, we had a nurse visit. She talked about what she did and showed us some of the equipment she uses in her job. Then the children painted and drew pictures of why we may need a nurse.

On Wednesday, we had the firefighters some in. They talked about what they do each day. They told us what we should do if we saw a fire. They reminded us to test our smoke alarms regularly and if we do not have one contact Potters Bar Fire Station. We sat in the fire engine and sprayed the water hose. After,we made our own fire engine with crates and used our hoses to spray pretend fires in the playground. The children dressed up as firefighters. Children also made fire engines from boxes.

Outside, the children were role playing being a vet in our outdoor vets. They were looking after different animals, pretending to be a vet or a receptionist.

 

In Maths, we have been learning to find one more and one less than a number. we have been using number fans and playing games to help us demonstrate our understanding.

Deacon Sean same to Reception Class to baptise a baby doll to continue our learning on Baptism.

Next week is One World Week. We are learning about India. If you are from India and would like to come and talk to the children about your traditions, please speak to me. If you would like to bring in some food for us to taste, please let me know. If the children have traditional dress from the country they are from, please wear on Friday.

 

I look forward to seeing you at parents evening. If you have not made an appointment, please do.

Please see the powerpoint of photos from this week. Photos

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Carey and The Early Years Team

Year 1 Week Beginning 18.10.24

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Year 1 continued to focus their learning around the themes in the book, ‘Amara and the Bats’ by Emma Reynolds. This week, the children found out about the secret world of nocturnal animals and how their sense of smell and sound are heightened to adapt to their night time surroundings. This linked really well to our current Science learning about the human body and senses, particularly as this week, the children learnt about the sense of smell!

Thank you for the amazing amount of junk modelling materials that the children brought in this week. The children learnt about what makes an enticing and safe bat box and used the information to design and make their own bat boxes.

As mentioned, in Science this week, Year 1 explored their sense of smell. In small groups, the children were asked to smell five different cups, and then together make predictions on what they thought each cup contained. The children had lots of fun with this activity and were surprised by some of the contents! The children went on to write about whether or not their predictions were right and then they listed smells that they liked and disliked.

In Maths this week, the children compared and ordered numbers from least to greatest, and vice versa. They also made their own number lines and used them to problem solve.

Next week, as part of One World Week, Year 1 will be learning about Brazil.

If possible, please help your child to find out some information about the country that they can share with their friends next week. This could be watching an online video about the country, drawing the Brazilian flag, writing some simple key facts, finding out about the exotic animal that reside in the Amazon rainforest, or even listening to some Brazilian music!  Thank you!

Have a wonderful weekend,

 

Ms Pemberton