Half-termly topics

This half-term, our learning centered around the vibrant Renaissance age and Victorian era, Covering the 15th through to the 19th century. As we immersed ourselves in the worlds of Kings, Queens and castles, students learnt about the birth of modernity and the major social changes reflected in the art, architecture, scientific thought, technology, and literature of these periods.

We chose two key stories to anchor our exploration this half-term: Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist and Steve Antony’s The Queen’s Hat. These tales served as the perfect springboard for a variety of activities in and outside the classroom, including a discussion of iconic London landmarks and creative expression through dramatic performances.

In art, the children enjoyed creating crowns, shields, and castles while examining the work of renowned Renaissance artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael. They experimented with natural paints made from onions, beetroot, and charcoal, producing unique artworks that reflected their understanding of the era’s cultural rebirth.

In Science lessons, we focused on significant discoveries and developments of the era, including Johannes Gutenberg's revolutionary printing press. The children crafted pressed flower diaries reminiscent of Victorian times, linking art and history in an experiential way.

Music was another exciting aspect of our curriculum. Students listened to enchanting Renaissance instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy and lute. They participated in rhythm and movement games that involved playing and pausing at the royal command of Queen Victoria.

The journals created during this time hosted numerous learning experiences, offering a valuable outlet for reflection and creativity. This project nurtured academic growth and encouraged students to engage with history on a deeper, more personal level.

Our DEI calendar was filled with special days dedicated to recognising and celebrating our diversity in inclusiveness this half-term.

May brought us Mental Health Awareness Month, during which we gathered together for collaborative group activities. We produced a range of artwork topical that became part of a vibrant whole school display, allowing us to showcase what makes each of us unique and special.

Diving into Sun Awareness Week, we took the time to express our gratitude for the sun, appreciating how it brings light and warmth to our lives. We engaged in informative discussions about protecting ourselves from sun damage, exploring essential practices like applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Through role play and practical scenarios, we emphasised these habits, especially before planning outings to the park, ensuring everyone understood the importance of sun safety.

On VE Day, our school community united to participate in peace-themed activities set against the backdrop of delightful vintage music, creating an atmosphere of reflection and celebration.

World Bee Day reminded us of the crucial role that these small but mighty creatures play in our ecosystem, and we took a moment to appreciate their significance in nature.

To top it all off, we celebrated World Diversity Day by coming to school dressed in attire that represented our diverse cultures. It was fantastic to see our teachers join in the spirit of celebration, making the day even more special and fun for everyone involved!

With the weather warming up, this half-term presented some great opportunities for outdoor trips and adventures. Our students thrive with hands-on and sensory activities which bring learning to life.

The highlight was our much anticipated Sports Day, which saw families and friends join our students for an action-filled day in the park. Our activities involved everything from hook-a-duck to a game of rounders, with a range of options suited to the needs and interests of our students. This was a great opportunity to model and practice social skills around teamwork, winning, and losing, with the family race being a particular high point – involving competitiveness and laughter in equal measure!

A trip to the Chelsea Physic Garden was another great outing, where students took part in a scavenger hunt to learn all about different habitats in our ecosystem. This fantastic experience allowed us to discover different types of plants and species in a fun, multi-sensory way, and we were thrilled to take home a unique natural resources collage.

Throughout the half-term, we nurtured baby caterpillars in our classrooms which transformed into magnificent butterflies by the end of term. This hands-on experience enriched our understanding of these insects’ life cycles and concluded with the joyous release of our butterfly friends back into nature.

The ISA Earth competition offered the children an opportunity to connect with nature, express their creativity, and develop a deeper appreciation for the world this half-term. Students gathered natural resources during outings and community walks, which they then used to craft their own planets – a great exercise in teamwork and creative skills.

Our school also proudly took part in the London Mini Marathon in April. Students practiced diligently in the lead up to the event, getting their steps up and building their fitness. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork, which was rewarded a certificate for every student celebrating their commitment to physical fitness. Well done to everyone involved!

Next half term, we will be travelling to the future through the fascinating Space era. We’ll embark on an exciting journey to explore how technology has evolved and how it has helped us over the years. Our adventures will take us through the mysteries of astronauts, the moon, and faraway planets.

As we prepare for our summer show and art exhibit to showcase all our incredible talents, we’ll dive into concepts like gravity and the evolution of travel. We’ll also examine stunning NASA photos and indulge in plenty of imaginative play as astronauts on a thrilling mission. So, buckle up and get ready for blast-off!