Half-termly topics

This half term, we dove into the fascinating worlds of the Classical Age, exploring ancient civilizations and their legendary tales. This period—encompassing the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians—left an indelible mark on our modern world, particularly in areas like literature, philosophy, and art.

 

A number of classes were introduced to Roman mythology through the fable, Jupiter and the Bee; the epic Greek tale of Theseus and the Minotaur; and the ancient Egyptian story of Osiris.

Other students enjoyed the captivating Greek myth of Midas and his golden touch. These enchanting tales serve as windows into the values and beliefs of these ancient cultures, offering students a chance to reflect on the moral and social frameworks that existed back then, and how they translate to our modern world now.

 

As usual, we’ve enjoyed hands-on and creative activities to tap in to the traditions and aesthetics of the period. Students enjoyed crafting awe-inspiring pyramids and intricately painted Greek urns, reinforcing their understanding of the historical context of the Classical era.

 

This hands-on approach is reflected throughout the curriculum, to help students connect with historical themes on a deeper level. Handling and then fashioning their own replica tools provided students with insights into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians, who famously used hieroglyphics for communication.

 

Storytelling served as another effective means of bringing significant events to life, making the lessons more relatable. We also promoted independent research, enabling students to investigate topics that piqued their interest—like a specific Greek myth or Roman emperor—cultivating a sense of ownership over their learning.

 

Overall, it has been a term of valuable discoveries and meaningful engagement. We look forward to continuing our exploration in the next term.

During this half term, we have embraced a rich tapestry of celebrations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our school community. Each event has provided an opportunity for students to engage with and understand different cultural, social, and environmental themes.

 

We commenced the term with Walker Books Week, which highlighted the importance of literature in nurturing a love for reading. This event allowed students to explore diverse stories that enhance empathy and understanding.

 

Energy Saving Week provided a platform for discussions around sustainability. Students engaged in activities that encouraged them to think critically about energy consumption and its impact on the environment, promoting responsible behaviours.

 

National Storytelling Week celebrated the art of narration, where children shared stories from various cultures. This initiative underscored the richness of oral traditions and their role in preserving cultural heritages.

 

Safer Internet Day raised awareness about online safety, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape responsibly while advocating against cyberbullying.

 

We then celebrated Chinese New Year, embracing the customs and traditions associated with this important festival. This provided an excellent opportunity for students to learn about Chinese culture, from food to festivities.

 

Lastly, Pyjamas Day added a fun element to the half term, encouraging relaxation and comfort while fostering a sense of community. Students wore their favourite pyjamas, promoting the notion that learning can be enjoyable and inclusive.

 

Through these celebrations, we have strengthened our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and engaged.

This half term has been particularly enriching for our students, filled with memorable outings that have complemented our classroom learning.

 

Every Wednesday, Space class have embarked on swimming sessions at a local pool. It has been great to see students build their confidence in the water, their understanding of water safety, and of course their swimming abilities. Their joy and enthusiasm throughout these sessions highlights the importance of physical education in our satudents’ overall development.

 

Additionally, several classes had the delightful opportunity to visit Pizza Express, where they learned all about the basics of pizza – the ingredients, their origins, and the pizza-making process. This interactive visit supported key life skills and fostered engaging conversations about nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet.

 

Overall, these trips and visits have significantly enriched our curriculum and provided invaluable experiences for our students.

Competitions offer opportunities for our students to engage in a range of creative activities. This half term saw two highlights – a comic strip competition and the ISA handwriting competition. It was great to witness the enthusiasm displayed by the children as they embraced these creative challenges.

 

For the comic strip competition, students crafted their own stories and accompanying illustrations. Alongside artistic skills, the activity also encouraged collaboration and teamwork among peers. Many of our students were excited to share their unique narratives, resulting in a wonderful range of vibrant comic strips showcasing the breadth of imagination within our school.

 

In a similar vein, the ISA handwriting competition offered a platform to celebrate the creative art of handwriting – a key skill for our students which is closely linked to the development of fine motor skills. In an time where typing is often the dominant writing mode, this competition gave students the space to improve their writing abilities and think about handwriting as yet another creative artform.