Half-termly topics
For the final half-term of the academic year, we turned our attention to space. This topic was both futuristic and historical – students explored the wonders of the universe and reflected on the technological advancements which paved the way for space travel from the 1950s until today.
Starting with the basics, we learned all about our solar system. Students discovered the Sun, the Moon, and the many planets that grace our skies. One of the highlights was a thrilling drama play where students could take on the roles of astronauts or aliens, with wonderfully imaginative results. The student’ excited energy was infectious as we pretended to float in zero gravity and explore the unknown.
In our literacy sessions, we examined enchanting stories such as 'How to Catch a Star' and 'Max Goes to the Moon'—the latter being authored by a real-life astronaut! These narratives provided a great platform for discussions around scientific concepts, including gravity and electromagnetic waves.
This tied in nicely with our dedicated science lessons, in which we learnt about the lives of astronauts and the fundamentals of space travel. We looked at how basic activities like sleeping, eating, and exercise are radically different in a zero-gravity setting, and learnt about the adaptations needed for astronauts to live and thrive in outer space.
ICT lessons also featured our space theme – we looked to the NASA website for records and information about life in space, and took a cue from their ‘astronaut selfies’ for our own snaps!
In art, students brought the solar system to life through multi-sensory representations of each planet. From the smell of cinnamon to evoke Mars’ warm tones to blue-green shades to reflect Neptune’s icy surface, students flexed their creative skills to create these stunning planetary renditions.
This half term, as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we have enjoyed a vibrant array of cultural and educational events, celebrating everything from religious holidays to advocacy days.
We kicked off with World Environment Day, where the children learned about protecting our planet. They engaged in crafting activities using natural and recycled materials, all while drawing connections to Ocean Day and its significance.
In honour of Pride Month, we took the opportunity to highlight the importance of being proud of who we are. The students discussed various family structures, enjoyed colouring and creating beautiful rainbows, and explored the vibrant spectrum of colours that represent our uniqueness. It was a joyful celebration of uniqueness and self-acceptance.
For Water Safety Day, our focus shifted to an essential life skill. We examined the importance of staying safe around water, worked through scenario cards, and explored practical safety measures.
We had a fantastic time celebrating the Wimbledon tennis championships! Our movement lessons took the form of exciting multi-sport tennis activities in the garden, where we explored various rackets and practised our throwing skills.
Additionally, we marked the NHS's birthday by discussing the vital role they play in our lives. We enjoyed a sensory cake splatting session as part of our attention autism activity and dressed up as doctors and nurses, paying respect to their important roles with creativity and enthusiasm.
Finally, Art Week was a remarkable showcase of talent, with students producing stunning works of art that went on display at our annual art show.
This half-term, our trips and visits took us all around London. We began our weekly visits to Lady Allen Adventure Playground – a multisensory space designed specifically for young people with additional needs. We made the most of the child-centred green space with its soft play, zip wires, sensory rooms, nest swings, climbing frames, treehouses, bikes and trailers. Students thoroughly enjoyed climbing, riding, and running among the trees, building physical fitness through engaging play.
We also visited the Science Museum, where engaging workshops and exhibits brought our classroom learning to life. The highlight was our time in the Wonderlab, where interactive live shows taught us about key scientific concepts and themes, like electricity and magnetism, in an engaging and memorable way.
Always a highlight of the CHS school calendar, a visit from Safari Pete saw students engaging with wildlife from around the globe, while learning all about the environment and vital conservation efforts. Safari Pete’s travelling roadshow included an owl, monitor lizard, meerkat, and more; and students loved the opportunity to get up close and personal with these striking animals.
A trip to the National Gallery took our students’ engagement with art and creativity to a whole new level this term. We explored a selection of gallery’s artworks through a bespoke multisensory workshop involving music, drama, and mark making. To add to the fun, the gallery’s dedicated sensory room was a hit with the children and teachers alike!
We had a fantastic time planting our very own tomato seeds this term, which inspired an inter-class competition for who could grow the biggest and best tomatoes.
The children learned all about how to look after the plants, their life cycle, and what they need to thrive, and we are thrilled to announce that every class earned a certificate for their efforts! Building on this experience, we’ve installed sensory pots at the front of the school to help with sensory breaks and encourage further exploration.
This academic year has been a magical voyage through the past and present, igniting a passion for learning that we hope will continue long after we return from our holidays!
It's been wonderful to see students engage with new concepts and ideas, fostering a love for knowledge. We can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us, and we invite everyone to join us on this thrilling journey of discovery!