Nursery to Year Six Highlights

Under the Sea!

This week in Nursery, the girls have been developing their number knowledge by matching quantities to the correct written numerals. With a sea creature theme, they have counted carefully, saying one number name for each object counted and reinforcing this skill by counting on their fingers. The girls have also been learning to count out a specific number of objects from a larger group, helping them to develop their understanding that the final number reached when counting represents the total amount.  

Investigating the composition of single-digit numbers!

Kindergarten pupils are always keen to develop their mathematical skills and understanding. This week they have been investigating the composition of single-digit numbers using our Numicon resources. Numicon is fantastic for helping the pupils understand the relationship between numbers so is readily available during both continuous provision and when the pupils complete mathematical tasks as a class, one to one with a teacher or in small groups. The pupils firstly chose a Numicon piece representing a single-digit number. They were then challenged to find two other pieces that could be combined to equal this, checking by overlaying the pieces. Finally they moved the pieces to create an equation before starting again with a different piece. Keep up the fantastic work Kindergarten!

Rhythm and Pulse with Mr Pepper!

This week in their Music lesson, Reception children have been exploring rhythm and pulse with Mr Pepper. They have been learning the names of some musical notes, including quavers and crotchets and have discovered how these notes help create different rhythms. The girls enjoyed using their hands and feet to clap and stamp out the beat, helping them to feel the pulse of the music. They also listened to a piece of music with a fast tempo and discussed how the speed of the music affected the way it made them feel and move. Using their bodies, they practised finding and keeping a steady beat, developing important listening, coordination and timing skills. This is all helping to build a strong musical foundation which will support their learning as they continue to develop their musical understanding.

Year One Explore Capacity

This week in Mathematics, Year One have been exploring capacity through lots of practical, hands-on learning. The girls began by comparing containers and using key vocabulary such as full, empty, nearly full and nearly empty. They then moved on to measuring capacity using non-standard units, carefully filling containers and counting how many cups or scoops each one could hold. The girls also looked at litres and investigated whether different containers held more than a litre, less than a litre or the same as a litre. First, the girls made sensible guesses then, with Mrs Hobbs, they used water to find out. It was very exciting! It was lovely to see the girls checking their predictions, explaining their thinking and using mathematical language so confidently. Well done, Year One, for being such enthusiastic mathematicians!

Exciting Hands-on Experiments!

Through a series of exciting hands-on experiments, the Year Two girls discovered how some materials can change in ways that cannot be undone. First, they transformed bread into toast, observing how heat changed the texture and colour of the bread. The girls discussed how toasted bread cannot turn back into fresh bread, making it an irreversible change. Next, they worked together to turn cream into buttercream by shaking it vigorously. The girls were amazed to see how movement and mixing could completely change the texture of the cream. There were plenty of smiles and excitement as everyone took turns shaking and watching the transformation happen. Finally, the girls mixed Angel Delight with milk to create a delicious strawberry mousse. They carefully whisked the milk and powder into a thick, fluffy dessert. By experimenting with mixing, shaking and heating, the Year Two girls developed a deeper understanding of irreversible changes while having lots of fun along the way.

Year 3 Triathlon

On Wednesday, Year Three pupils visited Handsworth Wellbeing Centre to take part in the Pho3nix Kids Triathlon, organised by the Brownlee Foundation. This exciting, non-competitive event gave pupils the opportunity to challenge themselves in three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. The event began with a swim in the pool before pupils quickly put on their t-shirt and shorts and moved on to the cycling stage, travelling 800 metres on a bike or scooter. They then completed the final challenge by running 300 metres. All pupils showed great determination, enthusiasm and resilience throughout the event. Smiles filled the finish line as they proudly completed the triathlon and received their medals and goody bags.

Piet Mondrian and his distinctive style of art!

This term, Year Four pupils have been learning about the famous Dutch artist Piet Mondrian and his distinctive style of art. The children explored how Mondrian used bold black lines and blocks of primary colours to create striking geometric designs. Using his work as inspiration, the pupils designed and created their own amazing artworks. They carefully planned their layouts, experimented with colour and demonstrated excellent creativity and attention to detail.

The finished pieces brightened the corridor with their vibrant colours and unique patterns. Year Four should be very proud of their artistic achievements, which showcase both their understanding of Mondrian's techniques and their own imaginative talents.

Year Five Explore Volume and Capacity

Year Five pupils have been developing their mathematical skills by learning all about volume and capacity. During their lessons, they learnt how to use the formula for calculating volume and applied their knowledge to a range of practical challenges. One exciting activity involved investigating 3D shapes made from cubes with missing blocks. The children carefully counted the cubes, calculated the total volume and worked out how many additional bricks would be needed to complete the cube. This required excellent problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of spatial reasoning. The pupils showed great determination throughout the topic, confidently applying their mathematical knowledge to solve real-life challenges. Well done, Year Five, on your fantastic learning!

Year Six Ignite Worldwide!

Our Year Six children have been developing their speaking, listening and geographical enquiry skills through their Ignite WorldWide presentations. The children have selected a geographical topic that interests them, such as tsunamis, mountains or different countries around the world, before researching and preparing a two-minute talk to share with the group. Pupils have explored a range of sources to gather information and carefully organised their ideas into clear presentations. They practised speaking confidently and using appropriate geographical vocabulary while presenting their findings to an audience. This project supports the Primary National Curriculum for Geography, encouraging children to deepen their understanding of places, physical features and natural processes around the world. Throughout the process, children also developed important skills in research, communication, presentation and self-confidence.