HWA Blog - 23.1.26

 

Sharing the highlights…

 

Let’s see what has been happening in the classroom.

 

In Miss Rahman’s class this week…

 

"We had such a fun and exciting time over the Christmas holidays, taking part in lots of enjoyable activities and making special memories. Coming back to school, we have settled in really well and are feeling refreshed, positive and ready to learn.

Already this term, Year 8 Inspire have completed lots of fantastic work. A key focus for us has been working towards our EHCP targets. We have been challenging ourselves, celebrating small successes and working closely with staff to help us achieve our individual goals. Everyone has shown great determination and effort.

In English, we have been using Talk for Write, which has allowed us to be creative and confident with our learning. We have enjoyed exploring and learning our class text, using actions, repetition and discussion to help us remember and understand it better.

In Science, we have been experimenting with magnets, exploring how they work and discovering what materials they attract. We loved being hands-on, making predictions and talking about what we observed during our experiments.

In Maths, we have been working hard to practise our timetables, knowing that this will support us across all areas of learning. Everyone has shown great perseverance and focus, and we are already seeing progress.

Year 8 Inspire are happy to be back at school and proud of the effort we have made so far. We are excited and looking forward to everything the rest of the term has to offer."

TRN - 23.1.26

 

 

In Mrs McGregor's class…

 

"This week year 8 have been developing their scientific skills by investigating neutralisation reactions. Pupils used equipment carefully to gradually add a base to an acid, they recorded their observations using universal indicator and a digital pH probe. Next week we will be building on these skills by plotting a graph of their results and analysing their data.

Year 9 have been learning about variation and natural selection. We have explored how different beak shapes are better adapted for different food sources using a variety of tweezers and bird seeds. Pupils developed their fine motor skills during the practical and engaged in an excellent discussion about their findings. We also modelled the effects of different selection pressures using a board game in which pupils studied the effects of environmental changes on populations on an island.

Year 10 are studying reactivity and have developed an excellent understanding of the periodic table. They have observed the reactions of group one metals with water and have independently tested for the presence of hydrogen gas following the demonstration. Pupils have also investigated the reactivity of different metals with acids and worked well in pairs to record their observations."

MMR - 23.1.26

  

In Miss Boothroyd’s class…

 

"Well, after the rush of Christmas and new year has died down the children have settled back into School life and what a great few weeks we have had.

In English, we dove into the enchanting traditional tale of Little Red Riding Hood. The children explored the five key points of the story and created their very own story maps. It has been amazing to see their confidence blossom as they read their maps each day. They are eager to take the next step and transform the story into their own unique narratives, which promises to be a delightful adventure for all!

In Maths, we have been focusing on the number line up to 20. The children have been ordering numbers and using the number line to support their learning. Through engaging practical lessons and interactive worksheets, they have developed a solid understanding of number concepts. It’s wonderful to see them starting to apply these skills with such enthusiasm!

This week in Geography, we embarked on a journey to explore different countries and their weather patterns. We visited sunny Spain, snowy French Alps, and many more fascinating places. This exploration tied in beautifully with our Science lessons, where we examined seasonal changes. The children have shown great curiosity about how weather varies across the globe. The children then created their own interpretation of the different weathers around the world, we had some mini Van Goughs in class.

In Art, our focus has been on 3D sculptures. Over the past few weeks, we have been experimenting with card to create our own unique pieces. The children have folded, twisted, and bent the card in various ways, showcasing their creativity and artistic flair. It has been a pleasure to see their imaginations come to life through their sculptures!

During our EHCP time, we explore a diverse range of activities that not only support learning but also spark joy and engagement. In our classroom, we prioritise daily interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs, focusing on areas such as social and emotional understanding as well as fine motor skills. The children truly love participating in these sessions, where they can express themselves and develop essential skills in a fun and supportive environment. It’s heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and growth as they interact with their peers and the activities we provide.

Of course, we must mention our outdoor classrooms! VBD class absolutely loves outdoor education with the wonderful Miss Jen. This week, we ventured to Strinesdale

Country Park, a personal favourite of mine for dog walks! The children enjoyed exploring the natural environment.

Our weekly Forest School sessions with the fantastic Miss Callan continue to be a highlight for the children. They adore getting muddy and creating natural pieces of work. This week, they had the opportunity to try their hand at whittling, which was both exciting and a great way to develop their fine motor skills.

Overall, it has been a week filled with learning, creativity, and exploration in VBD class. The children’s enthusiasm and willingness to engage in their learning journey is truly inspiring. We look forward to the adventures that next week will bring."

 

 

 

And now to Miss Rashid’s class

 

ZRD - 23.1.26

 

 

Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs

 

STARS of the Week (23.1.26)

 

 

 

 

Well done to everyone.

Wishing everyone a restful weekend after another busy week. Here’s to more learning, more progress, and more opportunities as the spring term unfolds.

Miss Gordon.