Year 2 are enjoying working with Skiddaw on symmetry. Here they are exploring symmetrical shapes with their bodies; independently and in pairs.
We continued exploring symmetrical shapes in the classroom using mirrors or folding shapes in half to ensure each half was exactly the same. We found symmetry in a range of 2D shapes, letters and flags from around the world.
Some of us also built symmetrical models using multi-link cubes.
As spring turns into summer we have a selection of birds nesting in, on and around school.
Right by the front door we have a pair of Collared Doves. Less than a metre away from the comings and goings they have just hatched two eggs. There are several House Sparrow nests, one in the wall and one under the roof of Scafell Class. High above the office window there are three House Martin nests with lots of visiting adults. One has youngsters peering out! Whilst there are no nesting Swallows on school this year they are next door and regularly swoop across the playground and chatter away on the phone wire. The one thing that doesn’t have any nesting birds is the nest box! It is full of bumblebees! Nature has a home on Levens School.
On Wednesday 23rd May, Scafell class and some of Skiddaw travelled to Dallam for a Rounders tournament; making up 2 teams. Firstly, we had to play each other and team A beat team B by 2 rounders. Group A included: MW, MH, TW, FH, AD, OWil, TJ, JB and ODob. In group B there was: OR, ST, OWood, AK, ODav, CH, SD, KH and BH. We both played two more matches: Group A winning them all and Group B winning 1 and losing 2. Group A came 2nd which is a massive achievement and group B came 12th overall. It was a very hot day but we had an amazing time! Thank you to Miss Dawson and all of the parents who transported and supported us!
By O.R and M.W.
On Thursday 24th May, the children (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed their morning in church, experiencing and learning more about Pentecost. The children listened extremely well to all the stories and discussions and enjoyed creating peace doves, ‘prayer’ bunting and lighting the candles. Thank you to all who ran and participated in the event, including: the Open The Book team, Pam and all the members of St John’s Church. Also, a big thank you to Mr Wadey for the photos and Mr Hunt for walking both groups down to church.
This afternoon, Year 3 & 4 were asking lots of interesting questions about the differences between boys and girls and challenging gender stereotypes:
Men and women make good doctors.
Girls work harder at school than boys.
Boys and girls can be friends.
Boys are better than girls at football.
Boys are stronger than girls.
Girls are kinder than boys.
Boys shouldn’t cry.
We used the space in the school hall to move around to show our response to these statements: True; False or not sure! We explained our reasoning verbally covering topics on equality, freedom to choose and some discussion about the changing role of women in modern society. Skiddaw agreed that gender isn’t important; but individuals are! That we are all unique and special regardless.
Skiddaw class welcomed Diana, who runs Jam Club on Tuesdays, into class with her HUGE bible. She taught us lots of facts about the Holy Bible.
Did you know…
…testament means promise (as in the two sections of the Bible called the Old Testament and the New Testament)?
…the Bible contains letters, songs (Psalms) and stories?
…there are 66 books in the Bible and over 1 million words?
…the Bible is the number 1 selling book in the world?
…parts of it have been translated into over 2000 different languages?
Thank you to Diana for helping us learn these, and many more facts.
On Thursday, Skiddaw class travelled up to see what the Romans had done for us nearly two thousand years ago.
Through our visit to the Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda we learnt all sorts of facts.
The Romans had very hygienic bathrooms with running water. MJ
Instead of toilet roll they used sponges on sticks soaked in vinegar! EN
They ate a meal twice a day. OD
Roman shoes had hobnails on similar to the studs on our football boots. SD
A Roman symbol was the eagle. FW
Here we are enjoying the sunshine. Many thanks to FOLS for contributing to the cost of travelling this far – we really appreciate it and our visit has made lots of lasting memories and we learnt loads.
Never before have we had a parent approach us to say they could get hold of some Roman armour and could bring it in if we wanted. But that is exactly what Damian Parker said so in came two fabulous helmets and metal armour. We have enjoyed researching Roman armies and looking very carefully at the armour when drawing using two different media – graphite and black pens. You can see our pictures on display in Skiddaw and in the back ground of the photos here. With grateful thanks to Damian for having such super resources to share!
We all had a fantastic fun but freeeeezing time Ghyll Scrambling in Stickle Ghyll in Langdale. Thank you to Andy, Chris and Richard who came with us.
We wore a wet suit, a cagoule, a buoyancy aid and a helmet. IT
We learned how to do a “Roman Hold” where we grip each other’s wrists for added strength. We helped each other along the way and encouraged our group.
When we were climbing the water fountains, we had to go up the side and hang on to the branches. JA
When we had a shower, we went under a waterfall and felt the water thudding on our helmets. CH
We crossed our arms and but our chin onto them and fell backwards into a deep pool of water. BN
At the end we all jumped in a big pool. It was cold, soaking wet and we were drenched to the skin. We loved it. PBT
Six people played a hockey competition and we beat three schools and drew one. Here are the scores:
St Mary 2 vs Levens – we won 3-0.
Levens vs Dean Barwick – we won 6-0.
St Mary 1 vs Levens – it was a draw 2-2.
Levens vs Beetham – we won 6-1.
It was time for the presentation in 3rd place was St Mary 2, in second place was St Mary 1
and finally in 1st place was Levens.
Hhhhhhhooooooorrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Mrs Craggs and parents who transported us.
by Charlie and Oscar