School Blog

Water Resistance in Class 4

 in Class Four / Science by

In science, our Year 5 and 6 pupils got hands-on (and a little wet!) in our investigation into water resistance. The classroom was transformed into a mini research lab as students explored how different shapes move through water and how streamlined designs can affect speed.

Before any clay touched the water, the children discussed the idea of a fair test. Together, they identified the variables that needed to stay the same throughout the experiment, such as:

  • The amount of modelling clay used (by weight)
  • The height from which the shape was dropped
  • The depth and temperature of the water
  • The type of container

The only variable they changed each time was the shape of the clay. This careful planning ensured that any difference in results was due to water resistance alone.

Each clay shape was dropped into a tall tank of water three times, and pupils recorded each time carefully using a stopwatch. By calculating the average time, they were able to produce more reliable results and spot inconsistencies.

As with all good science experiments, not everything went perfectly smoothly—some pieces of data stood out as obvious anomalies. Pupils discussed possible reasons for this: Was the shape released accidentally at an angle? Did an air bubble get trapped? Was the timer started a fraction too late? These conversations helped pupils think critically about how scientific data is collected and why accuracy matters.

One of the most interesting moments came from a shape everyone assumed would fall slowly: a large, flat clay design. Instead of drifting gently downward, it tipped onto its side and shot straight to the bottom of the tank. This surprising outcome sparked lots of discussion about the meaning behind the data we had gathered, and how we need to think critically about this.

Manchester Museum Mission

 in Class Four / History by

Year 5 and 6 pupils enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to Manchester Museum recently, where they took part in a fascinating workshop focused on Ancient Egypt.

Before we even stepped foot on the coach, the museum curator set the children an important mission: to find the most interesting artefact in the entire museum! This might be the most valuable, the most beautiful, the oldest, the one with the best story… the choice was ours.

To complete this challenge, pupils had the opportunity to handle a selection of real ancient Egyptian artefacts. They had to:

  • Look closely at each artefact, examining details and clues (did you know the average adult spends less than 10 seconds looking at an artefact in a museum?)
  • Make connections to their existing knowledge
  • Share their ideas and interpretations with the people around them
  • Wonder by asking thoughtful, curious questions that deepened their understanding

The children showed fantastic enthusiasm and imagination as they investigated everything from amulets and pottery to tools and statues. Their discussions were thoughtful, lively, and full of wonder—just as a museum mission should be!

To celebrate their hard work and curiosity, each pupil shared some information about their chosen artefact in celebration assembly. I was incredibly proud of the confidence and maturity shown by all the children.  A huge thank you to all the parents who attended the assembly and supported the children.

Learning how to deal with aggression and difficult situations.

 in Class Three / SCARF by

In the SCARF lessons this week we were examining aggressive behaviour and how we can respond to this. We talked about different situations and did some freeze frames. We followed this up by discussing why people may display these behaviours and how we could diffuse the situations including asking for adult help.

 

Splendid sound

 in Class Three / Science by

Class 3 had a fantastic time in science learning all about sound. We learnt about how different musical instruments create sounds and identified the vibrations. We looked at how sound travels to the ear and what happens inside the ear. We also conducted experiments testing to see which material would be best for soundproofing a room. We concluded our topic by making string telephones to help us learn about how sound travels.

 

Multi-Faith Week

 in RE / Whole School by

Last week, all pupils spent the week learning about the importance of pilgrimage to different people of faith.

The week started with an introduction to pilgrimage in worship, focusing on special journeys to special places. We compared a kit bag full of things we might take on a holiday abroad compared to a bag containing the types of contents that a Christian might take on a journey to a sacred, holy place.  We found out about why so many Catholics from across the globe travel to the south west corner of France to visit Lourdes.

Every day of the week, each teacher spent some time with the different classes teaching them about the importance of pilgrimage to Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.  On Friday afternoon, the children shared their learning from the week in our special celebration assembly.

Reception woodwork decorations

 in Class One / Design and Technology / Whole School by

Reception have been working hard this week to create their own beautiful Christmas decorations using our woodwork bench, saws and hand drills. They showed perseverance, resilience and patience whilst making their creations. Check out our Instragram page to see the finished results!

A visit from Crossbank Dental Care

 in Class One / SCARF / Science by

A huge thank you to Beth and Kelly from Crossbank Dental Care who came to visit the children in Nursery and Reception yesterday. They taught us all about which foods keep our teeth happy, which make them sad and how to brush them properly. We enjoyed some practical activities, games and even took home our own special goody bags including toothbrushes, toothpaste and timers to make sure we are brushing our teeth for long enough!

 

Adapting recipes

 in Class Three / Design and Technology by

Class Three have had a busy week adapting recipes. We followed a basic shortbread recipe to learn the method. We then did a taste test, adding a range of ingredients to the shortbread recipe to see which flavours we enjoyed. Following this, the children designed their own shortbread, thinking carefully about their target audience. The children then made their own shortbread biscuits for the grown-ups at home. Finally, they thought carefully about packaging and designed a box for their shortbread including a company name.

Class 2 art

 in Art / Class Two by

Class 2 have been very busy using watercolours to draw buildings around our local area. We have observed shapes, lines and details carefully. Thank you to Sophie Martin who came and shared her expertise and her own artistic skills, the children loved seeing different pieces of artwork and mixing their own colours.

A Midwife Crisis!

 in Class One / Class Two / Music / RE by

This week, Class 1 and Class 2 took to the stage to perform their nativity, A Midwife Crisis — and they were absolutely brilliant!

The children sang, acted, and narrated with such confidence and enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see all their hard work come together, and they truly brought the story to life.

A huge thank you to all the parents and carers for coming along to support the performance, for providing such fantastic costumes, and for helping the children learn their lines at home. Your support makes such a difference, and we really appreciate it.