Half-termly topics
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This term, we’ve travelled back to the Jurassic era to explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
Students have enjoyed learning all about these magnificent creatures and the unique geography of the period. From understanding dinosaurs’ habitats to delving into their diets, we’ve expanded our knowledge of what earth would have been like many millions of years ago. We have incorporated a range of related activities into the school day to support our learning – for example, storytelling sessions where the children imagine what it would be like to walk alongside dinosaurs.
In our history lessons, we have focused on the key events of the Jurassic period, including the different species of dinosaurs that roamed the earth, their evolutionary significance, and how they adapted to their environments. We also examined the geological changes that occurred at this time and how these influenced the habitats in which dinosaurs thrived.
We’ve learnt all about the era’s geography, exploring the different continents and how the earth’s land masses looked compared to today. We’ used maps to locate where dinosaurs would have been found and to learn more about what the conditions were like in those regions. This helped students understand the impact of geography on the development of both flora and fauna during the Jurassic era.
We’ve also cooked several fun recipes related to the topic, including dino pasta salad and dinosaur eggs, which both delighted the children’s taste buds and reinforced our learning in a hands-on way.
Our PE lessons have also taken on the Jurrassic theme. Students have engaged in dinosaur-inspired games, fostering teamwork and creativity alongside physical skills. These lessons have been a great opportunity for building social interaction skills and improving mental well-being. It's a joy to witness students discovering new interests and building confidence through physical challenge.
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As part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) curriculum this half term, we have been thrilled to celebrate a variety of significant dates that resonate with our community. From historical cultural events to fun national days, these occasions have fostered a sense of learning and connection for staff and students alike.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve marked occasions such as National Video Games Day, where we learnt about online safety and how gaming can help support teamwork and creativity. National Fitness Day inspired physical activities that promoted health and well-being, while the International Day of Sign Languages highlighted the beauty of communication in all its forms.
Black History Month offered an opportunity to learn more about and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals to society, sparking meaningful discussions amongst the children. Library Week encouraged our students to explore different genres to ignite their love for reading, and Recycling Week taught them the importance of sustainability and looking after our planet. Last but not least, we recognised Mental Health Day, where students engaged in activities focused on well-being and self-care.
Students’ enthusiasm for these events have been remarkable. Witnessing them learn about diverse cultures, histories, and values has reinforced the importance of inclusivity in our learning environment.
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This half term, students have enjoyed a whole range of educational trips and visits, both at and outside of school.
We’ve welcomed representatives from Transport for London into CHS to share valuable insights about the different modes of transport available in London. Students enjoyed interactive discussions about travel safety, which included crucial tips on how to ask for help if needed. It was fantastic to see the children so eager to learn and participate!
Additionally, we've continued our weekly trips to the local library. These visits have been instrumental in fostering a love for reading, and to help students understand how to use library resources effectively. It’s heartening to see them excited about borrowing books and sharing their discoveries with their classmates.
Renaissance and Bronze classes have been diving into swimming lessons every week as part of their curriculum. These sessions have been focused on water safety and basic strokes. All students have made significant strides in their confidence and swimming abilities, and it’s great to see them develop these essential skills week-on-week.
Linking with this half term’s learning, a group of our students will be visiting the Natural History Museum next month, where we are particularly looking forward to the ‘Super Stegosaurus’ workshop. This interactive session aligns perfectly with our current curriculum topic on dinosaurs, and the hands-on nature of the activity is sure to be a hit with students.
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Students have blown us away with their creative talents this half term. They have played with a range of different materials and techniques to design their own dinosaurs and cave art. We will be showcasing these and other artworks in our end-of-year art gallery event, so do come prepared to be dazzled!
The efforts of our talented students have been recognised at a national level, too. I am delighted to announce that, on entering the ISA Art Competition for 2024, we have secured an impressive second place in the 2D-KS1 art category with our captivating piece titled ‘Jurassic Sun’. Additionally, we received a highly commended certificate in the 2D-KS2 category for our artwork ‘The Space in Jurassic’. We are so proud of our students for these achievements, and it’s great to see them develop key skills while they let their creativity shine.
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Jurassic Sun
The Space in Jurassic
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Next half term, we will be exploring the fascinating eras of the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, with a unit designed to immerse our students in the worlds of these remarkable periods. We’ll be learning all about the historical events and the significant changes on earth that shaped the lives of our ancestors. From the tools they created to the homes they built, we aim to give our students a comprehensive understanding of how prehistoric societies functioned and evolved.
Just as we’ve done for the first Autumn half term, we’ll ensure students engage in a whole range of activities and learning opportunities in the coming weeks. Students will participate in hands-on projects, collaborative learning experiences, and presentations based on their own research into these eras .This approach will ensure that we’re both learning historical facts, and developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
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