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Half-termly topics

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This half term, we’ve embarked on another journey back in time to explore the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Our students have been learning about about the people living in these remarkable times, from where they lived and what they ate to the technological developments that happened throughout these eras.

 

Starting from the Stone Age, we uncovered how early humans were primarily hunters and gatherers. Together, we imagined our ancestors living in caves and crafting tools from flint and bone. We discovered more about their diets, which consisted of berries, nuts, and whatever they could hunt down – think woolly mammoths and giant deer! Students loved learning about cave paintings and the incredible stories they contain, which are full of insights about the lives and times of those living in this prehistoric age.

 

As we advanced into the Bronze Age, students were excited to learn about the major changes that came with the introduction of metalworking. This allowed for the creation of stronger tools and weapons which had a significant effect on the day-to-day lives of people in these times. We discussed how they built homes, began farming, and traded goods, which saw communities settle and set the stage for an early economy. Students were impressed with the intricate handiwork that went into making jewellery, tools, and weapons in this era.

 

The Iron Age wrapped up our half-term and brought further, unique developments. The children were particularly fascinated by the way iron revolutionised agriculture and warfare. This period was marked by the arrival of iron tools, which made farming much easier and more productive. We shared stories about hill forts and ancient rituals, igniting many lively discussions about how these societies perceived the world around them.

 

Our learning about these eras incorporated a range of approaches and sensory experiences, helping students connect and engage with the topic in different ways. Children had the opportunity to handle replica tools and try their hand at recreating their own. Storytelling brought history to life, while arts projects enabled them to connect on a more creative level We also encouraged independent research, allowing students to explore topics that piqued their interest and build meaningful links with the areas they found most engaging.

 

Overall, it has been a half-term of rich discoveries and lots of fun! We look forward to sharing more adventures in learning with you ne in the Spring term.

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As part of our ongoing commitment to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) curriculum, we enjoyed plenty of educational days and celebrations that brought our school community together. Here’s a quick roundup of the events we celebrated throughout the half-term.

 

We embraced Diwali, the Festival of Lights, learning about its significance and and important symbolism around light conquering darkness. Students created beautiful rangoli designs and crafted stunning lanterns to illuminate our classrooms.

Bonfire Night saw pupils exploring the history of Guy Fawkes and enjoying traditional stories while crafting their own sparklers with paper, paint and glitter.

 

World Science Day engaged students in exciting experiments, sparking their curiosity across various scientific disciplines. Interfaith Week offered space for students and staff alike to appreciate and embrace our rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs. We hosted discussions and activities where students learnt about the significance and practices of different faiths, promoting values of understanding and tolerance.

 

The celebration of Anti-Bullying Week was particularly impactful, as students participated in activities that fostered kindness and reinforced the importance of treating others with respect. In a similar vein, Odd Socks Day celebrated individuality and highlighted the importance of inclusivity.

 

On Remembrance Day, we reflected on those who served our country and made our own poppies as a tribute to those who were lost.

Road Safety Week brought opportunities to learn vital skills for staying safe when out and about in the community.

 

We also marked Tree Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of trees and our natural world. Classes enjoyed outdoor art and science sessions at the park to mark the occassion.

 

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities we celebrated the achievements and contributions of individuals with different disabilities, promoting acceptance and awareness within our school community. As the term concluded, we observed International Human Rights Day with critical discussions on equity and equality.

 

To wrap up our half-term, we enjoyed a special Christmas Jumper Day and organised our fantastic Holiday Village, where families came together for a festive celebration at the school. The village was a huge success and the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit!

 

These events and celebrations are an opportunity to both build important social skills and connect with communities in and outside of school. Our students’ curiosity and enthusiasm made each of these celebrations a major success, and we’re looking forward to more educational days and events in the Spring term!

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We’ve had a range of extra-curricular opportunities this half-term. We kicked things off with a trip to the Natural History Museum, which linked to our ‘Jurassic’ topic from before the break. The highlight of the trip was a workshop where students built their very own Stegosaurus – this was an exciting experience for all involved, and was a great way of bringing our learning to life!

 

Elsewhere, Victorian class have been making like fish with their weekly swimming lessons. It’s been fantastic to see their abilities and independence grow – both in and out of the water, as we’ve been using public transport to get to and from these classes each week.

 

To mark Anti-Bullying Week, all classes took part in specially tailored workshops on friendship, kindness, and positive interactions this half-term. It was heartwarming to see students engage with these sessions thoughtfully and enthusiastically. Our youngest students enjoyed a fun, theatre-based workshop filled with puppets and songs that really brought the messages to life; while our older students participated in fun and interactive role-play workshops, where they recreated various scenarios and engaged in open discussions. It has been great to see how students across the board have taken these learnings into their everyday lives.

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We are pleased to share some of the great artistic competitions our pupils have engaged in this half term. It’s been a vibrant and creative period, showcasing the vast talents and imaginations of our young learners!

 

Firstly, we had the superhero design competition. Our artists unleashed their creativity with some truly imaginative superhero concepts.

 

Next up was the young writers poem competition, which saw our students flex their written skills. The poems were brilliantly crafted, reflecting a wide range of themes, imagery, and emotions.

 

We also took part in the ISA Christmas banner competition, which got us all in the festive spirit. Students designed cheerful banners filled with holiday joy and beautiful Christmas messages. 

 

Lastly, we had the CHS Christmas cards competition, which once again showcased our students’ artistic flair. We were excited to share these with families and friends at one of our Holiday Village stalls, where they proved to be a sellout hit.

 

Competitions like these offer our students lots of great ways to engage in creative and seasonal activities, and we’re excited to see what’s in store next half-term!

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A selection of designs from our Christmas card competition.

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Next half-term, our journey will take us forward into the fascinating Classical period.

 

This era is rich in history, art, and culture, from the ancient Greeks to the Romans. We will explore their incredible achievements, such as their groundbreaking philosophies, stunning architecture, and lasting contributions to literature and science. It’s not just about dates and events; we’ll engage in discussions that bring these historical figures and their ideas to life. 

 

To make our sessions even more engaging, we're planning a variety of hands-on activities. This includes art projects that reflect Classical styles, which should be a great way for the children to express themselves. For our older students, we've lined up some interesting research projects that will inspire curiosity. Additionally, we will be incorporating interactive storytelling and discussions to foster critical thinking and creativity. We can’t wait to explore this period and share more about our learning in and outside of the classroom.

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