Autumn 1
This term, we will embark on an exciting journey titled ‘From Wales to the Stars’, where we will delve into the wonders of science, technology, and health and wellbeing. Our exploration will lead us to the fascinating story of Neil Armstrong and humanity’s ventures into space, helping us to understand the fundamental forces that govern our universe, such as gravity and its effects on different objects. As we learn about the planets and their positions in our solar system, we will also deepen our appreciation of how the passage of time—day and night—varies on Earth and other planets.
We will also look closely at the inspiring life of Katherine Johnson, whose remarkable mathematical skills helped NASA send astronauts safely into space and return them home again. By learning about her work, we will see how perseverance, resilience, and problem-solving can change the course of history and open doors for future generations.
Alongside this, we will explore the role of the sun, recognising it not just as a source of light but as a star at the heart of our solar system. The study of space travel will highlight how humans have benefitted from exploring beyond our world. Finally, through our reading of ‘The Iron Man’ by Ted Hughes, we will consider how our relationships with others are shaped by our environment, and how these experiences can change the way we view the world around us.
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During our first few days back, the children worked in groups to design their own bridges on paper, thinking carefully about how to get from one place to another. Each group presented their ideas to the class, and everyone was encouraged to vote for the most creative design. This activity not only introduced us to the theme of travel, which will lead into our exploration of space and the work of NASA, but also links to the inspiring story of Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical skills helped astronauts travel safely to and from space. Working in groups encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, while also helping the children build strong bonds as a class community.
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The class thoroughly enjoyed their first outdoor learning session of the year. Working together in the fresh air gave them the chance to explore, problem-solve, and learn in new ways, while also having fun and strengthening friendships. It was a fantastic start to our outdoor learning journey for the year ahead!
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This week we have been exploring how night and day happen. To help us understand, we moved around each other like planets, showing how the Earth spins on its axis while moving around the Sun. We also learned that the Sun is a star, and it is the Earth’s rotation that makes daytime and nighttime. The children really enjoyed becoming planets themselves and seeing how movement and position change what we see in the sky.
As part of our learning this term, we took part in a special lesson all about friendship. The session was designed to help us build strong bonds with our peers, thinking carefully about what makes a good friend and how we can support one another. Through discussions and activities, we explored ways to show kindness, respect, and teamwork, helping us to grow even stronger together as a class.
This term, the children are preparing a space-themed play, working in small groups to act out different scenes. They will be using their expressive arts skills to interpret each part in their own unique way, bringing creativity, imagination, and individuality to their performances. This is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to develop confidence while sharing their ideas through drama.
18.09.24 - Our recent trip to Plantasia was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to explore the wonders of the natural world. We learned about the importance of looking after our planet and protecting the animals that live here, discussing ways we can all make a difference. This experience links perfectly to our current space theme, as we begin to think about how we might care for our environment if humans were to travel and live in space in the future.
