Developing dialogue and feedback
On Monday 5th November we had a whole school INSET focussing on developing the type of feedback we give pupils to enhance their learning. Each class is leading their own development project based on an aspect of external research, our own thinking and the unique needs of the children.
Ask the children how they are developing their learning and how feedback is challenging their thinking.
Safeguarding – Who and what are DSPs?
During STEM week, Year 5 took the lead on designing and teaching the rest of school about safeguarding. They revised last years assemblies from the NSPCC which focussed on speaking out. They gave each pupil a card with all the details of the NSPCC and explained what the NSPCC do. The NSPCC will return next year.
In addition, the pupils also designed a poster to be put up around school which explains who our DSPs are and their role. After the half term the pupils are excited to see which poster has been chosen to be professionally printed and displayed in every classroom. Have a look at some of the posters . . . .
STEM Week – health bodies, healthy minds
This week started with a bang (literally, with an exploding balloon) and finished in style! Everyone in school has been learning how to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Over this week there has been lots going on including . . . . .
- creating safeguarding posters
- teaching others about the NSPCC and what to do with a worry
- trying yoga
- mediating
- creating healthy snacks
- investigating the human digestive system
- learning how to keep safe online and how our words can hurt others
- bulb planting
- fruit tasting
- creating smoothies using bike powered smoothie makers
- reducing down drinks to discover amounts of sugar hidden inside
Remember to always talk about how you feel and share your worries. If you need any support please head to the NSPCC website or give them a call on 0800 1111.
Reception – STEM week
This week Reception have been learning about how to have a healthy body and a healthy mind. For a healthy body they have been writing shopping lists, roleplaying in a supermarket, printing with vegetables and discussing their favourite fruit and vegetables. To think about their healthy minds the class talked more about feelings using the red hat and we shared ideas on what we could do if we feel angry, sad or worried. They also had the opportunity to learn a bit of Yoga in PE and ended the week planting bulbs in the Reception outdoor area.
Y5 have been making pancakes without sugar….what a great start to S.T.E.M week!
Today the children have been learning all about sugar (sucrose) where it comes from, how it is made, it’s benefits and side effects. They then went on to make pancakes from scratch, including designing a source of heat to cook them, and replacing sugar with natural sugars from fruits to enjoy the sweet taste they are used too, but a much healthier option!
Pupil Leadership
At Maple Cross, a key priority is developing non-positional leadership. This is the thinking that everyone is a leader and this includes pupils. On Thursday we hosted another Conference led by Equipping Kids. The event brought together a number of people who work in a spectrum of roles within education.
As part of the event, children from school shared how they are developing their own leadership skills using the work of Stephen Covey. They detailed the specific skills of beginning with the end in mind and also being proactive.
Tea with Mrs T
This Friday’s ‘Tea with Mrs T’ was incredible. Learners from across school blew me away with the articulation of their learning. We had a modelled demonstration of maths using a hundred square, parts of stories read aloud, maths strategies explained and a collaborative learning story talked through.
The children listened to each others learning with genuine interest while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Congratulations to Robbie, Kieran, Lewis, Nathan, Gracie, Ella, Rowan, Jonathan, Klara and Aleksander.
Reception Trip to Rickmansworth Library
Yesterday morning Reception had a lovely trip to Rickmansworth Library. We had an adventurous journey on the bus and the children were very excited to see a Fire Engine, Ambulance, Police car, Post Van and a Dustcart which all linked in beautifully with this half terms topic of ‘People Who Help Us’. At the Library we were very privileged to have it all to ourselves. There the children had the opportunity to: learn more about what a Librarian does, go on a tour of the Library, read books independently and experience a session with singing and were read a wonderful story. (Which they then all received a copy of to take home.)
