Y2 have been extending their computing skills by creating folders and copying files [and putting them into their newly created folders]. They then used an outline of the Queen (to fit in with our topic) and learnt how to use the fill tool to turn them into Andy Warhol style pieces of art. I can’t wait to see them all together, but here’s a sneak preview. I am so impressed by how much Y2 have learnt in such a short space of time!
There is lots of action in Nursery at the moment. The caterpillars have arrived and the children have started to photo and film them to document their development. Watch out David Attenborough Planet Earth 3 is underway!
There has been lots of planting. Some seeds are outside and some are inside and the children are noticing big differences in what is happening.
To conclude our STEM fortnight, on Friday, we were privileged to have Mr Dion-Fehily, a medical engineer, visit us at Maple Cross. He spent time inspiring our Year 5&6 learners of a career in engineering, time in years 1&2 creating lights at the top of a castle and Year 3 showcased their Viking longboats. A great morning of engineering!
STEM fortnight is coming to an end tomorrow but what fantastic learning has been happening! At the INSET day last Monday, members of staff took part in a stem activity and then prepared learning for their classes. After school today, from 3.30pm you are welcome to visit your child’s classroom and see their learning. We look forward to seeing you then.
In assembly today, we talked about what being ‘safe online’ means.
We also discussed what ‘Social Media’ is and whether any of you have used it. You were very honest; lots of you said that you had used it and I saw a sea of shocked faces when I told you how old you are supposed to be to use various social media platforms (see below).
So, given that a huge number of KS2 children put their hand up to say they’ve used social media, but you have to agree to being over 13 years old to get an account (older for some), what questions does that raise?
Some very difficult ones!
Maple Cross Children: We will be following this up in class. Your teachers will be finishing the quiz we started in assembly with you.
Parents: Social Media is an absolute minefield. We are looking to work much more closely with you on e-safety, More to follow, but in the meantime, please refer to our e-safety page or https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Tonight colleagues from Maple Cross travelled to Amwell View School to join the HertsCam Network event. Ms Heydarzadeh shared a poster about a project she is leading in Reception. Ms Heydarzadeh is using Edward DeBono’s thinking hats to support and develop pupils self-regulation. She spoke with a range of other practitioners from primary, secondary and specialist provisions to gain insight and ideas into her project.
Ms Thanki, Mr Flint and Ms Scourfield led workshops around their project themes including developing reasoning skills, use of technology and the computing curriculum and creating music makers and pupil leadership.
Speak to them to find out more.
This week Year 3 have turned themselves into explorers to put themselves into the shoes of historic Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. They showcased their amazing artistic ability when creating their Antarctic backdrops.
Today Y5 came into Y3 as ICT experts to show us how to use the explain everything app which links to our class project of fire safety. Y5 used everything they know about communicating clearly when explaining, to help the Y3 children use the app.
Year 3, what was your favourite feature you learnt to you on the app?
This morning Nursery were challenged to operate the Bee Bot machines. Through carefully questioning from Year 5 the children experimented with different controls and watched to see what happened!
Nursery explained to how the Bee Bots move;
“press the buttons”
“press GO!”
“make the wheels move”
Many thanks to your 5 for your support. Year 5 what surprised you this morning? What challenged you? Why?
How could we challenge Nursery next?
