Friday 10 February 2011

Dear Parents and Carers

Mathletics!

It has been an exciting week for Mathletics, with children earning thousands of points and improving their maths skills through active participation. Year 5 have dominated the week so far, with many children in the Hall of Fame and the class currently ranked at number two in the world! A particular well done to Freddie who got us off to great start and who is currently first in the U.K. Hall of Fame. Prizes will be given to winners after the half term, once final results are in on Sunday evening. While we are pleased with how well many children have engaged with Mathletics Week, it is important that children continue to participate enthusiastically to continue to support the development of their mathematical abilities. A huge well done to all of the children who have earned points or certificates this week!

Islington Athletics Tournament

On Wednesday a group of 12 Year 5 and 6 pupils went to the Sobell to take part in the Islington Indoor Athletics Competition. The first sessions were the field events where children took part in: javelin, speed bounce, standing long jump, standing triple jump, vertical jump or soccer throw. All of the competitors tried their best and made a really good effort to improve on their performance. The afternoon sessions involved track races and relays, including an obstacle relay. 11 schools took part and our team came 4th overall, well done to all who took part! Year 5: Archie, Raheem, Tyreece, Eliza and Connie. Year 6: Jamile, Jonathan, Ollie, Stevie, Amy, Shania and Solesq. 

London Schools’ Individual Table Tennis Championships

Also on Wednesday Kai and Kotaro attended the London Schools’ Individual Table Tennis Championships. Kai made it through to the quarter-finals and Kotaro made it through to the semi-finals - congratulations to both boys! Kotaro will now proceed to the Jack Petchey finals where he will be joined by Jay, a former pupil of the Primary Department.

Unit of Inquiry Summary

See below for details of the Primary Units of Inquiry for this term. As well as giving you a summary of your own child’s learning, it will also give you information regarding learning of children in other classes.

After-School Clubs and Year 6 Boosters

After-school clubs and after-school Year 6 boosters will continue in our first week back following the half-term holiday.

Yours faithfully

Joy Parke
Head of Primary

Unit of Inquiry Summary

This half term’s Units of Inquiry have been interesting and informative. The children in Reception Class have been thinking about the different types of journeys we go on and the different types of transportation we use.

Year 1 have been thinking about how people express themselves through creative media which has linked perfectly with their preparations for the dance performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Year 2 have been inquiring into creating peaceful relationships with a particular focus on resolving conflict. They have also looked at influential people who have worked tirelessly to bring peace to others.

Year 3 the children have been learning about the journey that food takes to reach our plate. In particular they have thought about the people involved in the journey of bananas and chocolate and what difference we can make to making it fair for all involved.

Year 4 the children have been thinking about influential scientists and the differences their discoveries and inventions have made to our lives. The children produced very informative fact sheets about a particular discovery or invention, thinking carefully about what our lives would be like without that discovery or invention.

Year 5 have been investigating the economy and the importance of creating the right balance between supply and demand. This Unit was made clearer by a trip to the Bank of England Museum and a visit from a member of the House of Lords who discussed the current UK economic situation with the children.

Year 6 have been inquiring into the five major world religions and their features. This has been a fascinating Unit for the children and has included a visit to Neasden Temple and a visit from a practitioner at the North London Buddhist Centre.

As you can see our varied Units of Inquiry are meaningful, relevant and challenging for the children. A huge thank you to the teaching staff for supporting the children in their inquiries and providing them with these exciting and unique opportunities.