Apple Class had a visit from SCARF! 3.12.20
Today, in Apple class we had a visitor from Coram Education, the charity responsible for our PSHE resource SCARF. We had an exciting afternoon talking about friendships and our bodies. We even met a new friend – Harold the Giraffe! Harold and his friends were having a party and we helped them solve some problems. We had a wonderful time and are now more aware of other people’s feelings. 
Year 6 Maisie
Maisie has recently increased her reading range and thoroughly enjoys sitting reading a good book. Brilliant Maisie!
Year 5 Alex
Alex is such an avid reader that I had to interrupt him reading a book to award him his Star Reader bookmark. Fantastic Alex!
Year 4 Evie
Evie enjoys a wide variety of genres and loves visiting the library to choose her next book. Keep it up Evie!
Year 3 Harry
Harry enjoys reading and is always happy to tell you about the latest book he has read. Brilliant Harry!
In Holly Class, we have been working really hard on our spellings. At the beginning of the term, we were tested on our year 5/6 spelling words which created our own personalised spelling list. We then used a range of strategies to practise our personal spellings. This week, we have tested on these spellings again. We used metacognition (thinking about thinking) to reflect on and evaluate the strategies that helped us, or didn’t help us, to make progress.
Here are a couple of examples of the progress made:
In Ebony this week, we looked at two interesting websites: https://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus and https://www.dhmo.org/ .
The second website was very interesting – it turns out that Dihydrogen Monoxide has been involved in 100% of deaths!
The task Ebony had to do was check that both websites were factually correct. We did this by taking information from the sites and seeing if any other sources agreed (or disagreed).
It was a very useful lesson in being wary of information from the internet and making sure we check our sources.
(In case you have not realised – both websites were spoofs – Dihydrogen Monoxide is actually water!
We have had so much fun exploring the properties of 3D shapes. We have become much more confident in naming cubes, cuboids, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres and have now started to look at how many faces each shape has and what shape the faces are. We printed the faces by dipping the 3D shapes in paint. There were a few surprises, especially when some of us rolled a cylinder and discovered one of the faces was a rectangle.
We also challenged ourselves to make some 3D shapes using card. We took apart a cube and it revealed a T shape with 6 square faces. Lots of us then cut a T shape and folded it into a cube. It was a fiddly job, but we didn’t give up. We also made cylinders and cones.
Mrs Prentice was so impressed with Monkey Puzzle’s learning today!! Children took turns to put themselves in the hot seat as Verideon, from ‘The Alchemist’s Letter’. It was such an amazing, engaging lesson; just look at the emotional vocabulary we were able to produce…….
Palm Class were very lucky today to have an Orienteering session this afternoon on the field. They have to work as a pair to find animals at the points located on their map. They did really well with this and all the adults were really impressed, even if their feet got a bit soggy!
This week in Ebony, we have been talking about metacognition.
Part of this has been during our spelling sessions. At the start of the term, we were tested on the first half of our Year 6 spelling list. Then, over the course of the term, we used a ranged a strategies to learn those spellings we did not get correct. This week, we were tested on the same words again. We then compared our results to the results from the start of term.
Most of us had improved, but some had not (or only improved a small amount).
This whole process involved metacognition (or thinking about learning).
To start with we identified areas we needed to improve, then we planned our approach by choosing a strategy that we thought would work and finally we evaluated our approach by seeing how much we had improved.
When we work on the second half of the Year 6 spellings, we will need to look back at our approach and consider if we need to change it or keep it the same.
In Foundation, we have been creating circuits. The children have used different components to create circuits. They really enjoyed making the bulb light up and developing their understanding. The children loved answering questions about why things were/weren’t part of a working circuit.
Today Oak Class were set a challenge from a visitor to school.
They had to use their map skills, work as a team and find pictures of animals hidden around the school grounds. The first letter of each animal when rearranged spelt out a word.
How did your team do? Which learning values did you use?
Year 3 have been set the last piece of home learning before Christmas. Pupils can find it on the Google Drive by logging into their accounts. If there are any questions about any of the tasks set, please contact the class teacher.
This week in Apple class, we have been learning about many significant people from the past. We have been learning about Rosa Parks especially and her stand against racism. We were very surprised to learn that in the past, racial inequality existed and stopped certain individuals from living as they do now. We have acted out a scene of Rosa Parks’ protest on a bus and discussed why this was an important part of History! 
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Year 6 Isla
Isla is really enjoying reading at the moment and is getting amazing quiz results. Keep it up Isla!
Year 5 Saffy
Saffy is an avid reader and chooses lots of different genres to read. Fantastic Saffy!
Year 4 Amelia
Amelia is achieving fantastic results on all her book quizzes and enjoys coming to the library to change her books. Amazing Amelia!
Year 3 Josie
Josie is an avid reader and enjoys visiting the library regularly to change her books. Keep reading Josie!
Today in Year 3, we used force metres to measure the magnetic forces of our magnets. We recorded our results into a table to help us remember which magnets were the strongest and which magnets were the weakest. I wonder if you were surprised by how strong magnets can be?
In year 3, we have been exploring magnets through magnetic testing. We used the different types of magnets to investigate lots of different magnetic materials. I wonder if you can find any other magnetic materials at home?
CHRISTMAS LUNCHES 2020
Tuesday 8 December – Foundation, Y1, Y2 & Y3
Wednesday 9 December – Y4, Y5 & Y6
On their Christmas dinner day, children can wear a Christmas jumper/t-shirt and/or a Santa hat, Rudolph antlers, Tinsel or anything to make the experience extra festive for them in return of a £1 donation to raise money for the PTA.
There should be no need to go out and purchase anything especially for the days. The PTA would like to invite parents to visit the Hazeldown PTA page on Facebook and use their uniform swap shop to swap outgrown Christmas jumpers and maybe pick up a new, pre-loved one for this year.
If your child is due to have PE or forest school on that day, then they can wear their festive clothing over the top of the clothes they need for that day.
In Ebony this week, we started looking at algebra. To start with we were looking at simple equations such:
If x=10 what does 2x =?
Later on we looked at more complicated equations such as:
If x=3, b=5, d=10 then what does (x + b) – d =
Someone asked why we learn algebra; the class know I cannot resist a ‘Why?’ question!
In our discussion, we started talking about some of the jobs that use algebra – mainly focusing around advanced jobs in mathematics, science and engineering.
We also spoke about the impact of learning algebra on our brain. It can help with critical thinking skills including pattern recognition, problem solving and reasoning.
We have been working really hard to challenge ourselves in Foundation. We learnt the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and created our own story map. We then decided to uplevel our story map by adding adjectives and adverbs from our vocabulary wall! We thought about all the different adjectives we could use to describe the bears and chose to order them according to how effective they were.
In Foundation, we have been using different resources to make number 5. We created number sentences using cubes, numicon and counting bugs. We represented 5 in lots of different ways!
As part of out PSHE learning Palm class have been thinking about who the special people in their lives are. We have spoken about why they think these people are special to them and how they influence their lives.
They have created posters about their special people, this was an activity that they really enjoyed!
Year 6 have been using two new VR headsets as part of our topic ‘Tomorrow’s World’. Some pupils have been able to have a go over the last few days, with everyone else being able to use it in the next couple of weeks. The experience they are playing is called ‘Turning Forests’.
As part of our learning journey, Paws, Claws and Whiskers, we have been using art pencils to draw animals. We found it quite hard to copy a picture of our favourite animal last week and all felt we needed some extra support so today we watched a Shoo Rayner (an artist who specialises in teaching children how to draw) online tutorial. We all followed Shoo’s instructions on how to draw a fierce lion. We could pause the video to give us time to draw each part.
We all found it so helpful. Look at the artwork we have produced.
We were so proud of our drawings. We are continuing to explore texture and pattern in our artwork so we can produce even more detailed animal artwork in the future.
Palm class have been looking at how to write Biographies. Yesterday they looked at the Biography of the famous author Roald Dahl and today they had a go at writing their own biographies on Walt Disney. Over the next few weeks we will be working hard on learning about all the features found in biographies and about Rosa Parks, the significant person that we will be studying in order to write a biography about her in a few weeks.
This week, the children in Foundation have been learning all about Diwali – the festival of light in the Hindu faith. The children enjoyed dancing to celebration music, making diva lamps and experimenting with rangoli patterns.
We had lots of discussions about Diwali and why it is important to Hindus.
This week in Foundation, we have been reflecting on our progress so far this school year. The children have loved looking at their special books. The children have looked back at their learning and decided how they could improve. We are encouraging the children to think about their targets.
Over the past 3 weeks, the children have been learning about Roman Myths. The children have immersed themselves in the story of Romulus and Remus.
Today the children put all their learning into their final Big Write.
Year 6 Mia
Mia has discovered she loves reading. Brilliant Mia, keep it up!
Year 5 Kitty
Kitty is achieving fantastic results in her reading quizzes. Amazing work Kitty!
Year 4 Lacey
Lacey is really enjoying her reading and loves visiting the library to change her books. Well done Lacey!
Year 3 Gracie-Mae
Gracie-Mae is a really enthusiastic reader. Keep it up Gracie-Mae!
Today, during PE, the children in Year 4 became Romans.
The children were split in half with one side becoming the Celts and the other half becoming Romans. The children participated in a game of ‘Capture the Flag’, where they had to think about the ways to attack the opposition. The children really enjoyed the games and came up with some great tactics to lure the opposition away from their flags they were protecting.
This week, we started our new topic- Mighty Metals! To introduce our topic, we investigated what forces were needed to make different apparatus on the fit trail move. We discussed that our legs were doing most of the hard work pushing and pulling to make the fit trail move. We even found a piece of equipment that required us to twist! What objects around your house need a force to move? Can you identify which force it is?
We are part way through our writing unit – which is based on writing a biography about a famous internet personality.
One of our sessions focused on using ISPACE openers. ISPACE openers are a way to start a sentence to make it more interesting.
If you would like to learn more about ISPACE openers – follow this link:
https://slideplayer.com/slide/14628222/
We started with a simple sentence, then added an ISPACE opener, then added some higher level punctuation and finally improved by adding some more complex vocabulary.
James Charles Dickinson has 14.2 million subscribers.
Currently, James Charles Dickinson has 14.2 million subscribers.
Currently, James Charles Dickinson has 14.2 million subscribers: his makeup is so popular.
Currently, James Charles Dickinson has approximately 14.2 million subscribers: his makeup is so popular.
Why do we use ISPACE and improve our sentences?
We do this to engage the reader to make them interested in what we are writing. This makes them want to continue reading.
In Maths this week, we have been working out strategies for finding the difference between two numbers. We have used a number of resources. One method is to use a 20 frame and counters. We took the first number and lined up that number of counters on the top row, then we took the second number and lined up that number of counters on the bottom row. This helped us to clearly see how many more there were and find the difference between the two numbers. Have a look at some of the children using this method.
We then looked at how we could use a number line as an alternative strategy. We circled both numbers and then drew in the jumps it takes to move from one number to the other.
The children in Maple class are getting much more confident now at choosing which resources support them best. Keep up the good work, Maple!
As a part of our topic ‘Tomorrow’s World’ we experimented with circuits today.
We reminded ourselves what a simple circuit was (including series and parallel circuits) and then had a go at building our own.
The challenge was, to create a circuit where we could alter the output. Someone suggested that if we added in a second bulb, this would make the light given off dimmer – altering the output. Someone else suggested adding a second battery to make a motor go faster – altering the output.
This week, in Apple class, we have had great fun acting out scenarios where positive choices can make a difference. It is all part of our focus at the moment of anti-bullying week.
Yesterday in Oak class, we explored the Fit Trail as part of our Mighty Metals science topic. When we were exploring the trail, we were thinking about metals, forces and magnets. The children were discussing how they think the playground equipment moves.
Have you ever thought about how playground equipment moves whilst you were at a play-park?
On Saturday 5th December your children can have a 5-minute personal call with Santa and his Elf.
Please see the attached flyer.
Hazeldown Extended Schools PTA are excited to announce that although we cannot run our fabulous Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Fayre this year we will instead be running a Virtual Santa’s Grotto on Zoom.
How it works
Visit this link https://www.tickettailor.com/…/hazeldownschoolpta/436441 to select and pay securely by credit/debit card for either an AM or PM virtual call with Santa. Please provide your email address and the names and ages of the children participating.
Tickets cost £3 but we invite you to make a voluntary additional donation to support the PTA’s efforts in supporting pupils learning.
You will receive an email confirming your allocated time and the Zoom call details. Please note that this confirmation is not instant but the PTA will be in contact within 24 hours.
On 5th December, use the Zoom details to join the call just before your allocated time, you will begin in the grotto (Zoom) waiting room but will be let into Santa’s Grotto once the previous family have left.
Safeguarding
A member of the school’s safeguarding team will have an off-camera presence during the event and we are adhering to school policies. Please ensure that your family follows the schools Zoom policy which is available on request.
Gifts
Due to Coronavirus and the need to minimise personal contact, the PTA have decided not to provide gifts this year. Families are, of course, at liberty to provide their own gift if they wish to.
What to do if you can’t attend
We will not be issuing refunds for this event, all ticket funds will go directly to supporting the school. If you are able to give 48 hours notice or more please email the PTA at pta.hazeldown@gmail.com ASAP to allow us to reallocate the session to those on the waiting list.
Thank you for supporting the event!
Monkey Puzzle began to create their 3D contour maps of Alchemy Island today.
They began exploring contour lines by understanding that they are a map’s way of showing you how high the land is. The children also learnt that contour lines join together places of the same height and form patterns that help us to imagine what them and actually looks like.
We looked at Naismith’s rule to remind us that the closer together the contour lines are, the steeper the land.
Year 6 started off their new topic, Tomorrow’s World, today by being welcomed into the future. Once they entered the classroom, they had a ‘top secret’ mission ready on their table. They needed to read the mission statement and then crack the code to find out what the secret mission involves.
Today the children of Fir class had a go at weaving using a cardboard loom. The children worked really hard and were able to use different coloured wool to create different patterns.
If you want to have a go yourself, use this video to help you:
Today, in our literacy lesson, we did an activity called ‘mapping the text’.
‘Mapping the text’ involves replacing individual words with symbols or small drawings that represent the word. For example we might replace the word ‘she’ with a drawing of a stick person with long hair.
Here are some examples:
In class, we discussed why we do this activity. This activity helps us to embed high quality writing in our head – but in a different way! When we read high quality texts, we make new connections in our brain to help us remember. When we map high quality texts, we make different connections that also help us remember.
When it is time to write our own texts, we are able to draw on all of the high quality texts to help us create our own high quality writing.
Year 6 Amelia
Amelia has become an avid reader and is making fantastic progress with her reading target. Amazing Amelia!
Year 5 Oliver
Oliver has become an enthusiastic reader. Keep reading Oliver!
Year 4 Ethan
Ethan is a regular visitor to the library to change his book after completing a book quiz. Brilliant Ethan!
Year 3 Patrick
Patrick loves reading and reads whenever he can. Fantastic Patrick!
Over the last term, Holly Class have demonstrated excellent learning attitudes, especially in maths. They have been reflective by thinking about what they noticed and learning from their mistakes by using them to make progress. They have also been collaborative, with lots of great examples of maths discussions and helping each other. Additionally, the pupils in Holly Class have shown excellent resilience. I am very proud of them!
Today Palm class had a lovely afternoon painting woodland animals in SOLE for their Enchanted Woodland Learning Journey.
They had to use primary colours, plus black and white, and mix them to create all the colours they needed for their pictures.
We most definitely have some future artists among us!
We had a very exciting visitor to Foundation Stage this week… a fairy! Two fairy doors arrived in our classrooms and we even watched a video of the fairies flying around!
We decided to write some letters to the fairies and left them outside the door.
As part of our revist to Land Ahoy, we have been designing pirate flags. We learnt about what different symbols represent on flags before having a go ourselves. We first drew a draft of our flags on plain paper before block printing them! We had a lot of fun, perhaps you can have a go at home. If you would like to try block printing at home, there is a video on the school blog.
Today we paid our respects to fallen heroes from world wars and other conflicts. Mrs Prentice was incredibly proud of the compassion and empathy displayed by Monkey Puzzle class during their class discussion and the 2 minutes silence.
Today, Year 5 began their new learning journey – Alchemy Island! We had to find a treasure chest and key to unlock the riddle and map to begin our quest. Once we solved the mystery, we set off on our quest to look for hidden portals around the school!!
We can’t wait to enter the world of Alchemy Island!!
This week (and last), in Ebony class we are covering learning that was missed as a result of lockdown.
One of the things we have been looking at is algorithms. These are basically sets of instructions that can be given to a computer or robot. We used the beebot app, giving the beebot sets of instructions to move about an increasingly complex map without making any errors. Sometimes we made errors and had to re-write our algorithms.
We have also been studying Galileo Galilei and the impact he had on the whole world. We learnt about the discoveries he made, as well as how this information was received by the wider world.
Lastly we looked at some apsects of our solar system including: why we have day and night, how the earth rotates, how the earth orbits the sun and how we are moving through space.
Here are some examples of our work:
We have had a very creative afternoon this afternoon in Maple Class. As part of our mini topic, Are Eggs Alive, we watched footage of baby chicks hatching. The children were squealing with delight as they watched the egg slowly crack and a tiny chick finally emerge. We then looked at other animals that hatch from eggs and made our own hatching animals.
We also added more leaves to our giant tree and some of us made our own number lines which will be laminated so we can use them as a resource. We had so much fun.
This week in Year 3 we will be learning how to block print. Please watch this video that Mrs Bryant has made. You could have a go at home too.