This week in English, we explored the features of a biography while studying and learning about the remarkable Mary Seacole. We then collated and grouped information about Floella Benjamin, the author of our class book Coming to England. We learned about her early life and family, distinguished career, impactful charity work, notable awards, and significant contributions. As a final task, we crafted her biography.
In PSHE, the children engaged with an activity sheet titled The People We Share Our World With, which featured diverse children from the same town and street. Working collaboratively in groups, they explored similarities and differences among these children, considering factors such as ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, customs, and festivals. The session concluded with each child creating their own personal fact file, celebrating their unique traits. The lesson highlighted the value of individuality, deepened the children’s understanding of inclusion and respect for diversity, and reminded everyone of the importance of respecting and appreciating the qualities that make each person special and different. As a Rights Respecting School, the lesson connected with the following articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child:
- Article 2: Every child has the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination.
- Article 14: Every child has the right to their own thoughts, beliefs, and religion, and to practice them in ways that respect the rights of others.
- Article 30: Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs, and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of people in the country where they live.
In Design and Technology, we completed our festive products and carried out our evaluations. The children reflected on their successes and considered areas for future improvement. They took pride in accomplishments such as sewing two pieces together ensuring that their stitches are strong and secure, decorating and sewing on buttons, following or adapting their initial designs, meeting the design criteria of visual appeal and functionality. Additionally, they highlighted supporting one another, creating visually appealing products, enjoying the creative process, and improving their sewing speed and proficiency as key achievements.
In Art, the children created beautifully designed Christmas cards for their penpals in Greece. Guided by clear instructions, they produced vibrant and festive drawings, thoughtfully selecting coloUrs and details to reflect the joy of the holiday season. Each card featured a handwritten message filled with warm wishes. To make their creations even more personal, the children included a photograph of the Christmas decorations they carefully crafted during their Design and Technology lessons.
The children also engaged in a captivating online workshop with the National Gallery, where they explored some of Van Gogh’s famous paintings. Using pastels, they experimented with patterns and techniques inspired by the artist’s iconic style. Building on their learning, they created their own interpretations of The Yellow House.
We hope you love your new Christmas decorations – made with love and skill by the Maple class pupils.