Animals Adapt
In our Science lesson this week, we investigated how animals with blubber are more adapted to a cold environment than animals without. Challenge your child to fill in the gaps with the words below – the ones from our Science vocabulary list for the half term are in bold.
- inherit
- evolved
- survive
- thin
- adapted
- environment
Computing
Big topic: Computing 
Throughout this topic the children will learn how to create a clear, precise algorithm. Algorithms are described as something very simple but important. They are explained as instructions that are split into little steps so that a computer can solve a problem or get something done. The children will discover how to de-bug a simple algorithm when it goes wrong!
Debugging is when you find an issue in the program that you have written and repair it. When writing a program it is very easy to make mistakes in your code.
We began with a lesson to help us understand that a computer follows precise commands and will respond to those commands consistently. Next, we will plan and predict the behaviour of simple programs and work with a
friend to plan a route for Beebot.
We always begin a new topic by introducing relevant vocabulary that will be referenced throughout our lessons. The intention is for the children to learn the words and feel confident to use them in context.
These are the words/phrases the children will be using;
- algorithm
- debug
- appropriate
- computer
- technology
- password
- personal information
- devices
- trusted adult
During the topic we will also be looking closely at how we stay safe online. Age restrictions, digital content, passwords, privacy, personal information and online vs. offline behaviours are all on our agenda.
Learning at home
It’s great to see the children have started the new year by carrying on their learning at home.
Congratulations to Betsy and Theo for earning the first Lexia certificates of the year.
Each week, on Spelling Shed, a new spelling list will be posted with the weekly spelling words for the children to practise.
The children’s logins are inside their reading record books but if you have any problems with accessing Lexia or Spelling Shed at home please let us know.
Learning about the number 6
This week we have been learning about the number six. The children used Numicon, cubes and 10 frames to investigate.
Living and learning: d:side visits
This half term, our Living and Learning focus includes staying safe. We have arranged for visitors to come into school to help to deliver this key aspect of education.
We have been working with d:side for many years and they will be visiting school to deliver sessions based around drug education and e-safey sessions to coincide with Safer Internet Day (11 February).
d:side is a comprehensive drug & alcohol education programme that encourages children to make positive & healthy life-choices whilst promoting a pro-active attitude to life. They focus on developing the children’s knowledge, skills & attitude, whilst equipping them with the appropriate life skills to successfully manage sensitive situations with peers & encourage a positive approach to life.
As part of these visits, there are two specific parent/carer information sessions.
Tuesday 21 January 3.05-3.30pm d:side drug education informal information session (open to all parents)
A d:side representative will be available to provide information about your child’s drug education learning with d:side and answer any other related enquiries.
Tuesday 04 February 2:50-3.30pm d:side e-safety informal information session (open to all parents)
A d:side representative will be available to provide information about your child’s e-safety learning with d:side and answer any other related enquiries.
Please contact school if you would like to attend.
Tennis
Today, Year 2 enjoyed a tennis taster session. The lesson was delivered by two coaches from a local tennis club.
‘Chapel Allerton Lawn Tennis Club has recently teamed up with Yorkshire Tennis to try and increase the number of juniors playing tennis across North Leeds throughout the first 3 months of 2020.’
Tennis opportunities
Today, Year 2 – Year 6 pupils have taken part in tennis sessions to give children a taster of tennis and to promote sessions starting locally at Chapel Allerton Tennis and Squash Club.
Celebrate Yorkshire themed menu
Catering Agency, our school meal provider, will be running a special themed menu on Thursday 16 January. Please contact the office, in the next few days, if your child would like a school dinner on this day (no action needed if your child normally has a school meal on this day).
PE at Allerton Grange
Today, Year 3 did a PE session at Allerton Grange. They worked in teams of three to collect point across a number of throwing and catching tasks. Have a look at some pictures from our morning, below.
Living and learning this half term
- Drug, alcohol and tobacco education (DATE)
- Keeping safe and managing risk
Here are the weekly Living and Learning statements, for this half term, to support this learning. There will also be some whole school homeworks on these themes.
- I don’t interrupt (with my mouth or my hand).
- I can make things better.
- I know what a drug is.
- I know how to seek help.
- I make safe choices, including online.
- I can assess my own risks.