Learning about brains!
This afternoon we’ve been learning about the brain. Two brain experts from Leeds University have helped us to understand how the brain works. They also showed us some snail and rat brains, tested our reflexes and taught us which parts of our bodies are the best at feeling things.
Learning in literacy
One of our Year 3 pupils uses an iPad to record a sentence. She then listens to the sentence back and rewrites it on her wipe board.
Water Aid Assembly
We’ve a sponsored walk on Friday – Gary from Water Aid tells the school about what happens with our donations.
How do drugs affect the brain?
…This was one of the questions Key Stage 2 children have been looking at today as part of their drug education sessions with d:side.
Each class have been focussing on a different drug and its effects on the body:
- Year 3 – tobacco
- Year 4 – alcohol
- Year 5 – solvents
- Year 6 – cannabis
Both pupils and staff have given great feedback on the informative sessions and d:side also commented on our ‘very friendly and well behaved’ children.
If you have any questions please see a member of staff or contact Dave Hill, d:side Programme Manager, on 2225471.
For a comprehensive guide to this subject visit the Talk to Frank website (www.talktofrank.com).
D:Side
Dave from D:Side visited the class this morning to talk about smoking and the effect that it has on our bodies.
Observational Drawing
We’ve been drawing our shoes today!
Every class in school showed off their observational drawing skills today by drawing their own shoes. It was fun learning but it did get a little smelly!
Our amazing brains – Brain Box week!
This week is dedicated to developing an awareness of learning and how the brain works.
The importance of exercise, healthy food, sleep, hydration and emotional health, for a healthy brain, will be covered throughout the week alongside a main focus for each day:
Monday
Understanding your brain, brain cells and how to help your brain to learn.
Tuesday
How your brain learns best and learning styles.
Key Stage 2 classes will also have a visit from d:Side. As part of our drug education in school, representatives from d:Side, a drug and health programme, will be looking, in particular, at the effects of various drugs on the brain.
Staff from d:Side will be available after school, in the dining room, for parents / carers to ask any questions about these sessions.
Wednesday
Developing the understanding of multiple intelligences and that everyone has gifts and talents.
Dr Dave Lewis, Senior Lecturer of Neuroscience, from the University of Leeds will be visiting Key Stage 2 classes.
Thursday
Thinking about thinking and problem solving.
Friday
A day to remember – exploring a range of memory strategies.
The whole school Water Aid sponsored walk will take place during Friday.
Please check the website for further information and links to websites throughout the week.
Save water and money!
Yorkshire Water are currently running a Save Water, Energy and Money campaign. As part of this campaign, they’re giving away free water and energy saving packs.
To claim a free pack, follow the link at the bottom of the post and enter this reference code: MGMCR8
If enough people order the packs, school could win an iPod Touch!
Thanks to Mr Russell (Finn and Owen’s dad) for letting school know about the competition and for offering to donate the prize to school.
What are you waiting for? Order a pack. Save some water. Save some energy. Save some money!
http://www.yorkshirewater.com/savewater
Soluble or insoluble?
In a recent science lesson, children investigated which materials dissolved in water. We wanted to keep it a fair test so we were very strict about which things we were going to keep the same when we tested each material. We made sure we used the same amount of water each time, used the same amount of each material, stirred the water the same number of times and ensured the temperature of the water was the same for each material.
We used the iPads to take pictures of what happened and to record our predictions and findings.
Literacy
In a recent literacy lesson, the children worked in groups to correct sentences that had no capital letters. They got points for spotting each missing capital letter and the winning team won a Wilksy Wonder prize!