We went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park!
What an action-packed day we had on Tuesday!
Y5 and Y6 went on an amazing trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to support our Art learning for this half term.
Before we went, we had a look at the website and previewed the art which made it very exciting when we actually saw them up close!
We took our Arty Ideas books and did a lot of amazing sketches.
It was great to see both abstract and figurative sculptures – just like we’ve been learning about in school.
Spot the difference: Moortown vs Network by Thomas J Price edition.
Zodiac Heads was definitely a fan favourite.
The texture and scale of the sculptures was sometimes mind boggling!
We did a lot of walking – luckily, the scenery was stunning. Can you spot Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure: Arch Leg in the distance?
In the afternoon, we took part in a workshop with a real artist!
We investigated patterns, colours and shape in Three Stones for Three Trees by David Nash.
And did some artwork without looking at the page – it was quite spiritual in a way.
Another great moment was seeing Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man in real life! We had a tour of the sculptures and learnt all about the story of what they represent.
Lastly, inspired by the sculptures we’d seen, we made our own out of clay, just like Henry Moore would have done. He used a maquette made out of plaster.
Help at home by asking your child about their review of the trip which we’re doing in writing!
Living and Learning: anti-bullying day
This week, we had learnt a lot about anti-bullying!
We celebrated Odd Socks Day! We’re all unique but we’re still on the same team.
We defined respectful online behaviour…
… and discussed the dangers of careless posting online.
Help at home by setting boundaries for or just talking about what your child posts online (including messages on apps).
There are consequences to bad online behaviour. Lots of them!
We made a list of things we can do if come across some negative behaviour online, including just stepping away.
We also had loads of fantastic ideas for what makes a healthy friendship…
… and made some really key distinctions between bullying and just falling out. Bullying happens Several Times On Purpose so you should:
- Start
- Telling
- Other
- People
Bullying needs to STOP – we’re a happy, healthy and safe school.
Abstract vs figurative art
We’ve continued our history of art journey by analysing whether art is figurative or abstract.
I’ve been really impressed with Y6’s ability to discuss art this half term. Well done, everyone!
Help at home by asking your child to define these terms!
We showed off our artistic knowledge by explaining how we knew which art belonged where.
Leeds Schools Sports Association Saturday morning cross country race
Key Stage 2 children are invited to compete in an upcoming cross country race as part of the Leeds Schools Athletics Association cross country programme of Saturday morning races. Children will compete against pupils from other Leeds schools.
The race will take place on Saturday 25th November at Wharfe Meadows Park, Farnley Lane, Otley, LS21 2RW from 10am.
Please note, parents/carers are responsible for taking and supervising their child/children at the event. There will be a parent representative at the event.
There are opportunities for Year 3 and 4 girls and boys (under 9) to race 900m and Year 5 and 6 girls and boys (under 11) to race 1500m. Once your child has completed their race, you are free to leave the event.
Please sign up by giving consent online or ask at the office if you would like further information about the race.
Living and Learning: anti-bullying day and odd socks day
On Monday, all children will be learning about bullying and how to STOP bullying as part of the national antibullying week.
Our Junior Leadership Team have recently reviewed our bullying definition. As part of this, we use two STOP acronyms: Several Times On Purpose Start Telling Other People – one’s a definition of bullying and the other’s a solution.
On Monday, we will also be taking part in Odd Socks Day which celebrates that we’re all unique. Children are invited to wear odd socks to school, marking the fact we’re all different in some way.
Odd socks day sends an important message to pupils that they should be allowed to be themselves, free from bullying. It helps us celebrate anti-bullying day in a fun and positive way.
Help at home: Talk about our school definition of bullying and the differences between falling out and bullying, and between a one-off situation and something that’s happened more than once.
We are gymnasts!
This half term, we become gymnasts!
Travelling as been our focus for this week, where we’ve practised moving around the space in different ways: high, low, wide, narrow, with many points of contact and few.
Next week, we will perform sequences of travelling using benches!
Living and learning – Me and My Money
This week, we’ve been learning all about money!
We’ve talked about so many important topics and skills that are vital to our lives and futures.
HSBC talked to us about savvy shopping. We learnt about:
- budgeting
- interest and borrowing
- debit and credit cards
- being critical consumers
We also learnt about jobs in Leeds and what we might want to do when we’re older or where the most demand for employment might be.
Virgin Money taught us about loans, their roles at the bank and bank accounts and then set us an exciting challenge – to make £5 grow!
In the coming weeks, we’ll be putting our entrepreneurial brains to the test to see if we can make profit from a small business idea. Watch this space!
Y6 said:
“I think I’m more aware of money now.”
“You should be cautious about spending money. There are questions you can ask yourself such as, ‘Is this a want or a need? Can it wait?’”
“I’m really excited to start my own business!”
Me and My Money week – school charity donations
Donating money is one choice people might make when using their money.
As part of our Me and My Money themed week, we welcomed visitors from St Gemma’s Hospice, our current school charity, to hear how they have been using our donations over this year.
We have raised a staggering £1500 across the year so thank you for all of these donations. St Gemma’s Hospice are very grateful for this support.
There is one more way we can donate money this week and this is by bringing any spare 1ps or 2ps into class to deposit in each class’ saving jar.
On Friday, we shall be having a money trail with all the coins donated so please bring any spare change before then.
Here are Year 2 counting their coins so far.
We are readers!
This half term, teachers have been keeping an eye out for children impressing them with their reading.
In KS2, teachers were looking out for Reading Records where the weekly activity had been completed with time and care, book reviews had been done or challenges ticked off!
In KS1, teachers were looking for children who were putting the most effort into learning to read fluently.
Well done to our winners for this half term and welcome to the Library Team! They’ll meet with Miss Wilson occasionally to share their ideas and help make decisions about our library.
Take a look at some of their fantastic efforts:
Did you know?
Those who read for pleasure…
- Know more words
- Are better writers
- Have more empathy
- Have better general knowledge
- Have a better understanding of other cultures
- Are better at making decisions
- Do better in school generally!
Keep up the fantastic reading, everyone. There were so many people to choose from and you never know – it could be you next time!
Living and Learning
This week, our Living and Learning statement is: “I use what I’ve learnt in living and learning.”
We’ve covered such a wide range of topics so far and they are all used heavily in our daily lives like respect, understanding differences and equality, or using the eight Rs for learning.
Y6 had a go at showing their learning in the form of a poster. Take a look at their fantastic examples below.
Help at home by discussing what situations in real life require the skills we learn in Living and Learning.
