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21 April 2011

The homework this week is Creative and is due in Wednesday 27  April.

I can invent a machine that is battery-powered.

The homework this week follows on from our current topic which is electricity. We have been discussing the way that electricity is stored in items such as batteries.

When inventing your machine, here are a few things to consider:

• The size of your battery.
• Where the battery will go.
• Whether your battery is big enough to power your machine.
• How you can make your machine safe to use.
• How long it can last before it requires new batteries.

21 April 2011

This week’s spellings for Bananas and Oranges are words that have a double letter with an ‘le’ ending.

Apples have words that all end with ‘ow’.

They will be tested on Thursday 28 April.

Calculating area

Measuring skills

21 April 2011

This is Practice Makes Perfect homework: Write a recount about something you did over the holidays.

Perhaps you went to a theme park, a play park or visited family?

Remember to:

• Use time connectives (First, Next, Finally,)
• Write in chronological order
• Write in first person (I)
• Include VCAP: Interesting vocabulary, connectives, add-ins and varied punctuation (? ! , ; – )

Adverbs and Adjectives literacy groups – remember those sophisticated connectives!

It is due in on Wednesday 27 April 2011.

21 April 2011

This week’s spellings are a recap of the rule of doubling consonants for short vowel sounds. They will be tested on Thursday 28 April 2011.

18 April 2011

LO: To spell words which we will use in our science topic.

These will be tested on Thursday 21 April as Friday is a holiday.

SEAL statement 18 April

Relationships is the new SEAL theme for this half term and our statement for this week is ‘I know how I feel and how others make me feel.’

This theme explores feelings within the context of our important relationships including family and friends.  The key areas of learning are self-awareness, managing feelings and empathy.

There is a focus throughout the theme on helping children understand the feelings associated with an experience that we all need to cope with at some time: that of loss – whether of a favourite possession, a friend, a family home, or a loved one.  Although relatively few children are bereaved, most will experience losses of other kinds during their childhood; losing a home, losing friends because of moving house or changing schools, or losing a pet are examples.

We would therefore ask for parents /carers to alert us to any experiences your child has had that might make this area particularly difficult for them – for example, a bereavement.

How are we doing?

The local authority has regularly monitored the performance of schools.  This system of monitoring, challenge and support may change due to local authority and government re-organisation (and cutbacks?), but here are some comments from the most recent report about Moortown Primary:

“Rigorous monitoring of teaching ensures close scrutiny of learning.”

“There is clear evidence that the school is systematically tracking the progress and attainment of a variety of pupil groups.”

“Staff track progress and attainment of specific groups.  The electronic tracking system across school has simplified analysis and collection of data and allows for quick interpretation of data and identification of individuals who may require additional support.  The Headteacher closely monitors and supports less experienced teachers to ensure assessment remains consistent.”

“Three paired lesson observations were carried out during the visit.  The Headteacher and Local Authority representative were in complete agreement regarding overall judgements and the quality of aspects within lessons.  In all lessons behaviour and discipline was excellent.” 

“Relationships between newly qualified teachers and pupils are very good with the right balance of inter-action and respect.  Technology was used well in all lessons and is clearly an intrinsic part of the teachers’ tools for delivery.  It was also clear that in all lessons pupils were enjoying learning.”

“The Headteacher has a clear understanding of the strengths and areas for development for each teacher and has worked extensively with each to ensure consistent practices are used and areas for development are improved – the quality of all the lessons is testament to this approach.”

“The systems in place for supporting and developing newly qualified teachers are excellent.  Teachers are provided with systematic, comprehensive written feedback which is supportive and useful.  The Headteacher regularly checks that expectations are met and that quality of provision is as high as possible.  New staff are clearly responding to this.”

“Newly Qualified Teachers have already met Ofsted standards and in some aspects are exceeding basic expectations.  All three show strong potential.”

It’s more evidence of the excellent provision we have at Moortown Primary, a happy and healthy place to learn.

It’s the Easter holidays…

…so there is no homework, in line with our Homework Policy.

Don’t forget about all the learning your child can do at home:

• Easter-themed Maths with mini-eggs (think about estimating, counting, sorting, adding, subtracting, sharing…)
• nature walks – look out for lambs and other signs of Spring
• swimming practice – the holidays are a perfect time to spend an afternoon at the local swimming baths!
• reading – take your child and a friend to the library or to a charity shop to find a gripping read
• lots of Talk Time discussions – by now, you’ll be familiar with Talk Time homework, so why not make up a few topics of your own?
• don’t forget to practise times tables, number bonds and handwriting

We’ve got information and top tips to help you support your child in our Learn More section.