SATURN CLASS 2020.2021

We are all looking forward to all children returning to school for the Autumn Term.  We will be starting the term with a whole school project, all children will complete work based on 'Here We Are' by Oliver Jeffers.

In Saturn class Mr Nelson will remain as the class teacher with Ms Smith as our HLTA.

For this term, Saturn and Pluto have been set up differently (following government guidelines).  Expectations and procedures will be shared with the children on the first day of school. 

We understand that some learners have not been in school for quite some time, so we are approaching the first few weeks slightly differently to a 'normal' return to school.

We hope that you have all had a restful break over the summer and are looking forward to returning to learning within your classrooms.

Week Ending 11th September

Welcome back everyone!! It's absolutely brilliant to be able to allow all children back into school.  This week we started with focusing on the impact on COVID-19 and home learning.  We discussed the importance of making sure that we keep ourselves as safe as possible and how this helps our whole school community.

This week our learning has been focused mainly on our whole school project (Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers).  This book shares life on Earth and how we all contribute to our amazing planet.  We have thought about what relationships we have we people and why they are important to us.  We have also thought about the positive impact lock down has had on our environment (e.g. less pollution) and how as life returns slowly back to normal we can continue protecting and looking after our environment.

We enjoyed being outside this week completing some forest school activities as well as spending Thursday afternoon on the main field for our PE lesson with Mrs Griffiths.

We concluded the week with a few assessments, so we can check the children's current understanding with arithmetic and spelling.

All previous academic years can be found in the archive folders below.

SATURN CLASS 2019.2020

Mr Nelson is the lead teacher in Saturn with some lessons being taught in Pluto.  Ms Smith will support and lead lessons in Saturn and Mrs Tickle will work with us on a Wednesday afternoon completing forest school activities.

Week Commencing 23rd March

All activities and tasks can be found in the home learning section of this class page.  Follow year group folders to locate tasks set for each year group.

Week Ending 20th March

This week in English we started to look at a book called Just A Dream (by Chris Van Allsburg).  We initially started our work by thinking about how the future could be different from the past.  We then investigated the illustrations in the book - the dreams of the main character.  This book is the introduction to a mini topic of climate change and how our actions can damage the planet.  In maths all year groups have been consolidating work covered in the previous week - focusing on problem solving tasks wherever relevant.  In science we concluded some investigations that were started during science week.

It was very sad to be concluding our week in the way that we did.  It was the start of changes being made due to COVID-19.  In class we discussed the effect of this virus and how we would need to adapt our daily lives for the foreseeable future.  Unfortunately, Friday was our last day as a class.  We hope to return as Saturn class 2019.2020 as soon as possible.  For now, everyone please take care and follow guidance that is provided for us all.

Week Ending 13th March

This week was our science week based on 'Our diverse planet'.  Most of our learning has centred on this theme.  We have completed many different science investigations - ranging from rocket bottles to taste buds.  Lots of work has been completed with a science skills focus with relating facts from investigation to investigation.

Also this week we went on a class trip to the Polar Institute in Cambridge.  Children had the opportunity to find information in the museum that either consolidated our learning in class or set up a new line of enquiry based on prepared questions.

12 children in Saturn spend two days on a peer mediation course with KPA children - providing them life skills that can be used in school free time scenarios.

We concluded the week with a SAW day (science, art and writing).  Work was based from 'The Lost Words' and was on display for all at the end of the day.

Week Ending 6th March

This week has been our assessment week for Y4 and Y5 children.  They have completed papers to show their current knowledge of SPAG, reading comprehension and maths (both arithmetic and reasoning).  Y6 children have been working on activities in preparation for their SATs assessments.

During the afternoons, children have worked on their DT project based on buggies.  Thank you for the information gathered from the flipped learning activity.  Children are working in small groups to create a buggy design that would be suitable for Antarctica.  This week we also we able to attend a talk from a visitor from KPA about his experiences of working in Antarctica - children were able to gather first hand information as well as ask any questions of his personal experiences.

This week was also World Book Day.  Well done to everyone for the great costumes.

Week Ending 28th February

This week was our last week at looking at Shackleton's Journey during our English lessons.  We have considered difficult decisions that needed to be made as well as writing a newspaper report on the events from the book.  In maths, Y4 have focused their learning on money, Y5 decimals and Y6 algebra.  Y4 children have used coins to consolidate their learning of addition and subtraction, progressing to column written methods.  Y5 children have worked on place value of numbers (smaller than one) and linked some of their learning to pound sterling.  Y6 have worked on 'missing number' calculations as well as work using shape with unknown quantities.  During the afternoon sessions we have continued our work on Antarctica as well as working outside for forest schools.

Next week is assessment week for Y4 and Y5.  Children in Y6 will be working on activities based on their upcoming SATs.

Week Ending 14th February

This week Y6 children have completed some old SATs papers, so we can celebrate successes as well as identify areas of learning leading into the new half term.  Y4.5 children have complete morning lessons as normal.  In English children have planned and written a story using the Young Writers' theme of 'Connections'.  In maths children have continued their work on geometry - including problem solving questions.  This week we have also spent time looking at internet safety - as the official day was Tuesday 11th February.  This year's theme was 'Together for a better internet'.

Children have also worked hard during our outdoor learning activity learning time - where we have made flower beds, general maintenance and moving resources.

Enjoy the half term and stay safe during the holidays.

Week Ending 7th February

This week in English we have concentrated on writing motivational speeches.  Children were presented with inspirational speeches and had to write their own being Shackleton.  In maths all years have completed work on geometry - based on area and perimeter as well as drawing and measuring angles within shapes.  Y5.6 children also have drawn line graphs linked to our science learning.  The main event for our class this week was Y6 going to London for Young Voices.  Everyone had an amazing time singing and performing at the O2 arena.  Saturn class have also spent time in our outdoor learning area - linking many curriculum subjects together to help revamp our outside provisions and prepare areas for the spring.

Week Ending 31st January

This week we have written letters home to our loved ones using ideas and events from Shackleton's Journey.  We have also worked hard on improving our editing skills - beyond changing spellings.  In maths all year groups have worked on 2D shapes.  Y4 have identified and sorted shapes using a variety of methods.  Y5 have worked on properties of shape - using protractors.  Y6 have worked on identifying missing information within 2D shapes - mainly focused on triangles and quadrilaterals.  In science Y4 have continued their work on animals and food chains, in Y5.6 we have started our revision sessions on "changes of state" - linking our work to Antarctica.  Within our topic sessions we have continued our work on the South Pole and geographical and science findings.  Y6 had a very musical on Wednesday; they went to KPA to practise for our Young Voices concert which is on Thursday 6th February.  Y6 make sure you have plenty of rest on Wednesday - as our trip to London is quite a long day!!

Week Ending 24th January

This week in English we have been researching different responsibilities of crew members aboard the Endurance.  We have used this information to inform us of skills and responsibilities needed to be able to write a CV.  Presenting our information in this way has helped us form questions that could be asked within an interview - forming part of our learning next week.  In maths Y4 and Y5 children have continued their work on time and time intervals.  This has included problem solving as well as work based on timetables.  In Y6 we refreshed our understanding of ratio and continued our learning with proportion.  Y6 children have also spent time with Y6 from KPA continuing their understanding of multiplication and division of larger numbers as well as working on their exciting writing task based on fictional creatures.  In science Y4 have started work on food chains (looking at constructing and interpreting food chains).  Y5 and Y6 have finished their work on light with looking at the colour spectrum and how we see colours.  Topic this week as been strongly linked to our English work - finding out facts about Antarctica and Shackleton.

Week Ending 17th January

This week started with a very successful joint English session for Y6 children with KPA.  This will run every Monday morning, providing children the opportunity to work with other peers and allow adults to support specific groups to develop their writing.  In English (as Saturn Class), we have started our work on Shackleton's Journey - this is heavily linked to our topic work on Antarctica.  In maths, Y4 and Y5 children are concentrating on time and reading information from analogue clocks as well as identifying different units of measure for time and time intervals.  In Y6 we are focusing on ratio and this will be linked to fractions and proportions in future lessons.  In science Y4 are continuing their learning on the human body and Y5 and Y6 have worked on investigations based on light; looking at refraction as well as the colour spectrum.  In topic children have identified the location of Antarctica and worked on map skills.  Thank you for the flip learning task on shelters being completed, this helped work on Wednesday that was based on our mini DT project that was lead by the children working on the Lego League.  Don't forget spellings are quizzed on a Monday and new spellings are also set on a Monday.  In Saturn we are trialling a different approach to home learning tasks and these will not always be issued on a Thursday.  Children will always have adequate time to complete tasks.  Just a reminder that Maths Whizz is still ongoing and 60 minutes per week is still required.  I will be monitoring Maths Whizz on an average usage, dated from 6th January to the present date.

Week Ending 10th January

Welcome back!!  It's the Spring Term!

This week started with a two day residential at Grafham Water.  Children had a carousal of six different activities.  Photographs from this trip have been uploaded onto our closed Facebook page and will also be uploaded onto the gallery page of this website in due course.

Back at school, we have spent some time generating leaflets based on our experience of Grafham Water and promoting the options available at Grafham.  Children have had the opportunity to spend some time completing Maths Whizz activities as well as completing this terms assessment on Star Reader.

On Friday we had a very inspiring assembly based on music instruments and promoting the love of music.  We also spent some time continuing work in science (that was started before the holidays). 

Week Ending 13th December

In English children completed some poetry work.  We also learnt songs for our Christingle service.  In maths, children worked on fractions alongside completing some online activities as well as having some focused tasks on Maths Whizz.  Y4 children in science continued to work on the human body - looking at internal organs.  In Y5.6 children investigated light and how we can see things.  Y6 children also went to Hinchingbrooke School to enjoy a live orchestral band performing The Snowman.  To conclude our week we continued our DT projects as well as going to the church for a festive celebration.

Week Ending 6th December

This week children have looked at their assessment papers  - celebrating successes and working on trickier questions as a cohort.  In English, we heard the end of Rain Player and wrote a newspaper article based on the book.  We decided features of articles by looking at copies of First News (a children's newspaper) and then attempted to include these in our article.  In maths, all years have continued to look at fractions and how these can be used for calculations of amounts.  Our PSHE unit of work was concluded this week with looking at substances that can be ingested by the body - looking at the harmful/damaging effects of these substances.  Thank you for the completion of the flip learning homework - this provided a good starting point for our DT project, which continues next week.

Week Ending 29th November

This week has been assessment week in Saturn class.  Children completed test papers for reading, SPAG and maths.  Results will be shared next week with the children, celebrating areas of strength as well as identifying areas for development (as a cohort).  Additional to sitting assessment papers, we have completed some DT work - mainly Christmas related.  Children have planned and made a snowflake for our Christmas tree and designed a front cover for our nativity play programme.  Homework this week has been some preparation (flip learning) for a mini DT project that we aim to complete in the next few weeks.  On Friday, children completed more of our PSHE unit of work based on Healthy Living.  With Christmas fast approaching and only two and a half weeks of school remaining, we will be very busy before the festive holidays!!

Week Ending 22nd November

This week we have found out a little more information from our English text 'Rain Player'.  We have thought about predictions based on the game of Pok-a-Tok and whether Pik will win the game!  Children have started to write a commentary for the game (similar to sport games heard on the radio).  Every year have also completed a reading assessment - starting our assessment period (next week is the main assessment week for the Autumn Term).  In maths all years are working on fractions but different aspects on this block of work. Comparing, finding equivalence and simplifying have been considered in Y4.5.  In Y6, children have looked at division of fractions as well as linking fraction knowledge to percentages.  In science Y4 have looked at teeth and hygiene.  In Y5.6 children have continued with their PowerPoint presentations on man's journey into space - this work will be presented next week to their peers.

This week we had a focus on Anti-Bullying with the theme for 2019 being 'change starts with me'.  We thought out the impact of constant unkind behaviour within a school setting as well as in everyday life.

Week Ending 15th November

This week we have continued reading Rain Player in English.  We have thought about characterisation and use of narrative and direct speech.  In maths Y6 have continued their understanding of fractions and Y4.5 have looked at multiplication and division.  In science Y5.6 have shared their views on spending money on space travel as well as starting a PowerPoint presentation on man's journey into space.  Y4 have started their new block of work on the human body.

Some time was spent summarising our learning from careers, aspirations and ambition week.  Friday was dedicated to Children In Need.  We hope to share our fundraising total early next week!

Week Ending 8th November

What an amazing week in Saturn Class!!

This week was dedicated to 'Careers, Ambitions and Aspirations'.  We have been lucky enough to have at least one visit per day and a trip to London!

The week started with a visit from the local fire brigade, talking about fires and other rescues that the fire service provide.  We had a visit from Adam Gould, a local personal trainer, he definitely made the children work hard!  On Tuesday we had a visit from Wood Green Animal shelter, sharing experiences with animals and what skills are needed to care for other living things.  We also had a light sound engineer talk, where our children were amazed with the opportunities that certain skills can provide (e.g. travelling the world!).  Wednesday, The Royal Shakespeare Company led an assembly - this was brilliant as the discussion was showing real life experiences of what skills practised in class.  We had our London visit to Kidzania on Thursday.  This is always a popular visit, as children take on the role of adult jobs - also have the opportunity to understand salaries as well as outgoings.  Finally, on Friday we had a visit from a local plumber, a talk about resilience referring to swimming and a visit from a prison governor.

I am so thankful for all of the support that our visitors provided this week, it should definitely be a week to remember for the children!

Week Ending 1st November

Welcome back after the half term for the second part of the Autumn Term.  We definitely hit the ground running with slightly adapting the timetable, as we listened to our pupil voice from the previous weeks and have changed our running of Saturn and Pluto.

This week in English we have been introduced to our new Mayan book called Rain Player.  This book will cover many concepts throughout the next few weeks.  In maths, Y4 and Y5 are focusing on multiplication and factors.  In Y6 we have started work on fractions.  Our science topics are concluding and all year groups will change their focus after our Careers and Aspirations week next week.

Week Ending 18th October

This week in English we have concluded our work on Mayan creation myths.  Children planned and wrote their own creation myth, using features and elements of grammar over the last few weeks.  This work as peer assessed and children had the opportunity to make any changes needed after initial feedback.  In maths, Y4 and Y5 worked on addition and subtraction problem solving puzzles - including arithmagons and magic squares.  This work pushed reasoning skills as well as fluency.  In science, Y4 continued their work on states of matter while Y5 and Y6 focused on the different phases of the moon during our orbit of the Sun.  This week Y6 and Y4 represented Great Staughton in our Autumn Term DLPT indoor sports event - activities included, dodge ball, bench ball and stacking cups.

Week Ending 11th October

This week in English we focused our work on World Space Week - taking a brief break from the Ancient Mayans.  In maths we have looked at problem solving activities based on addition and subtraction - looking at missing information problems as well as looking at deliberate mistakes in calculations and using our reasoning skills to explain the problem.  In science Y5.6 looked at the orbit of the Earth and how we see the sunrise and sunset.  In Y4 children continued to develop their understanding of the water cycle in relation to states of matter.  This week for art we looked at work using pastels and how we can mix and blend colours.  We have started our carousal of activities based on Solar System theme work.

Week Ending 4th October

This week in English we have been introduced to another Mayan creation myth, To The Stars By Canoe.  We have discussed and reflected on this text, thinking about the differences seen as well as general features to creation myth stories.  In English we have looked at different methods of calculation for addition and subtraction - for some children this has been consolidation.  We have focused on reasoning skills, identifying common misconceptions as well as linking our previous work on place value.  Y6 children have completed their base line assessment to start our preparation for SATs.  Throughout the year they will complete past SATs papers (please do not use past papers at home - as these will be our official progress check system within school).  In science Y4 children completed a water cycle experiment which is linked to changing states of matter.  In Y5.6 we looked at the impact of day and night as well as focusing on some inquisitor based questions related to seasonal change.

Week Ending 27th September

This week in English we have looked at the book The Corn People, another version of the Mayan creation story.  We compared texts and thought about how creation stories might vary.  In maths we have continued our work on place value; including rounding, adding and subtracting of powers or ten as well as reasoning and problem solving activities.  This week in Saturn, we had Wednesday and Thursday with a RE focus, covering the Christian creation - which was also compared to topic work.  In science, Y4 children completed a practical activity with Mrs Whiting and Y5.6 were fact finding about properties of different planets in our solar system.

Week Ending 20th September

This week in English we have been studying an ancient Mayan myth where Earth and life on Earth was created.  Children have been able to retell the story and complete some inference skills to explain possible reasons for character behaviour and feelings.  This work was also linked to our guided reading this week which was based on the creation of the sun and moon.  In maths we have looked at number and place value, which included simple addition and subtractions of multiples of 10, rounding to powers of 10 and developing our reasoning understanding of number.  In science Y4 children continued their work on states of matter with Mrs Whiting and Y5.6 children continued working on Earth and space with Mr Nelson.  For topic this week we finished drawing and painting our large Mayan men and started to think about Gods and religion - which goes hand in hand with our flipped learning homework task.

Week Ending 13th September

The first full week back after the summer holidays!

This week in English we have concentrated on recounts texts and writing letters.  For both tasks children worked on identifying features before writing.  In maths we have looked at number and place value activities using NRich.  We have also completed our initial assessment on Maths Whizz ready for the coming year.  Year 4 had their first science lesson with Mrs Whiting and Ms Smith - looking at States of Matter.  Year 5 and 6 worked with Mr Nelson advancing their knowledge of Earth and Space.

In topic all children started brief resource on the Ancient Mayans, locating where they settled, looking at life in the past and working on labelling world maps.  Our large Mayan men are still under construction; hopefully these will be completed soon to be added to our display.

On Friday we celebrated Roald Dahl day, photographs for this can be seen on our closed Facebook page.

Week Ending 6th September

Welcome back to a new academic year!  Staff in Saturn class hope everyone has recharged their batteries over the holidays and are looking forward to this Autumn Term.

This term has started with some creative week activities based on our topic of The Ancient Mayans.  Children have worked in groups to create life-size Mayans on card, to be painted and displayed in the classroom.  We also have thought about class rules and expectations and discussed scenarios within a PSHE style setting.  Mrs Griffiths also taught her first PE lesson of the year focusing on key skills which hopefully will be progressed throughout the term.

It is very exciting to have Pluto classroom joining our Saturn classroom.  Starting next week some lessons will be taught in Pluto by Mr Nelson while other children will remain in Saturn being taught by Ms Smith.  Core lessons will mainly be lead by Mr Nelson and foundation subjects will mainly be lead by Ms Smith.  This year, we are focusing on children's independence and ensuring that every opportunity counts towards achieving successful and challenging goals.

SATURN CLASS 2018.2019

Mr Nelson is the lead teacher of Saturn class this year. Mrs Bullimore works Monday - Thursday and Mrs Tickle works with us for three mornings and Wednesday afternoon (outdoor learning).

Week Ending 12th July

This week was SHOW WEEK!! What an amazing set of performances from our children.  I've only heard positive praise and comments about Hoodwinked and everyone should be really proud of themselves!

Additional to the show, we completed some topic work - looking at Ancient Greek Olympics and we have completed some fun learning games for maths.  On Friday the whole class looked at the first lesson of The Rainbow Flag block of work and Y6 children will continue with this into next week.  A follow up lesson will include Y4.5 looking at some child friendly books on different family set ups and how we might be perceived by others.

Next week is very busy for Y6 children as they have a trip on Monday, join KPA children on Tuesday afternoon for forest school work and finally complete Y6 PSHE work based on SRE.

Week Ending 5th July

This week Y6 going to Longsands next year had their transition days.  They were all very positive about the experience of secondary school!!  Within school we have been focusing on our KS2 performance (next week).  Children have done incredibly well learning their lines as well as following staging directions.  Early next week we have our dress rehearsal.

In class, Y4 children have started their tooth decay experiment - taking readings over several days.  Y5 children have planned their science experiment, which will be completed in the coming week.  The new Saturn class children completed a pre-task based on a week that is planned early November.

With only a few weeks to go, we have plenty of topic, science and other foundation subject activities to keep us busy leading up to the summer holidays.  Let's keep going!!

Week Ending 28th June

This week Y4 and Y5 children have had the opportunity to reflect on their papers completed during assessment week.  Successes and areas for development have been identified.  We have continued our rehearsals for Hoodwinked, with some children already some of their lines!  Y4 competed in their DLPT sports event on Wednesday - they worked well as a team.  Y6 have completed more transition sessions, ready for secondary school, at KPA.  This week we also had sports day.  Children worked in their houses to complete a pre-task ready for the day and we all had a great time on Friday (also with beautiful weather).

Just a reminder, costumes deadline for Hoodwinked is Thursday 4th July and children will need to have their lines learnt this week as scripts go down!!

Week Ending 21st June

This week has been an assessment week for both Y4 and Y5.  Children have been assessed on their current knowledge of SPAG, their reading comprehension and arithmetic & reasoning in maths.  During the afternoons we have looked at science and topic.  In topic this week, we have focused our learning on democracy - both in Ancient Greek times and the present.  We have also continued making our war helmets.  Children have been given roles for our performance of Hoodwinked and they should have received a CD with the songs and a costume letter.  We also completed our first read through of the script!!  In the coming weeks, we will be very busy rehearsing for the show, completing our work in science and Ancient Greece.  The next few weeks will be very busy, so I hope we all work together to have an enjoyable last section of the school year!! 

Week Ending 14th June

This week we have read the ending of Kensuke's Kingdom.  We now know what happens to Michael and Kensuke on the island.  We have looked at characterisation of the main characters as well as thinking of an alternative ending to the novel.  In maths Y4 and Y5 have looked at some calculations using all four number operations as well as trialing new maths games that promote multiplication.  In science Y4 children have started to complete work on the human body and digestion, while Y5 children have started work on materials and their properties.  Y6 children have completed more work on their writing portfolio as well as leading the way with inquistor with our Ancient Greek topic.  We held auditions for Hoodwinked and children will find out their roles early next week.

Week Ending 7th June

This week we have heard more of Kensuke's Kingdom and we have looked at events from two different viewpoints.  In maths Y4 have finished their work on statistics and Y5 have spent more time flip learning ratio and proportion (ready for next year).  Y6 children have started their English and maths transition work for secondary school.  In science we have looked at Eva Crane and her work with bees.  This half term we in topic we are researching Ancient Greece.  In working groups we completed KWHL grids - focusing on lines of enquiry and questions that we can answer during the next few weeks.

Our KS2 show this term will be Hoodwinked (a swashbuckling Robin Hood musical!).  All children have a copy of the script and our songs are starting to be learnt.  Auditions will be next week.  Good luck everyone!!

Week Ending 24th May

This week has been incredibly busy with trips and events for children in Saturn class.  On Monday Y6 children competed in a DLPT summer sports tournament.  On Tuesday Y5 children competed in their year groups tournament.  On Thursday some children attended a football event at Peterborough Football ground and the remaining children attended a RE day at Elstow.  All children who attended these events were proud of their achievements and all feedback has been positive.

In English this week we have written a balanced argument on whether the behaviour seen on the island between Kensuke and Michael is appropriate.  In maths Y4 have continued their work on statistics while Y5 children have looked at ratio and proportion.  Y6 children have spent sessions this week with Mrs Whiting gathering writing evidence (to go alongside their SATs papers).

Next half term our topic is Ancient Greece and children have been asked to provide a single white bed sheet for our DT session.  The bedding will be transformed into Ancient Greek clothing.

Enjoy the May half term and come back refreshed for the last half term of the school year!!

Week Ending 17th May

This week children in Y6 have sat their SATs papers for English reading, SPAG and maths.  Mrs Whiting and I are very proud of how all four children and they should be confident that they all performed their best.  We now need to move our concentration onto ensuring our writing is of high quality to show off our English writing skills.

Y4.5 children have continued with Kensuke's Kingdom work in English.  This week the children have focused on non-fiction writing based on animals that were seen on the island Michael was shipwrecked on.  In maths Y4 children have worked on statistics and data handling, while Y5 children have concentrated on prime and composite numbers.  In science we completed our CSI based lesson and children had to put science to the test to solve a crime!!

All children have had an opportunity to complete our topic work on local history of Kimbolton and Great Staughton.  We also have had the final session on skills based perspective drawing. 

Week Ending 10th May

This week Y6 children have been busy working on SATs preparation with myself and Mrs Whiting.  They have worked really hard to revise areas of learning for English and maths.

Y4.5 children have continued to work on Kensuke's Kingdom in English - looking at a ship's log and deciding what information is relevant/needed to be documented.  They are also at the point in the story where Michael has found himself stranded in the ocean with no way of getting back onto the sail boat! They have made predictions for the next part of the story.  In maths Y4.5 have continued working on geometry skills, looking at co-ordinates and translations.  Science this week focused on moon landings and how many people are responsible for a successful mission.  The homework this week (on CSI) is to prep the children with some information for our next lesson on Scientists and Inventors.

Congratulations to the children who have recently represented our school in tournaments and competitions, all staff are very proud of you and your achievements.

Week Ending 3rd May

This week in English we have been finding out more information from Kensuke's Kingdom.  Children have written ship's logs sharing what activities and events our characters have been up to.  In maths we have continued with our understanding of angles and properties of 2D shapes.  Y6 children have spent some time prepping for their SATs.  Thank you for the information gathered from last week’s homework on David Attenborough, this was very helpful and time saving during our science lesson.  Children completed two different tasks, one sharing information in the style of David Attenborough and the other was a fact finding challenge.  This week we children from Saturn class competed in two sporting events - netball and cross country.  Mrs Bullimore was very proud of all children that took part in these events.  Also, 4 Y5 children took part in a DT challenge day at Kimbolton Secondary School - Mrs Whiting chaperoned the children for this event.

Week Ending 26th April

Welcome back after the Easter holidays.  This week we started with our half termly Growth Mindset lesson, where children reflect on a broader approach to learning and difficulties that we might face.  As Easter Monday was only this week, we spent some time sharing with Easter means to us and reflecting on the importance of this time of year.  In English we have started to look at Kensuke's Kingdom (by Michael Morpurgo).  From the front cover we have predicted the content of the book, heard the first chapter and have written a balanced argument as to whether a family should sail around the world.  In maths, all year groups have looked at 2D shapes and their properties - mainly focusing on angles.  Science this week is a home learning task (based on David Attenborough) which will be used next week.  Y6 children have spent some time preparing for their SATs and this will continue for the next couple of weeks.  Y6 parents, please note that children will be attending some lessons at KPA for the next two Tuesdays (30th April and 7th May).

Week Ending 5th April

This week we have concluded our work on Floodland in English.  In maths we have completed problems based on area and perimeter.  Y4 have worked with Mrs Bullimore to complete a unit of Science work based on sound and Y5.6 have completed an extension unit based on human life cycles.  This week we prepared and celebrated Easter.  Saturn class covered celebrations, meaning of Easter and what Easter means to us.  The service was lovely and each child represented the school with pride.  This week was also the last swimming session for this year, some children covered life saving skills in this session - using buoyancy aids.  Friday was the children's Reward Day.  They celebrated with an Easter egg hunt as well as making chocolate Easter nests.  Enjoy the two week break and we look forward to seeing you all for the Summer Term.

Week Ending 22nd March

This week in English we have worked on figurative language within poetry and our work has been based on pollution.  This theme has also been the inspiration for our homework this week.  In maths all year groups have been looking at shapes focusing on area and perimeter.  This has included fluency as well as problem solving (having missing information that needs to be worked out before calculations can be processed accurately).  In science we have spent the week summarising our knowledge of life cycles and children have presented life cycle facts to one another.  In topic we have started to think about possible areas for research based on Great Staughton and Kimbolton.  This week in swimming, many children were challenged with swimming several lengths of the pool, showing determination and stamina.

Week Ending 15th March

This week has been science week! We have completed many different experiments involving balloons.  We have decided on what was being investigated and have completed many practical activities.  Y5.6 children also investigated the DNA of strawberries with Mrs Duncan on Tuesday afternoon.  Some of our Y4 children took part in a local gymnastics competition at Huntingdon Olympic Gymnastics Centre this week and they represented our school with pride.  Additional to science and competitions, we have started to look at poetry in English.  In maths Y4.5 children have continued their work on time and units of measure, where our Y6 children have continued with algebra and sequences.  To round off the week, we raised money for Comic Relief and had a family lead science fair after school.  All photographs taken this week have been published on our school FB site.

Week Ending 8th March

To start the week Y4 children went to Grafham Water for their 3-day residential (lots of photo's have been posted on Facebook).  We challenged ourselves with many activities including: stacking crates, mountain biking, archery, sailing and canoeing.  Even though we didn't have the sunniest of days we all remained remarkably dry!

Y5.6 children were in school working on Inquisitor style questions on rivers as well as undergoing a short unit of work in maths based on time (Y4) and algebra & sequences (Y6).

On Thursday it was World Book Day.  All the children looked very impressive in their costumes based on one of their favourite books.  On Friday we started the day being transported 'out of this world' with our Wonderdome experiences - this was a fantastic way to launch some of our activities for Science Week.

Week Ending 1st March

It's the start of the second half of the Spring Term.  This week as been assessment week for Saturn class, being tested on English and maths skills.  During the afternoons we have completed work on science and topic based activities.  This week in science we have looked at the work of Jane Goodall with chimpanzees, this has also been the inspiration for our 2 week homework task.  In topic we have generated challenge questions based on rivers that we could deepen our learning with or cover areas not lead by teachers.  This work will continue on into next week - based as Inquisitor Tasks.

Week Ending 15th February

This week we have completed detailed character descriptions of William and Dooby from Floodland in English.  Y6 children have completed the book and written a summary alongside KPA children with Mrs Duncan.  In maths we have consolidated our previous weeks work completing reasoning and problem solving questions.  In science we have looked at the life cycles of different mammals.  In topic we have completed our salt dough models of a river system alongside finding out how we use rivers.  Unfortunately swimming was cancelled this week, so we took the opportunity to explore Espresso to confirm previous learning and ignite more questions that can be looked into after the half term break.  Holiday homework has four tasks, at least two need to be completed.  Plus children are expected to complete 60 minutes of Maths Whizz during the break.

Week Ending 8th February

This week in English we have looked into the dilemma's that Zoe faces in Floodland.  We have shared our opinions with possible solutions and written a persuasive letter to convince her of what to do.  We have also use the skill of persuasion to write letters to Mrs Whiting regarding new roles within the school.  In maths Y4 have concentrated on addition, subtraction and multiplication of decimal numbers.  Y5 have looked at decimals and percentages.  Y6 have consolidated learning on decimals and percentages with a SATs booster morning focusing on celebrating skills and identifying areas that could be targeted. In topic this week we have found out about erosion and deposition along a river - causing meanders and oxbow lakes.  We have all now had the opportunity to make a salt dough river system, we need to allow them to dry fully before adding paint and glaze.  French this week has focused on food and drink.  We have continued with our perspective drawing in art and children have independently undertaken more lessons based on Espresso Coding.  This week we also spent time looking at internet safety - with the underlying theme of consent for all.

Week Ending 1st February

This week Y6 children went to the O2 in London to perform alongside thousands of children at their Young Voices concert.  It was a fantastic day and one that they'll remember for quite some time.  In school this week we have continued our work on Floodland - planning and writing playscripts.  In maths Y6 have continued working on fraction and decimals and have refreshed their knowledge on percentages.  Y5 and Y4 have worked on decimal numbers - identifying value as well as solving some calculations.  In topic we have looked at the features of a river and Y4 have led making models of river features from salt dough.  In science we have investigated the different ways plants reproduce and looked at the advantages and disadvantages of sexual and asexual reproduction.  In PE we have continued working on our gymnastic skills as well as water skills in swimming.

Week Ending 25th January

This week we have continued working on Floodland in English.  Children have produced writing in the role of characters as well as developing their grammar and spelling skills.  In maths Y4 and Y5 have worked in fractions and progressing their understanding of part of numbers and Y6 have completed work on decimals.  Our topic this week has broadened our knowledge of rivers in the UK.  We enjoyed a drumming workshop on Wednesday and Y5.6 spent Thursday afternoon working with Mrs Whiting on an Energy Challenge.

Week Ending 18th January

This week we have been introduced to our English book Floodland (by Marcus Sedgwick), this incorporates our topic theme of water.  Children have made predictions based on the front cover and the opening paragraph.  They have also written questions for our main character.  Our grammar focus this week has been subordinating clauses and conjunction, plus expanded noun sentences.  In maths Y4 and Y5 have focused on fractions - looking at properties of fractions, visualising amount stated as well as problems based on value of quantities.  Y6 children have looked at decimals - properties, multiplying and dividing by powers of 10 as well as converting fractions to decimals.  In topic we have familiarised ourselves with vocabulary based on rivers and used atlases to identify the location of some main world rivers and main rivers in the UK.  Children have completed an introductory tasks for science - looking at life cycles of plants (Y6 also thinking about evolution and inheritance).  This week in PE we used our brand new crash mats and slopes in gymnastics and children had their first swimming session of the term.

Week Ending 11th January

Welcome back to the Spring Term!!  This week started with a two-day residential at Grafham Water.  Children worked on team building as well as refining certain skills.  Everyone who went had a great time, even though it was a little chilly at times!!

Returning to school, we have focused on the New Year representing a new start and thinking about successes as well as how we can improve our mindset, progress and determination for 2019.

See link below for an overview for the Spring Term in Saturn Class.

End of Autumn Term

This week we have concluded our work on WWII. Children have worked on videos summarising our learning. Scenes from our WWII day have been included as well as short drama clips recorded today. Tuesday was our reward day which was enjoyed by all. Saturn staff wish all children a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Don't forget that the first two days back in the spring term are based at Grafham Water.

World War II Day

Children spent the morning in class working on their topic work.  We also started watching Dunkirk to see what life was life from different perspectives.  In the afternoon we had a battle on the school field with mini breaks around the fire eating our rations.  Children had a great time and fought well!!

Week Ending 30th November

This week has been assessment week.  Children have completed tests on reading, spelling, grammar and maths.  All tests have been marked and analysed and results will be shared in children next week.  Some of our lessons next week will be based on lesser known skills.  Although we spent a lot of our mornings completing tests, we still managed to completed science experiments, complete our half termly Growth Mindset lesson and prepare for our Christingle service.  Additional to this we completed a topic session on rationing (which has also been the focus for our flip learning homework task) as well as become a festive production line making snowflakes - incorporating some of our DT skills.

Week Ending 23rd November

Most of our work this week has been based on WWII.  In English we have delved further into Goodnight Mr Tom and completed activities focusing on evacuation.  We have thought about how difficult times leading up to the war can affect people in different ways.  In maths Y6 have continued their work on fractions and Y4 and Y5 have continued work on multiplication division.  In science we have prepped for investigations based on forces.  In topic sessions we have looked at Anne Frank and her diary.  We are learning some war time songs and we have been introduced to some of the Y6 Young Voices songs.

Next week is assessment week.  We have already completed an arithmetic paper and a spelling paper.

Week Ending 16th November

This week we have mentioned Goodnight Mr Tom in our English lessons.  We have introduced the book with role play and photo stimulus to try to understand being an evacuee during the war.  Next week (Monday 19th November) children have been invited to bring in 3 small items from home - that will fit in a shoe box - that can be used within a drama based lesson, e.g. small toy, book, photograph.

In maths Y6 have worked with fractions - concentrating on comparing and ordering fractions focusing on both the numerator and the denominator.  Y4 and Y5 have looked at multiplication and division - we have looked at multiples and factors as well as working on our times tables.

In topic we have finished work based on Remembrance Day.

Today, we celebrated Children In Need.  Thank you for all the donations throughout the day - we all had a very active morning!

Week Ending 9th November

This week we celebrated Diwali, retelling the story of Rama and Sita using puppets and iMovie.  We also marked Remembrance Day with an art inspired day.  As well as dedicating time to these days we have looked at war poetry in English - looking at vocabulary that can be used in our poetry writing.  In maths Y6 has worked on fractions and Y4.5 have looked at multiples and multiplication facts.  Other work has been based on WWI. 

Week Ending 2nd November

Welcome back after the half term holiday.  We have only had four days this week with the children and in that four days we competed in two different sports events!  Y4 children took part in the DLPT Sports Event and brought back a trophy!!!!!!  Some Y5 and Y6 children competed in a Tag Rugby tournament and played many games.

In English this week we have looked at performance poetry.  We have worked in groups to perform a war time poem and thought about the effectiveness of tone, actions and instruments to make our performance 'come alive'.  In maths Y4 and Y5 have completed their work on addition and subtraction using problem solving.  Y6 children have worked on different methods for division.  In science we have reviewed our work on electricity and thought ahead to our new topic of forces (this will be a revision topic as this was looked at in depth last academic year).  In topic we have continued with our WWI internet research timeline and continued with our propaganda posters.

Week Ending 19th October

This week Y5 and Y6 have both competed in our Autumn DLPT Sports Event.  Both years were paired with children from KPA and we all showed really good sportsmanship.

In English we have looked at editing skills and improving our writing.  In maths Y6 have looked at multiplication and Y4 and Y5 have focused on column subtraction.  In science we have continued working with circuits and completed some investigations based on series and parallel circuits.

Y6 children spent the morning on Thursday at KPA where we worked on skills specifically for Y6 children.

This week we also had our Harvest Festival - thank you for all the donations that were brought to the church.

Our half term reports have been issued, with a covering letter to share some information based on the content of the envelope.  Please ensure that reading and Maths Whizz is completed over the half term, as well as the instructions based written homework.

Let's hope everyone is rested when we return for the second half term - leading up to incredibly busy weeks near the end of term (Christmas!!!!)

Week Ending 12th October

This week in English we read the last part of FArTHER.  We all predicted how the book would end and one prediction actually matched the published ending!! With our writing we have continued to look at speech as well as narrative writing with subtle description and inferential content.  In maths Y6 have continued with work on all four operations - having a taught focus on multiplication and Y4.5 have continued with column addition as well as column subtraction.  The whole school participated in a money morning - Saturn had a focus on problem solving.  In science we have continued our work with circuits - looking at conductors and insulators as well as investigating the impact of changing the voltage within a series circuit.  In topic we have completed a second lesson on propaganda and started to make a poster that would have been displayed during WWI.  Some children on Thursday afternoon went to KPA to work on the Big Build - this was very successful.  Y6 children also had the opportunity to participate in the Y6 English Challenge at Round House - it was a very successful evening with our team coming in third place.

Week Ending 5th October

In English this week we have looked at diary writing, based on FArTHER.  We identified features of this type of text and inferred information about the characters based on our previous work.  Children also looked at difference between direct and indirect speech and completed a grammar lesson based on the correct structure for these types of reporting the spoken word.  On Friday we had a whole school Poetry Morning, to celebrate World Poetry Day, where we worked within house groups looking at different types of poetry based on the theme 'change'.  In maths we have moved onto addition and subtraction for Y4 and Y5, Y6 children are looking at all four number operations.  The focus this week has been different methods for calculating our answers with an element of reasoning - so we can explain and prove why certain numbers behave in certain ways.  In science we completed a practical session making circuits - putting into practice information learnt and shared from previous sessions.  In topic we have started to look at propaganda within WWI and how this influenced people's decisions during the war.

Week Ending 28th September

In English this week we have used inference skills with our FArTHER book.  We have looked at the characterisation of the father and boy and read into pictures as well as the text.  Children also completed a hot seating lesson where they had to device questions to draw out emotions and motives.  In maths we continued with work on place value and number - looking at rounding, estimating as well as Roman numerals.  Science this week was researching the history of electricity and safety within the home.  Our topic has linked English skills (inference) with primary and secondary sources of information.  We have looked at photographs from WWI and written short extracts about what we can see.

Week Ending 21st September

This week in English we have looked at the book FArTHER, where we have analysed illustrations that go along side the text.  We have focused on the man and the boy in the book and considered continual themes as well as characterisation.  In maths we have continued with place value, looking at reasoning and problem solving as well as consolidating our fluency skills.  Children have been introduced to our re-vamped multiplication grids, where they will be working through stages as well as advanced stages.  On Monday we had a session reminding us of the importance of Maths Whizz and children have been reassessed so the work they are completing in class and at home matches their current ability.  We started our electricity topic in science - identifying where electricity comes from and how we use it.  Our topic of WWI has continued, which is also linked to our English work.  On Friday we had our first House Assembly where the whole school are split into their house groups to complete a carousal of discussion questions with each of the teachers.

Week Ending 14th September

In English this week we have been mainly focusing on key grammatical skills - identifying word types and using these in sentences.  In maths we have looked at a variety of problem solving tasks based on number and place value.  Year 6 children have also completed their first set of Y6 papers - starting our preparation for SATs later this academic year.  In our topic sessions we have participated in role play by transforming the classroom into an air raid shelter, discussed what it would have been like during war times and started to make our memory boxes (using the shoe boxes requested previously).  In our outdoor learning session, children were required to use natural resources to make games, shelter and items used for daily life - as outside of the air raid shelter would be total destruction.  To conclude our weekly topic sessions we watched short videos showing conditions during WWI and we completed a time line of events showing key parts during the war.  We also had a visit from the Life Education Bus where we learnt about keeping our body healthy and how to cope with elements of peer pressure.

Week Ending 7th September

Welcome back Saturn Class!! We have complete many different tasks in these three days and the children have settled back to routines very quickly.  Everyone was very excited to see the new playground markings on the first day!  In class we have reminded ourselves of the importance of rules and why we set targets and expectations for ourselves.  All year groups have completed their first Growth Mindset lesson of the year, this provided children the opportunity to discuss how they perceive things and thinking positively often produced better results.  We have presented facts about ourselves on personal shields and these have been displayed at the entrance to our classroom.  We have also started our photograph weaving, which will hopefully be displayed for all to see.

3rd September 2018

I hope everyone is enjoying their last few days of the summer holiday. Remember children start school on Wednesday 5th September. The first three days will include creative week activities (where we have a slightly more relaxed timetable and activities for the children to complete). From Monday 10th September we will start our regular timetable of daily English and Maths lessons alongside topic based activities. For our first topic lesson children will be required to bring into school an empty shoe box which will stay in class for the whole term.  If anyone has more than one, please bring in a spare - just in case some children are unable to provide their own.  Many thanks.

SATURN CLASS 2017.2018

Mr Nelson is the lead teacher of Saturn class this year.  Mrs Bullimore works Monday - Thursday and Mrs Tickle works three mornings and an afternoon in class.

Week Ending 13th July

This week we have focused our writing on follow up activities to Aladdin Trouble.  We have also completed shared writing based on a Pobble task (end of technology).  In maths we have designed a mathematical play ground game and tested our game with children from both Jupiter and Mars class.  This was a mini project that was reviewed and evaluated on several occasions.  In topic we continued to make our awards (based on our Hollywood section), these will all hopefully be finished early next week.

Remember it is our reward day on Monday; children that have not completed enough Maths Whizz work over this term will have to complete more in class next week.  We have had a running record on our board during the week (updated daily) so children are aware with their term weekly average (children should have completed 60+ minutes average per week).

Week Ending 6th July

This week we have predominately focused on our end of year performance of Aladdin Trouble.  We had three absolutely fantastic performances and there was lots of positive feedback received from every audience.  In class we have started a mini project in maths about playground games.  In English/topic we have written acceptance speeches for winning an award - this work has been based on our Hollywood based section of Lights, Camera, Action.

Y6 children who will be going to Longsands next academic year also had two transition days to experience what education will be like in Y7!

Two weeks to go before the summer holidays.  Let's make sure that the last 10 school days are as productive as possible - even if it seems too hot for some of us!!

Week Ending 29th June

This week we have concentrated on our production of Aladdin Trouble.  Children have worked hard to learn their lines as well as join in with all of the songs.  In class we have continued with our Lights, Camera, Action topic based work.  Children have looked at the artwork of Andy Warhol and we have used his style of art for colour contrasting and block printing.  We have also looked at the intense process celebrities go through when being interviewed.  On Thursday we had a brilliant time at the Space Centre and on Friday we had a very successful Sports Day morning.

Remember costumes for the show need to be in school Monday 2nd July and I hope you've all booked your tickets to see the KS2 end of year production. 

Week Ending 15th June

This week we have had quite a few additional activities to our normal time table. Y4 children competed in a DLPT Sports Event - playing dodgeball, rounders and multi-skill based tasks. Y5.6 children competed in a Quad Kids tournament in St Ives - completing four different activities. Y5.6 children also had their Bikeability Training for two whole school days.

In class we have spent time looking at our end of year production of 'Aladdin Trouble'. Casting has been completed and many children have more than one role in the production (a letter about costumes will be sent out shortly). We are also busy learning the songs for the show. In maths Y5 have looked at calculations based on metric measurement and Y4 children have completed written calculations for money. All children worked on their light mazes in science and they have found it more challenging than they first thought.

Over the next few weeks we will have many different activities (additional to the standard time table), so please check newsletters, Facebook and website updates.

Week Ending 8th June

Our end of year show has been announced to Saturn class. KS2 will be performing Aladdin Trouble (A panto-style musical by Mark & Helen Johnson). Children have listened to a selection of songs and seen the script for the first time! More work will continue next week - hopefully with auditions and possible casting of main parts.

Our topic this half term is 'Lights Camera Action'. We will completed work this is science based as well as Hollywood based. So far children have looked at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and designed a light maze. In maths Y6 children are working on investigation problems, Y5 are looking at different units of measure and Y4 children are calculating different amounts of money.

See below for alterations to our normal timetable:

Tuesday 12th June - Y4 Sports Event @ Winhills and Y5.6 Quad Kids @ St Ives

Wednesday 13th June and Thursday 14th June - Y5.6 Bikeability training

Week Ending 25th May

This week has been assessment week for Y4 and Y5.  Y6 children have worked on their writing evidence that will be teacher assessed.  During the afternoons we have completed independent learning.  Y4 children have worked on 'The Bill of Rights' and decided on rules that should be followed for the present day.  For some of our afternoons Y6 children have started our work to gain an award for The Rainbow Flag Kite Award (LGBT+).

Next week is half term - I wish everyone a rested week and look forward to seeing you all for the final half term of the school year!

Week Ending 18th May

This week Y6 children sat their SATs papers for grammar, spelling, reading and maths.  We supported one another really well and performed at our best.  We had four early starts with SATs breakfasts to get the children focused and in the right mind set for sitting our papers.  Next week we need to start to focus on writing, as we need evidence for different genres and text types for each child.

Mrs Bullimore and Mrs Tickle took the lead in teaching Y4 and Y5 children this week.  Children worked on editing their sci-fi stories at the start of the week in English, then completed work based on planets using poetry.  In maths Y4 children concentrated on addition and subtraction calculations while Y5 children concentrated on multiplication and division calculations.  In topic Y5 continued with their inquisitor project and Y4 researched and found out facts about the Restoration (during the change in power from Oliver Cromwell and Charles II).

On Friday we spent some time looking at the Royal Wedding.  We discussed the impact this has on the UK and what people might do before, during and after the ceremony.  We also worked through a fictional scenario of 'who stole the rings' based on mathematical skills.

Week Ending 11th May

Y4 and Y5 children have focused on subordinate clauses, relative clauses, synonyms and antonyms in grammar lesson.  In our main English lessons we have planned a sci-fi text and written a beginning and ending to our stories.  Children had the opportunity to up-level their work with their peers during the writing process and complete ongoing editing.  In maths Y4 children have looked at statistics in the form of different graphs and tables of information.  Y5 children have focused on frequency charts, data collecting and concluding the week with prime numbers, prime factors and composite numbers.

Y6 children have spent most of their mornings prepping for their SATs (next week) and have worked with Mrs Whiting for their final booster sessions.

During the afternoons we have completed topic based work and independent learning.  This week Y4 children focused on the execution of Charles I.  

Week Ending 4th May

This week in English we have looked at writing skills as well as using images of space, aliens and space crafts to write short descriptive paragraphs to engage an audience.  We used peers to upgrade our work by adding some grammatical content that has been looked at during SPAG lessons.  In maths all years have completed work based on geometry.  Y6 and Y5 have worked on co-ordinates with translations and Y4 have continued their understanding of shapes by focusing on angles.  Science this week consisted of an investigation looking at the impact of air resistance and gravity.  On Friday we celebrated Star Wars day through English and Art, working with inspirational music from the films playing in the background.

Hope everyone enjoys the Bank Holiday weekend.

Week Ending 27th April

This week our Y4 children spend the second half of the week at Grafham Water for their residential trip.  Lots of fun was had and we got very wet (both weather and being on the water).  Photos were taken throughout the trip and these have been uploaded onto our closed Facebook page (they will also be uploaded onto our gallery page on the website next week).  When in school we took a break from Sci-Fi texts and concentrated on activities based on World Earth Day 2018.  Y6 children spent more time preparing for their SATs.

Week Ending 20th April

First week of the summer term has included an introduction to sci-fi texts in English, shapes and their properties in maths and SATs boosters for Y6.  To start this term in English we are looking at science fiction, reading, identifying features and writing in this genre.  So far we have identified what makes a text sci-fi and finding evidence of this in chapters/ extracts of text.  In maths Y4 have looked at properties of shape (focusing on triangles and quadrilaterals) and Y5.6 have looked at angles (both estimating, naming and measuring).  Y4.5 completed a lesson in science based on gravity, where they had to write a rhyming couplet poem based on known facts.  Y6 have spent time with Mrs Whiting and Mr Nelson working on skills specifically for their SATs.  This half term we have PE on a Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon.  Please ensure that children have suitable clothing for both indoor and outdoor sessions.  As (hopefully) the weather improves, please make sure that all children have a sun hat in school, so they have full access to outdoor areas for some subjects and free time periods.

Week Ending 23rd March

This week in English we have continued with our work on explanation texts.  We have linked our topic into this theme and have designed a time travelling machine that needs an explanation!  We have worked at sentence construction for explanation texts - looking and time and cause & effect conjunctions.  In maths all years have looked at area and perimeter.  Y5 children have also revised units of measure, as well as imperial measurements.  Y6 children have progressed onto working out the volume of 3D cubes and cuboids.  We have continued with our Inquisitor Project of the English Civil War and have completed more research.  During independent learning time, children are continuing with their coding skills.  This week was the last week of swimming, some of the children experienced swimming in extra clothing and many children had an attempt at some life saving skills.  On Friday we enjoyed spending time celebrating Sports Relief and we completed a circuit of activities focusing on key sporting skills.

Week Ending 16th March

It has been Science Week in school and we have focused most of our learning on this subject.  We have had two sets of visitors (scientists) come to school to share practical science and deepen children's thinking.  In class we have focused on forces and how this affects our daily lives.  Additional to science we have reflected on assessment week and have also spent time continuing with our topic of The English Civil War.

Week Ending 9th March

This week was our Spring Term Assessment Week.  Children completed tests on SPAG, reading and maths.  Children will look at their papers again next week, identify successes and see areas for development.

In science we continued our work on understanding planets and our solar system.  We focused on the Earth, Sun and Moon.  Mrs Bullimore continued working with the class on healthy living (PSHE) and all children spend some time (in topic / inquisitor project) looking at the English Civil War.  We returned to pool on Friday and at the end of the session attempted some synchronised swimming (as rehearsed last week in the school hall).

Week Ending 2nd March

In English this week we have continued to look at explanation texts and have used features of this type of text to write sentences explaining how something works.  We have looked at the grammar side of learning as well, thinking about use of different conjunctions alongside sentence structure.  In maths Y6 have continued with algebra problems and Y4 and Y5 have continued with time related activities.  In science we completed our flip learning on mouldy bread and children wrote up their findings.  Unfortunately due to the weather we had to cancel our swimming session, however we did our very best to make up for it in the hall - participating in some synchronised swimming based routines (see FB update on Friday 2nd March).

This week we also celebrated World Book Day and children dressed up (as always) in some fantastic outfits. We had an author visit our school to promote writing and the process of being published (Karen Bolam).  We completed some storyboarding and drama based activities on children's characters.

Week Ending 23rd February

In English we have started work on explanation texts.  We are using the book 'Until I Met Dudley' to start to understand features of this type of text.  We have been examining the text and completing group activities.  In maths Y6 children have looked at algebra and Y4 and Y5 have focused on time.  Our science for this week has been based on space and our solar system.  We concluded our science this week with looking at different theories from the past about how our Earth and solar system are explained.  We continue with PE taught by Mr Hayward this half term as well as swimming on a Friday afternoon.  This week we had our Valentine's PTA disco with many children from Saturn class attending.

Please remember to bring in the 'flip learning' science homework - based on growing mould on slices of bread - this work will be used in our science lesson on Tuesday (27th February).

Week Ending 9th February

This week in English we dedicated most of the week to rewriting our class book for The Great Fire of London.  We had to include key events (in chronological order) and include many writing skills for our specific year group.  In maths we continued working on decimal numbers and some children worked on percentages and their link to fractions and decimals.  In science we looked at microorganisms and completed a sorting task based on helpful and harmful microbes.  Every child received two slices of bread to carry out an investigation at home where they need to complete a flip learning task.  This will be reviewed again in class during one of our science lessons.  We have now finished our gymnastics sessions, children performed different conditioning balances both individually and with a partner.

Enjoy the spring half term.

Week Ending 2nd February

In English this week we have spent time looking at historical texts, identifying language and events that prove that a text is based in the past.  We have also looked into the philosophy of how people were treated during the plague of 1665.  In maths we have continued our work on decimal numbers, this week focusing on calculations as well as place value.  On Thursday most of the Y6 children went to London for the Young Voices 2018 concert.  Everyone enjoyed this experience of performing with a live band and celebrities at the O2 arena. 

YOUNG VOICES 2018

Y6 children will be having the opportunity of performing songs at the O2 Arena in London early next year.

We will be learning the songs in class over the next few months.  All children in Saturn will learn the songs and we will aim to perform these to the school and parents closer to the date of the O2 concert.

Lyrics and tracks will be posted on our class page when they have been introduced in class.

Week Ending 26th January

In English we have taken the theme of The Great Fire of London and jumped into the future.  Our work has been based on The Great Flood of London 2066.  We have considered the advances in technology, how daily life could be in 48 years time, what impact a 'great flood' would have on our capital city.  Many of the children have looked at the features of two different text types (diary and newspaper) and we have completed written work using features of these text types.  In maths we have concentrated on decimal numbers - looking at place value, multiplying numbers and comparing & ordering.  Our topic work continued with building Tudor houses for a display of the Great Fire of London and some for an outdoor learning task.  Year 6 children attending the Young Voices 2018 O2 concert spent a day at KPA prepping for the concert.  Children continued developing their skills in gymnastics, netball and swimming this week.  Please ensure all children are completing the required amount of reading and Maths Whizz tasks throughout the week - this has been a focus in school for the last few weeks and we would like this mirrored at home too.

Week Ending 19th January

This week we have continued our understanding of the Great Fire of London by looking deeper into the events and character behaviours from our class book.  We thought about whether fire of water would be more destructive and wrote a persuasive text stating our views.  This will continue into next week where we will travel to the future and focus on another potential disaster that could occur for London.  In maths we have looked at decimals, fractions and (for Y6) elements of percentages.  Children have been reminded of the important of place value and properties of number.  We have started a mini DT project where we will be each making models of Tudor houses that will show a representation of the Great Fire of London.  When models are complete we will link our work to science and think about how the fire spread so quickly and why it wasn't able to be extinguished without a lot of destruction. 

WE 12th January

This week in English we started to read The Great Fire of London (historical fiction book).  We discussed, although the characters were fictitious the events and setting were historically accurate.  We completed role play - to develop our understanding of characterisation and we have drawn story maps to help with understanding the content of the story.  On Friday we also completed grammar based work, focusing on active and passive voice.  In maths we have looked at statistics (across all three year groups) that have included: bar graphs, line graphs and pie charts.  At the end of the week we combined our science and maths learning to carry out tests which focused on our circulatory system.  Children have undertaken independent science learning to increase awareness of our circulatory and digestive system.  This week we also started gymnastics, netball skills and swimming.  Please ensure that children have the appropriate kit for each PE session (Tuesday- gymnastics, Thursday- netball, Friday- swimming).

WE 24th November

In English this week we looked at a couple of film shorts that had an anti-bullying theme.  We performed some drama showing unpleasant behaviour and we finished the week with writing a biography for some of the characters who did not conform to society.  In maths Y4 children continued their work on multiplication and looked at multiplying ThHTU by U numbers.  Y5.6 looked at ratio and proportion - we completed some practical activities to consolidate our understanding.  All year groups completed some topic work based on China.  Y5.6 children have up-levelled their initial inquisitor questions to have a focus for the remainder of the school term.  In PE children have spent more time developing their badminton skills as well as quick-sticks.

Week Ending 17th November

Throughout the week we have completed short sessions based on 'Anti-Bullying' - promoting expected practice within school.  In English we focused on 'The Magic Box' text (poetry).  Children read, analysed and wrote their own version of a poem.  In maths Y6 continued work on fractions and Y4.5 continued work on multiplication (including square and cube numbers).  This week in science we split the class - Y5.6 looked at dissolving and Y4 looked at electrical conductors.  Y4 children also attended a DLPT Sports Event - competing against other schools in the Trust.  Our week concluded with Children In Need.  Thank you to all who donated money to such a great cause.

Week Ending 10th November

This week in English we completed our play scripts based on our own myths that were written before the half term.  Children had to transfer their ideas from narrative form to a play script - taking into account stage directions as well as scene changes.  In maths Y6 children continued working on fractions, while Y4.5 children looked at multiples of numbers.  In science we focused our learning on thermal insulators and thermal conductors.  Children were introduced to some of the Young Voice songs that the Y6 children will perform at the O2 Arena in the New Year.  Next week is Anti-Bullying week, this year the theme is 'All Different, All Equal'.

All the children were very excited for our new additions to the school, Shelley and Toothless - our school tortoises.  They will spend time in each class (on a rotation based), where our children will need to look after them and monitor their growth.

WE 3rd November

In English this week we are focusing on play scripts.  We have looked at the features of this type of text, we have performed well-known stories and we have started to write scene settings and practised how to add speech.  In maths Year 6 children have started work on fractions and Year 4 and 5 are looking at multiplication.  This half term our science starts with 'properties and changes in materials'.  We have some exciting experiments planned which will be child led.  Mr Hayward and Mrs Bullimore are working on badminton and quick sticks this half term for PE.

Thank you to all the children that attended our Halloween PTA disco, this helped to raise money for school.

WE 20th October

In English this week we have concentrated on writing our own mythical story. We have looked at different myths; story sequenced stories and worked on up levelling our work. This week we celebrated this hard work with our myths being entered into our exciting writing books. These will hopefully be collated into a whole class book for other children in school to read. In maths Y6 have continued with working on the four number operations, focusing on BODMAS. Y4.5 children continued with calculations based on addition and subtraction. In science we all looked at the water cycle and how this works. We took our learning outside and saw the water cycle in action. This week was the last session of table tennis in PE; the children thoroughly enjoyed this sport. Our outdoor sport of tag rugby also finished. At the end of the week each year group completed a Growth Mindset lesson - where we hope that children see the bigger picture and not get defeated by initial setbacks. All staff working in Saturn class wishes everyone a relaxing and enjoyable half term.

WE 13th October

This week in English we have been looking at a new story "The Dragon Stoorworm" retold by Theresa Breslin.  We completed story hills and retold the story using a variety of sentences, good sentence starts, high quality vocabulary and paragraphs.  Next week we will write our own myths that are dragon themed.  In maths, Y6 children have worked on division - both long and short methods and Y4.5 have concentrated on addition and subtraction - moving onto column methods.  We also enjoyed sharing harvest around the world in the church at our Harvest Festival on Monday.  Children also started our Rights, Rules and Responsibilities unit of work for PSHE.  On Friday, we continued looking at different mark making in art and worked with powder paints and different types of pastels.  This week we also had the book fair in school, thank you to all the families that purchased books.

WE 6th October

English this week has been focused more on writing sections of a myth.  We have concentrated on settings and how we can incorporate descriptive language to engage our audience, providing them a clear vision.  In maths Y4.5 children have worked on prime numbers, prime factors and composite numbers.  Y6 children have looked at different methods for multiplication.  In science we have completed another experiment based on changing state and children had to write up their work scientifically; including a table of results or a graph.  In our topic sessions this week, we have prepared for our Harvest Festival.  Our class performance in the festival is the children's work and each group decided how they would perform their section.

WE 29th September

This week in English we have continued looking at different types of words that we include in sentences.  We have looked at word order and how this has an impact on the reader.  In maths Y4.5 have continued their work on place value and Y6 have moved onto looking at the four operations - looking at addition and subtraction.  In science we have completed an investigation based on changing states of matter.  Children have continued work on their topic (China).

WE 22nd September

Our work on Myths has continued this week.  We have looked at the features of these types of stories and have read many different myths that include dragons.  We have also looked at different types of nouns and how these can be used in sentences.  In maths we have continued our work on place value; including negative numbers and problem solving tasks (showing mastery skills).  In science we completed an experiment to test whether gas had a weight.  Our topic work continued with atlas skills and we complete different maps from world view to specific countries in Asia.  We identified different physical features of China.

WE 15th September

We have looked at different types of words in sentences during our English lessons and we have started to look at Myths.  In maths, we have worked on place value; reading and writing numbers up to one million.  In science we our investigating different states of matter and looking at their properties.  With our topic work, we have thought about possible areas to study about China and started some atlas work.

WE 8th September:

First week back and we have completed many tasks for our "The Iron Man" (by Ted Huges) mini project.  Children have worked in groups to make a life size Iron Man costume, we have designed our own robots that could be used on Earth and we have taken the role of journalists to write up a recount.  All children should have a reading book, levelled by our Star Reading comprehension quiz.  Please ensure that the selected school book is the main book read at school and home, so we can complete our book quizzes regularly.

Please note that our PE day is Thursday, so we need to be have appropriate clothing.

More information about how Saturn class will be run this academic year will be shared at the open evening on Thursday.

SATURN CLASS 2016.2017

WELCOME TO SATURN

Saturn class is a mixed Year 4, 5 and Year 6 class. Our class teachers are Mrs Naylor and Mrs Bullimore. We currently have 17 children in our class.

Saturn
Week ending 23 February

We have had a great week this week. We started with some more science and years 4 and 5 proved that you can walk on a non-Newtonian liquid as long as you do it quickly.

In maths this week, Year 4 have been looking at time - both telling the time on analogue and digital clocks and working out intervals of time. Year 5 and Year 6 have been calculating percentages and converting them to decimals.

On Wednesday, we went to the Polar Institute Museum in Cambridge. The children had a wonderful time and are busy making iMovies about it - I hope to be able to post these soon.

Don't forget PE kits tomorrow.

Visit to the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum, Cambridge

Saturn Class had a wonderful time at the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum in Cambridge, today.  The museum is packed full of interesting artefacts and information about the early Polar expeditions which supports and “brings alive” our topic this term.  The children spent time looking at the amazing array of artefacts, letters, documents and artwork and then sketched some of their favourites.  They also had great fun trying on the clothes from past Polar expeditions and experience how it would feel to be polar explorers!

Saturn Class
Week ending 9 February 2017

We have had a very scientific week this week. We started on Monday with an experiment to show how out digestive systems work. The children used scissors, coke, washing up liquid and tights to "digest" some jam sandwiches. Today, year 4 and 5 finished their science unit on living things and their habitats looking at metamorphosis and year 6 went to Kimbolton Primary Academy to extra DNA from strawberries. 

In English, we finshed our unit on writing recounts and in maths we drew patterns based on number sequences.

Have a lovely break and we look forward to seeing you all after half teem.

Please remember that the children are expected to do an hour of Maths Whizz over the half term.

Saturn Class 
Week ending 2 February 2017

We have had an excellent week in Saturn this week. Year 6 have been working really hard on written methods of division (including long division) while year 4 and 5 have been continuing to look at fractions and decimals.

In English, we have been looking at modal verbs and at using them to write in a persuasive way. In art, we finished sketching our cat faces and added fur.

Year 6 have been working on independent projects in topic this week and years 4 and 5 have been looking at the timeline of exploration and what was happening in the world at the time.

Saturn Class

Week ending 26th January 2017

We have rounded off a great week with a very mathematical day today in Saturn class. The children have been working very hard on fractions and decimals and rounded the week off with an investigation into chains of numbers linked by multiples and factors. The children had a good time making their chains into paper chains to display in the classroom.

In science we have been sorting animals using a key and we managed to create a key to sort the whole class! The children continued to learn about different aspects of peace in RE and wrote some lovely poems in English.

Saturn Class
Week ending 19th January 2017

It has been another great week in Saturn this week. In English, we have been learning our new text and revising nouns. We have also been learning about the crew of Shackleton's expedition in preparation for applying for jobs on board next week!

Year 6 went to Kimbolton Primary Academy to launch a new way of learning about our topic. They will be researching areas of the topic that interest them and presenting them in a variety of different ways.

Year 6 also had Young Voices this week - I am looking forward to hearing how they all got on!

Year 4 and 5 looked at classifying living things using keys in science on Thursday and have continued to learn about fractions in maths.

You may have noticed a new chart in your child's homework book. I am offering house points for children who take responsibility to do their homework without having to be badgered into it (too much) by their parents! All you have to do is tick the box that best reflects their attitude to their homework this week.

And finally, just a quick reminder - we are doing outdoor PE on Tuesdays this half term and as it can be quite cold, could you make sure that your child has a warm PE kit please? Many thanks.

Saturn Class
Week ending 12 January 2017

We have had a busy and creative start to the new term in Saturn class! We have started our new topic looking at famous explorers and, in particular, Ernest Shackleton. The children had a go at exploring our local environment and made some botanical sketches and photos.

In English, we have started looking at the book Shackleton's Journey and the children have created some prints inspired by the front cover.

In maths, we have moved on to fractions in years 4 and 5 and decimals in year 6.

In science, years 4 and 5 are learning about living things and their habitats and spent time learning to classify organisms using Venn and Carroll diagrams.

Don't forget that the children in Saturn class are due to start swimming lessons tomorrow and will need to being their kit.

Week (and term) ending 20 December 2016
Saturn Class

We have had an exhausting week and a half! On Tuesday, the children made their final DT products. Mrs Whiting stopped by to inspect them and everyone was very impressed with how hard the children had worked on their baking and their packaging.

The children also spent a whole day working on DT yesterday - I hope you all got to see (and sample) the fruits of their labour!

We had a lovely, chilled reward day today which was an excellent way to round off a long and busy term. Have a wonderful Christmas and see you all in the new year.

Saturn Class
Week ending 8th December

As we are cooking on Tuesday, the children decided that they should write some persuasive letters to their parents to ask them if they would supply ingredients. You should have received these on Friday together with details of what your child would like you to supply. This will be the final cooking session for this topic.

The children also extended their DT topic into maths and created timetables for Tuesday to ensure that they would have enough time to make everything. We also carried on with fractions (Y6) and moved on to looking at perimeter (Ys 4 and 5). We will finish these topics this week ready to start new ones in January.

In Art, we looked at the work of Edvard Munch and the children started some watercolours based on his paintings. They looked at how to convey emotion in their paintings and also how to show perspective.

Saturn Class 
Week Ending 1 December

It was assessment week this week so Saturn class have been working very hard (and very quietly!) to get all of their assessments done. 

We did, however, find time to make some salt dough decorations and, of course, to make Christingles for the church services today. We also spent time learning the songs and year 6 practised their reading for the service (didn't they do well?).

In English, we started a new unit based on the poem The Tyger by William Blake. The children have text mapped it and are starting to learn it off by heart.

Saturn Class 
Week ending 24th November

It has been another great week in Saturn class this week. In maths year 4 and 5 have been looking at written methods of division and year 6 have started to look at fractions. In English we were looking at planning our writing before we write and then writing from our plans. 

We have also been very busy in the kitchen this week with the remaining 3 groups cooking their chocolate recipes (Mars class were, once again, our very willing taste testers) and the whole class making quiches today as part of a healthy eating cookery session.

24 November 2016

New Kitchen Official Opening

Our kitchen has been officially opened with a tea party. It was attended by a representitive of the school goverrners and the Parish Charities and was catered for by the children with Saturn making scones, Jupiter making flapjacks and Mars making sandwiches. Our kitchen has already had lots of use and is proving to be a big hit.

Saturn Class

Week ending 17th November

We have had an excellent week this week. Last Friday, the children helped to make a beautiful display for Remembrance Day (it is up in the hall at the moment).

On Tuesday, three groups had a test run in the kitchen making a variety of yummy treats. They then conducted market research in Mars class on Wednesday to get feedback and refine their final product.

Today we watched a live science broadcast about electricity by the BBC and took part in some of the activities. The kids thoroughly enjoyed this and we are going to sign up for more activities and broadcasts in the future.

We even managed a little bit of football in PE today although it was very wet.

Saturn Class

Week ending 10th November

We have had a great week in Saturn this week. In English, we have looked at the progressive tenses and have had a go at writing the first paragraph of our instructions. The children also started Exciting Writing on Monday. This is writing that they do independently without teacher input and they will then have a chance to edit and improve this on the following Monday.

We are hoping for the children to start some baking as part of DT. They have chosen recipes and will be bringing lists of ingredients home. Two groups will bake this coming Tuesday and the other two will be the following week. Keep your eye out for the lists

This afternoon we had a go at solving some problems from Wild Maths. The children had a great time working together using logic and persistence to solve the friendship network problems.

You may have noticed a drop in temperature recently. We are still doing outdoor PE so it is important that the children have a kit that is suitable for cold weather. As a reminder, we will have indoor PE on Monday and outdoor PE on either Tuesday or Thursday.

Saturn Class
Week ending 3rd November
We have had a great start to the half term in Saturn this week. In Maths, years 4 and 5 have moved on multiplication with year 4 looking at the different ways we can represent it. Year 6 have finished off multiplication and will be looking at division next week.

We christened our new kitchen on Wednesday and the class made batches of scones. The new facilities were excellent and we had a great time making them.

Saturn Class

Week ending 23rd September

We have had another busy week in Saturn this week. We had a visit from Hunts School Sports Partnership on Tuesday for a team building morning. The children worked together taking on various team roles to complete tasks and solve problems.

We finished learning our text in English and are moving on to more short burst writing in preparation for writing our final pieces.

In Maths, we are nearly finished with number and place value. We have one more week to mop up the final objectives before we move on to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

In science, the children made their own information videos about questions they have been investigating. They were informative and entertaining.

We have had another week of fantastic weather so we took advantage by once again taking our English lesson outdoors. This time we took advantage of the outdoor learning area being available and sat in the shade of the sail.

Finally, on Friday, the children went on a walk around the village to look at its features. Fingers crossed for more sunshine.

Saturn Class

Week ending 16th September 2016

We have had a great week this week. We started our Talk for Writing and have learnt most of our text. On Tuesday afternoon, we learnt about the Dream Jars in London; had a hunt round the field for jars filled with the dreams of fairy tale characters; and then designed our own jars. As the week went on, the weather got hotter and hotter and we ended up taking our English lesson outside on Thursday afternoon. We had a lovely session describing where we were using prepositional phrases while sitting in the shade of the trees.

Don't forget the bake sale next Thursday. It is a whole school event as we need to raise as much money as we can so that we can buy a hob to go in our fabulous new kitchen.

Saturn Class
Week ending 9th September

We have had a really good week in Saturn class this week. We have learnt about the Maya city of Chichen Itza and created posters about it, decorated the covers of our poetry handwriting books, drawn some amazing self portraits and tried our hands at needle felting. This is all on top of the forest school day, dance with SJ and some paralympic themed sports activities! I hope that the children are not too worn out and are all ready for the start of formal lessons on Monday and dream jar making on Tuesday!

Do you have any ideas for this page? Why not let your Teacher know!
Have you seen the Kids’ Zone? Play games and visit some cool websites. You can vote for your favourites.

Saturn Class

Week ending 27 May

We have had a creative and tiring week in Saturn. On Monday, we started planning stories for picture books. On Tuesday years 4 and 5 had peer mediation training and some of year 6 had a transition meeting with teachers and students from Longsands. In the afternoon, year 6 had a visit from the Kick Ash team to discuss the harm caused by smoking and how to avoid peer pressure. We ended the week with a lovely afternoon outside writing stories about trees, painting toadstools and investigating our wildlife garden. We are all ready for a week off! Have a wonderful half term and see you all on Monday 6^th of June.

Saturn Class
Week ending 13th May

It has been a long and busy week in Saturn this week with Year 6 diligently sitting their SATs and the whole class taking part in an enterprise project. The children were given £5 to spend and came up with some very different and imaginative ideas for turning a profit. They have worked on budgets, posters and adverts and finished by writing a report on their project. The total amount of profit made by the class was £88.37 which is fantastic! Thank you so much to all the children and parents who supported them. A big thanks also to all of Saturn, you have worked brilliantly this week. Make sure you have a good rest this weekend because Monday marks the start of work on our Key stage 2 production (and no, I am not telling you what it is until Monday).

Saturn Class
Week ending 6 May 2016

The sun has finally arrived and we took advantage of it by taking year 4 and 5 outside for English. Year 6 have been busy revising and were helped out this morning by their year 4 and 5 classmates –the photos of them throwing paper is actually a revision session on subordinating conjunctions! Saturn then listened to Nick Gibb’s interview and I am pleased to report that we all got the preposition vs subordinating conjunction correct (unlike ...poor Nick!). We also finished our Elgin Marble tribute sculptures and the head of our Trojan horse has finally been lifted into place.

Next week the children will be working on an enterprise project where they will be looking to make a profit from an initial investment. They will be making products to sell to their school mates at the end of the week and it will involve budgeting, advertising and marked research – they are very excited about it!

Year 6 will also be doing a few little quizzes - we wish them all the best smile emoticon

Saturn Class

Week ending 29 April

We have had a very productive week in Saturn this week. Year 6 have been doing mock papers in preparation for SATs and have worked extremely hard. Year 4 and 5 have been looking at addition and subtraction this week and have been using their skills to solve word problems and investigate decimal numbers.

We have researched famous Olympic athletes from Ancient Greece and have continued with our tributes to the Elgin Marbles – the sculptures are nearly finished! We have also been sketching Greek gods.

We have been writing up a storm this week in Saturn! We wrote comparative reports, newspaper articles and some blood-curdling horror stories to showcase our descriptive writing and range of punctuation.

On Thursday, a team from year 5 took part in a Maths Challenge. They worked really hard and were commended for their efforts in the estimation round.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend!

Saturn Class

Week ending 22 April 2016

We have had an exhausting week this week with cricket, swimming, netball and cross country! We have been enjoying the sunshine and have had some outdoor guided reading sessions as well as an English lesson in the outdoor learning space.

On Thursday, we celebrated the Queen’s 90^th birthday with a cake and a toast (of lemonade) to the Monarch. We also tried our hand at a quiz about her life (although we didn’t do very well!).

Following on from the year 5 visit to Cambridge to listen to the author Chris Priestly, we have submitted an entry to the Big Write competition. Year 5 produced some excellent entries and it was very hard to choose but we have submitted a story by Preston Bell – excellent work Preston.

Saturn Class

Week ending 15 April

We have had a busy start to the new term in Saturn. We have started a new book called The Princess' Blankets and used drama to act out traditional tales.

Years 4 and 5 have started cricket on a Monday and the whole class has started table tennis on a Tuesday.

On Wednesday, we started our new topic, which this term is the Ancient Greeks, by eating some Greek food and researching key dates of the Olympics.

On Thursday, Year 5 wrote stories for the Big Read and Write competition and we finished the week by looking at the Elgin Marbles and creating some sculptures of our own.

Year 6 have been working extremely hard preparing for SATs this week and will be bringing home some spelling booklets that they may like to work through (and that will give you an idea of what they need to know).

Saturn Class

Week ending 18th March

We have had an excellent week this week. On Tuesday, year 5 attended a talk given by Chris Priestly in Cambridge. Chris talked about his writing and encouraged the children to try their hand at it. On Wednesday, we had a practice for our Easter service, which will be held in the church next week, and the children sang beautifully. On Thursday, 12 of the children in Saturn class attended the final of the Small School's Rugby tournament where they played awesomely and left as champions! We ended our week with some painting for the outdoor area and an energetic (and rather soggy) walk around the field for Sport's Relief. I suspect that, once again, the children will be quite worn out and may need a rest this weekend!!

Saturn Class

Week ending 11 March

We have had a very healthy week this week. We started with a health and fitness day. We started with some fitness tests and then moved on to cooking where the children made some healthy food and drink to try. This was followed by our first mindfulness session where the children learnt about the prefrontal cortex and we talked about how it helps us to make choices.

We followed up on our healthy start with PE on Tuesday, dance on Wednesday and fitness sessions on Thursday and Friday - Saturn Class may be a little tired this weekend!

We also have lots to look forward to next week including a writing day for Year 5 on Tuesday and the long awaited rugby tournament on Thursday (letters went home this afternoon).

Saturn Class

Week ending 4th March

Saturn class have been working very hard this week completing various assessment papers as part of assessment week. Year 6 have now finished their assessments but years 4 and 5 still have a couple to do next week.

We had a fantastic World Book Day on Thursday complete with a parade which was attended by both Spice and Piglets. Saturn wrote some excellent book reports about their favourite books and enjoyed showing off their costumes.

In science, we looked at the human heart and did some experiments to see what causes our heart rates to increase.

On Monday, we will be having a health and fitness day. This will include some cooking. The children have chosen their recipes and should have let you know which ingredients they will need to bring in on Monday.

Saturn Class.

Week Ending 26th February

We have had a great week this week. We had a dance class on Wednesday with SJ where the children were practising their press-ups and sit-ups (we may need some more practice!!). We have also been learning about different elements in music and composed some pieces of music to go with a poem.

In maths, we have been continuing our work on multiplication and have also been looking at problem solving skills by tackling some tasks from the Nrich website. The children did really well and came up with some solutions that haven't already been posted so we will send those in next week. 

We took advantage of the lovely weather by reading and creating music outside as well as continuing our outdoor curriculum work with Mrs Tickle.

Thank you for the photos of children reading in interesting places, these will go on display in the library. We would love to have more though so keep sending them.

Saturn Class

Week ending 12 February

Phew - it's finally half term! Saturn class ended the half term on a high this week. We started with a day of Chinese themed activities (and some food) to celebrate Chinese New Year. We then made pancakes with Mars class to mark the start of Lent - we do like to mark an occasion with food in Saturn! On Thursday the sun came out so we took our guided reading session outside and we ended the week with birdwatching and some performances the children had been practicing in their poetry and performance sessions. Enjoy half term and I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and rejuvenated on Monday 23rd Feb.

P.S. I would like some photos of the children reading in interesting places for a display at school please. These can be emailed to the office (office@greatstaughton.cambs.sch.uk) or brought in after half term. Many thanks.

Saturn Class
Week ending 5 February

We are all a bit tired in Saturn this week! We started the week with a fantastic trip to Grafham Water where we cycled, walked and orienteered our way around the site. The children enjoyed themselves but, yet again, were reminded of the importance of an early night!!!

In science, we continued out topic on animals and their habitats by looking at different types of reproduction. In maths, we looked at the relationship between hand span and height and discovered that, generally, the taller you are the bigger your hand span will be. We did have some exceptions to this rule but we managed to deal with all but one of these by careful re-measuring!

The children have been continuing their work outside with Mrs Tickle and this week they have been looking at minibeasts which they will then be drawing. They found centipedes, wood lice and newts.

Saturn Class

Week ending 15 January

Saturn class have had an awesome week this week! We started dance in PE on Monday, year 6 went to KPA on Tuesday to rehearse for Young Voices at the O2 while the rest of the class started netball and we started our topic by recreating the water cycle using pyrex dishes, ice cubes and cling film! We have also started to work in our outdoor learning area with Mrs Tickle and have been planting bulbs and building greenhouses.

Saturn Class

Week ending 8 January

We have had a really exciting week this week in Saturn. We started our new topic, the local area and rivers, with a trip to St Andrews where we sketched parts of the interior. We were also on the look out for habitats on the way (our new science topic) and spotted lots of local wildlife. We have also been looking at working more cooperatively and the children have been working in new groups. This has produced some excellent results and the children seem to enjoy this active approach to their learning. On Thursday the children had a day exploring cooperative and group learning including a task where the children had to protect an egg as it was dropped from different heights. Finally, we have been working on some art to decorate our classroom. We looked at narrow boat art and created some plates decorated with traditional roses.

Saturn Class

Week ending 18 December

It is finally the end of term and Saturn went out with a bang! On Monday we had an art day with Jack Cornell and the children created a wonderful art installation. On Wednesday we had an amazing reward day with a silent disco and lots of party food. On Thursday we ended our World War 2 topic with a WW2 bakeoff and sewing bee. The recipes that the children chose to make all turned out to be surprisingly edible and baby Anabel had a new wardrobe by the end of the day. Have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Saturn Class

Week ending 4 December

We have had a very festive week this week. We have been practicing for our Christmas carol concert and finishing our Christmas decorations. As part of our World War 2 topic the children have been making books to fill with their research. They have also written up their non-chronological reports from last week to go in them. In maths we have started looking at various types of graphs and charts and we learnt how to calculate the mean average. Our week ended with a lovely day on Friday. We started by making Christingles with Reverend Judy, had a wonderful service at St Andrew's church (photos to follow) and then finished our day with a fantastic Christmas fair.

Saturn Class

Week Ending 27 November 2015

We have had very busy week this week. The children have been writing cautionary tale poems in the style of Hilaire Belloc as we conclude our module on poetry. We have started our Christmas preparations and have made stockings in DT. The children drew two designs and then evaluated them picking the one that they would like to make. They then used their sewing, applique and embroidery skills to create their stockings out of felt. We learnt about the skills needed in football and were able to make use of our new goals (thank you PTA) in both PE and at break time. Finally, the children will be bringing home paper plates to fill with yummy treats for our Christmas fair next week.

Saturn Class

Week ending 20 November

We have had an excellent week this week! We started with an amazing trip to Duxford where we learnt about the Battle of Britain. Our children were, as always, impeccably behaved and we had a really good time. Mrs Bullimore took so many lovely pictures that it was really hard deciding which ones to pick!

In maths this week we have been looking at statistics using a book called If the World Were a Village. The children have been learning about representing data and also about the makeup of our world.

In English we have continued with our poetry unit and have started looking at cautionary tales. We are hoping to write some of our own next week.

In art we have been copying William Morris designs. The children have been looking at fine detail and symmetry.

Next week in extended writing, the children will be writing reports on an aspect of World War 2. It may help them to talk through what they are planning to write with you over the weekend.

Saturn Class

Week ending 13 November

We have had a really fun week this week. On Tuesday we learnt about the Hindu festival of Diwali. The children made shadow puppets to tell the story of Rama and Sita. They also made barfi (Indian sweets), drank mango lassi and made Rangoli patterns. On Wednesday they wrote some excellent recounts of the day as part of a whole school Big Write.

We are really getting into this term's topic and the children have chosen areas to research and write up. You can help your child by talking to them about what they are learning and helping them to orally rehearse the sentences that they might like to write.

Saturn Class

Week ending 22nd October

What a week for Saturn class! We have been working really hard in maths using written methods of multiplication. In English we have been focusing on what makes a good paragraph and we finished our unit on Goodnight Mr Tom by watching the film. We then discussed the differences between the book and the film and the children amazed me with the level of detail they had remembered. We also finished our science topic on Earth and space with an examination of different types of space exploration and looked at why Pluto is no longer considered to be a planet. Finally, I couldn't write a post about this week without mentioning our amazing win at the HSSP Rugby tournament. Our children played well and their excellent behavior was a real credit to our school.

As a final note, your children should have brought home a blank football to draw a design on. This is for a competition the school will be entering with the potential of winning some new footballs!

Have a wonderful half term and I look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday (remember that Monday is also a training day).

P.S. I am posting a few pictures from the last few weeks of us enjoying the sunshine and taking our learning outside.

Saturn Class

Week ending 16 October

We have had another great week in Saturn conquering fiendish fractions in maths and examining exciting poetry in English. The children have really enjoyed performing poems and plays as part of guided reading today and we were treated to a performance of Shakespeare today by some of Year 6. On Tuesday the class were treated to a morning of team building activities by a specialist teacher from HSSP and we were really impressed with how they tackled the tasks. In science we have learnt about different types of stars including how long we have before our own sun dies (approximately 5 billion years - phew) and we ended the week with a fascinating insight into the work of local magistrates with a presentation by two Justices of the Peace. The children learnt about how crime is punished and how the courts work. We are really looking forward to next week and the upcoming rugby tournament - come on Great Staughton!!!

Week ending 2 October
Saturn class has had a great week this week. We have a new member of the class, won our heat at the English Challenge (well done boys), raised (and counted) lots of money with our cake sale and topped the week off with an evening of film and friends. We have taken advantage of the Indian summer and have been outside for English and German and planted some bulbs ready for spring. On top of all of this activity, have managed to complete 36 quizzes on Accelerated Reader! Well done Saturn Class - you have worked hard this week.

Week Ending 25 September

We have had a very busy week this week. In maths we have been multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 and ordering decimal numbers. We have continued with Goodnight Mr Tom in English and will be writing a recount of the story so far in our extended writing lesson on Tuesday. In art we created some lovely pictures of the planets using pastels and critiqued each other's work. We can now say hello and goodbye in German and had a lovely session outside practising greeting each other. The forecast is looking good for the coming week so hopefully we can get outside for some more lessons.

Week Ending 10th July 2015

This week Y5 children have worked with our artist in residence (Mr Cornell) creating work inspired by famous artists.  This work has been displayed in our entrance hall.  Y6 children have been focused on completing their transition work (both literacy and numeracy) for secondary school.  Y6 children are also underway preparing for their leavers' service next week (in the church) and their final leavers' assembly.

As the weather seems to be getting hotter, can we please ensure that all children have water bottles in school and that they wear sun hats - school can provide hats if you do not have one at home.

Also please remember to return slips for trips next week.