Class 6 Blog

• 14

  Feb

  DT - Automata Animals

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  This DT project has been challenging to say the least! The children experimented with cams and followers allowing them to convert rotary movement into linear movement. They then used their findings to design their toys using CAFQUE design criteria, considering materials, construction, safety and other elements. Then we moved onto construction. One of the challenges we faced was creating the cams out of cardboard. This was not a great material to use and a better material would have been plastic if it was available and we had appropriate cutting tools for this. Having said this, the children have used lots of skills: Cutting and gluing with precision, refining the finish with sanding paper and used prototypes to make refinements. There was some frustration and disappointment as we spent a lot of time trying to get these products finished and working but on reflection, we acknowledged that we did not have the best materials for the task and time was always against us. Having said this, I am extremely proud of the perseverance that the whole class showed and they have realised that these kind of projects don't always work, just like they will don't in careers and jobs. What is important that they kept coming back to look at the problems and thinking of ways to get around them. They did this individually and collaboratively which was wonderful to see.
• 
  11

  Feb

  Safer Internet Day

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  We spent this afternoon looking at appropriate behaviour online. The children looked at multiple different online scenarios in groups and discussed whether the behaviour was appropriate and what are the reasons why. Some statements we discussed were "It's not really you online so you can do and say what you want." "I won't see this person in real life so I can pretend to be someone I'm not." These statements provided some in depth discussion from class members and everyone took a very mature approach to the topic while remaining sensitive to others.
• 
  09

  Feb

  History - Researching Shang Kings

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  This week in History the children have been researching on the internet. They were challenged with finding suitable sources of evidence and use these to deduce information about the past. They quickly noticed that certain websites had different dates for when Kings ruled. This made the children consider how reliable the source was. They were very surprised to know that one very popular website for information could actually be edited by anyone. This was a great skill for them to practice. It also made us question how reliable the internet is, not just for research.
• 
  06

  Feb

  PE - Gymnastics

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  The class carry on with their gymnastics being taught by Mr O and the gym wall was out again this week. The children were rotating round three different circuits. One skill in focus was flight. The children had to reach a box by balancing across a beam before jumping down and landing in a controlled manner within a hoop. The children chose to perform various movements during the flight section of the jump.
• 
  05

  Feb

  Music

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  In Music this week, we looked at Ostinato and its presence in songs such as Under Pressure by Queen. This is a phrase that repeats itself in the same musical voice. We had a look at a Harry Potter video which uses Ostinato and then tried creating our own versions using Harry Potter characters as the phrase that we would repeat. The children had to focus to ensure their timings were correct and not allow themselves to get distracted when performing to an audience.
• 
  04

  Feb

  RE - Christianity

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  Our RE this term has seen us understanding Christian beliefs about eternal love. Today the children looked at Christian wedding vows and what the couple promise each other. We asked the question - Can love last forever? After much discussion, we agreed that the answer is not as simple as yes and no. The children performed a story from the bible about a Father's unconditional love for his two sons. This allowed us to explore what unconditional love is and the word agape.
• 
  03

  Feb

  Maths

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  This week in maths children have been playing the role of teacher while we revisit some Geometry from Term 1 and 2. Measuring and calculating angles (on the tables)! It was great to see children explaining the method for calculating answers.
• 
  30

  Jan

  Gymnastics

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  In gymnastics, the class have been looking at balances, however this week the balances were off the floor. The children got the chance to use the gym wall to try different balances after safely climbing and suspending themselves from one, two or three points of contact.
• 28

  Jan

  Reading Records

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  A reminder that children are expected to have at least 3 signatures in their reading records each week. Some children are saying that they don't have anything to read. I have added 20 books to the class reading corner since Christmas but I appreciate that some children still might not find these appeal to them. If this is the case, please spend some time with them looking into books that might interest them. This could be online, in charity shops or in book shops. There will be a book out there for them, but often they need to read a few chapters and read regularly to get into the story. It is very easy to read a chapter or two and decide a book is "boring" when a few chapters more and it could have become one of their all time favourite books.
• 
  27

  Jan

  Class Text

  Posted by Mr J Chaffey

  Our class text for this term is The Firework Maker's Daughter - by Phillip Pullman. A story where a daughter sets out to discover her full potential as a firework maker despite her Father's doubt.