As part of our topic on Brazil we have been making Piranhas out of paper plates! We had to carefully layer tissue paper on to the plate so you could not see any gaps. They will be displayed in school for everyone to see.

Year 6 completed a Maths challenge where they needed to use their problem solving skills and mathematical knowledge to create a Olympic Torch for the 2016 Olympics. Children were split into two groups. Some children completed word problems related to the Olympics and some children worked in small groups and needed to work from a specification to create a Olympic torch. Children were required to use their knowledge of measure, proportion and problem solving skills to complete the task.

Last week in maths we looked at reflection and translation of shapes. The class found this really interesting as it also gave us the opportunity to get practical with our learning. Below are pictures of us practising translating and reflected our shapes on large grids.

In Year 4 this week we have been practising our debating skills as part of our topic on the blue abyss. We began by researching the coral reef and reading ‘Where the forest meets the sea’. This gave us lots of ideas about why it would be exciting to visit the Great Barrier Reef but also why a hotel might be a bad idea,

We sorted facts and opinions into two sides of an argument- those for building a new hotel, the Aquis Resort, and those against. We then split into 2 groups,  presented our side of the argument and tried to persuade the other side to change their mind.

It was a very heated debate and we showed how good we are at making our point and giving evidence.  

Hopefully you have had great fun learning the main features of our class story Little Red Riding Hood and have been joining in with the actions.

As part of our Talk 4 Write lesson today we had to spot the patterns in our story – Little Red Riding Hood.

With the help of our magic glasses we have been able to ‘box up the text‘.  This means we have been able to identify the key parts of the warning tale and where in our story they area.

A warning tale has the following features:

• The Main Character (MC) is given a warning.
• The MC does something they are warned not to do.
• Something goes wrong as a result of ignoring the warning and the MC is in trouble.
• The MC is character is rescued.
• The MC is is punished or told off for not listening to the warning.

Now, discuss which parts of the story belong in which section?

Year 2 have created some fantastic images of castles. First they drew an outline of a castle. Then they sponged on the brickwork pattern. Next they cut out pieces of paper for the windows and doors. Well done year 2!

Throughout this year children in Year 1 classes in Nechells and Aston schools have received a free book every month (10 books in total). These books were supplied by the Nechells POD CIC through the Bookshare project , funded by the Smurfit Kappa SSK Foundation.

On Thursday Year 1 attended a celebration at Heartlands Academy.

We heard how each school have incorporated the books into the children’s learning.

Mrs Webster told everyone our favourite book was Stickman.

We enjoyed learning all about Stickman and enjoyed the trip to Sutton Park trying to find Stickman.

We heard stories from the author Steve Smallmann who wrote one of the books we have been given, ‘Batmouse’

Steve Smallmann also illustrates books and he drew us a picture using our ideas.