It's been busy as ever in the Middle School...in PE, the pupils are taking part in a Back To School fitness challenge and are learning about health and fitness.
In French, Year 5 have started talking about their likes and dislikes. They have enjoyed creating small conversations and role-plays describing what they enjoy. They have also been introduced to the magical concept of masculine and feminine nouns, a concept that we will explore more in the weeks to come.
Year 6 pupils have learnt new vocabulary linked to TV programmes and they have looked at the conjugation of -ER verbs in the present tense. They worked very well in pairs asking and telling each other what programmes they enjoy watching.
In maths, Year 5 have continued with the theme of number and place value. They started the week counting in powers of 10 from any given number, before moving on to negative numbers and applying in real life contexts. Children have also got to grips with using greater than or less than signs and realising the importance of rounding numbers to help with mental calculations. Year 6 have been busy problem solving with negative numbers - do you visualise them horizontally or vertically? Children have also explored the importance of rounding and ordering numbers and being able to use mathematical signs to help describe numbers.
In DT/Textiles, Year 5 is learning about the history of masks and their meaning. They are starting to think about what kind of mask they would like to design. Year 6 is learning about the history of shoes and different types of shoes from around the world. They are starting to think about their design.
In Latin, Year 5 have begun learning about Ancient Greek civilisations. In particular this week, pupils have been comparing their own education and upbringing to those children existing over 2,000 years ago. In order to understand contemporary Greek societies further, students examined the detail of a red-figure vase painting dated to 520BC (their first primary source analysis of the year!). Year 5 carefully deduced the type of subjects that were taught, the age of pupils who attended, the role of the paedagogus and even the kind of papyrus used to write classwork on! Year 6 have now successfully embarked on their new Latin syllabus, the Cambridge Latin Course. Students have begun to learn key Latin vocabulary and syntax whilst also following an engaging narrative set in ancient Pompeii. We’ve met some key members of the family; including Caecilius the prestigious Roman banker and even Cerberus the house dog, whilst also contributing to valuable conversations on the evolving role of women in the business world. A promising start to the course - bene factum Year 6!
In English, Year 6 have been busy researching the life of Charles Dickens to see how his own personal experiences influenced his writing, with a particular focus on 'Oliver Twist'. They've put their findings into a slideshow presentation, and have spent time choosing their language carefully to make their biographies exciting and engaging.
Year 5 have been discussing their summer read, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe and the key characters. They have also conducted some research into the life of the author C.S. Lewis and discussed the features and purpose of a biographical account.
In RS, Year 6 have been working on a mini project: 'Islam Around the World'. They have been researching various aspects of Islam including dress and symbols, as well as Islamic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and the Petronas Towers. The pupils are looking forward to completing their projects in Week 3.
In Geography, I have really enjoyed meeting my new Year 5 classes this week and establishing a relationship with them. This week we have been geo spotters - identifying geography in our surroundings and using visual stimulus to identify different types of geography. When you are out and about this week see what geography you can spot! Year 6 are busy planning me a 4 week holiday to a country of their choice. They are researching their chosen country and then planning a route around cities, telling me the geography of each place i.e. climate, ecosystem, languages, culture etc. I can't wait to see what adventures await me!
In History, Year 5 have been looking at Richard III and the murder of the princes in the Tower; one of the great whodunnits in history. Was it Richard or was it Henry Tudor? The children had to decide before watching the news of Richard’s remains being found in a Leicestershire car park.
Year 6 meanwhile have been completing their opening pages to the 20th century. Six drawings were required from any part of the century. Pictures varied from a poppy to McDonalds, from the suffragettes to antibiotics. Creative Arts Don't forget to check out the Creative Arts section to see all the fantastic things Middle School have been up to in Music, Art and Drama.