The children have had a busy morning learning about the life of King Charles III ahead of his Coronation this weekend. They then had the opportunity to write letters to the King, which are going to be posted later today. The pupils also made silhouette portraits which we hope the King enjoys looking at when he receives his letters!
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Just before Easter, Barn Owls worked with Mrs McKee to devise and create solar toys. This followed on from our work on sustainability in Science and Geography.
Using a solar panel and motor, Barn Owls used waste materials that would otherwise have been recycled, such as milk bottles, cardboard boxes and packaging items. They were able to create a toy or model that had a moving part, powered by the sun. Barn Owls worked on ball control this week in PE. Lots of care and accuracy was shown in catching and throwing, leading to a fast-paced game.
Bridestowe Y3-6 joined with friends from Lydford Primary to take part in the Cross Country event at Chagford Cricket Club in the second (previously postponed) inter-schools event run by OCRA.
This was a tough course, going up on to the moor above the village, and was extremely competitive. All of our runners completed the course very impressively, Rosa even coming in running strongly having fallen partway around. Thanks to OCRA for organising the event, and to Mrs Neild and Mrs Floyd-Walker for helping and accompanying us. Also, thankyou to the parents who attended for their support, with a special mention for Mr Lane who brought up the rear in both races, wearing his chainsawing trousers. Barn Owls joined with Lydford Primary School to take part in two outward bound days on Dartmoor, and then here, on Bodmin Moor.
We travelled to Twelve Men's Moor, a lesser-known area of Bodmin Moor, and then, once hard hats were in place, traversed the tops of the tors. Pupils had to make decisions (under close and careful guidance) about how to stay safe and when to challenge themselves more. The weather became worse as the day went on, giving pupils a chance to try some of their survival skills learned on their previous adventure on Dartmoor. Year 6 had the chance to learn more details about our mid-May trip to France at a Teams assembly led by Mrs Underwood and Mme Jordan.
On a stunningly wet and rainy day, a very happy Sophie visited us to talk to us about water dos and don'ts. In a very enjoyable workshop, we recapped the Water Cycle, found out in more detail how water is cleaned, and learned excellent tips for saving water and looking after the water supply. We also learned about how conventional cotton production is excessively water-wasteful, and how companies like Shein are unsustainable in their clothing production.
Pupils should have returned home able to pass their tips on. Regarding wet-wipes, we learned that, even when labelled as such, they are NEVER 'flushable', and should be avoided as much as possible. (We did neglect to ask her what we could do to bring water bills down in the south-west.) Barn Owls played matches in PE last week, incorporating learned and practised skills of serving, striking and moving around the court to reach the ball. They have shown a good improvement in ability over the half-term, and the games were very enjoyable to watch.
It was great to welcome Mrs McKee back to Barn Owls class this week for a Solar Workshop. With the Year 6s having visited the Solar Farm at Roadford last year, and with our current Science and Geography learning about energy and sustainability, we could build on what we already knew with a workshop on solar-powered toys.
After recapping current knowledge about how electricity is generated from the sun, we tried out a range of toys and decorations in a useful gap in the inclement weather. Pupils then had the chance to design and build their own solar-powered toy using components supplied by Mrs McKee (more photos to follow upon completion). This week, children from across the school took part in an assembly and follow up activities to mark World Autism Acceptance Week. The key message was that everyone is different. We learnt that people with autism are not ill but instead see the world in a unique way. We explored ways in which we can be a good classmate to people with autism - we discussed a number of scenarios and how we could support and help one another in these situations.
For tips on how to talk about autism at home with younger children visit: www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/joinin/pablo-talking-to-your-child-about-autism For more information on autism visit: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism We were treated to a visit from a medal-winning athlete this week, as Maddi Tarrant, Team GB Double Mini Trampoline gymnast arrived at Bridestowe.
In an inspirational assembly, Maddi told us about her journey from starting gymnastics lessons at an early age (in an attempt to outdo her brother) to becoming a European champion in her sport. Maddi showed us videos of her training and successes, as well as some occasions when her jumps and twirls had not gone to plan. Sadly, Maddi could not give a live demonstration as she is nursing a back injury, which she is hoping to recover from in time for her next competitions in May. All of the children took part in some challenging activities which Maddi led and demonstrated. Many congratulations to the children at Bridestowe for their impressive athletic work, and thankyou for the wonderful fund-raising by so many of you.
In Barn Owls, we continued to learn about light and how we see. Yesterday, using protractors, mirrors and torches, we worked to prove the law of reflection (please ask your Y5/6 pupil(s) if they can tell you what this is - clues in the following photos).
As Barn Owls are learning about energy and sustainability in Geography and Science this term, we were delighted to have the chance to see first-hand what happens to the rubbish we throw away. In a joint trip with MTB School, we travelled to Devonport Dockyard, where the incinerator is located, and found out how the waste is managed so that none of it goes to landfill. It also happened to be Comic Relief Day, so you may spot some crazy hair styling. We learned that hundreds of bin lorries travel to the site each year to deposit their rubbish from Plymouth, Cornwall and West Devon. The waste goes into an incinerator, producing vast heat. This helps to heat the neighbouring Dockyard, and is used to create electricity, some of which also goes to the Dockyard.
Although the site is German-owned, it will become an enterprise owned locally in a few years, so that any profits are returned to the local community. Children had the chance to learn more about events in the run-up to Easter in the Open the Book Assembly on the 10th of March. We heard about Palm Sunday, and re-enacted Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, using palm fronds
On the 7th March, our team of swimmers, including some Lydford pupils, took part in the postponed Swimming Gala at Meadowlands, Tavistock.
The Bridestowe/Lydford team showed impressive skills and teamwork, each member taking part in events that may have been very challenging for them, and came away as Small School Winners. We were visited by the Dogs' Trust, which Elin and Tommy are familiar with through their strong family links. All of us enjoyed an assembly, and then a workshop in each class, where we learned more about how to approach and keep safe around dogs.
Over the past few weeks, Barn Owls have continued to work on their racquet, positioning and striking skills. We've also started to extend our strategies for serving.
Barn Owls spent the day on Dartmoor, between Sourton Tor and Widgery Cross, navigating and exploring. The compass work built on understanding from having studied magnetism last half-term. It was a bitter day, but everyone warmed up once we properly got going. The children tried out a survival shelter, which was extremely effective in keeping the wind off. Having such clear weather gave us fantastic views across to Bridestowe and Cornwall, and enhanced visibility when identifying landmarks and features of the terrain. Barn Owls have been continuing to work on their skills in tennis, this week working on aiming shots and returning. The children have practised their 'ready' stance, and built on that by adding their forehand and backhand positions.
In PE with Mr Pugh, Barn Owls initially worked on controlling and watching the ball, also working with others to play small games.
They moved on to using racquets after this, showing increasing skill in aiming their shots. Kerry Morgan came from Torbay Fire Service to talk to Barn Owls this week. It was a very informative and useful talk and your children should have brought home a guide to home safety.
Barn Owls rounded off the half-term's work on magnets by planning and carrying out an investigation to find out which (of quite a wide selection) was the strongest. The planning involved devising a fair test and working out what measurements were needed.
Generally, the stronger magnets seemed to be larger. The rudimentary electromagnet we made was too weak to exert much force. Our final netball lesson with Mr Pugh saw some competitive 5-a-side matches. Mr Pugh complimented the children on their spacing, ability to get free and the accuracy of their passing.
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