This Week in Investigators...

What a brilliant week we had last week.

We began to learn about bridges in DT - we found out that trusses make a much stronger bridge and had a go at making our own. We then tested them with weights to see who made the strongest bridge, it was a lot of fun!

The children were also full of lively discussion which was fantastic for our topic which started during the American Civil Rights Movement - we learned some shocking facts about how life was back then. We discussed what racism is and talked about ways we can stand up to racist behaviour.

This week we are moving into the present day and exploring what democracy looks like in the US now. We will find out information about the political parties and compare the policies they support. We will also learn about the US election process and of course, the newly elected president.

In RE we are looking at festivals and celebrations of all faiths in the run up to the end of the year!

An Update on Homework

Until now, we have only been completing one Maths Arithmetic 'test' per week as part of our homework. As of last week, I have given the children a new homework book with a detailed description of homework I will be expecting from them. I have clearly explained to them what each piece entails and when it needs to be handed in - I don't expect any of us to get this right in the first few weeks so please don't worry (and encourage the children not to worry) if we get in a muddle with what is due in when!

English Skills books (one test completed) and spelling sentences will be due in every Monday and Maths Arithmetic is due in on a Thursday to be marked on a Friday (so effectively, there is a days grace if needed). There is also a timed, times table exercise for them to do but I have explained to them that this is really for them to be testing themselves - quick recall of multiplication facts will help them immensely in all of their maths learning and as such, is a skill I am really keen to improve. I will be checking a time is recorded on these sheets, children are welcome to mark them themselves once finished.

Spellings will be tested every Friday morning.

I want to children to learn to be responsible for this and also to push themselves, I will gently remind them about it often until we are getting it right. Please do get in touch if you have any concerns about the homework -lots of the children were quite pleased with it!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Mrs Burbedge