This week in Science, Year 1 really enjoyed investigating what type of conditions woodlice prefer to live in. We put things we thought the woodlice would like to eat on one side of the tray and left the other half empty. Over time, we observed which way the woodlice went and found out that they liked to stay where it was dark and where they had leaves to eat.
Year 3 have been focusing on Architecture this half term where we are learning about structures. We even went on a structure hunt around the school, there are so many to be found! We also looked at the purpose of buildings and found great inspiration in the work of superstar architect Zaha Hadid. We look forward to learning more and creating our own structures in the next few weeks.
Here are some initial building design ideas we made using basic shapes.
Year 4 have been rather busy working on their textiles project. So far, they have studied the work of an inspirational artist and have used their signature design style to create a dress design. Everyone is having a great time learning how to build up a surface pattern using different decorative techniques from hand embroidery to transfer printing. We cant wait to see the final product!
Huge congratulations to our Squad 1 gymnasts who took part in the IAPS U11 Advanced Gymnastics competition on Saturday 13th November.
The girls performed amazingly and their coaches are very proud of them. A special mention should go to to Elena Greco who received a medal for achieving 4th place; there were more than 40 gymnasts competing on the day and Elena performed brilliantly. Well done Elena!
This week, we marked Anti-Bullying Week with the theme ‘One Kind Word’. On Wednesday, all classes took part in an assembly where they learnt that bullying happens when unkindness occurs again and again, is deliberate and causes negative feelings. The girls talked through scenarios and had many ideas of how they could step in and spread kindness if they saw unkind behaviour. They were impressively quick to name different people at school and at home that they could talk to if they were worried.
We continued with the theme during our Wellbeing lessons. All girls created ‘Positivity Pebbles’ where they were challenged to think of a motivational word or phrase which would remind them or someone else of the power of kindness. Some girls chose to keep their pebbles as a reminder to themselves, and others gave theirs away in the hope of triggering a wave of kindness throughout our community.
This half term we have been exploring how to use watercolours. The girls used a variety of techniques, inspired by a range of artists who have included water, in some form, into their work. From Hokusai and Monet to contemporary painters, such as Maggie Hambling, we discussed different styles and painting methods. This week we have switched our focus to landscapes and began looking at why ‘tone’ is so important to help give a sense of time of day, surface quality and depth to our drawings. We made two twenty-minute sketches of views from the art studio using charcoal and chalk, to match colours and block shapes. The girls worked really hard to finish these. They also learnt to squint, which to some felt funny! This is though a useful technique, helping to simplify shapes, especially when deciding which features to include in a composition.
3K and 3H have started designing patterns, incorporating William Morris’ work and motifs from nature. So far, the girls have been thinking about how patterns can be made from a single print block, repeating shapes and using symmetry and balance in their own ideas. Collages, sketchbooks and a range of apps will be included in the next few weeks, to produce an original print. The girls will also be looking at a range of contemporary designers, who continue to use Morris’ style. Well done to all them, either in school or working from home, for their amazing ideas and beautifully drawn designs.
Year 5 have been working very hard in French. To finish our topic “Moi et ma famille”, the girls worked on their final project; they drew themselves and their family and prepared their script in writing. They then presented it orally to the class. I have been impressed by their ability to speak French with great clarity and lovely pronunciation. Some girls even presented themselves without having to read their sentences. C’est génial!
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