Student News

Final Gym and Swimming

Last week our students participated in their final Gym and Swimming lessons for the year. Every student has worked incredibly hard, and it has been a joy to watch the laughter and fun they’ve shared, all while gaining valuable opportunities for physical activity and skill development.  

Grade 4 - 6 Maths

In Maths we have been observing diverse algorithms to assist us when working out multiplication and division problems. The students have been working together to figure out what ways are easier to figure out trickier equations and why they become easier when we trial different strategies. Students have been enthusiastic about trialling the strategies and finding out new ways to support their understandings. 

Literacy 4-6.      

We have completed our first text study! War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a heartwarming tale about a young boy named Albert and his beloved horse, Joey. Set during World War I, the story follows the incredible journey of Joey, who is sold to the army and ends up on the front lines of the war. Despite the challenges they face, Albert and Joey's unbreakable bond is at the heart of the story. It's a touching and inspiring story that teaches us about the power of compassion and the enduring strength of true friendship. While reading this book we also researched the use of horses and other animals during  WWI. Ask your child about the use of goldfish!?!

Students were asked to use their knowledge of War Horse and their research, to persuade readers on the topic, Should Horses Have Been Used During WWI?  Check out some of our convincing arguments below:

Should horses have been used in WW1?

By Braxton Barns

During world war horses were mass used to transport soldiers and supply wagons through the rough landscape. Can we deny that if we did not use horses then Germany may have taken over and our lives wouldn't be the same? Horses were the ones who soldiers would go to to comfort themselves, and they would pull medical wagons and artillery. I believe horses should have been used during world war 1, although they were killed and suffered we would have had no chance at winning against Germany’s large supply of guns and soldiers.

During WWI horses could be emotional support animals for soldiers who had been injured physically or mentally. They were great companions and could comfort soldiers who were sad or in their last moments. Many soldiers were emotionally attached to their horses so they still had someone to go to for comfort. When a soldier had lost a close friend or family member during the war they could help comfort the soldier when grief or loss had occurred. Horses were important during WWI because they could comfort soldiers during grief and loss, stay with soldiers when they were sad or in their last moments, and soldiers got emotionally attached to their horses so they could still go to their horse when they had no one else.

During WWI horses were mandatory because of their reliability and strength to carry supplies. They were strong and could pull wagons easily. They were reliable because they would not get bogged easily unlike cars and tanks. They could transport men easily. Without a doubt horses should have been used during WWI, otherwise they would have had no way to transport wagons.

Undeniably horses were needed to be used in World War 1, because horses could be used as emotional support animals. Their strong legs and back which could pull supply wagons easily without getting bogged, and they were vital to win the war against Germany.

Horses should not have been used in World War 1.

By Olivia Morrison 

1914, World War 1

Due to the non-invention of vehicles, it was critical that horses were used in World War 1. Would the outcome have been the same if horses were not used?

Undeniably, horses should not have been used in WWI because there are so many more useful ways to solve the war without putting horses through heart-wrenching work and detrimental conditions.

During World War 1 horses were overworked and pushed beyond tumultuous conditions. They had to pull monster tanks, had to go through or over thick rusty wire, and had to run, pull, push and fight in heavy terrain. Plus scary fact - 8+ million horses alone died during World War 1. So that is how horses were beyond overworked and pushed beyond traumatic conditions.

Even though there is the horse's physical harm there is mental health too. War also was bad for horses' mental health. The horses were trained for the physical side of war but not the mental side of war. They were not used to the excruciating noise. Horses have way better hearing and more sensitive hearing than humans . The constant death of their companions (masters) and having to constantly adapt to new masters. Plus horses were always exposed to the elements. War really affected the horses’ mental health impacting them for life. 

Unquestionably, horses should not have been used in World War 1. There are so many ways to solve World Wars. Could the outcome have been the same if horses were not used?

Should horses have been used in WW1?

By Emmett Hodge

In 1914, when WW1 started, horses were found to be a crucial part of war. What would we do if there weren't any horses left and what else could we use? Undeniably, it is inevitable that horses could be very much able to be switched with bulls for they are able to attack soldiers on the other side and more.

Horses should be replaced with bulls for they were more aggressive and would attack as well as not being afraid of gunfire. They would attack without a mount and could be controlled with a red flag or even blood, they can run fast and jump wire without being too damaged.

It would've made it easier to carry artillery. If you did use bulls then it would have been much easier to win without so much death and destruction.

Bulls would be faster as well as not being afraid of gunfire. They could also help win the war. Bulls would be faster and able to attack without a rider. If you shot them they wouldn’t die, they would just be injured. Bulls are also much stronger and will stab you with their horns. It would be easier with bulls because they wouldn’t get so injured.

Horses are innocent creatures and should be replaced with bulls. Bulls can attack soldiers on the other side and don't have to be ridden, it would also be easier to carry equipment. If we were to use bulls it would have had a crucial difference in war.