Learning Community 3

This last fortnight has been a wild ride, with the start of swimming and premature nearly-end-of-term zoomies!

In Maths, we have been developing our problem-solving skills across a range of topics. We explored multiplication strategies (Grid Method, long multiplication, and arrays), practised short and long division with remainders, and applied our learning to real-world word problems. We also revisited the practice of converting decimals, fractions, and percentages, calculating discounts and sale prices, and using indices with BIDMAS to solve equations accurately. Across all lessons, the focus has been on choosing efficient strategies, explaining reasoning, and making connections between different mathematics concepts!

Reading this fortnight has allowed us to dive deeper into Holes by Louis Sachar, exploring how setting, characters, themes, and plot all work together to shape the story. We considered how the harsh desert setting impacts the survival of two important characters, reflected on characters’ intentions and outcomes, and identified key themes such as friendship, resilience, and fairness. We also practised summarising the plot, using our five senses to infer details of new settings, and tracking how our thinking about characters has changed over time. Through these activities, we are building skills in inference, ethical reasoning, and vocabulary!

In Writing, we explored a range of narrative techniques to make our stories more engaging. We learnt how pacing, irony, symbolism, and plot twists shape a reader’s experience, and how cause and effect drive a story forward through character decisions and consequences. Using strong verbs, descriptive language, and figurative detail, we planned and wrote our own narratives before editing to improve flow, punctuation, and overall coherence!

In Civics and Citizenship, we explored what it means to be a citizen and how people belong to different communities. We learnt about diversity, reflecting on cultural, social, and religious differences, and why respecting these differences strengthens communities. We also examined how people participate in their communities, from helping at school to volunteering, and considered how working together toward shared civic goals can create positive change. Through activities like creating citizenship maps, action plans, and group projects, we developed an understanding of their role in local, national, and global communities!

In Design Tech, we continued exploring how advertising influences children’s food choices, then researched creative ways to prepare and present snacks that are nutritious, appealing and safe for children to make themselves. We took colour, shape, and themes into consideration to encourage healthy eating in children, then planned persuasive advertisements for our snacks, using storyboards or scripts to communicate our ideas and highlight both fun and health benefits!