We have been looking at different pirate poems this week to go along with our Treasure Island theme. We completed all of the retrieval and vocabulary questions and looked at comparing them and finding words that capture the reader's imagination and I couldn't believe how hard they worked. As a treat, the children were allowed to perform these poems and tried to improve from their last attempts. They were much better at performing and the majority should be really proud of what they have achieved. 

This week, the children enjoyed a hands-on Maths lesson exploring square numbers in the KS2 hall. Working in groups of three, the children were given clear roles to support teamwork and collaboration. One child acted as the collector, gathering the counters, another was the builder, carefully arranging them and the third was the checker, ensuring each square number was correct.

Using counters and transparent counters, the children worked together to create square numbers up to 144. They demonstrated excellent mathematical thinking as they arranged the counters into equal rows and columns, helping them to visualise what square numbers really look like.

After the practical activity, we returned to the classroom where the children completed some written work to explain and record their learning. They were very focused, worked extremely well together and showed great enthusiasm throughout the lesson. A fantastic effort from everyone!

​We had an exciting and inspiring day at Darton College, where our pupils took part in a basketball competition and skills festival. The event was split into two pathways, allowing everyone to participate and enjoy the experience at a level that suited them.

Our competitive team represented the school brilliantly, showing excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout a series of highly competitive matches. Their hard work and focus paid off, and we are incredibly proud to say that they have progressed to the finals at Barnsley College.

Alongside this, pupils in the development group took part in a range of skill-building activities and non-competitive games. This group focused on learning new basketball skills, improving coordination and confidence and enjoying the game in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Every pupil who attended was fantastic. They listened carefully, supported one another and represented the school with pride both on and off the court. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm, resilience and positive attitudes throughout the day.

Well done to all involved — we are very proud of you and we look forward to cheering on our team at the finals at Barnsley College!

Year 4 have been busy experimenting with printmaking techniques as part of their art learning. This session followed on from our earlier work using tin foil, where children created images by drawing into the surface with cotton buds. From this, we discovered an important lesson — letters need to be reversed so that they print the correct way round!

Building on this learning, the children designed and created their own print blocks using thick card and art straws. They worked with great focus and patience, carefully arranging their materials and thinking thoughtfully about how their designs would transfer onto paper. In coming lessons we will be trialling alternative materials, including string and polystyrene tiles, to explore how different textures might affect the final print.
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The classroom was calm and purposeful, with pupils taking real pride in their work and showing resilience when adjustments were needed. Year 4 are now very much looking forward to testing their print blocks to see how effective their designs are and how each material performs when inked and printed.