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The Good Shepherd
Catholic Primary School
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know me”. John 10:14"
Year 5 - St Thomas More
English: Classroom Debate
Art: First Lesson at Kite Studio
Art: Abstract Art Piece
PSHRE: Weapon Awareness Training
Music: Romeo & Juliet - Original Composition by Year 5
In our music lessons Year 5 are learning about meter in lyrics and how to use different instruments to create different emotions. Inspired by Romeo & Juliet, the students were given different parts of the story and asked to write 4 lines in meter and choose appropriate instruments to help show the emotional ups and downs of the story. We hope you enjoy their composition!
Group 1:
Madeleine, Aoibh, Megan, Chineme, Ayana
Group 2:
Diogo, Isabella, Carla, Jessica, Dulguun,
Group 3:
George, Michael, Isabelle, Melissa, Belle,
Group 4:
Pierce, Nadia, Niels, Polina, Emilia, Francesca
Group 5:
William, Varvara, Cecily, Lena, Allegra
Group 6:
Francesco, Clementine, Callie, David, Noemi
Group 1:
Madeleine, Aoibh, Megan, Chineme, Ayana
Group 2:
Diogo, Isabella, Carla, Jessica, Dulguun,
Group 3:
George, Michael, Isabelle, Melissa, Belle,
Group 4:
Pierce, Nadia, Niels, Polina, Emilia, Francesca
Group 5:
William, Varvara, Cecily, Lena, Allegra
Group 6:
Francesco, Clementine, Callie, David, Noemi
English: Performance by Young Shakespeare Company
The Young Shakespeare Company visited us today, staging an exciting performance of Macbeth. They picked some of us to join in the scenes, and the fighting part was the best! It was really exciting, and we had a lot of fun.
Science: Solubility Lesson at All Saints Catholic College
Today, we visited All Saints Catholic College for a cool science lesson on solubility. We learned to fill out a risk assessment form before starting our experiment, and we wore goggles for safety. Using a thermometer, we checked how fast potassium permanganate dissolves in hot water compared to cold water. After the experiment, we even tackled some Year 7 questions! We really enjoyed our lesson at All Saints Catholic College!
RE: Father Andrew's Visit from Oxford - Exploring the Connection Between Science and Religion
Today, Father Andrew from Oxford visited the Good Shepherd. We learned about how science and religion are connected and heard about important people from the Catholic Church who contributed to science. Moreover, we gained insights into the concept that, while things in the world may be temporary, the love and teachings of God are eternal.
English: Conscience Alley
In English, we explored a crucial moment in "The Journey." The refugee family had to decide whether to take a dangerous boat trip. The children formed a conscience alley, with the two "family members" listening to opposing perspectives on the matter. After considering different opinions, the two "family members" made a decision...
Mathematics: Multiplication Practice
In Mathematics, we are practicing multiplication together so we can build a solid foundation in this essential skill to tackle more complex mathematical concepts in the future.
Music: A Musical Journey to the London Symphony Orchestra Concert
Today, we had the privilege of attending an orchestra concert presented by the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican Centre. The experience of seeing the instruments we are currently learning in our music lessons expertly played by professional musicians, including the enchanting sitar, added an extra layer of appreciation to the performance. The concert was themed around Diwali. In the part where the monkey army had their victory, we all rose up to perform the accompanying song with the orchestra, even adding in actions and movements we had been practicing during music lessons. We had a great time at the concert! 
Science: Testing the Best Thermal Insulator
In today's science lesson, we conducted an experiment to determine the most effective thermal insulator among tin foil, bubble wrap, and newspaper. We're eager to share the exciting results with the class!
History: Ancient Greek Democracy - Citizens' Debate
In today's history class, we studied democracy in Ancient Greece. Taking on the roles of citizens in the Ecclesia, we engaged in a debate, discussing the merits of living in Athens versus Sparta. Responding to the opposing team's arguments, we passionately presented our own points.
English: Freeze Frames of the Family's Forest Journey
In English, we are studying "The Journey" by Francesca Sanna, exploring the experiences of refugees amid war. Today, we created freeze frames depicting key moments from the family's journey in the forest—on the forest edge, at the mountain's base, in front of a wall, and while crossing the border. This activity enhanced our understanding of the hardships faced by refugees, fostering empathy for those affected by conflict.
RE: Celebrating the All Saints' Day
We celebrated All Saints' Day on November 1st, with children dressed as their favorite saints for school. We attended the Mass in the morning and discussed the saints that the children were dressed as, along with their significant achievements. 
PE: Year 5 Athletics Festival
On Tuesday, Year 5 visited Sacred Heart High School, joining other schools in the borough for an exciting athletics festival. We tackled hurdles and obstacle relays, javelin, and speed bounce, with boys and girls teaming up, working together to complete these events. Cheers and support echoed in the school hall as children rooted for each other during the races. Additionally, students showcased their skills in individual competitions, including vertical jump, standing long jump, chest push, and standing triple jump. All the children did their best and exhibited great sportsmanship. It was a fantastic day at the athletics festival! 
English: Learning Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
This autumn, we immersed ourselves in 'Romeo and Juliet.' We learned to craft soliloquies and diary entries from the characters' perspectives and practiced our acting skills, emphasizing tones and facial expressions. Today, we delighted our audience with a captivating performance of the Capulets' party scene. What a journey it has been! 
Computing: Exploring Digital Image Creation
During our recent computing lesson, students had the opportunity to delve into the world of digital image creation. They explored various tools and functions on sketchpad, learning the art of crafting images using digital tools.
PSHRE: Learning About Anti-Bullying
We learned about bullying and how children should respond when they or their friends face bullying issues. We had a unique experience with "Now Press Play," where children had the opportunity to step into the shoes of someone experiencing bullying through a guided audio story. They thoroughly enjoyed the activity and engaged in a discussion about their experiences afterward.
PSHRE: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Day
On October 10, 2023, students wore yellow additions to their uniforms to mark Mental Health Awareness Day. We had an assembly where our music teacher composed a song that emphasized the importance of mental health, and students learned, sang, and danced to it. The song encouraged self-care activities like reading for relaxation and taking breaks when needed. School Parliament members from the Department of Health and Wellbeing also joined in to demonstrate the song and dance.
RE: Feast of All Saints Celebration - Dress as Your Favorite Saint
We'll celebrate the Feast of All Saints on Wednesday, 1st November. Please come to school dressed as your favourite saint. Check the poster above for details!
History: Black History Month
As part of Black History Month, our students have researched a notable figure associated with Hammersmith and Fulham: Lolita Roy. They've gathered valuable information about her life and contributions, which we are pleased to share and discuss.
Year 5 Curriculum Presentation: Topics and Routines
Beach Day
We had a fantastic day at The Good Shepherd's beach!
Activities throughout the day included:
- Summer photo booth and disco
- Swimming
- Giant slide
- Ice cream and party games
- Magic sand
The LookOut - Sustainability Trip
We had an amazing day at the LookOut in Hyde park learning about how we can be more sustainable.
In the morning, we learned about the 5 Rs - refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose. We played lots of hands on games to learn about how we can be more aware of our carbon footprint.
In the afternoon, we took a walk to the stables where the police horses are kept. We had the opportunity to meet the horses and ask questions to the police about their role. The horses are used to in many ways to create a more sustainable park and city for everyone.
Creating computer animations
We have been learning to create digital animation frames and to use the copy and paste function on our animation app so that we can change each frame slightly. This creates an illusion that our animation is moving.
Conscience Alley
As part of our English text 'The Boy at the Back of the Class', we took part in a conscience alley. We had to decide whether the children should interfere with the government's decision to close the borer to refugees or not. We decided that the children should interfere and help Ahmet to reunite with his family!
Now Press Play - feelings
We used Now Press Play to what learn about what positively and negatively affects our physical, mental and emotional health. We learned about the steps we should take when we need help.
Planning computer animations
We have been learning about how computer animations are created. We used onion skinning to create a set of frames that can be used for our animations.
Tennis
Year 4 have been developing their tennis skills in their weekly lessons, particularly focusing on technique, footwork and strategy.
Our Human Rights!
While reading 'The Boy at the Back of the Class', it was very clear that many refugees have their human rights taken from them when they are displaced. As a class, we learned about the Human Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Each of us took an article from the UDHR and simplified the language in it so that it is suitable for a KS1 child. We each created a page of our picture book which we will present to reception, year 1 and year 2 to inform them about their human rights.
Cricket
Year 4 have been using teamwork, cooperation and coordination to grow their batting, bowling and fielding skills in cricket.
Computer animations
In computing, we are learning about animation. In this week's lesson, we learned about how animators create the persistence of vision, which is an illusion that the the picture is moving. We created our own flipbooks to show how animation works.
Medieval art at Kite Studios
We have loved our lessons at Kite Studios. Check out some of our finished pieces of medieval art.
Athletics
In this half-term's PE lessons, we have been developing our athletics skills through a variety of events such as sprints, hurdles, relays, jumping and throwing.
International Evening
We loved dressing up in our country's colours or national dress to celebrate International Evening. We enjoyed food from all over the world!
International Week - Ukraine
We learned all about Ukraine for International Week. Varvara and Polina very kindly shared their knowledge of Ukraine from a personal perspective.
Class Assembly
Year 4 performed a class assembly based on their learning about King Henry VIII.
The Boy at the Back of the Class
In English, we have been studying the novel 'The Boy at the Back of the Class'. It is a story about a Kurdish refugee who is forced to leave his country, joining a school in England. Both the children and their parents are curious about Ahmet, and begin gossiping about him. In class, we created propaganda posters to put a stop to this gossip. We also created fact files about refugees to address these misconception.
Coronation Celebrations!
We loved dressing up as monarchs for the day and having a coronation celebration!
Kite Studios
Here are some examples of the activities we have been enjoying at Kite Studios linked to medieval art.
Northern Ireland research projects
The Tudors - Now Press Play
In today's Now Press Play, we learned about the affects that the 'Break with Rome' had on England for years after Henry VIII's reign. We took on the role of one of the Queen's stable hands who discovers a group of Catholics who were plotting to kill her!
Copyright and fair use
In today's e-safety lesson, we learned about copyright and fair use. We read through different scenarios and worked in groups to decide whether we had permission to use the digital thing or not.
TUDOR WORLD!
We had a fantastic day at Tudor World in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the morning, children learned all about the importance of the theatre in Tudor times and took part in role play based on the theatre. Additionally, we had a tour of the museum. Shortly after that, we took part in a crime and punishment workshop, where some children unfortunately were punished or beheaded for treason. After lunch, we met William Shakespeare who took us on a tour of the town. We visited where he was born, lived, went to school and died, along with the home where his daughter Susanna lived. We loved hearing stories about his life.
Science LEGO workshop
As part of British Science Week, we took part in a LEGO workshop. We worked together to come up with ways to travel around the world using different methods of transport e.g. boat, train or truck. As the theme of science week was 'connections', we explored the different methods of communication we could use and also worked in a team to build a bridge.
DEAR time
We have been enjoying drop everything and read time both in our classroom and in the reading corner.
Creating depth in paintings
In art this term, we have been learning how to create depth in paintings. Here are our final paintings, where you can see that we have created background, middle ground and foreground.
Sound with Miss Howard
For this week's science lesson on sound, we were joined by Miss Howard. Miss Howard brought a variety of instruments to support our learning on pitch and volume. Francesca even played her cello for us.
PE - Fitness
Year 4 are learning about the importance of keeping fit and the benefits it can have on our physical and mental health. They have learned how to get fit in new, enjoyable ways e.g. through circuits with friends, boxing and dancing.
Tudor Projects.
We have been working really hard on our Tudor projects and are enjoying listening to each other's presentations. We even got to taste some Tudor treats baked by Lena!
How do computers store data?
We have been learning about how computers store data in a database. We were shocked when we realised how quickly a computer can find a piece of information that is stored on it!
World Book Day Celebrations!
String Telephones
In science, we are learning about what sound is and how it travels. In our first lesson, we created string telephones to help us to explain how sound travels through different mediums. We learned that sound is a form of energy, caused by a vibration and that it travels in waves.
English National Opera Certificates
We were delighted to receive our certificates from the English National Opera for the piece of music we composed in the last half term.
Cooking up a storm!
Children's Mental Health Week
This week is Children's Mental Health week. In Monday's assembly, Racha spoke to us about this year's theme 'Let's Connect'. In class, we had lots of conversations about the importance of looking after our mental health, hearing the stories of other people. To end the week, we created a paper chain, showing how we are all connected. We discussed how we are connected to everybody in the world, even those we have never met.
Quiz with Sphero
In this week's lesson, we programmed Sphero to answer questions about topics we have been learning about in class. Sphero had to roll to a question, land accurately on it, change a specific colour and say the correct answer out loud. The aim was to program Sphero to move from one side of the hall to the other, answering questions along the way.
Conductor or insulator?
In this week's science lesson, we tested various materials to decide whether they were conductors or insulators.
Year 4 Skittleball Competiton
Well done to our year 4 skittleball team who won 5 out of 6 games at the Hammersmith and Fulham skittleball tournament. Pupils have been developing their hand skills in PE this term so it was a great opportunity for them to display everything that they have learnt. Well done to all of the year 4 boys and girls involved. Pupils enjoyed some lunch in the park on their way back to school!
Settlements
As part of our learning in geography, we have been completing research on different settlements around the world to share with our classmates.
Skittleball
We have been practicing our defending, passing and shooting skills in our PE lessons.
Statistics
In maths, we have been drawing and reading graphs to present data. We have had to be extremely precise when drawing our graphs to ensure the information we have presented is accurate.
Disciples of Jesus
In RE, we have been learning about the teachings of Jesus. We learned about how Jesus chose his first disciples. We compared these disciples to ourselves, the disciples of Jesus today. We worked in groups to decide which traits are important as a disciple of Jesus.
Churros!
We have been cooking all things Spanish this half term in our weekly lessons with Etain.
Now Press Play - Electricity
In today's Now Press Play, we were at home with our cousin Thalia. As we were helping her with her dialysis machine, there was a power cut. We used household objects to make a torch and headed for the local hospital where the doctor told us there was a 2 hour wait. We set out for the local power station and noticed that there no smoke from the chimneys. We broke in via a hole under the fence. Causing the power cut was Danny, an anti coal protester who was throwing coal into the lake. Danny took us to a wind turbine. We turned it on and it lit up the town!
Learning to play the recorder
This half term, we are learning to play the recorder in our music lessons with Miss Howard.
A-Life
Pupils took part in the A-life Healthy workshop. They had a hands-on experience, allowing all to delve in and explore the various activities based on healthy lifestyles. Pupils engaged in variety of different activities set up around the hall in stations. Year 3 and 4 pupils worked together to explore various scenarios and topics linking to PSHRE, PE and science.
Sphero's journey around the world
In today's computing lesson, we took Sphero on a journey around the world. First, we came up Sphero's story, which included the 7 continents. Then, we coded Sphero to go on its journey around the world. It had to visit each continent in the correct order.
Invasion games
Year 4 have been refining their passing and receiving skills, as well as developing the important skills required to gain and keep possession of a ball. Additionally, they have been practicing shooting towards a target. These are transferable skills, which pupils can apply to netball, basketball, handball and skittleball, as well as many other sports.
iMaze with Sphero
We coded Sphero to move through a maze. We worked hard, having to debug our code numerous times. We were delighted when it finally worked!
A Spanish Christmas
As part of our wider Spanish curriculum, we have been learning about Christmas in Spain and Día de Los Reyes. Thank you to Carla, who shared her experience of spending Christmas in Spain this year. We loved hearing about all of the Spanish traditions you were part of.
Role on the wall: Mrs. Tredegar
In 'The Green Ship', we have been introduced to Mrs. Tredegar, an old lady who explores the ship with the children. In groups, we created a 'role on the wall' outlining what we know and can infer about her.
Creating circuits
We enjoyed constructing our own circuits in this week's science lesson on electricity. We needed a battery, wire, switch and component to allow electricity to flow.
The Green Ship
This half term, we are studying 'The Green Ship', illustrated by Quentin Blake. The children have made an astonishing discovery, a green ship in a forest. Here, we are role-playing the children entering and exploring the ship.
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings workshop
We loved learning more about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings during our full day drama workshop.
D&T - Our final designs
In Dolci Jubilo - Practice track
D&T - Building Viking longships
We have really enjoyed creating our own Viking longships. In our pairs, we designed what we would like our longship to look like and gathered the materials we needed. We had to ensure our longship could float, the oars could move and the dragon head was detachable.
The water cycle - Now Press Play
In today's Now Press Play, we learned how water moves around the water cycle.
A Viking's journey
In today's Now Press Play, we took on the role of a Viking child who took a journey across the Northern Sea in search for a better life in England. We were shocked to find out that our fellow Vikings had plans to raid and invade.
Computing - Dance party with Sphero
We learned how to repeat code using the 'loop' and 'copy and paste' functions on the Sphero Edu app. We programed Sphero to perform a dance routine that was repeated in preparation for a dance party.
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings projects
Here is a sample of our Anglo-Saxons and Vikings home learning projects.
Computing - Draw with Sphero
We learned how to use the draw function on the Sphero Edu app. We enjoyed leaving secret messages for our partner.
Maths - Multiplication and Division
We have been learning to show multiplication and division in a variety of different ways!
Computing - Coding with Sphero
In today's computing lesson, we learned how to use the Sphero app and make Sphero move. We enjoyed coding our robots to move around obstacles.
D&T - Researching Viking Longships
This term, we will be creating our own Viking longships. In today's D&T lesson, we researched information about Viking longships. This will help us in the plan, make and evaluate stages of our project.
English - Creating a hero
In English, we have began studying 'Beowulf', an epic poem from Anglo-Saxon times. Here, we turned our partners into heroes that would be brave enough to fight Grendel the monster. We used the superlative form of adjective to describe our hero.
Black History Assembly
Today, KS1 and KS2 held a Black History Assembly. Each class completed study of an inspirational person from the local area.
Year 1 - Adelaide Louise Estelle Hall
Year 2 – Mary Seacole
Year 3 – Fanny Eaton
Year 4 – Dr John Alcindor
Year 5 – Ellen and William Craft
Year 6 – Gandhi
Art: Light
We enjoyed putting all of this half term's learning in art into practice. We took inspiration from Caravaggio and Vermeer's paintings and learned how to use tone, shade and shadows to create form.
Religion: The Ten Plagues
We have been learning about the Bible in Religion and have studied the stories of many of God's chosen people from the Old Testament. Here, we are learning acting out the story of Moses and the Ten Plagues.
Black History Month
For Black History Month, we learned about Dr John Alcindor, a physician and activist from Trinidad who settled in London. Dr John Alcindor became known as the "Black doctor of Paddington." Here are some examples of our research projects.
Drumming Workshop
Today, we had a special workshop with Music Mission. Firstly, we had an introduction to playing the drums by exploring the drum kit itself and the different types of drum. After that, we explored the different types of rhythms used around the world, like the Samba and the ChaChaCha. Everyone got to join in with learning how to use your hands and feet on the drums as we finished off by performing some songs together.
PE - Dodgeball
During Autumn 1, we have been developing our throwing, catching, movement and agility skills through dodgeball in our weekly sessions. We really enjoy playing games as part of a team.
Geography Field Trip
We went on a field trip to study how Hammersmith has developed as a settlement over time. This was part of our topic 'spatial sense'. In the classroom, we studied maps of Hammersmith from 1863, 1915, 1954 and today. We highlighted the changes we could see. Afterwards, we took a walk to the river Thames to observe these changes in real life. Finally, we created a field sketch of what we could see in the area.
WiseUp Team Building 2022!
Art - Light
We have been learning about how the artists Vermeer and Caravaggio used shade and tone in their paintings to create a 3D effect. We have enjoyed learning how to create form in our own artwork through sketching and painting various objects.
Maths - Addition and Subtraction
We enjoy using maths equipment to show how to add and subtract in many different ways!
English - Macbeth
We have loved studying the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The use of role play in our lessons has really helped us to understand the characters' thoughts, motives and intentions. Will Macbeth decide to murder King Duncan? Only time will tell...
Clickety Train - Emilia, George and William
Emotions On The Train - Clara, Noemi, Melissa and Diogo
Climb Aboard For A Ride - Francesca, Jean, Clementine and Jessica
Roman Mosaics
Kite Studios - Nefertiti
Now Press Play Plants
Class Trip to Kew Gardens
Now Press Play Romans
Conscience Alley in English
In English, we are looking at the book 'Into the Forest' by Anthony Browne. Pupils had to write a persuasive note to the boy advising him on whether he should go through the forest or go the long way around. In preparation for their writing, we did a conscience alley where a pupil had to walk through the center, in role as the boy, and the people on the outside had to try and persuade 'the boy' on what he should do.
Sport's Praise Assembly Summer 2022
Skip Week 2022!
Songwriting Workshop
Pupils have been exploring songs by Elizabeth Cotten, blues and jazz music and train poetry. Today, we were fortunate enough to have professional songwriter, Miranda Cooper, provide a workshop for the year 3 pupils. Miranda was also accompanies by guitarist Nick. Over the coming weeks, pupils will continue to learn to play the ukulele , develop the skills they’ve learnt in music so far and their to write and compose their very own song. Today pupils used the poems they wrote in English to write lyrics in small groups, with the support from professionals.
Miranda showing us how it's done, using our poems!
Here's another one!
and another!
Queen's Jubilee Tea Party!
May Procession
Laudato Si' Assembly
Laudato Si' Week 2022
As part of our annual Laudato Si’ focus, in which Pope Francis calls upon ‘every person living on our planet’ to take environmental action to care for our ‘common home’, our class visited Gunnersbury Triangle, a wonderful nature reserve in the heart of our local area. Gunnersbury Triangle is a green oasis created by intersecting railway lines, close to Chiswick Park Station, saved from development and managed for wildlife and people. The pupils carried out pond dipping using nets and trays to explore our aquatic habitats. They also went mini beast hunting – looking in our woodland habitats to discover the small invertebrates that live within, and became plant detectives.
We also looked at climate change, in particular, diving into the Arctic Region. The Arctic is warming three times as fast as the global average. This is mainly because melting of snow and ice exposes a darker surface and increases the amount of solar energy absorbed in these areas (albedo effect). Pupils explored the effect this has on animal habitats and animal life in the region. Pupils completed a Now Press Play experience on Climate Change and also did their own research projects.
Learning to play the Ukulele
Year 3 are beginning to learn to play the ukulele in their music lessons with Miss Howard. This is going to compliment their English lessons where we have been focusing on the book “Libba” which is a story based on the life events of American folk and blues musician Elizabeth Cotten.
London Symphony Orchestra Concert
Year 3 and Year 4 Skittleball Tournament
Well done to the year 3 and year 4 pupils taking part in the Skittleball competition at Sacred Heart Secondary School. Year 3 played a total of 6 games. They won 4 and lost 2 of their games. A massive well done to them all. They showed great sportsmanship and got better and better as the tournament progressed. Well done to the year 4 team who finished top of their group. They drew their first game and won the other 3. They then played against the winners of the other group where the game finished in a draw. Both teams did exceptionally well and were fantastic representatives for the Good Shepherd.
Visit to our Parish Church
Goodbye Mr. Davis!
Design and Technology
Pupils in Year 3 created their very own pnuematic system. Linking back to last half term's science topic of forces, they explored various pnuematic systems and how they worked. They decided that they would make Charlotte's Web farm animals - linking to their Literacy text.
Science workshop with real life scientists!!
Lunchtime Champions League Grand Final (and winners’ match against the mighty All-Stars!)
Year 3 - Show and Tell
Mother's Day Card Making
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Science Museum Trip
Science Week 2022 - Silly Scientist Workshop
St Patrick's Day Gaelic Football Fun
Times Tables Rock Stars- Battle of the Bands!
Saying Farewell to the Alleluia
World Book Day 2022
Have a look at some of the Year 3 show and tells.
Stone Age Feast!
The pupils in year 3 worked extremely hard with Etain, our cookery teacher to host a Stone Age Feast for the year 3 parents. Pupils prepared the food, created art work and dressed up for the occasion. They made stone bread, oat cakes and much more.
Ancient Egypt Now Press Play
We used Now Press Play to actively engage with our History topic, Ancient Egypt. Each of us wore a set of wireless headphones and we were sent on a journey to explore the topic. In the above lesson, we completed the Stone Age Experience. We followed the journey of a boy becoming a scribe for a dead Pharaoh and his journey to the afterlife. Afterwards, we created a story map of our experience.
Ancient Egypt Projects
Well done to everybody who completed an Ancient Egypt project over the half term. I was so impressed to see such a variety of projects and such creativity. It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm for learning throughout year 3.
Coding with Sphero
We started using block code with the Sphero robots today. Using our block code experience with Scratch we managed to code the robots to drive in a perfect square and some of us even coded matrix animations!
Y3/4 Girls’ Football Tournament @ Power League
Our Good Shepherd Junior Wildcats A and B teams took part in a borough football competition at Power League, South Africa Rd. Lots of other schools were there to play against.
Both of our teams had their moments: Our B team had a fantastic 2-0 win over Wendell Park during the group stages and our A team managed to reach the quarter-finals where they narrowly lost to St. Johns in extra time.
Mr Davis was very happy with the teamwork and positive attitude both teams showed throughout the tournament.
Our New Reading Corner
In the Autumn term, the department for Arts and Culture held a bake sale fundraiser to raise money to improve each classroom's reading corner. The pupils in Year 3 picked out three bean bags, a sea themed rug and a blue book case.
Stone Age Cave Paintings!
We created cave paintings in preparation for our Stone Age Feast.
Propaganda Research
Pupils carried out research to support their propaganda writing in English.
Persuasive Writing
Our Power of Reading and Guided Reading text this term is Charlotte's Web. Today pupils worked in group to brainstorm reasons why Mr Zuckerman should not kill Wilbur. This is in preparation for writing a propaganda letter next week.
Riverside Environment Field Trip
Art - Still Life and Form
In art we had to draw different shapes to match those in the original. Then we had to mix appropriate colours to match the colours in the painting.
Religion - The Lost Sheep
In Religion, we did a role play of the story of the Lost Sheep.
Science - Forces and Magets
Today in science, we explored forces and magnets. We used magnets to investigate which items in our classroom will magnets repel or attract.
Stone Age Workshop
We really enjoyed our Stone Age drama workshop with One Day Creative. Throughout the day, we participated in various role-play activities, games and quizzes linked to our topic.
Club 144’s secret Christmas meeting- what were they up to?
Christmas dinner!
Annual Calendar Photos
Now Press Play - The Stone Age
We used Now Press Play to actively engage with The Stone Age – Iron Age topic in History and our book ’The Stone Age Boy’ in English. Each of us wore a set of wireless headphones and we were sent on a journey to explore the topic. In the above lesson, we completed the Stone Age Experience. We followed the day of a stone age boy and his family hunting.
Anti - Bullying Week
The theme for this year's Anti-Bullying week is 'One Kind Word'. In today's circle time, we defined bullying and talked about what the emotional effects of bullying are on a person. We looked looked at different scenario cards and thought about which words we could use in that situation to make a person feel better! We then looked at some scenarios where people showed kindness and discussed the wider impact of showing kindness and respect in this way.
Over the week, we thought about how we can spread kindness using our words and continue this into our everyday lives in the future.
Amazing Africa!
Carnival Celebration
While black history is celebrated year round, Black History Month is marked annually. It recognises and values the inspirational individuals and events that have shaped the black generation. During Black History Month, we remember and celebrate the important people from the past and also those who contribute to and help our society today. As as class we learned about Claudia Jones. Claudia Jones was an equal rights activist and was the founder of Notting Hill Carnival. We decided to host our own carnival, by making our own drums and wearing outfits that were worn in Notting Hill Carnival itself.
About Our Church with Father Mark
Team Building Orienteering Style!
Black History Month
Role Play!
Instructional Writing
In English, we have been looking at instructional writing. Our Power of Reading book is 'Lob' by Linda Newbury. We each wrote a set of instructions on how to plant a broad bean. Afterwards, we swapped instructions with our partners and followed the instructions they wrote. After following the instructions and planting our broad bean, we peer assessed each other's work and gave constructive feedback; What Went Well and Even Better If.
Box-Fit
Music Show and Tell
Carla playing the baritone horn
Reaction Time Ruler
In Science we have been learning about The Human Body. In one of our lessons, we learnt about the Nervous System. We learnt that our brain sends messages around our body through our nerves.
Power of Reading - Poetry
Our Power of Reading book this term is Lob by Linda Newbury. In English pupils worked in groups and created their own 'song of the earth' poem. Pupils had to write down the noises and sounds they heard in the play ground, then Working as a group, the children had to read, select, sequence, and refine the writing on each slip, piecing them together to create their own ‘song of the earth’ poem.
Circuits!
Cross Curricular PE
During our first term back to school we are doing OAA in PE. We used our subject knowledge from our Geography lessons to help us complete the team building activities.
Compass Use
A-Life Workshop
The A-life mental health and wellbeing workshop came to visit this term. In the workshop, we learned practical ways to keep fit and healthy and discovered strategies to keep calm using the acronym 'GET CALM'. Can you remember what each letter stood for?
Get Giving
Get Connecting
Get Active
Get Learning
Get Mindful
Club 144’s Secret Meeting in Wendell Park...
We had another top secret meeting at the end of last term. What do you think they might have been doing?
Keep practising your tables so you can join Club 144 too!
Welcome back, Year 3!
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2020 - 2021 ARCHIVE
Coding with Lightbot 2.0
Year 2 began their coding for this term by using Lightbot 2.0. This app showed us how important it is to use the correct instructions in the correct sequence. We will move on to using Scratch Jr next week.
Both Lightbot 2.0 and Scratch Jr are free to download apps available for use on any Android or Apple tablet.
TCD
Medium Term Curriculum Maps
Welcome back, Year 2!
2019 - 2020 ARCHIVE
Homework 06.03.2020
Homework 2.12.2019
Homework 1.11.2019
Pelican Music (18.10.19)
Two string tutors from Pelican Music, Lisa and Laura vistied KS1 today.
They teach the cello and the violin. We were treated to some familiar songs, including the Harry Potter theme tune and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. If your child is interested in either of these instruments please contact Pelican Music.
They teach the cello and the violin. We were treated to some familiar songs, including the Harry Potter theme tune and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. If your child is interested in either of these instruments please contact Pelican Music.
We have been exploring our senses, through tasting and hearing.
Welcome back to a new school year.
A few things to keep in mind for year 1.
- Please ensure all uniform is labelled, including P.E kits.
- Children are to line up in the playground, the bell will be rung at 8:55.
- Homework will be handed out every Friday, please hand completed homework in the following Thursday.
- Spelling tests will be on Friday, I will not be sending results home at this point in the year. We are building good habits and foundations, not focusing on how many they got right or wrong.
- Please try to read daily to your child.
- When reading books are ready to be changed please ensure they are signed and remind your child to put them in the green basket.
Welcome to Year 1 2019 - 2020!
Reception 2018 - 2019 archive
"My child definitely reads. It is wonderful to see how the 'magic' happens - the creation of the sounds, one by one. He knows the 'traps' now. He adopts the phonics of the letters, attaches the words. It goes so fast. Yesterday nothing. Tomorrow it will be done. It's happening now and we all really enjoy reading together."
Written by a Reception father in his child's reading record book, 1st May 2019.
LAND OF THE DINOSAURS
FUN FACT!
Chickens are the closest living relative to the extinct Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Here we are visiting newly-hatched dinosaur relatives in Year 1...
Through books, we learned a little about what the landscape might have looked like before dinosaurs became extinct around 66 million years ago. We heard about rivers, waterfalls and caves, primeval forests and primordial swamps. Our favourite things were giant, erupting volcanoes. We followed a recipe and made a mini one ourselves to play with in our classroom. Here are the photos showing the steps involved:
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Namaste - the light in me sees the light in you
As well as our weekly outdoor multi-skills sessions with Adam on Tuesdays, this half term, we have a yoga class with Calista on Wednesday. We are enjoying it. It's non-competitive so it fosters cooperation and compassion. We are beginning to derive great benefit from it in terms of enhancing our strength, coordination and flexibility, improving our concentration and giving us a sense of calmness and well-being.
Karen McLeod, who was our Nursery Teacher before Mrs Moore-Jaunaii and Miss Molloy, is kindly coming in regularly to teach us a very important life-long skill. She is teaching us how to sew. We are improving our hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills, and learning patience along the way. Karen is helping us to thread our needles, but she is allowing us to follow her lead with very little help and telling us not to worry if we go a bit wonky. We are loving it. Some of us are sitting for two hours at a time, sewing, and even then, don't want to stop for lunch!
Starry, Starry Night
As the nights draw in we are enjoying our Starry, Starry Night topic, and have made some super fact sheets about nocturnal animals and those that hibernate.
As well as non-fiction books, these are some of our favourite stories that we've read:
Photos which showed how the sky changes colour at sunset and how the buildings and trees appear black as they block out the light inspired us to make some stunning skyscapes of our own using paint and collage.
We looked at Van Gogh's painting, Starry, Starry Night, and used crayons to draw a tree, stars and a village like he did.
We tried to capture the movement of the wind like he has done by using lots of lines, swirls and spirals. Using a technique called wax resist, we chose paints to wash over our drawings.
We think our paintings could easily be placed alongside his in MoMA, in New York! What do you think?
To investigate light and shadow, we brought in glass jars from home and filled them with coloured water, glitter and sequins and made Victorian-style 'fitter jars'. Using torches, we cast coloured light from our jars onto a white screen and onto our faces.
Let's Talk About Maths
As a school we are committed to teaching for mastery in maths, using approaches that help children to develop a deep and secure knowledge and understanding of mathematics at each stage of their learning.
Developing mathematical thinking begins in Nursery and Reception, where talk is at the heart of maths learning. Quite simply, most of children's understanding about numbers, shapes and measures comes from talking about them, and exploring them through every day play indoors and outdoors.
It is estimated that for children to be able to access the KS1 maths curriculum fully, they need to be familiar with over 400 mathematical words and phrases.
What do we do to ensure children have opportunities to develop such an extensive expressive vocabulary?
Careful planning which builds on what children know and can do is informed by children's enthusiasms and passions.
We consider very carefully the environment we provide, including ways which we enrich our continuous provision:
Specific activities are planned to support children's understanding of elements of maths.
Vocabulary is introduced and its use modelled, enabling statements and open-ended questions are asked to extend learning and support children's thinking.
Self-registration each morning gives children a practical way to begin to recognise numbers to 30. It also helps them to begin to understand how subtraction works. If three children have not registered because they are absent, children can instantly see how many are in school and can begin to see patterns and learn their number bonds.
Best buddies 
Our lovely Year 6 children are always ready and willing to help their younger peers. Each day two or three will spend their lunchtime working one-to-one with our children, using conversation cards and class reading books to encourage them to practise asking and answering clearly and confidently and to go over their phonic sounds to prepare them for reading simple words and sentences. They usually spend some time together at the end on a classroom activity, with the older children, for example, guiding the younger ones to write their names accurately on drywipe boards or role-playing in the home corner.
We love having them to help and they enjoy coming in to help but also to reminisce about their happy, carefree days in reception
. The younger children are always delighted to see their buddies and they get so much from their time spent with them.
Do you know what you are? You
are a marvel. You are unique. In
all the years that have passed,
there has never been another
child like you. Your legs,
your arms, your clever fingers,
the way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo,
a Beethoven. You have the
capacity for anything.
Yes, you are a marvel. And
when you grow up,
can you then harm another
who is, like you, a marvel?
2017 - 2018 archive
An activity for you to bring back to school.
Snow Day Activities
Enjoy some snow stories. You should find good titles in the library!
Have a go at making snowmen biscuits if you can't get outside!
We have been thinking about the true meaning of Christmas in the Nursery.
Our RE topic this half term is 'My Family' Please read the attached letter.
Our topic in Nursery this half term is 'Colour'. Take a look at our curriculum map.
Our first half term in Nursery - We have done so well.
2nd October. Our week in Nursery - making salt dough, paper cup cakes and decorating biscuits. We had so much fun.
Our topic is food. We made fruit kebabs this week.
This week we made sandwiches.
We would like to welcome you to The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School. Over the next few weeks we hope you and your child settle well, if you have any questions or concerns please do come and see us. We look forward to getting to know you all.