This half term, Cedars have been developing their understanding across a range of exciting subjects. In Science, the children explored classification keys and learned how scientists group living things based on their characteristics. They particularly enjoyed practical activities investigating invertebrates and “bug hunts,” using classification keys to identify different creatures found in their environment.

As part of their Topic learning on Ancient Civilisations, the children studied early societies and explored how these civilisations have influenced the modern world. They thoroughly enjoyed taking part in an Ancient Egypt workshop, where they discovered fascinating facts about Egyptian life, artefacts, mummification and traditions through hands-on activities. 

In Art, the children have learnt about the features of Islamic art. They made geometric patterns and motifs on paper and using clay. They used their learning to create a high relief clay tile, decorated with geometric patterns.  

In music, the children have explored expression and improvisation, using dynamics, singing, instruments and composition to express feelings in music. They have also listened and responded to music while thinking about how music shapes our lives and relationships.

In French, the children have developed their intercultural understanding by learning about French towns and cities. They have also learnt to describe places in a town, count to 100 and give their address in French. 

In this half term, Cedars have conducted investigations exploring different types of soil. They also learned about how fossils are formed, understanding the process of fossilisation and what fossils can tell us about the past. In their topic on volcanoes, they researched how volcanoes are created and the impact eruptions have on the environment. To conclude their learning, they explored forces in science, carrying out practical activities to investigate pushes, pulls and how objects move on different surfaces.  

In Art, the children practised drawing human figures with increasing detail, created artwork inspired by urban landscapes, and studied the work of L.S. Lowry. In music, the children worked collaboratively to compose music each week. They listened carefully, explored rhythm and melody, and developed confidence in creating and performing their own musical ideas. In French, the children developed their speaking, listening and reading skills. They learned to count from 11 to 31, name the days of the week and months of the year and use simple sentences with accurate pronunciation. 

This half term has seen us moving onto a unit of Geography work called Interconnected World. The children enjoyed all of the atlas work within this unit and spotting the different countries the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn run through. We learnt some fascinating facts about the lives of people living in Brazil, Ecuador, USA and Canada. There were even some facts that truly shocked us! After learning of these countries, the children produced some amazing fact files filled with key information about their learning.

This half term in French, we have been learning about introducing ourselves to people and giving some information about our lives. The children have enjoyed firstly learning the new vocabulary before putting actions to these words to aide their recollection. We have often found it difficult to keep a straight face as we became confused with which action matched which word! Over the past two weeks, the children have enjoyed learning how to say different pets in French before learning about the different rooms in our house.  

Recently in Music, we got the recorders out for the first time this academic year and learnt how to play along to a song we are learning in class. The children were able to play the A and G notes confidently by the end of the lesson and how to adapt their technique if they made a squeaking sound. As the year progresses, we can hopefully start to add more notes to our songs.