Autumn Term

A Single Thread Does Not Make a Cloth

Big Question: How is our culture enriched by diversity?

Our theme title is inspired by a proverb which originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria and means that individual efforts are small and fragile on their own: True strength, resilience, and beauty come from weaving individual contributions together. 

 

Working Scientifically

For our Earth & Space unit in Science, Year 6 enjoyed investigating shadows to explore how night follows day. The children decided what the variables could be and which one they would choose to alter. They were surprised at how quickly their shadow changed in only 1 hour: length and angle. We had many curious children from lower down the school during the afternoon break, which led to some fantastic conversations!

Magistrate Visit

Following on from the work last year, Mr Deacon, a local magistrate, visited the new Year 6's to explain what a magistrate is and does. They then ran a mock trial based on a scenario that involved online bullying through mobile phones. The children played many characters, including; the accused, the victim, her father, cousin and friend. The defence and prosecution both did an excellent job, however the seven magistrates eventually found the accused guilty. The children were engrossed, and it will be hard to choose 10 to represent the school in a debating competition at The Box in May. It's just as well that we have some debate practice coming up in our English units!

Year 6 Residential

We have many more photos of your individual children which we can share with you at a later date.

Day 1 update

We've had a great first day with beautiful weather and all the children were asleep by 10.00 p.m!  No-one has been home sick as they've all been too busy enjoying the freedom of the grounds, the team-building activities and the pump rocket competition.

The food went down well and the evening involved games, table tennis and a movie - all washed down with hot chocolate and carrot cake. The children loved settling into their dorms and only 2 children couldn’t put their duvet cover on!

Spirits are high!

Day 2 update 

The children have had another action-packed day. They were extremely well-fed at breakfast and started the day with a bush craft experience (building dens, campfires, cooking popcorn, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate). 

The afternoon saw their teams competing at orienteering and raft building. They then had free time in the grounds, including use of the grass toboggans. 

Pizza, and sticky toffee pudding with custard didn’t defeat them, so they spent an hour in the sports hall, climbing, playing badminton and dodgeball. 

We are now back with the children enjoying a mixture of table tennis, Uno, monopoly or watching the football. Just passing round the lemon drizzle cake as I type - they certainly like to eat! Luckily, a full English breakfast awaits…

Day 3 update

Classic Dartmoor weather swept through day 3, transitioning from low cloud, calm winds and light rain to glorious sunshine and strong winds. The high ropes challenged the children's perseverance and resilience this morning, especially in the conditions. However, they demonstrated great courage and friendship (2 of our core Christian values) to overcome their fears and support each other, enabling everyone to thrive.

This afternoon, the children went rock-scrambling at Hound's Tor, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. They had to squeeze through the smallest of gaps and relied on each other for encouragement and guidance. The instructors and school staff were incredibly impressed with the teamwork and support shown by the children. Each day has been designed to gradually be more challenging, and it has been a delight to see their personal development over just 2 days. Tomorrow will see another significant challenge: abseiling. Everyone is excited!

Day 4 update

The day started well with a beautiful sunrise and an activity called Low Ropes. Each team had to compete in order to complete a set a difficult activities whilst keeping 3 water balloons 'alive'. In the afternoon, the children took part in climbing and abseiling. We have some great pictures that we can share once we return. For now please find a selection below. All the children are thriving and having such a good time. We have an Archery battle planned for tomorrow and then we are homeward-bound!

Day 5

Archery and home

Religion & Science: Conflicting or Complementary

In our autumn term 1 unit Year 6 have begun to investigate religion and science as two separate entities that can work together. Here they have been studying Genesis Chapter 1 and begun to create artwork inspired by the Christian artist Hannah Dunnett. Later in the unit they will be researching and learning about scientists who also have a strong belief and faith in God.