This week in English, we have been hugging our model text as we prepare to write our own persuasive speeches. It has been wonderful to hear the wide range of ideas the children are passionate about advocating for! Their speeches include arguments for wearing their own clothes instead of school uniform, introducing a three-day weekend and allowing children to choose where they sit in the classroom. I am looking forward to seeing their completed persuasive speeches next week.

In Maths, we have been focusing on statistics, learning how to read and interpret pictograms, block graphs and line graphs. The children have developed their skills in analysing data and drawing conclusions from the information presented. On Monday, the children also received their Multiplication Check results, and we were very proud of the effort they have put into preparing for this assessment throughout the year.

In Science, we explored the issue of air pollution by considering areas around the school grounds where pollution levels may be higher or lower and discussing the reasons why. The children then created informative posters highlighting the benefits of electric cars and how they can help reduce air pollution.

History provided a fantastic opportunity for some cross-curricular learning. The children learnt about the mathematician, physicist and engineer Archimedes and his famous "Eureka!" moment. To beat the heat, we took our learning outdoors, where the children investigated water displacement through a series of practical experiments. They made predictions about how much the water level would rise when different objects were placed into containers before testing their ideas. It was wonderful to see them thinking like scientists, making careful observations and applying their historical knowledge in such an engaging, hands-on way.

In Art, we continued our Telling Stories unit by focusing on setting a scene and developing our graphite sketching skills. The children thoroughly enjoyed creating imaginative settings and experimenting with different sketching techniques.

In RE, we learnt about the Ten Commandments. The children were photographed holding up their fingers to represent each of the ten commandments before colouring illustrations and writing each commandment in their books. This helped them to remember and reflect on their meaning.

Finally, I would like to say how impressed I have been with the children's resilience throughout this week's heatwave. Despite the high temperatures, they have continued to work hard, stay positive and show great enthusiasm in all of their learning. Well done, Year 4!

Diversity Week

This week, we celebrated our annual Diversity Week. We began by reflecting on how wonderfully unique each one of us is and ended the week by exploring how, despite our differences, we all belong. Through activities based around themes such as light, food, stories with meaning (including Jesus' parables), celebrations, gifts and generosity, the children discovered both the things that make us different and the values we all share.

Your child has brought home their Diversity Passport. Please take some time to complete it together and return it to school by Tuesday. Once completed, children will receive their stickers for each theme. We are looking forward to celebrating everyone's learning with a special Diversity Week display. Above and Beyond stickers will be awarded to all children that bring these back completed and by Tuesday.

Democracy in Action

 This week also saw our prospective Head Boy and Head Girl candidates share their speeches before the whole school. Our current Pupil Leadership Team led the entire election process, demonstrating fantastic leadership and responsibility. The children took their right to vote extremely seriously, carefully listening to each candidate before casting their vote. Any children who left early due to the hot weather will have the opportunity to vote on Monday, ensuring every voice is heard. We look forward to announcing the results very soon!

This week's Reflection

In our Collective Worship, we explored the philosophical question: "What could help me to keep going when I feel like giving up?" Together, the children thought about the three most important things they would keep in their own 'toolbox' to help them persevere through challenges. We would love you to continue this conversation at home by asking your child what they chose for their toolbox and discussing what you would include in yours.

Homework

Reading - please encourage your child to read at least 5 times a week. Well done to Arthur & Arina who achieved their Head Teacher’s award for reading.

TTRS - 17 games to play over the course of the week.

English - Doodle Learning assignment to be completed by Thursday 2nd July.

Maths - Doodle Learning assignment to be completed by Thursday 2nd July.

Spelling - they are available to practise on Doodle - looking at Year 3 and 4 Statutory spelling words. 

complete their Diversity passport by Tuesday for an Above and Beyond 

Dates for next week

Saturday 26^th July – Summer Fair – can’t wait to see you there!

Wednesday 1^st July – SIAMS Inspection

Friday 3^rd July - Rickmansworth Tennis for a Tennis Day

Friday  3^rd July - afternoon - full rehearsal for our Charity Music Concert

Friday – 6:30pm – Charity Music Concert

Emails sent this week

Church of England School Inspection letter

Early collection on Wednesday and Thursday due to hot weather conditions

Charity Music Concert – Friday 3^rd July – relevant participants

Summer Fair update

Church visit cancelled

Cancelling Enrichment Clubs this week

Hot weather arrangements