As the Spring term begins, our primary students are gearing up for an array of exciting projects that promise to engage and inspire their curiosity. Each year group has developed a thoughtful and dynamic curriculum designed to spark interest in various subjects, from science and geography to history and sustainability. Here's a look at what’s in store for each year group!
Year 1: World Explorers and Weather Measurement
This term, Year 1 will embark on a fascinating journey as they study World Explorers and Innovators in history and geography. Students will develop their geographical knowledge by learning about past explorers and their journeys. To complement this, they will also delve into the world of weather. The young learners will learn how to measure weather conditions and even build their own weather stations, a hands-on project designed to encourage exploration and observation of the natural world.
Year 2: Plants and Extreme Earth
In Year 2, students will focus on the essential needs of plants, investigating the roles of water, light, and temperature for healthy growth. Through simple experiments, they will observe how these factors influence plant development, fostering an understanding of plant biology and the importance of ecosystems. Additionally, in their geography unit, Extreme Earth, they will explore the incredible physical features of our planet. From mountains and volcanoes to earthquakes and tsunamis, students will learn about the natural phenomena that shape our world and gain insights into our planet's geological wonders.
Year 3: Light, Shadows, and Europe
Year 3 students will dive into the properties of light and shadows. They will identify various light sources and non-light sources while exploring the benefits and dangers of sunlight. This hands-on approach will help them understand how shadows are formed and how they change throughout the day. Concurrently, the class will embark on an exploration of Europe, investigating its diverse climates, landscapes, countries, and cultures. By learning about both natural and man-made features, students will expand their geographical understanding of this vibrant continent.
Year 4: Electricity and Sustainability
In Year 4, students will ignite their scientific curiosity with an engaging unit on electricity. They will learn to construct simple series electrical circuits, identifying essential components such as cells, wires, and switches. This project will not only bolster their understanding of electrical systems but also encourage them to draw and label scientific diagrams of their circuits. Another vital focus for Year 4 will be sustainability. Students will explore the fragilities of our planet and create meaningful projects that express their feelings and propose ways to protect our natural resources.
Year 5: Earth, Space, and Forces
Year 5 students are set to embark on an enlightening journey into Earth and Space, the only astronomy-related unit in the primary curriculum. They will gain a foundational understanding of our Solar System, learning to describe the Sun, Earth, and Moon, and naming the planets independently. This curriculum will help them differentiate between heliocentric and geocentric models and explain day and night scientifically. In addition, the Forces unit will explore different types of forces such as gravity, friction, and air resistance. Students will discover the work of Isaac Newton and engage in hands-on challenges to design and test parachutes, reinforcing their comprehension of physics through creative problem-solving.
The Spring term is shaping up to be an enriching and dynamic time for our primary students. We are excited to see how their projects unfold and the unique perspectives they will gain through these engaging activities.
