Class MV Practical Perimeter Maths Challenge

Today in Maths, we have started a new topic, perimeter.

This morning, I set the children a practical challenge. I asked them to work out the perimeter of the playground using their bodies (footsteps or arm widths). We discussed what perimeter was and then they had a go. They found that each group had a different idea of where and how to measure. Therefore they got different measurements.

Later, they were given meter sticks to see if they could improve their measurement-taking skills. One group got within 3 meters of the correct answer!

Finally, we then discussed the importance of using proper units of measurement and accuracy in the classroom.

Great job Class MV!

Class LH take-off in ‘Splendid Skies’

Class LH have launched the next topic, Splendid Skies, with a ‘wow’ morning designing, making and flying kites and windmills.

We went to the sports field and had lots of fun and great success flying the kites around the field.  We tested them out using different speeds ie walking, jogging and then running to see which was the best for getting the kites to fly.  We then tried to see if the length of the string on the kite would make a difference.  It was great fun and when there was a gust of wind, we stood still and the kites flew brilliantly.

We then tried the windmills and were thrilled when they worked so well.  We had a few which were a bit stubborn to get going but once the sails had been pulled out, they were whizzing around.  Listen to the squeals of excitement and all the lovely comments the children made on the two videos: 1  2

A few comments:

• Joss – it was such good fun
• Herbie – I loved it when the windmill went round, it went so fast
• Fran – I loved it
• Junior – it was so cool and great fun

As you can see from the videos and photos, it truly had a ‘wow’ moment and captured their thinking.

Germs in Class LH get out of hand!!

To complete our topic about significant people, we have found out why Florence Nightingale and Joseph Lister were important and how they have had an impact on our lives today.

We understood how Florence Nightingale improved hospitals to make them clean and comfortable for patients and then how Joseph Lister implemented sterilisation and cleanliness particularly for operations and dealing with open wounds.

Thinking about the importance of staying clean and hygienic, we set up an experiment to see how germs can spread so easily among us.  The 5 “germ” children had their hands covered in germs (glitter) and proceeded to start their dice game with their groups. After a very short time, the ‘germs’ were beginning to spread.  After 10 minutes of playing the game, every child could see how the germs had spread – some even on their faces where they had touched their faces!

At the end of the game, different children cleaned their germs using a variety of methods:- a) dry paper towel, b) just water, c) 2 seconds with soap and water and d) with soap and water for 20 seconds.  Our resident class doctor, Ivy, examined all the hands after they had been washed in the variety of ways and noted the differences in the results.  All the children had made a prediction about the results and interestingly the dry paper towel wiped off more ‘germs’ than just plain water but the best was definitely using soap and water.

To finish the lesson, ‘germs’ (ground cloves) were dropped into a bowl of water and floated all over the water surface.  A real ‘wow’ moment followed when a drop of soap was dropped in and the children could see the ‘germs’ scatter to the edge of the bowl showing how germs do not like soap.  

Class LH had a puzzling afternoon!

Class LH have had a most enjoyable afternoon solving a variety of different jigsaw puzzles of various size, shape and numbers of pieces.   Without exception, everybody was showing great teamwork and resilience and most groups found the strategy of finding the outside edge pieces first really helped.  The class were split into mixed random groups and worked so well together, listening carefully and liaising about all the pieces and persevering if the piece they had did not fit first time!  Once they had finished one, they changed groups and puzzles and just kept going.  It was such a lovely afternoon and so lovely to see the whole class engaged in a great activity.

Evie said that it felt so good when she had finished it.  Oliver commented that he had really enjoyed the afternoon and Viviana shared how she had really loved doing it and working through even the tricky bits.

I’ve got to say that all the adults in the class were really getting into it too!! 

Well done everyone from a very proud Mrs Hall!

VACANCY - KEY STAGE 2 TEACHING ASSISTANT - JANUARY 2022

We are seeking an enthusiastic and flexible individual to join our friendly and supportive TA team at  our successful CEVAP school in Framlingham, working predominantly in KS2.

Candidates will demonstrate:

• excellent communication skills
• minimum GCSE level Maths and English skills
• ability to work with children in whole class setting
• ability to independently deliver interventions
• knowledge of with the primary curriculum
• ability to assist and support children on a 1:1 basis
• willingness to take direction from class teacher, but able to use initiative when required.
• previous experience preferred but not essential

In addition you should be passionate about children’s learning, have high expectations and be supportive of the Christian ethos of the school.

• Salary:                                Grade 2 (£18,198 pro rata)
• Job Term:                           Part time, Fixed Term to 31/8/2022
• Hours:                                 Mon – Fri, 5.25hrs/day (26.25 hrs/wk), 38 wks/year
• Required from:                   February 2022
• Closing Date                       Friday 21 January 2022
• Interview:                            Week commencing 31 January 2022

For further details please contact the school on 01728 723354.

Advert link on Suffolk Jobs Direct

Completed forms should be returned to admin@hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk.

• Application Form
• Job Description
• Guidance Notes

“This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.”