Year 6 reach new heights at St Paul’s!

 Year 6 were lucky enough to visit a cathedral on Thursday as one of their enrichment experiences to bring learning to life; as a school we recognise that not all children are able to access enrichment beyond school. 

The children were able to visit the inside and the dome of the cathedral which was 528 steps high!

Lots of the children were resilient even if they weren't sure about heights, which was so pleasing to see.

Moreover, the children were extremely respectful in the cathedral - we were really proud of their quiet behaviour and eagereness to learn and look at the wonder that is St Pauls.

Dragon Dance Workshop

Dragon Dance Workshop!

Today Redwood and Willow participated in a Dragon Dance Workshop. The children were able to have a go doing a traditional Chinese New Year dance using umbrellas, fans and a large brightly coloured Dragon. We learnt steps to a dance then were able to perform it. This ties perfectly with the work we have been doing in Literacy where we are writing a non- chronological report about a Dragon. 

James from Willow said “I didn’t like it, I loved it”.

Joe from Redwood said “ It was funny”. 

Dad and Kids fire night at Broadford.

Please see flyer below

Year 6 London Symphony Orchestra Trip

We believe in providing opportunities for pupils that widens their experiences.   Year 6 pupils were fortunate enough to be invited to an interactive interpretation of 'The Voyager' by the London Symphony Orchestra at The Barbican Centre in London.

Classical music and musicians may not play a heavy part in an average day for a 10/11 year old, so it was fascinating to see their amazement at the variety of instruments, the intricate conducting and the impressive collaboration the musicians demonstrated. Unfortunately, we were not able to take photos inside as there are strict rules in place at the Barbican.

My favourite instrument was the double bass because it sounded so magical and calming.
Bobby

I had a brilliant day! It has really inspired me to play an instrument. Maybe I should take up the violin!
Ella

We listened to the orchestra and observed how they changed pitch and tempo as well as participated in using hand signals to complement the mood of the music. We also sang 'The Voyager' to the tune of 'I vow to thee my country' by Gustav Holst which we have been learning in class!

The children had a brilliant day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and consider themselves extremely fortunate to enjoy such a special day out.

Running 1000 Miles to Freedom

Last week, Year 6 were lucky enough to visit the Museum of London Docklands to become further immersed in their history topic 'Why should the world be ashamed of slavery?'. 

The children were excited to listen to the story of Ellen Craft, a woman born into slavery in America in the 1820s who later escaped under the disguise of being a man, with her husband (fellow slave William Craft). Between them, they became the most famous fugitive slaves due to their courageous and elaborate escape plan. 

The pupils were then able to explore the exhibition and study letters, artefacts and other historical information to deepen their learning and enhance what we have done in class. 

Although we have learnt about the abominable slave trade in class, it was fascinating to hear a first-hand account of a former slave who managed to escape and find a better life in England. 

Levan Towe-Enu, Redwood class 

This topic has been an extremely interesting challenge for the pupils but has allowed us to explore and debate concepts of freedom, equality and justice as well as hone our skills as historians. The children truly understand why we cannot ever allow this point in history to repeat itself again.

Mr Light

I thought the woman playing Ellen Craft was really engaging and she brought this incredible story to life! 

Teni Adu, Larch class

Around the World in a Term: What have we been doing?

So far in the Broadford University Around the World in a Term course, the students have been busy globetrotting and have already visited the USA, Brazil and France!

In Brazil, the pupils made vibrant and exciting carnival masks and learned about what makes the Carnival so exciting. The pupils used a range of resources to make their masks and can't wait to show them off. 

The next country we visited was France. The children created Eiffel Tower pictures made of straw and got a unique opportunity to try Camembert cheese, Brie cheese, baguette, croissants and a hot chocolate. 

I really enjoyed trying the French food. I hadn't eaten Brie or Camembert before but I gave them a try and really liked them!

Rajaab

Year 6 Royal Courts of Justice

To celebrate the children's effort in their Theatre of Law project, we visited the Royal Courts of Justice in London to perform our mock trials in a real court room. The pupils were shown around these active courts and were able to see the list of the different cases which were to be tried that day. Unfortunately, it is illegal to take photos inside the building but we did get a few outside!  

This archaic building was built in the 1870s and was opened by Queen Victoria in 1882. Since then, thousands of cases have been heard here and countless lawyers and barristers have passed through the doors. Most of the cases at the Royal Courts of Justice are civil ones- which could involve a plaintiff suing a business or individual.

The children were blown away by the intricate architecture of the RCJ and the old court rooms which are still in use today. We were also lucky enough to be visited by Judge Hugh Howard- who is the regional Tribunal judge specialising in welfare benefits. He encouraged all the children to consider a career in law and informed us that shockingly only 28% of court judges are women. This figure rises to 45% for tribunal judges which is more representative of the demographic they serve.

Taking part in a mock trial in a real courtroom was a unique experience that I didn't think was possible. We learnt about mitigating and litigating circumstances and the roles of jurors, judges and counsel.
Tia, Larch

As a result of these trips and our Theatre of Law project, more than two thirds of our year group are now considering a career in law whereas before only 20% knew and understood what a lawyer does.

Sensational sea creatures!

This afternoon, some Year 6 children participated in a special textiles workshop making sea creatures. The session was led by Miss Robson from Sanders' school and the children used various resources such as felt and thread to create their fabrications. 

I liked this workshop because I have tried something new and it was so enjoyable to learn how to sew.

Ty, Larch 

I loved this sea creature workshop because I love doing art and it gave me more experience with sewing. I've gained some great ideas for the future!

Tegan, Redwood

Larch make pizza!

Yesterday afternoon Larch class visited Pizza Express in Upminster to create their very own pizza. The children learnt all about the ingredients used to make the dough and toppings and the different places they come from. As our topic is Italy this half term, this was a wonderful opportunity to immerse the children into this wonderful country. 

I loved making my pizza. It was so delicious but I want to save some for my family. 

Ty, Larch

Redwood now can't wait for their turn!

Year 6 Spring Curriculum Newsletter

Isaac's Sporting Success!

Whilst some pupils may have taken the opportunity to relax over the half term break, one pupil certainly decided to push himself in his sporting activities. Back in 2016, Isaac Wright of Redwood class tried out for Essex Under-11s sports team and was successful in his quest to become one of Essex's newest young athletes. On February 12th, he took part in the finals at Hertfordshire Sports Village with his team and overall they came first, having participated in the standing triple jump and hurdle relay amongst other events. 

I did a hurdle relay, Grand Prix, triple jump, target throw. My favourite was the 'Grand Prix' because I was nimble and managed to move quickly! 

Isaac Wright, Redwood class

Broadford Primary School is very proud of Isaac and his sporting achievements thus far; well done Isaac! 

Year 6 Theatre of Law Presentation

After half term, the Year 6 pupils at Broadford and Mead will be participating in the Theatre of Law- a project designed to immerse the children in the world of law and justice and to allow them to simulate a criminal trial at the Royal Courts of Justice. Today, the children listened to a presentation which introduced them to the legal terminology and explained what constitutes as a crime. 

"I didn't know that if a person is in a gang and one of the members hurts somebody else, the whole gang would get prosecuted because of joint enterprise!" said Natalie. 

The children are now really looking forward to beginning their Theatre of Law project! 

Year 6 Tasting Session

As you may already know, our school cook Michelle has been nominated as school chef of the year. 

She is hosting a tasting session for some Year 6 pupils tomorrow afternoon at 3pm. 

The children were all given the chance to participate and letters will be sent home this evening for those children who volunteered themselves to take part. 

Please return the slip attached to the letter tomorrow morning so the Year 6 team are clear about each child's end of day arrangements as the session will finish at 3.30pm. Your child can either be collected at 3.30pm from the KS2 door, walk home independently or go to their club as normal if they have a Friday after school club. 

If you have any questions, please come and see Miss Chau after school today. 

Year 5/6 Puberty Talk for Dads

Due to the popularity and good feedback following the Mums and Daughters talk last week, Rev Rich will be offering a talk for Dads about puberty and changes. 

The date is organised for Thursday 29th September at 6.45-8pm and will be held at Broadford. This event will be for adults only, however Dads who attend will be asked if they are interested in Dad/child events in the future such as camp fires, BBQs and more!

Please spread the word; it would be great to see as many Dads as possible! 

A 'fin' day at the London Aquarium

On Monday and Wednesday this week, Elm and Maple went on trips to the London Aquarium on the Southbank. The children were able to walk over a glass floor, travel through a see-through tunnel in the middle of a shark tank and also meet cute and cuddly gentoo penguins in their special Arctic enclosure. The children even managed to find Nemo, or rather quite a few of them! 

'I really enjoyed the trip because it was fascinating to see all the different colours of the many fish species!' said Sara from Maple. 

Kaine, from Elm class, explained 'Fishing practices such as trawling, where huge amounts of fish are caught in big nets, have contributed to a dramatic decline of fish in the sea. Around 50% of these fish are caught accidentally and will be thrown back into the sea, dead!'

The children gained a lot from the trip, and also started to think about the importance of sustainable fishing and how their food choices can make an impact on the amount of fish being wasted. 

Pancakes and burgers!

Today the pupils of Year 5 have brought their topic of North America to life by cooking and sampling some typical dishes from the continent, all thanks to Mr Borrell. The children made burgers and pancakes with maple syrup, which were extremely delicious! 

'Cooking with Mr Borrell has been so fun. We had to use so much strength to press down on the burger press, it was actually much harder than it looked!' said Natalie from Elm class. 

A big thank you to Mr Borrell, who has taken the time out of his busy schedule to come and work with Year 5 this year! 

HMS Belfast

Last week, Year 6 made the journey to Central London to visit the famous vessel, HMS Belfast. As part of our enrichment trips, the children had the wonderful experience of exploring the warship. As we stepped aboard the magnificent boat it was as if we were transported back to the past to discover what life was like on board for the crew at war and at sea.

Prior to our visit, the children found out interesting facts about the HMS Belfast and the important role it played on D-Day, the beginning of the end of the war. On June 6th 1944, HMS Belfast crossed the English Channel to Normandy. It was the flagship of Bombardment Force E, which supported troops landing at Gold and Juno beaches. Her first target was the German gun battery, which resulted in the German battery not playing a meaningful role in the defences of the beach.

Did you know...

HMS Belfast is one of only three remaining vessels from the bombardment fleer which supported the Normandy landings on 6th Jube 1944. The other vessels, which are the destroyerr USS Laffey and battleship USS Texas, can be found in South Carolina and Taxas in North America.

Many veterans of the HMS Belfast believe their ship was the first to open fire but this wasn't the case. Lieutenant Peter Brooks Smith, who served onboard the ship, recorded in his diary that another cruiser to the west fired first at 0523. The log records on board the ship show that she opened fire three minutes laterat 0527, 'with full broadside to port.'

The invasion of Normandy was the last time HMS Belfast fired her guns during the Second World War. 

"I wan scared at first as I don't like boats or being at sea  but I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the HMS Belfast. It was of my most favourite Broadford trips!"

Sophie Adams, Palm class

Marvellous History Museum

As part of our Year 6 experiences, the children of Palm and Acer class had the opportunity to visit a London museum of their choice. The children were thrilled to be visiting either the Natural History Museum or The Science Musuem. Mrs Gradley's, Mrs Stallard's and Mrs Marchant's group chose the magnificent History Musuem.

The children couldn't wait to visit the Dinosaur exhibition and even renovation works to the area couldn't dampen their spirits and enthusiasm. The life like mechanical  model of the Tyranasaurus Rex enthralled the children as they walked through the exhibition and discovered more about dinosaurs. 

"I loved visiting the Natural History Musuem as I learnt about dinosaurs and mammals. I couldn't believe how gigantic the blue whale was." Endurance Obazee, Palm class.

The life size models of the blue whale and other mammals were unbelievable as the children realised how small they are compared to other animals. 

"I  enjoyed the trip today, my favourite part was being able to see the skeletons  and fossils of dinosaurs which roamed the Earth thousands of years ago. " Sam Murcia, Palm class.

A Royal Celebration in Year 5

To celebrate the Queen's official state birthday, Elm and Maple class held a mini tea-party in Her Majesty's honour. The children tucked into crisps, squash, chocolate fingers and cupcakes to celebrate such a long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Temira, Maple class, said "The Queen has done so much for our country and is a real inspiration as she always seems so wise and helpful to others. It's amazing that she has reigned for 64 years, more than any other British monarch!"

Year 5's £5 Challenge!

This term, the children in Year 5 have been learning all about bank accounts, how to keep their money safe and interest rates linked to the Financial Curriculum. They really enjoyed learning real life skills and knowledge that can help them as they grow older and we decided to set them a challenge... For the remainder of the half term, the children have been put into groups, given £5 per team and have been tasked with setting up their own business!

Ideas have ranged from face painting, bakery businesses and card making. The pupils are hoping to bring their goods live to the public in the next few weeks and the team that generates the most profit will win and keep the profit they make (after repaying the £5 loan from the school, of course!).

Nathaniel, Elm class, said "The chance to put our financial skills to the test by running our own businesses is really exciting but we have to work together and be resourceful to make this work! I enjoyed learning about how profit is the revenue generated minus the expenses and I think this will be a challenge to keep our costs low!"

Stay tuned for more news and keep an eye out for the teams' advertisements for their businesses!