We investigated why plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow/stay healthy. We learnt the concept of hydroponic farming using a zip-lock bag in order to recognize that soil is not necessary for growing a plant as long as they are exposed to the light, water and air. We did this by observing the difference in growth between the plants exposed to daylight and the plants which have been kept in the cupboard.

We discussed how using this hydroponics system can provide environmental benefits, increasing food production within urban areas and countries lacking agricultural land. The children are checking their beans in a bag each day to see how they are changing. The children have noticed that their beans have started to germinate! We ended the week planting our own cress seed and look forward to watching them grow in class. 

Next week as artists we will explore pop art, specifically looking at famous artists Andy Warhol and Thomas Gainsborough. We will create our own pop art portraits and display these for all to see. 

Each child will have the opportunity to recreate their own self portrait, taking inspiration from the great Thomas Gainsborough. Please email a portrait of your child to islands@stfrideswides.co.uk or send a picture of them in their book bag on Monday as they will be using these in class. 

Notices: 

As part of our topic, ‘Australian Adventure’, this term, we will be taking part in a Didgeridoo, Australia and Aboriginal Earth art workshop in school. The children will have the opportunity to listen to dreamtime tales of the first time a didgeridoo was played. We will find out that Aboriginal Australians see themselves as part of the landscape and that everything has a spirit to it – including a didgeridoo, which the children will have the opportunity to play. We will take part in Earth Painting with paints made from earth from our school grounds. 

As part of our design and technology unit and exploring the Commonwealth and Monarchy, we will be putting together our very own Royal Celebration. All children will be making their own portable snacks for the celebration as well as designing their own patriotic tie dye t-shirt that will represent the colours of the United Kingdom. This celebration will be designed and led by the children in islands and will be an exciting end to a wonderful school year. 

The cost of this amazing workshop and our tie dye t-shirt activity is £8.00. Ideally please pay via Pupil Asset.  If you are not able to access Pupil Asset please complete the form sent home with your child and return with the payment totalling £8.00. Payment due by Monday 3rd June 2024

Please ask if you have any questions.

PE days- Thursday and Friday 

White Rose Maths:

Please see the stamped pages in your child’s Math’s book. 

Have a lovely weekend, 

Islands team.