Learning to Be Like Water: Embracing the New Term
After a summer of lovely long days and warm evenings, the children and staff (and parents!) were ready for a new school year to begin. And to really cement the notion that it was the end of summer, the heavens opened and the rain poured down as our youngest children arrived for their very first day. As parents and staff dashed back and forth from the gates to the classrooms, ferrying children under large umbrellas and jumping over puddles, it was clear that spirits were not dampened. Quite the opposite. A little bit of adventure at the start of a world of inspiration.
This September, we are rolling out our curriculum through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all year groups, after Year 3 led the way last year. The impact for our Year 3 pupils last year was profound as their sense of empowerment and curiosity grew and grew through their inquiry-led learning.
This half term, the range of topics being studied and explored is staggering. Here are a few to get you thinking. Our Year 4s are doing a deep dive on the impact of significant events in history and how they have shaped communities. Year 5s are drawing in Design & Technology and Science into their Inquiry unit by tackling the opportunities and challenges that different materials bring to both society and the environment, with a hefty dose of ethical considerations on the sourcing and disposing of materials. Year 6 are tackling ideas around identity and perception of others, in particular cultural and social norms, with the opportunity to research fashion as a form of expression. I will, of course, keep you posted with impressive work and initiatives from the pupils.
In our first School Meeting of the year, in which all pupils from Year 1 to 6 gathered in the Prep Hall, I set them two missions: to be like water (recalling our previous assembly on the philosophies of Bruce Lee); and to set our standards high. I am pleased to say that the children certainly have been like water and accepting the changes between last year and this, and going with the flow. They have also begun the year with excellent high standards.
As you may well be starting to learn about some of my pastimes, the celestial events this year are of great interest. This Sunday in the UK, we will be able to see the lunar eclipse as it rises above the horizon, ensuring we will see much of the excitement. Fingers crossed everyone, for clear skies!
Have a lovely weekend,
Alice Goodfellow
