Y6 Enrichment Activities
Pintsize Theatre Visit
The Nottinghamshire theatre company visited the school to educate and inform the children about the importance of staying safe online. The group performed a drama about the risks and dangers of giving out personal details to people you don't know and the issues it can cause. The children found the afternoon extremely engaging and informative and went away better prepared to deal with potential social media challenges ahead
RSPB
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds visited school to take the children around the school garden and field to examine nature and all its elements. The children collected items and wild words as they walked around on their clipboards ahead of using them to aid some figurative writing.
Street Aware
Nottinghamshire Police sent a representative into school to help the children understand the importance of staying safe when they’re out and about. Issues like gangs, carrying knives, personal safety and consequences were discussed at length with the children, who engaged brilliantly.
Black Beauty
To celebrate the last week of term, Y5 and Y6 hopped onto a tram to Highfields and had a fabulous afternoon watching a performance of Black Beauty at the Lakeside Arts Theatre.
Here are a handful of reviews:
Here are a handful of reviews:
I thought it was really funny, not what I expected. I haven’t read the book but now I know the story.
Daniel, Year 5
I really loved the Black Beauty play and it was definitely better than what I was expecting. I have read the book but I definitely understand it better having watched the play.
Aishat, Year 5
In my opinion, the Black Beauty play was very good because they have learned lots of lines and actions. My favourite part was when they sang and danced.
Oskar, Year 6
I thought that it was very good. There could be a few improvements but it was absolutely mind-blowing, especially considering there were just two people involved.
Aliza, Year 6
Black History Week
Year 6 enjoyed a number of activities to commemorate Black History Week. Dr Jake Hodder came in from Nottingham University, with former St Mary's teacher Bobby Whyte, to discuss Marcus Garvey's legacy. The children then put together a newspaper report to celebrate the activist's key achievements.
Later in the week, the children produced a range of artwork, inspired by the work of black artists.
In literacy, we have been finding out about slavery in North America. The children have written emotive poems to convey the harrowing conditions black people faced and what life was like in the cotton fields.
Later in the week, the children produced a range of artwork, inspired by the work of black artists.
In literacy, we have been finding out about slavery in North America. The children have written emotive poems to convey the harrowing conditions black people faced and what life was like in the cotton fields.
Wild Things
The children spent an engaging day at Bestwood Park with the Wild Things team. As well as taking part in range of team-building games, the children also tackled a Robin Hood themed treasure hunt. They had to use their map reading skills to track down a range of jewels without being beaten to them by the Sheriff’s men.
Safety Zone
On Friday, September 29th, Year 6 spent the afternoon at a Safety Zone event at Holme Pierrepont. Lots of different agencies put on demonstrations about staying safe in and out of the home.
“I learned that if someone is unconscious, you need to put them in the recovery position. My favourite part was when we did the pet safety as the person who taught us was friendly and also when we had to go to a man called Paul and point out all the dangerous things he did at home.”
Juliette
“I enjoyed learning at the Safety Zone because I learnt how to save a life with CPR. Also, I have learnt how to look after my family if we ever have a fire. I know that we have to check the alarm once a month. I also enjoyed the PDSA because I love animals; I’ve always wanted a dog so if I get one I will know how to look after it. In summary, I really enjoyed the whole trip.”
Ashira
“I enjoyed a lot of the afternoon. I learnt how to help someone when they collapse. Also, I learnt how to line up for a bus for when I go to secondary school. I now know how to test a fire alarm every month. Finally, from the PDSA, I learnt that if a dog comes running towards me I need to stay still like a tree.”
Holly
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Our Y5 Work
National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
After our recent NSPCC assembly, Year 5 and 6 participated in a follow up NSPCC workshop. This focussed on distinguishing the different forms of abuse and looking at different scenarios to decide when situations are appropriate, inappropriate or abusive. They explored the steps they could take if they felt worried, upset or were affected by any of the issues that were explored.
The children also participated in group discussions and reflected on the people and places that make them feel safe and happy. After making a ’chatterbox,’ they asked each other how to stay safe and seek help if they needed to.
Community Day
Great Project
The children have been learning about domestic abuse and violence in sensitive manner. They have looked at different types of abuse and how they can protect themselves as they become young adults. They are very much looking forward to the graduation ceremony this week.
Galleries of Justice Trip
Years 5 and 6 had the opportunity to visit the Galleries of Justice Museum to learn about crime and punishment and our justice system. They took part in a mock trial, role-playing characters who are involved in the trial process. The children also looked around the old prison and saw what happens during an arrest.
The children were encouraged to think about the crimes committed and possible punishments that can be given out in a magistrate’s court, to people as young as some of the children themselves!
Here are some of the children’s thoughts about their experience:
The children were encouraged to think about the crimes committed and possible punishments that can be given out in a magistrate’s court, to people as young as some of the children themselves!
Here are some of the children’s thoughts about their experience:
“I learned that there are lots of different types of courts and one of these is a magistrate court.”
“Our visit to the Galleries of Justice has taught me not to commit a crime, even if one of my friends forces me to because I will be punished.”
“I was shocked to find out that once you are 10 years old you can be arrested for any crime you commit!”
Primary Parliament Team
Spring Session at Nottingham Council House
Topic for discussion - 'Safe Lives, Positive Communities and SMART City'
Throughout the day, the children worked with others from around the city to talk and share ideas about how to shape the city's future. The children spoke about using technology to improve their school, home, community and the city. During the afternoon session, the children were able to put their views, hopes and dreams to Councillor Mellen.
Topic for discussion - 'Safe Lives, Positive Communities and SMART City'
Throughout the day, the children worked with others from around the city to talk and share ideas about how to shape the city's future. The children spoke about using technology to improve their school, home, community and the city. During the afternoon session, the children were able to put their views, hopes and dreams to Councillor Mellen.
Our Year 4 Work...
Trumpet and Clarinet Lessons
Here are some photos taken during our trumpet and clarinet rehearsals this year. In Summer term, we learned Eye of the Tiger and performed it for our parents at a special Music Assembly. We hope to continue learning our instruments in the future. Next stop - Carnegie Hall!
Year 4 get WISE!
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During Recycling Week, Year 4 learned the basics of composting before they went on to create their own mini composter.
We learned about the role of worms in composting (they recycle by eating!) and ways we can reduce waste in our school and at home. Thanks to our special guest and Mr R! |
Lakeside Arts Centre
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While half of Year 4 and 5 visited Kingswood for their residential trip, the rest of us took a trip to Lakeside Arts Centre for a day of fun and exciting activities.
We created some block prints, looked at some interesting art, built our own dens, and even managed to find time to have a swing in the jungle gym nearby. What a day!! |
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Y4 take part in the Great Orchestra Experiment
On March 23rd, Year 4 took part in the Great Orchestra Experiment, a musical adventure attended by over 1500 pupils from Nottingham schools.
After several months of trumpet and clarinet lessons, they accompanied the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra in a performance of the swinging Micaela.
The theme of this year’s Experiment was Star Wars and Year 4 had the opportunity to listen to the entire Star Wars theme performed by over 100 local musicians.
They thoroughly enjoyed the space-themed concert, with one pupil saying, “It was out of this world!”
After several months of trumpet and clarinet lessons, they accompanied the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra in a performance of the swinging Micaela.
The theme of this year’s Experiment was Star Wars and Year 4 had the opportunity to listen to the entire Star Wars theme performed by over 100 local musicians.
They thoroughly enjoyed the space-themed concert, with one pupil saying, “It was out of this world!”
Year 4 Attend Parliament!
OOn Friday March 11th, four pupils from Year 4 attended a Primary Parliament session at the Council House.
Working with 18 other schools, the four girls collaborated on different projects and presented their findings to the Lord Mayor and other important guests.
The issues discussed included safety at school and in our community, and ways to tackle them.
The girls did our school very proud and represented St Mary’s well. Well done, girls!
Working with 18 other schools, the four girls collaborated on different projects and presented their findings to the Lord Mayor and other important guests.
The issues discussed included safety at school and in our community, and ways to tackle them.
The girls did our school very proud and represented St Mary’s well. Well done, girls!
Give Nature A Home
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During Spring term, a lady from the RSBP (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) came into our class and we took part in her workshop on making space for nature in our school. Using a map of the school grounds, we investigated all habitats found in the school and labelled them using a sticker key. In the end, we discussed what steps could be taken next to make our school more wildlife-friendly. It was a very enjoyable session and it was nice to have an outdoor lesson on a crisp, sunny day. |
Trip to the Allotment
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On October 14th, Year 4 visited the allotment with Jenny and Wendy. After a brisk walk, we rolled up our sleeves and got busy picking runner beans and apples.
Once we had harvested the produce, we weeded the soil, turned it, and planted red onions and other vegetables. Afterwards, we had a well-deserved fruit snack (freshly picked apples) and made our way back to school for lunch. Thank you, Jenny and Wendy! 
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Learning about British Values
After a morning session on British Values (democracy, individual liberty, tolerance of those of different faiths & beliefs, the rule of law and mutual respect), we created a display to represent these values. Take a look at each of our telephone boxes to learn more… 
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