Wagtail 

Class teacher: Ross Compton

Wagtail class have got off to a flying start! Already we have immersed ourselves in a number of fascinating topics. As part of the topic ‘Get Physical’, we explored the rich history of the United States of America. We focused on the life stories of two individuals central to that history, the Olympic hero Jesse Owens and the civil rights campaigner, Rosa Parks. In science, we learnt about the human skeleton and how muscle groups help our bodies to move.

In our topic on ‘Food’, we found out about the wonderful history of chocolate and explored how many of the foods that we eat today are part of a global food system. We examined how this system impacts our lives and the planet and assessed the causes and solutions to the plastic pollution that blights our seas.

Taking full advantage of the fantastic museums and art galleries our city has to offer, we have been lucky enough to have taken part in some great trips. During our trip to the Estorick Collection, we explored the gallery’s Futurist artwork and back in the classroom we created our own pieces using split-pin models. We were also fortunate to have the artist Tom Woolner come to visit. Tom had us recreating Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s fruit and vegetable faces from foam heads and rubber toys. It was an art lesson we’ll remember for a long time!  

Philip Pullman’s novel, the Firework-Maker’s Daughter, captured our hearts and imaginations within our literacy lessons. We slipped on the sandals of the books protagonist, Lila, and explored the eerie grotto of Razvani, the great Fire Fiend. As part of this focus, we wrote an emotive diary entry from Lila to her father and a fabulous description of her epic journey to Mount Merapi.

We look forward to many more adventures throughout the year!