As we look ahead to our last half term and Sports Day, I want to highlight how hard the children have been practicing. They’ve shown incredible effort and determination, and we are excited to see them showcase their skills on the day. The topics leading up to Sports Day have been short but incredibly focused, ensuring that the children have developed depth and understanding in a range of areas.
This term, we’ve also seen great success with Seesaw. Hopefully, as parents, you are now seeing the hard work the children are putting into their learning, with regular updates, photos, and videos being shared. It’s been a fantastic way for you to stay engaged with their progress as well as see vital communication from us.
We’ve also introduced Mathletics, which has been incredibly effective in helping the children practice key mathematical skills. It’s been exciting to see how engaged they are with the platform, and it’s definitely making a positive impact on their learning.
Looking ahead, we’ll soon be starting the Welsh National Tests after the half-term break. These tests will provide us with valuable insights into where the children are in their learning and will help inform future planning. To ensure we provide you with clear, concise, and relevant information, we’ve made some adjustments to the end-of-year reports. These will now include specific details on the children’s progress within the 6 Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs) and will provide useful data on their development.
Lastly, I’m pleased to announce the appointment of our new Deputy Headteacher, Mrs. Ryan, who will be joining us in September. We look forward to welcoming her to the team and continuing to work together to support our children’s growth and success.
Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of our school community! We look forward to seeing you at Sports Day and sharing even more exciting progress as the year continues.
At Ysgol Y Bryn, keeping our children safe is our top priority. We are fully committed to promoting the health, wellbeing and protection of every pupil, and we take our responsibilities very seriously.
Our staff are trained to recognise and act on any concerns, and every adult in school — from teachers to lunchtime supervisors — plays a key role in creating a safe, caring environment. We have designated safeguarding leads, Mr. Williams (Headteacher) and Mrs. Dawson (Deputy Headteacher), who are responsible for making sure the right support is given when needed.
We teach children how to keep themselves safe, build trusted relationships, and help them feel confident speaking up if something worries them. Our curriculum includes lessons on relationships, emotions and staying safe, both offline and online.
We work closely with outside agencies, follow Welsh Government guidance, and have clear procedures in place if any concerns arise.
If you ever have concerns about a child’s safety, please contact the school immediately. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — together, we can help every child thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
As we move into the Summer 2 term, we are excited to continue our enquiry-based learning approach, sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper thinking across all year groups. Our new “I wonder…” questions are set to inspire meaningful exploration and discussion, connecting learning to real-world contexts and historical perspectives.
Here’s what each year group will be exploring next term:
• Early Years – I wonder how to stay safe at the seaside?
• Year 1 – I wonder if there are any heroes at sea?
• Year 2 – I wonder how to run an ice cream shop?
• Year 3 – I wonder how businesses can help our communities?
• Year 4 – I wonder what it takes to run a successful shop?
• Year 5 – I wonder what it takes to reach your goals in life?
• Year 6 – I wonder how I can best prepare myself for secondary school?
We look forward to seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity shine through as they continue their journey of discovery!
As we prepare to bid farewell to Mrs. Dawson this July, we are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Deputy Headteacher, Mrs. Ryan, who will be joining us in September. We are excited to welcome her to our school community. Mrs. Ryan impressed us during the interview process, where she demonstrated her strong leadership experience and handled the rigorous questions from our Pupil Council with confidence! She also showcased her teaching abilities through a wonderful Forest Schools lesson and led a strong assembly to the whole school. We will be arranging a smooth transition during the summer term to ensure she has the opportunity to get to know our school and community better before she officially takes on her role. We look forward to working with Mrs. Ryan and are confident she will make a positive impact on our school.
This year, Sports Day will be organised as follows:
9:15 – 10:30: Early Years
10:45 – 11:45: Year 1 & 2
12:45 – 1:45: Year 3 & 4
2:00 – 3:00: Year 5 & 6
This means you will only need to attend the events during these specific times, allowing you to continue with your plans for the rest of the day. We hope this makes it easier for everyone to join in the fun and support their children during their allocated time slots! Can we please ask that you do not arrive before your allocated time slot and leave the school site after your child's session has finished.
Additionally, the PTCA will be selling a range of refreshments and flags to support your children’s house colours, so please remember to bring money with you. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a snack while cheering on the children and showing support for their teams!
We are excited to announce that our Year 5 children (2025-2026) will have the wonderful opportunity to attend the Llain Activity Centre in September 2025. Situated in the stunning countryside between Aberaeron and New Quay, Llain Activity Centre offers an ideal environment for educational and adventurous experiences.
The centre provides a range of accommodation options, including newly built log cabins, bell tents in a 'Canvas Village Adventure' setup, and traditional dormitory-style rooms, ensuring a comfortable and community-focused stay for all.
During their time at Llain, students will engage in a variety of activities, both land and water-based. These include wall climbing, high ropes, kayaking, paddleboarding, raft building, bushcraft, forest schools, archery, orienteering, team-building exercises, and the thrilling mud assault course. There's something for everyone!
The trip will take place in September each year, offering our Year 5 children the chance to experience a two-night stay filled with exciting adventures and opportunities for personal growth. We are confident this trip will provide lasting memories and valuable learning experiences.
For our current Year 4 families who want more information, please find the attached letter.
Llain Activity Centre provides residential activity trips for school groups
We are delighted to inform you that our Year 4 students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-night residential experience at the Urdd Residential Centre in Cardiff Bay next March. This trip is designed to immerse our children in the vibrant cultural and educational offerings of Wales' capital city.
Situated within the iconic Wales Millennium Centre, the Urdd Residential Centre provides modern, secure accommodation in the heart of Cardiff Bay. The centre offers a range of activities and courses tailored for children and young people, ensuring a memorable and enriching stay.
During their stay, students will have the chance to explore some of Cardiff's key attractions, including:
Principality Stadium
Senedd Tour
Ten-Pin Bowling
Water Taxi Tour
A range of additional activities
Accommodation will be in en-suite rooms within the Wales Millennium Centre, offering comfort and convenience. All meals are included, catering to various dietary requirements, ensuring that students have the energy for all planned activities.
This residential experience aligns with our commitment to experiential learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. It also offers opportunities for personal development, teamwork, and cultural enrichment.
02.06.25 - INSET DAY, school closed
03.06.25 - Pupil Return to School
06.06.25 - Sports Day
16.06.25-20.06.25 - Year 6 Llangrannog
23.06.25 - Rags2Riches - ECO
26.06.25 - Year 5 & Year 6 Penyfan
30.06.25 - Year 6 Transition to Bryngwyn School
04.07.25 - Summer Fayre (1:00pm - 3:00pm)
09.07.25 - New Nursery Intake PM
10.07.25 - Year 6 Leavers Assembly
14.07.25 - Year 1 - Year 6 Pembrey Country Park
17.07.25 - Last day for Summer Holidays
18.07.25 - INSET DAY, school closed
21.07.25 - INSET DAY, school closed
Seesaw is now our only form of communicating messages to our families. Can you make sure you've please signed up, not to miss any messages. Speak with your child's class teacher!
Miss Lewis has been working hard with our School Council to improve the quality of our school lunches. As we prepare for the new academic year, we wanted to remind you of our commitment to promoting healthy eating at Ysgol Y Bryn. A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for our pupils’ growth, development, and overall well-being, and we are encouraging packed lunches to follow the guidelines set out in the Welsh Government’s Healthy Eating in Maintained Schools policy.
Starting this term, we are launching our Healthy Lunchbox Campaign to help prepare for September. The School Council will be setting weekly challenges throughout June to encourage pupils to make healthier choices in their lunchboxes. These challenges have been designed by the School Council, and they will be giving out ‘Huw the Horse’ stickers to children who complete the weekly tasks.
Weekly Challenges:
• Week 1: Be waste-free – Pack your lunch in a container or drink bottle that can be washed and reused.
• Week 2: Keep hydrated – Swap your juice for water.
• Week 3: Eat fibre – Swap white bread sandwiches, pittas, or wraps for brown bread.
• Week 4: Eat fruit – Add fruit to your lunchbox and make sure to eat it.
• Week 5: Only one snack – Include only one biscuit or one standard-size pack of crisps in your lunchbox. (From September, we will encourage only one biscuit and one pack of crisps per lunchbox.)
• Week 6: Move more – Join the Sport Ambassadors for fun sporty challenges throughout the week.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we encourage students to bring refillable water bottles, which they can top up throughout the day. We promote water as the only drink during the school day, and sweets, fizzy drinks, and energy drinks are not permitted.
We have also included some examples of healthy lunchbox snacks and attached the Welsh Government’s lunchbox guidance to support you in making nutritious choices.
If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to visit our school website for additional guidance.
This term, we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special celebration. The children made flags and took part in a range of activities to honour this important historical event. They enjoyed creating cakes and biscuits, and we held a lovely afternoon tea outside to celebrate the occasion in the sunshine. It was a wonderful opportunity for the school community to come together and reflect on the significance of VE Day while enjoying some fun and memorable activities.
Our PTCA are continuing to look for new members to join and support their efforts in raising money for the school. They have some fantastic ideas in the works, and their hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. A huge thank you to the PTCA for selling tip tops each Friday. Your efforts have made this a wonderful event for our school community, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support! If you’d like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Mathletics offers a fantastic opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. We can all encourage the children to use Mathletics at in school and at home to reinforce the skills and concepts they are working on in class. Here's how Mathletics can be used at home to support learning:
Personalized Learning: Mathletics adapts to each student's individual ability, ensuring that they are always working at the right level. Whether they need to reinforce basic concepts or challenge themselves with more advanced topics, Mathletics offers a range of activities that cater to different learning needs.
24/7 Access: Students can log in to Mathletics from any device, at any time, to complete activities, watch tutorial videos, and practice their math skills. This flexibility means that learning can continue outside of school hours, allowing students to work at their own pace and revisit topics whenever they need extra practice.
Parental Involvement: Mathletics provides parents with the tools to support their child’s learning. They can monitor progress, see which areas need more attention, and encourage their child to practice specific skills at home. The platform's instant feedback system allows students to correct mistakes and understand concepts better.
Fun and Interactive: With its games, challenges, and rewards, Mathletics makes learning enjoyable. Students are more likely to stay motivated and engaged when they see math as a fun and interactive activity rather than just an academic task.
Targeted Practice: Teachers can assign specific activities to students based on their individual needs, ensuring that practice is targeted and effective. This allows students to focus on areas they may be struggling with while building confidence in their abilities.
To help families get started with Mathletics and make the most of this valuable tool, we are hosting an introduction to Mathletics session on 28th April at 2:30 pm in the school hall. During this session, we will provide a walkthrough of the platform, demonstrate how students can access and use it, and explain how parents can support their child's learning at home. We encourage all parents to attend and find out how they can help your child succeed with Mathletics!
We are excited to introduce our new school development priority for this term: Purposeful Learning: Developing Pupils Who Know What They’re Learning, Why It Matters, and How to Get There.
The aim of this priority is to help our pupils gain a clear understanding of their learning journey. We want each child to not only know what they are learning but also to understand the importance of the skills and knowledge they are acquiring. By doing so, we are developing a sense of purpose in their education that motivates and engages them.
In the coming term, we will be focusing on ensuring that all pupils can articulate their learning goals, understand how their learning connects to real-life contexts, and feel confident in the steps they need to take to achieve those goals. This approach will encourage them to take ownership of their learning and become more independent, resilient learners who are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
As parents, you will play an important role in supporting this initiative by engaging with your child about their learning, helping them to see its relevance, and encouraging them to set personal goals. We look forward to working together to help our pupils develop a deep sense of purpose in everything they learn.
Miss McCann is now leading our efforts on Welsh language development, with a clear focus on achieving the Siarter Iaith Silver award this summer term. At Ysgol Y Bryn, we are dedicated to embedding the Welsh language and culture into our daily school life, ensuring our learners gain confidence in using Welsh both inside and outside the classroom. This half-term, we have made significant progress in strengthening our provision and celebrating Welsh in meaningful ways.
Walking through our school, the visibility of Welsh is increasingly evident. Displays such as ‘Welsh Pattern of the Week,’ ‘Band of the Month,’ and ‘Seren Gymraeg yr Wythnos’ highlight achievements and motivate learners, fostering an environment where Welsh is valued and celebrated. These simple yet impactful initiatives are helping to cultivate a positive attitude toward speaking and using Welsh every day.
Our Criw Cymraeg assemblies have been a fantastic way to bring the whole school together to enjoy Welsh in a fun and engaging manner. Through games, songs, and interactive activities, learners are not only enhancing their understanding of Welsh but also building confidence and enthusiasm for using the language. This excitement continues in the classroom, where we are focusing on the development of oracy skills and finding ways to better support each learner's Welsh language journey.
To support continuous improvement, staff have been actively engaging in professional learning and development opportunities aimed at strengthening their Welsh skills and teaching methods. This has been particularly beneficial in the early years, where we are building solid foundations for language development. By providing targeted support and professional learning, we are ensuring that all staff feel confident and equipped to incorporate Welsh naturally throughout the school day.
Inside the classroom, we are refining our approach to Welsh teaching. The Talk for Writing process is now established, offering a structured and consistent approach to developing Welsh language skills across the school. We are planning a book look to assess progress and further refine our strategies. Additionally, bilingual displays throughout the school are reinforcing key vocabulary, ensuring that Welsh is present in all areas of learning.
Beyond the classroom, we are providing exciting opportunities for our learners to experience Welsh culture in action. A recent visit from the Urdd and Mr. Urdd was a brilliant way to inspire our learners, demonstrating how Welsh can be part of their everyday lives. Through extracurricular activities and wider cultural experiences, we are encouraging learners to engage with Welsh meaningfully.
School residentials to Llain, Llangrannog and Cardiff Bay which are all promoted through the medium of Welsh will be another opportunity for us to expand on the language potential, giving further emersion in a different setting.
Our progress in Welsh language development is an ongoing journey, and we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by both learners and staff. By continuing to build confidence, provide engaging opportunities, and celebrate achievements, we are ensuring that the Welsh language remains a strong and vibrant part of life at Ysgol Y Bryn.
This term has seen continued growth in leadership across Ysgol Y Bryn, with a strong emphasis on further embedding staff empowerment, refining monitoring processes, and enhancing pupil involvement in leadership. These efforts have contributed to a more cohesive, transparent, and collaborative approach to school development.
A key focus has been enhancing staff leadership, ensuring that everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities while feeling supported in their growth. By recognising staff strengths and areas for development, leadership capacity has been thoughtfully expanded, enabling effective utilisation of expertise. The establishment of a clear staffing structure has fostered greater transparency, while coaching and mentoring initiatives for middle leaders have bolstered their confidence in leading their teams. Staff development in action planning and monitoring has supported this progress, helping to strengthen the alignment of initiatives with school priorities and improve their strategic impact.
To support effective monitoring and evaluation, a refined cycle and schedule have been introduced, ensuring all aspects of school improvement are regularly and thoroughly reviewed. Monitoring exercises now provide constructive feedback that guides staff in refining their practice and aligns development with clear direction. By linking performance development targets to the School Development Plan (SDP) priorities, there is now a more unified approach to both school-wide improvement and individual professional growth.
Strategic planning has further evolved, with subject leaders developing clearer action plans that outline objectives, success criteria, and timelines. This ensures that progress is monitored and that leaders remain accountable for their areas. Ongoing review of the SDP and action plans has kept our initiatives responsive to emerging needs, reinforcing a proactive and flexible approach to school development.
Pupil leadership continues to grow in importance, with newly appointed pupil group leaders taking an active role in shaping the SDP. Their involvement has deepened their sense of responsibility and ownership, while also reinforcing the value of student input in shaping school improvement. Regular meetings with pupil groups have ensured that their voices are heard, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement among our learners.
Collaboration has remained at the heart of professional development, with staff engaging in training courses and cluster meetings that align with school priorities. Senior leadership has also continued to support staff in the preparation of monitoring and evaluation reports, maintaining a high standard of consistent improvement reporting.
The overall impact of these developments has been positive, with leadership across the school becoming more structured, transparent, and collaborative. Staff are empowered in their roles, and there is a shared sense of responsibility for school improvement. Monitoring and evaluation processes have created a focused and unified approach to progress, while pupil leadership has driven greater engagement and involvement. These initiatives have laid a solid foundation for continued development, ensuring that leadership at Ysgol Y Bryn remains dynamic and effective in driving sustained improvement.
This year, there has been a strong emphasis on wellbeing, pupil voice, and safeguarding, ensuring that both pupils and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered. Through structured initiatives, data analysis, and targeted interventions, we are creating an environment where wellbeing is at the forefront, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
A key development has been the completion and analysis of the Pupil and Staff Surveys, as well as the PASS (Pupil Attitudes to Self and School) surveys. These have provided invaluable insights into how pupils and staff feel about different aspects of school life, allowing us to tailor support and address emerging needs. The results have informed our wellbeing initiatives, enabling us to refine our approach to emotional and mental health support across the school.
Pupil voice has been a powerful driving force in shaping school improvements. The School Council has taken an active role in developing strategies to enhance attendance, and pupils have contributed their ideas for rewards and incentives. Their action plan now includes initiatives related to attendance, restorative practice, and healthy eating, empowering them to lead positive changes across the school.
The continued emphasis on Jigsaw sessions has further strengthened the focus on health and wellbeing skills, with weekly sessions now embedded into classroom routines. These sessions provide a safe space for pupils to explore their emotions, relationships, and personal development, helping to build resilience and self-awareness. Jigsaw expectations have been shared with teaching staff, ensuring consistency across all classes.
Staff wellbeing has also been prioritised, with the staff survey offering an opportunity for staff to share their thoughts and contribute to wellbeing initiatives that support them in their roles. This open dialogue has been crucial in ensuring that both pupil and staff wellbeing remain central to our school culture.
The impact of these initiatives is clear:
School Council meetings have strengthened pupil voice, enabling learners to actively contribute to school improvement.
ELSA tracking and interventions are ensuring that pupils who need additional emotional support receive it in a structured and effective way.
Weekly Jigsaw sessions are enhancing pupils’ emotional intelligence and wellbeing skills.
Staff voice has influenced wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that support extends beyond the classroom.
By embedding these strategies into our daily school life, we are ensuring that wellbeing is not just a priority but a core part of how we work and learn together at Ysgol Y Bryn.
Our clubs have been assigned for the whole of the Summer term and we will not be releasing new clubs for the Summer 2 half term. There may still be space available at one of the clubs, please contact Mrs. Robinson at admin@bryn.ysgolccc.cymru to see if there's any availability.
In Early Years, the children have been exploring the world of bugs. They went on a bug hunt, designed and built their own bug hotels, and learned the names of different bugs and where they live. They also had fun making bug crafts and enjoyed reading the story of The Hungry Caterpillar. The children observed real-life caterpillars growing and learned about the life cycle of a butterfly.
In Maths, they have been learning about shapes, sorting them, and going on shape hunts around the classroom. The children also created pictures and buildings using 2D and 3D shapes and discussed the properties of the shapes they were using.
To mark VE Day, Early Years celebrated with an afternoon tea, remembering and reflecting on this important event.
Year 1’s inquiry this term has focused on the question, "I wonder how to make a healthy and sustainable packed lunch?" The children have been exploring this through various activities and investigations. In Science and Technology, they conducted an investigation to find out which place is the best for freezing Goldilocks and the Three Bears' tip tops—whether it’s outside, in an insulated bag, in a bucket of iced water, or the freezer.
In Health and Wellbeing, the children took part in a Healthy and Unhealthy Picnic Food Sort, learning about different food choices. They also explored the concept of waste through a Waste-Free and Not Waste-Free Picnic Sort, helping them understand the importance of sustainability.
In Maths, Year 1 worked on creating repeated patterns using natural materials found outdoors, building their understanding of patterns in the world around them. For Literacy and Language, the children enjoyed storytelling with the Goldilocks story in the tuff tray, as well as outdoor imitation activities to bring the tale to life.
For Experience Day, Year 1 celebrated VE Day by making flags and enjoying the VE celebrations outdoors, reflecting on this important historical event.
Year 2’s inquiry this term has been focused on the question, "I wonder how things move?" The children have explored this concept through various exciting activities. In Science and Technology, they created circuits to test out conductors and insulators of energy, learning about how electricity flows through different materials.
In Maths, Year 2 worked on creating sequences using natural materials found outdoors, helping them understand patterns and the concept of order. For Art, the children enjoyed creating beautiful marble art, using marbles to explore movement and colour blending.
During Amser Pili Pala, the children built ramps to test which materials caused the least friction, allowing cars to travel down the fastest. They also created characters from the story ‘Cat, Bramble and Heron’ using natural resources in the creative area, as well as continuing their exploration of marble art.
In their topic work, Year 2 tested different items to see if they were magnetic or non-magnetic, discovering which materials attracted magnets.
For VE Day, the children made flags, drew flag designs using chalk in the outdoor area, and enjoyed a party in the sun to celebrate this important historical event.
Year 3 have had an exciting and hands-on term, diving deep into the world of volcanoes and chemical reactions. During their Immersion Afternoon, they explored volcanoes by creating their own models using egg cartons and exploring reactions with Coca-Cola and Mentos, which led to some explosive results!
In Science, they focused on chemistry, investigating chemical reactions to see what changes, fizzes, and reacts, making for some fascinating discoveries. Year 3 also practised for Sport's Day, where they worked on their athletic skills in preparation for the big event.
For VE Day, the children got creative with bunting crafts, decorated Union Jack cakes, and had a party to celebrate this significant historical event. They also worked on volcano eruption art, and produced their very own volcano eruption news report, putting their creativity and knowledge to good use.
Year 3 also had a Fire Safety Talk, where they learned essential fire safety skills. This week, they will be conducting a volcano experiment, and you can upload the details tomorrow for that activity once it’s complete.
The children have also explored 3D marshmallow shapes to better understand properties and structures, while in Cymraeg, they practiced dialogues about holidays to improve their language skills.
In another hands-on activity, Year 3 explored Earth’s layers using Creme Eggs, making learning about geology both fun and delicious! They also participated in a balanced argument discussion on whether people should live near volcanoes, supported by a video to provide additional information.
For their fact file hot task, Year 3 conducted research on volcanoes and created an information guide on the risks and considerations of living near them, demonstrating their knowledge and critical thinking on the topic.
It’s been a busy and exciting term for Year 3, filled with learning, creativity, and hands-on activities!
This term, Year 4’s inquiry has focused on the question, “I wonder how aeroplanes stay in the air?” The children began by exploring the science behind aeroplanes and flight, including an exciting trip to Techniquest, where they engaged with interactive exhibits and watched a show that demonstrated concepts like how fire is made. For Immersion Day, they made different types of paper aeroplanes, including dart planes, gliders, and stunt planes, and tested them against gravity. Working in teams, they built aeroplanes using cardboard to explore how air pressure affects flight and how the wings of an aeroplane create lift. They also identified key parts of an aeroplane and learned about their functions. In Week 2, Year 4 explored how electricity is generated, stored, and distributed on aeroplanes, learning about the roles of the APU, engine-driven generators, and battery backup systems.
In Week 3, Year 4 focused on the pioneers of flight, specifically the first man and woman to fly across the Atlantic. The children wrote poems and recounts pretending to be these pioneers, capturing the excitement of their historic journey. Week 4 involved exploring the environmental impact of aeroplanes, where the children created persuasive adverts to encourage people to think about the consequences of air travel. They also created artwork using materials like cotton wool, pastels, and charcoal to represent the white trails planes leave behind and researched what these contrails are. As part of their Science and Technology lessons, Year 4 conducted a volcano experiment, exploring how materials react to different conditions, and in Chemistry, they investigated how changes in materials affect their properties.
Throughout the term, Year 4 also worked on various other skills. They practiced competitive game skills in PE, participated in Mental Health Awareness Week, and learned about relationships in their Jigsaw lessons. In DCF, the children worked on an online collaborative word document and practiced formatting text and orientating slides. In Cymraeg, Year 4 practiced dialogues about holidays, and in Expressive Arts, they created artwork inspired by the white trails planes leave behind. For Maths, Year 4 explored symmetry, parallel and perpendicular lines, and worked with 2D and 3D shapes, comparing regular and irregular shapes. They also worked on number sequences, using factors and multiples to create sequences and exploring sequences with shapes. Year 4 has had an action-packed and informative term full of exciting learning experiences
Year 5’s Summer 1 topic has been all about space, focusing on the question, "I wonder if there is life beyond Earth?" To kick off the topic, the children launched into learning with an exciting Immersion Day. They built their own wind chimes linked to space and the solar system, working collaboratively to enhance their understanding of space. The children also learned an exciting new song to help them grasp our place within the solar system.
Throughout the term, Year 5 delved deeper into space. They started by studying the solar system, learning about the planets and how they orbit the sun. To help understand the movement in space, the children created and watched videos showing how everything moves in the cosmos. They then explored the historic Apollo 11 mission, learning about the first humans walking on the moon in 1969. The children also studied the phases of the moon, discovering how the moon appears to change shape throughout the months. Additionally, they connected their learning to real-life maths by exploring a space-themed budget challenge, where they made choices to stay within budget.
The class also learned about Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to live on the International Space Station. In Expressive Arts, the children got creative by making galaxy artwork using colour blending techniques. They also designed abstract rocket art, using shapes, patterns, and bold colours to create imaginative rockets.
In Science and Technology, Year 5 explored viscosity, which is how thick or runny a liquid is. To help understand this concept, they conducted a fun experiment testing different liquids to see how fast they flowed, learning about the properties of liquids in the process.
In P.E., Year 5 made the most of the sunshine by developing their skills in rounders, practicing techniques and strategies.
To round off the term, Year 5 celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, making cakes and biscuits and enjoying an afternoon tea in the sunshine. It has been a busy and exciting term full of exploration, creativity, and fun!
Year 6's theme this term has been "I wonder what skills you need to be a Red Arrows Pilot?" The children started by carrying out an investigation to find out if the size of a parachute affects the time it takes to fall, allowing them to explore key principles of flight and aerodynamics. As part of their learning, Year 6 also went on a class trip to Techniquest, where they explored different technologies and participated in the show ‘Ready Steady Maths’, which further enriched their understanding of how maths is applied in real-world scenarios.
On Experience Day, the children had the chance to construct their own aircrafts using lollipop sticks, put their creativity to the test by creating jets out of fruit, and even designed their own quizzes all about the topic, allowing them to further deepen their understanding in a fun and engaging way.
Additionally, Year 6 celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a lovely garden party, reflecting on the importance of this historic event while enjoying the sunshine and festivities. It has been an action-packed term, full of hands-on activities and meaningful learning experiences.
Have a lovely May break together as a family, stay safe and enjoy making memories!
Mr Williams
Headteacher
Ysgol Y Bryn
Remember to follow us on Instagram where we post weekly about class updates as well as our superstars! @YsgolYBryn