As we say farewell to another enriching term, our students in year 4 have taken an enjoyable journey through the transdisciplinary theme of "Where We are in Place and Time." This term's learning was centred on the awe-inspiring Maya civilization, unravelling the mysteries of when, where, and who they were, while delving into their rich food and culture.
Our exploration kicked off with an immersive provocation, as our students donned the hats of archaeologists, exploring ancient artefacts and replicas. This journey sparked important questions that were later answered in a memorable Maya Workshop featuring Dr. Dianne, the only UK Mayan archaeologist. The children were very excited because they interacted with a real-life archaeologist - it was truly heartwarming. They raised many inquisitive questions, all of which were met with Dr. Dianne's expertise, leaving the children inspired. It was truly incredible to see the children dressed up as Maya and archaeologists.
Building on this newfound knowledge, our students transformed into newspaper reporters and narrators, weaving incredible stories about the Maya civilization. These newspaper reports and stories not only showcased their writing ability but also demonstrated their ability to apply information in an engaging manner.
Our class reader, "Oh Maya Gods," added an extra layer of intrigue to our learning journey. The captivating narrative followed a young girl discovering her connections with Maya gods and ancient Greek gods, transporting our students into the heart of the Maya culture.
In our art inquiry, the children honed their sketching skills under the guidance of Alphonso Dunn, a Jamaican artist known for his incredible strokes. They applied these techniques to sketch intricate Maya masks, bringing an artistic dimension to their understanding of this ancient civilization.
The creativity extended into our computing inquiry, where the children used their knowledge to craft Maya Masks on chrome canvases. This innovative project not only showcased their technological skills but also allowed them to express their understanding of Maya art in a digital format.
As we reflect on this term of exploration, we're immensely proud of our students' curiosity, enthusiasm, and dedication to learning. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Dianne, and all our educators for creating an environment where curiosity flourishes and knowledge comes to life.
The term came to a closing end, when the stage came alive with the infectious energy and enthusiasm of our young performers who showcased their Christmas performances. Each class brought their unique flair to the Christmas performances, from heartwarming poems and songs. It shows what great talents we have in our Children and we’re proud of them.
Here's to a term filled with discovery, creativity, and the joy of learning! Merry Christmas and a happy new year!