Koala class
River Pathway
River Pathway
Module 6
As the academic year has come to an end, all of us in Koala Class would like to wish everyone a very happy Summer break.
During Module 5 and 6, Koala Class worked with our Music specialist Jak, to write a short story, composed the sounds to accompany it and then used the technology of a sound beam in order to bring the story and music together. It has taught the children a lot about teamwork and taking turns has supported their understanding of patience. These are very hard concepts for our students and we are incredibly proud of their final achievement. Below you can read the story which features all of our Koala students. With Jak planting ideas and sparking the children's interest, the class team worked to support the children to build an adventure story. Once it was complete the children then considered sound effects that could be used to mirror the events happening in the story and shared ideas about how to make those sound effects. Ideas were shared by the children using vocabulary, gestures, signs and the use of communication cards. A real example of team collaboration.
The Koala Class Adventures: Journey to Planet Spork
Once the story and the sound effects were completed we all went to the drama studio and the children worked together to perform their finished masterpiece. You will see children in the film sitting and getting excited with staff members, vocalising to the story, making sounds or calling out as they recognise or enjoy parts of the story. Some children participated in the performance through movement in the room, sparking sounds to be created by the sound beam in the corner. Others preferred to lay and listen to the composition as they watched the space themed illustration that was projected onto the wall. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed supporting the children to make it.
We had a focused Art lesson looking at tigers. The children chose their favourite tiger picture and then drew an observational picture of it with a pencil before using paint to colour it in. The children had 1:1 support to look carefully so that they could match the colours and shapes in the pictures. They did really well and the paintings are beautiful.
I can use my observational skills to create a picture.
I can use my observational skills to add background details to my picture.
I can match the colours that I need to use when I create an observational picture.
Koal Class have been listening to the story of 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea'. They particularly liked acting out the story out using props. The children made tiger food containers, matched symbols to the characters in the story and sequenced pictures to retell the main events.
I can use props to retell a story.
I can use my fine motor skills to cut, stick and colour.
I can work with my friends to act out a story.
The weather has been glorious so in Food Tech we made smoothie ice lollies. The children counted the strawberries that they needed then cut them up. They spooned the yoghurt and honey into the blender and then added the strawberry pieces. Once the lid was on they pressed the button to blend the ingredients then poured it into moulds to freeze it. Some of the children tasted the smoothie mixture, drinking it from an open top cup. During afternoon snack time the frozen lollies were collected and the children were able to taste them.
I can count and measure my ingredients.
I can use tools and equipment effectively.
I can try new foods.
Koala Class went on their first walk to the community area. They walked beautifully and stopped at the roads, looking and listening for any cars going past. When we got to the field, the children played chase and football. They sat for snacks and drinks to have a little picnic, before walking back to school. We were very proud of the children.
I can work as a team.
I can be open minded to a new environment.
I can share resources.
I can take turns.
Koala Class listened to the story of Grace Darling and then used resources to make their own lighthouse. They added their own designs onto the lighthouse for doors and windows, then added the geographical features around it - hills, sea, sand. There was a choice of small pots for the top of the lighthouse and finally an LED candle for the light. The children spent several lessons working on the different components and had agency for what resources they used to create the lighthouse. They were excited when they could add the finishing touch to the lighthouse by switching on the candle.
I can hold a writing tool correctly.
I can add my own ideas to my work.
I can create geographical features.
I can offer a response to my work and show pride in what I have created.
Phase 1 took part in 'The Big Toddle' to raise money for Barnardos. Koala Class made safari animal headbands and wore them to walk around the school field twice. They ran, jogged, danced and giggled their way around, having lots of fun.
I can work as a team.
I can participate in a fundraising event.
I can listen to and follow instructions.
This week Koala Class enjoyed taking part in their Sports Day activities. They transitioned to the Tee Pee area to start with for a carousel of activities including basketball, football, archery, throwing and catching and weaving in and out of the cones. They then walked up to the gym to enjoy the bouncey castle and ball pit activities. Thank you to all of the relatives who joined us for an afternoon of fun and happiness.
I can develop and apply underarm throwing techniques for target accuracy.
I can collaboratively participate in turn-based activities.
I can participate cooperatively in games by observing rules and taking turns appropriately.
Koala Class have begun Module 6 full of excitement. Our theme for Design Technology is Picnic Foods. Our first project was to design a cupcake for someone special. The children planned what they wanted to use to decorate it from choices provided. They then made the cakes and then once they were cooked they used the ingredients that they had selected to decorate it. They looked, smelt and tasted wonderful.
I can listen to and follow instructions to complete a task.
I can use my plan to complete a task.
I can say how I feel about my work.
Module 5
During outdoor sessions, there are lots of opportunities for Koala Class to extend their learning through play. Transdisciplinary activities are set up for the children to explore and inquire into. The lovely weather has meant Koala Class have been able to enjoy these activities in the sunshine and observe their plants growing and blooming.
I can explore new spaces.
I can investigate forces and measures.
I can explore capacity.
Koala Class have been working hard to develop their teamwork skills. They have been able to put these to use during structured lessons as well as play times. They have been open minded when sharing resources and listened to each others ideas. It has been really wonderful to see them working together to solve problems and develop friendships.
I can work together to achieve an end result.
I can cooperate with my peers during play.
I can have agency with my learning.
I can inquire alongside my peers.
I can share resources and ideas.
During Module 5, we have explored art by Picasso. The children looked at examples of Picasso's work on people, then created their own 'Picasso style' faces using a variety of mediums.
I can colour a 'Picasso' style face.
I can observe a piece of artwork.
I can communicate about what I can see.
I can use natural objects to create a face in the style of Picasso.
We read the book 'Clean Up' which is all about putting your rubbish away and caring for the environment. Koala Class have enjoyed listening to the story and have completed lots of activities linked to it. They have looked at a picture and discussed what they could see, ordered pictures from the story, found the rubbish on the set up beach and put it into the bin and made a turtle like the one in the story. We have also started to recycle in class: paper and plastics and we have got a food bin to recycle the waste into compost for the school gardens.
I can say what I can see in the picture.
I can match images to a picture.
I can care for the environment.
I can see rubbish and put it in the bin.
I can listen to and follow instructions.
I can add my own artistic ideas.
'Born to ride' came to visit us at school to teach the children how to use the balance bikes. They showed the children how to get onto the bikes, hold the handle bars correctly and stride along so that they could manoever it. There was a large emphasis on safety and the children were taught about why it is important to wear a helmet and look in the direction that they are travelling. The adults taught the children how to stop and go and we had lots of fun.
I can listen to and follow instructions to complete a task.
I can look where I am going and share the space around me.
I can follow safety rules and wear a helmet.
Koala Class went to Mary's Garden for Horticulture and saw the plants that they had grown. The children had planted seeds for lettuce and tomatoes last term and they have begun to grow so they needed to be replanted in the flower bed. We took the plants to the flower bed and took out any weeds that could be seen. The children then used the trowels to dig a hole, placed the plant into it, covered it over with soil and then used the watering can to water them. It will be exciting to watch them grow and hopefully taste the foods that are produced!
I can listen to and follow instructions to complete a task.
I can use tools with adult direction.
I can care for living things.
Welcome to Module 5. We had a lovely start back to the new term and the beautiful weather meant we had the windows open so we could hear the birds singing when were inside and outside. Laura is visiting us this term to delver signing club. The children will have the chance to learn Makaton signs to use with songs and rhymes. This week we played a fishing game and sang the song to go with it. The focus this week was to learn signs for colours and numbers. The children were given agency to choose which fish they fished for and demonstrated great colour matching, counting and fishing skills!
I can use my eye to hand coordination skills to complete a game.
I can take turns with my peers.
I can name and match colours.
Module 4
To complete our learning for this Module, we focused on Easter and it's meaning. The children learnt that it is a time for Christians to remember Jesus and a celebration of new life. In recognition of the celebration the children made cards and decorated eggs, alongside making a bunny ears headband and taking part in an egg hunt. It was lots of fun and the Koala Class managed to find all of the hidden eggs!
I can learn about how religious festivals are celebrated.
I can communicate my preferences.
I can use fine motor skills to create art.
I can take part in activiies to learn about religious festivals.
Koala Class have developed their Open Minded and Principled Learner Profile Attributes in Forest School. They have had lessons with the campfire and have learnt the safety rules and the dangers if the rules are not followed. Cheryl has shown the children how to build and light the fire, has cooked a variety of foods for them to taste and they have seen how the fire is put out at the end. We have been very proud of how well they have sat on the special log seats and listened to the instructions. The foods were offered to the children and they used their Risk taker Attribute to smell, feel or taste the variety of foods.
I can listen to and follow the safety rules around a campfire.
I can try new foods (popcorn).
I can try new foods (crumpet).
I can follow the rules to stay sitting in the safe area.
I can listen to and follow the safety rules around a campfire.
I can be safe when near a campfire.
Within our theme for this module, we have been looking at lifecycles. The children have found out about Owls, Frogs and this week they have discovered what happens in the life cycle of a butterfly. We have used the story The Very Hungry Caterpillar and this has led to some lovely art activities in order to explore and understand the change from caterpillar to butterfly.
I can engage with a sensory story.
I can follow the life cycle of a butterfly.
I can enjoy looking at books independently.
i can produce artwork in the style of the artist Eric Carle.
Koala Class paid money to come to school in their own clothes for Red Nose Day and participated in different activities to celebrate the day. Thank you to all of our families for supporting this charitable event.
I can select a medium to create a piece of art.
I can use my fine motor skills to manipulate a pair of tweezers to grasp objects.
I can hold implements securely in order to create artwork.
We have been reading the story 'The Teeny Weeny Tadpole' in order to understand life cycles. The children watched a film about how a frog grows and develops then sequenced the different stages. The frog theme has been used to support counting, adding and subtracting, making masks, creating frogs, exploring different textures on a tuff tray, recreating the story using props and singing songs.
I can use song and manipulatives to support subtraction.
I can engage in a sensory story by exploring different textures.
I can use cutting and colouring skills to make a mask.
I can use different techniques to create a model.
In recognition of the Hindu festival 'Holi', we watched a video about what the festival is about and how it is celebrated. The children joined in with an Indian dance and then carried out scientific experiments - tissue paper artwork that appeared when it was placed into water; and magic milk - which consisted of adding food colouring to milk before placing a soap covered cotton wool ball on top to watch the colours disperse then merge.
I can learn about religious festivals.
I can observe changes during a scientific activity.
I can follow simple instructions for an experiment.
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' has been our whole school text for World Book Week. Koala Class explored the book with a sensory story using envelope chocolate bars to open with golden tickets inside, a hot chocolate river, a shoot for Veruca Salt to slide down, a TV for Mike to disappear into and balloons for giant blueberries. During the week, the children have made golden tickets, planned and made their own chocolates, investigated what happens when skittle sweets and water mix, described the chocolate room, used chocolate scented play doh, decorated sweet shapes with collage materials and sat for a sensory massage which incorporated the different songs from the film. It has been an action packed fun week.
I can engage with a sensory story.
I can participate in social interactions.
I can dress up to embrace a celebration.
I can follow hygiene rules.
I can make a choice.
Module 4 has begun and we have embarked on the second of our Transdisciplinary themes, 'Sharing the Planet.' This term we will be focusing our learning around animals and will learn about their habitats and life cycles. Our text this week has been 'The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark' which led the children to create beautiful artwork, join in with a sensory story, plan and make nests and develop addition and subtraction skills with songs.
I can use scissors safely.
I can create a collage.
I can answer questions using a chatting sheet, during a class game with my peers.
I can plan, collect resources, make and evaluate a nest for an owl.
Forest school this week led to explorations centred around 'mud!' The children explored a huge muddy puddle and had resources to role play cooking - both activities provided multi sensory experiences for our young learners and they showed what Risk Takers they could be!
I can demonstrate my 'Thinking' skills when I inquire into how to balance on the swing.
I can share resources with my peers and explore a range of sensory experiences.
I can independently explore the forest area. I can use my senses to embrace new sensory experiences.
Module 3
We have finished out theme this week by learning about Florence Nightingale. The children have really embraced this area of learning and have sequenced her life, compared hospitals then and now, made their own Florence Nightingale lamp, thought about what Learner profile attributes she showed and dressed up and used the medical kits.
Learning Objective: To learn about a significant figure from the past.
To make comparisons between life in the past and now.
I can compare old and new.
I can learn about an important person from the past.
I can identify characteristics in a person.
I can use resources to make someone better.
Happy Chinese New Year. We have celebrated the festival in Koala class by tasting foods, having a sweet tray of treats, and learning about the traditions of the festival. We made red envelopes which are given to loved ones with money inside and the colour red symbolises good luck. We also made finger print snakes because it is 'The Year of the Snake' this year, listened to the story of 'The Great Race' which is about the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac and wrapped up oranges in red paper which are given to loved ones as a symbol of luck and wealth.
Learning Objective: To learn about religious customs and celebrations.
I can taste new foods.
I can learn about other traditions.
I can show compassion and respect for other peoples beliefs.
On Friday we were very excited to welcome our Koala families into school for a 'Share our Learning afternoon.' The families were able to participate in a Horticulture lesson with their children, where they planted seeds and bean plants. The session was outside so in between planting and watering the children could take their adults for a walk around the outdoor space. It was lovely to see so many families join us and the children really enjoyed it.
Some feedback from the afternoon was:
"It was lovely to see you all as well. Thank you to everyone in Koala class, it was lovely to see our daughter's class and outside area."
"It was lovely to see our son sitting at the table with his class friends. You and your staff are amazing."
"It was lovely to see the classroom and where our child is each day."
Learning Objective:
Demonstrating an awareness of my environment and the resoiurces I can use.
Directing my family around my familiar surroundings.
Learning about how to care for living things.
In Food Tech this module we are linking poems with our cooking. This week we listened to a poem about a lion and then made a pepper and hummus lion head.
Learning Objective: To listen to different genres of Literacy.
To follow simple one step requests.
To express my own preferences and interests through my preferred method of communication.
To demonstrate a preference for products, materials and ingredients.
To taste new foods.
Being a risk taker.
To demonstrate a preference for products, materials and ingredients.
To follow simple one step requests.
The snow arrived and Koala class dressed up appropriately so that they could go outside and explore it.
Learning Objective: To choose appropriate clothing for the season.
To identify differences in my environment.
To explore the elements of nature and observe the weather elements.
To work together collaboratively.
To explore nature.
What an exciting start to Module 3 - Forest School sessions have begun. The children demonstrated their balanced attribute by getting wrapped up warm in order to look after themselves in the cold weather. They showed how open minded they were as they walked to the forest area and then took new risks such as learning how to get in and out of the hammock successfully!
Learning Engagement:
Exploring cause and effect.
Learning Engagement:
Understanding how to operate a hammock successfully.
Learning Engagement:
Anticipation and persistence when playing hide and seek.
Happy New Year from all of Koala Class.
May your days be filled with love, your heart with hope, and your life with joy. Let your aspirations have wings so they may take you far in 2025.
Module 2
The build up to Christmas was very exciting. There were lots of opportunities for the Children to learn about the Christmas story and the traditions of Christmas through transdisciplinary lessons.
Learning Objective: To learn about significant occasions.
To learn how religious festivals are celebrated.
Learning Engagement:
Understanding the traditions of Christmas by making and sending a card.
Learning Engagement:
In Horticulture, hunting for symbols of Christmas.
Learning Engagement:
Making mince pies, a symbol of the gifts the Kings gave to baby Jesus.
For our Christmas trip, we visited Buzy Bees soft play with the other classes in Phase 1. It was lots of fun for the children and they showed us how open minded they were as they went off to explore the facilities. There was climbing, jumping, swimming and sliding to be done and the children embraced the opportunities to be active. We were very proud of how principled they all were when we walked there and back, being aware of the traffic and staying safe.
Learning Engagement:
Being a risk taker and sliding down the big slide.
Learning Engagement:
Using thinking skills to decide how to get in, along and out of the tunnel!
Learning Engagement:
By using communication skills, the children could ask for help to get on the ball and be pushed to swing higher.
The build up to Christmas has now begun, so we learnt about what Advent is. The activity which followed was to make a Christingle. We used pictures to explain the symbolism and had chatting sheets for the children to follow step by step instructions. They took their finished Christingle home to their families in time for the first Sunday in December.
Learning Engagement: To learn about significant occasions.
To learn how religious festivals are celebrated.
Learning Engagement:
The orange represents the world. The ribbon represents God's love and the light represents God is always there.
Learning Engagement:
The four sticks represent the 4 corners of the world.
Learning Engagement:
Sweets and fruit are put on to remind us of all of the creations in the world.
As the seasons change, the outdoors becomes so beautiful. Kirsty took us to Mary's Garden for Horticulture and the children went on a scavenger hunt to find evidence that Winter is beginning.
Learning Objective: I can match objects to objects and/or objects to photos.
Learning Engagement:
Finding lots of green leaves.
Learning Engagement:
Discovering blackberries.
Learning Engagement:
Ice! Inquiring into how it feels and if it can be broken.
Children in Need day was celebrated in class with a range of activities. Everyone was able to come to school dressed up with Pudsey Bear and Blush accessories and paid £1 to raise money for charity.
Learning Engagement:
Dancing to the Peppa Pig song 'Piggle Dance' for Children in need.
Learning Engagement:
Using split pins to make a moveable Pudsey bear.
Learning Engagement:
Raising money for charity by dressing up in Pudsey Bear accessories.
Our week began with Remembrance day and we have focused a lot of our learning around it. We watched a slide show and a short film about why it is important. The children have made handprint poppies, pointillism poppy art and made poppy biscuits.
Learning Engagement: To learn about significant occasions.
To learn how to show respect for important people.
Learning Engagement:
Decorating biscuits like poppies.
Learning Engagement:
Handprint poppies to make a class poppy wreath.
Learning Engagement:
Pointillism poppy art.
Welcome to Module 2. We will be continuing with our Lines of inquiry to support our Central Idea 'We share our thoughts and feelings with others.' This week we have engaged in activities for the celebrations Diwali and Bonfire Night. The children embedded their understanding through art activities. They made sparkly jelly, diva lamps, Diwali cards, sparklers and rockets. They also investigated fizzing stars - frozen bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.
Learning Engagement: To learn about the importance of different festivals and celebrations.
Learning Engagement:
Making sparklers for Bonfire night.
Learning Engagement:
Salt dough diva pots were made and painted for Diwali.
Learning Engagement:
Adding vinegar to bicarbonate of soda stars to watch the fizzing stars.
Module 1
Autumn has arrived and the Koala garden is vibrant with all of the colours. We have begun learning about Autumn through art and stories. We used paint dabbers to create artwork with Autumn colours. The children enjoyed the story 'Don't Hog the Hedge' which is about animals sharing a snug place to hibernate. After listening to the story they used the props to retell the story, sharing resources and working together. We finished the term with a wonderful Horticulture lesson outside. The children used rakes, brooms and scoops to collect the fallen leaves. They filled 3 black sacks and there are still more leaves to collect!
It has been a fantastic first term and we wish you all a happy half term.
The adventures with Supertato continued this week and the children all made their own Supertato. They had a list of resources that they needed and followed the instructions on the whiteboard. Their finished work looks wonderful. There were also some fruit and vegetables free to grate which was brilliant for supporting fine motor skill development.
'Supertato' is our new text this week. We have listened to the story and used props to act it out. The children have used their communication sheets to match the foods to the pictures. They followed instructions to draw Supertato and also completed some 'Super Veggies' colouring in.
On Thursday 26th September, it was European Languages Day so Koala Class travelled to France! We set up the chairs like a train and zoomed there! We looked at pictures of France and tasted a croissant! Afterwards the children were taught how to say 'Hello' and some farm animals in French. They listened to the word, then copied it and used the Makaton sign. It was a lot of fun.
Koala Class have continued to enjoy school and have transitioned to different rooms very well. A highlight of our week is on Friday when we go to the library. The children are given agency to look around a choose a book to look at alone, with an adult or with a friend. The different areas mean that they can choose a spot to get comfy and enjoy looking at their chosen book.
Our second week began in the most exciting way...we went off site for a swimming lesson. The children had a great lesson which included walking and running in the water, using the noodles to float on so that they could kick their legs, and finally we encouraged them to put their faces in the water and blow bubbles. It was wonderful to see them all enjoying their time in the water.
Welcome back to a new school year. Our Koala students have returned to school full of enthusiasm and have 'wowed' us with their tenacity and energy. We have started Horticulture this term and the children have put some lovely plants in the troughs. They scooped soil and tipped it around the plants to secure them then watered them. they are outside in the garden area now and look super.
Welcome to a new Academic Year. We are really excited to begin our learning journey with the children this year and look forward to seeing them in school on Monday 2nd September 2024.
For our first three Modules, the IB Transdisciplinary theme is 'How We Express Ourselves.'
The Central Idea to drive the children's learning is 'We share our thoughts and feelings with others' and the lines of Inquiry for this module are :
How we express our feelings
What the different areas in our school are.
What it means to be part of a community.