Module 6

Key concepts

Responsibility - what should I do?

Connection - how are things linked?

Change - how is it transforming?

So far, in our inquiry topic this module, we have been:

Inquirers : we're really interested in how life was for people back in WW2 and have been asking excellent questions to aid our understanding.

Knowledgeable: We have all achieved 80 percent or above on our weekly inquiry recap Kahoot! quizzes!

Open-minded and risk-takers: We have cooked up some popular WW2 rationing recipes, trying ingredients and techniques we have never tried before!

Communicators: We have engaged in excellent speaking and listening activities, such as discussing 'guess the link' photo games, discussing our thoughts and feelings about climate change as well as presenting information to our class about renewable energy sources we have independently researched!

This module, Renaissance class have delved into how government decisions impact our daily lives. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been up to:

Rationing in WWII

We explored the crucial decision of rationing during World War II, examining why the government introduced it and its effects on the population. The students were particularly engaged with:

Recreating Rationing Recipes in Food Tech: Our students tried their hands at popular wartime recipes. They independently followed instructions, purchased ingredients from the community, and gathered necessary equipment. This hands-on activity not only honed their cooking skills but also gave them a taste of history. So far, we've successfully made carrot biscuits and SPAM hash!
Understanding Weekly Rations: Using their measuring skills, the class calculated the weekly rations people received during the war. They were astonished at how little was provided, especially when it came to cheese!

Climate Change and Government Initiatives

We also turned our attention to contemporary issues, focusing on government efforts to combat climate change. Our activities included:

Investigating Climate Initiatives: Students used their investigative skills to match photos with various government initiatives aimed at reducing climate change. They engaged in thoughtful discussions about which initiatives they believed were most important and why.

Our students have shown incredible enthusiasm and curiosity in both topics, gaining valuable insights into the past and present roles of government decisions in shaping our world. We look forward to continuing this journey of discovery and learning together!

The students created timelines of the war and when food rationing was brought in.

The students used their previous knowledge of the Eatwell plate in order to rate the nutrional value of our ration dishes. They also provided examples of food items that would help increase nutrition!

The pupils reviewed the food tech dishes they have been making and have also suggested ways to improve the flavour and nutritional value!

The students have been writing fantastic, independent definitions of important key words for our module topic on climate change.

The pupils showed off their excellent reading skills by independently completing the fill in the blanks activity in order to learn about carbon footprints.

The pupils created fact files about a renewable energy source of their choice. They completed their own Chromebook research for this and discovered interesting facts about their chosen energy source!

Renaissance class weekly recap crossword!

At the end of each week, pupils complete a crossword based on their learning. Here is a fantastic example!

We love crosswords!

Money, Money, Money!

This module, Renaissance Class has been focusing on an essential life skill: money management. Understanding money is crucial, so we've incorporated practical activities to ensure students can apply their knowledge functionally in everyday situations. Here's what we've been up to:

Exploring Coin Values

Students have been learning about the different values of coins. We've emphasised that the size of a coin doesn't necessarily determine its value—an important concept that our students have found both intriguing and fun. Through various activities and games, they’ve mastered recognising and understanding the value of different coins and notes.

Fun and Interactive Learning Activities

Numicon Game: We played a game where students held up the Numicon tile that corresponds to the coin or note amount called out. This helped reinforce their understanding of money values in a fun and interactive way!
Money Races: Students competed to see who could make certain amounts the fastest, or find out how many ways they could create a specific amount. These races are a fun and exciting way to reinforce quick thinking and problem-solving skills.

Practical Application in Food Tech

To make learning about money even more functional, students purchased ingredients for their Food Tech lessons during community outings. This real-world application helped them practise using money, making purchases, and understanding the value of what they’re buying.

Weekly TUC Shop!

Our students have taken their money skills to the next level with the weekly TUC shop. Here, they:

Made Sweetie Bags: Assembled bags worth 50p each.
Sales Experience: Went around to different classes to sell the bags.
Handled Transactions: Ensured they accepted the correct amounts and provided the right change.