Embedded Files
Waterfall Pathway
Modules 5 & 6
Transdisciplinary Theme: Sharing the Planet
Central Idea: The way societies share the planet is influenced by history, stories and the search for evidence
Lines of Inquiry:
The role of stories in shaping beliefs about the world
Evidence supports or challenges different perspectives
Key Concepts:
Connection
Perspective
Responsibility
Learner Profile Attributes:
Knowledgeable
Thinker
Inquirer
Visit to Chessington
M@SGLA students enjoyed an exciting and memorable trip to Chessington World of Adventures. It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, thrills, and new experiences.
Pupils had the opportunity to choose the rides they wanted to go on, showing great independence and courage as they stepped out of their comfort zones and became true risk-takers. From roller coasters to water rides and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the rides, students also had the chance to explore the park's many attractions and spend quality time with their peers. It was a wonderful experience that created lasting memories and strengthened friendships.
Inquiry Learning
We have been focusing on preparing our students to become more independent in using technology. They have been learning how to create their own Google Slides, developing both their digital literacy and their ability to communicate ideas creatively and independently. They practised these skills by creating a Google Slides presentation about the Great Wall of China, researching facts and designing their slides to share what they had learned.
Reading
During our weekly library session, we selected a variety of books from the school library and enjoyed reading them outdoors. This gave us the opportunity to connect with nature while engaging in the joy of reading for pleasure. The peaceful outdoor setting created a calm and inspiring environment, making our reading experience even more enjoyable and meaningful.
Inquiry Learning
During our Inquiry learning, we used atlases to research the locations of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This helped develop the children’s geography skills and supported their understanding of global landmarks, cultures, and the natural world.
Visit to the Gurdwara, Gravesend
As part of our community participation focus, we also had the opportunity to visit the Gurdwara in Gravesend. The guided tour allowed our pupils to explore and learn more about the Sikh religion in an engaging and respectful way. They were able to try “Parshad”, a traditional offering, and were warmly welcomed with a meal called “Langar" in the large hall before we left. The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and gave our pupils a valuable chance to demonstrate open-mindedness, showing respect and curiosity towards different beliefs and cultures.
Inquiry Learning
This module, we have been focusing on a study of the USA in the 20th century. In this lesson, we explored the Moon landing, and pupils were asked to write a diary entry based on the prompt:
"Imagine you were an astronaut like Neil Armstrong. You’ve just landed on the Moon! What do you see? How do you feel? What do you do next?"
Some pupils used Clicker Writer to support their writing and promote greater independence.
VE Day
On 8th May, our class came together to celebrate VE Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The students participated in a range of activities to deepen their understanding of this historic day. They checked their knowledge by completing quizzes focused on the events leading up to VE Day, key historical figures, and the significance of the victory.
Literacy and Communication
Literacy and Communication
Anning class are continuing to read and study the book The Wild Robot.
We have been working hard at our writing and writing as another person in diary entries.
In this work, Lilia did a fantastic job as writing a diary entry from the perspective of Brightbill (the Gosling) who is going to fly away from their mother (Roz, a robot) for the winter migration.
In the book, the author hinted at different ways that Brightbill might be feeling and Lilia did a great way of infering feelings and emotions from the clues in the text.
Through inquiry learning, students have been learning about the American Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. They are practising their writing skills while writing a letter to a fictional person to explain to them their own understanding of what it means to search for the American Dream. They have also been organising their ideas and practising making a mind-map of things connected to the Civil Rights Movement.
In science, students have been exploring how research, practice and evidence has improved our health care systems. We began with an exploration of the improvements of hospitals and surgery since the Victorian era. We then looked at how Dr John Snow helped change our understanding of public health when he identified the cause of cholera to be dirty water and not dirty air as had been previously thought.
Modules 3 & 4
Transdisciplinary Theme: Where we are in place and time
Central Idea: Human experiences are shaped by time and place
Lines of Inquiry:
The impact of time on human societies.
The significance of human connection and understanding across time.
The connection between technology and humanity.
Key Concepts:
Causation
Change
Function
Learner Profile Attributes:
Risk-taker
Balanced
Principled
World Book Day
As part of their World Book Day celebrations, students stretched their imaginations to think about their ideal books and reading experiences.
This student has used a variety of communication techniques to tell us what he likes.
He has used writing and drawing to tell us he enjoys adventure stories - particularly those with robots.
He has used a flow diagram to tell us that he'd enjoy a cookbook to tell him how to cook the perfect fried egg!
The same student also used his artistic skills to exhibit that his favourite reading time is spent reading a book while sitting in his bedroom.
In Inquiry learning, students have been exploring the connection between technology and humanity.
They have been learning about robots and how robots have long existed to help humans work and live more efficiently.
They have discussed why robots can be controversial and the pros and cons of using robots in our lives.
Through English lessons and Inquiry Learning, students have been developing their creative writring skills. They are encouraged to write descriptively using appropriate adjectives for their nouns.
Students were encouraged to use their imaginations and create their own scene.
Some students have been using Clicker to help them turn their ideas in to a story. Other students have been including similies and metaphors in their writing.
Rounders with alumni
Rounders with alumni
A former student of Milestone@ Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy recently returned to work with students as part of his college work experience.
Ky'ren has been sharing his passion for rounders with students, teaching them the game in a structured way that emphasises teamwork and adherence to the rules.
It's inspiring to witness Ky'ren's continued growth and success since leaving Milestone, and we're delighted to see him thriving in his college studies.
The students are benefiting greatly from working with a young leader, and it's wonderful to see how this experience is nurturing their own aspirations. Seeing a former classmate embrace new challenges serves as a powerful example.
We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership with Ky'ren and supporting the development of all our students, both past and present.
Religious Education (RE)
In RE, students have been learning about the symbols of various religions. This term, they explore Hinduism and the origin story of Vishnu.
Through their studies, they explored the importance of light in Hindu rituals. Light holds deep meaning as it signifies hope, purity, and the presence of divine. One symbol of light is the Diva lamp. Divas are small oil lamps used widely in Hinduism, especially during festivals like Diwali. They represent light overcoming darkness and the triumph of good over evil. Lighting divas is a way for Hindus to celebrate by illuminating their homes and hearts during special occasions.
After learning about their significance, students made their own Diva lamp in celebration and reflection of the importance of light in their own lives.
Inquiry
In Module 3, while inquiring into the significance of human connection across time, students worked collaboratively to create a time line of events from history. They found connections in these timelines as one event linked to another or provided context for the next.
In practice of their speaking and listening skills, students then presented their timelines to the class. This required significant planning and coordination amongst students to ensure a smooth presentation.
Community Learning and Skills Development
As part of our ongoing inquiry learning and focus on community engagement, our students took part in a series of activities in Dartford and Bluewater. They visited local charity shops to donate items and learn about the importance of supporting different causes. This experience helped students understand how small actions can make a big difference in their communities. We also made a historical learning stop at the Wat Tyler plaque in Dartford, connecting the past to our current learning. While at Bluewater, students visited a selection of shops linked to our careers curriculum, gaining insight into different roles within the retail industry. Finally, we visited Radio Kent at Bluewater to explore media and communication, where we discussed the possibility of booking an exciting future session for our students.
Chinese New Year Celebration
We celebrated Chinese New Year with a range of exciting activities. We learned to say "Happy Chinese New Year" in both Mandarin and Makaton, helping us practice new languages and develop our communication skills. Each student discovered their Chinese zodiac sign and completed creative activities linked to it. This year, we welcomed the Year of the Snake. As an IB school, we recognise the importance of celebrating different cultures and embracing diversity. This celebration helped us learn more about Chinese traditions and appreciate the world’s diverse cultures.
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Modules 1 & 2
Transdisciplinary Theme: How we express ourselves
Central Idea: Nature shapes our culture, art and identity
Lines of Inquiry:
Different cultures communicate in different ways and have different rules.
Rivers and coasts connect people to their history and culture.
People are inspired by nature.
Key Concepts:
Connection
Change
Perspective
Learner Profile Attributes:
Inquirers
Open minded
Communicator
Module 2
M@SGLA Christmas Market
Our recent enterprise activity, developed during our careers subject, culminated in a vibrant Christmas market, embodying the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. This initiative provided our pupils with invaluable hands-on experience in planning, creating, and marketing their products, fostering essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity - key components of the IB learner profile. A heartfelt thank you to all involved - students, parents, and staff - whose dedication and enthusiasm made this event a memorable celebration of the festive season. The Christmas market not only showcased our pupils' creativity and hard work but also brought our community together in a joyful atmosphere, highlighting the spirit of collaboration and celebration at Milestone @ Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy. We look forward to more such engaging activities in the future that encourage our pupils to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Community Learning and Skills Development
We had a fantastic experience visiting Rochester Cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. At Rochester Cathedral, our pupils participated in a guided tour, where they learned about the rich history and significance of the cathedral. A memorable moment for many was the opportunity to light a candle and make a wish, fostering a sense of reflection and connection to the serene environment. After the cathedral visit, we explored the Guildhall Museum, where the pupils engaged in an interactive workshop focused on Rochester Castle. This hands-on experience allowed them to explore local history in a fun and engaging way.
Class Read
Class Read
In our exploration of the central idea, "Nature shapes our art, culture, and identity," and the line of inquiry, "People are inspired by nature," we see strong connections to our reading of "Song of the River" by Gill Lewis.
The book follows the journey of a young girl named Tilly, who discovers the beauty and importance of nature while exploring the river near her home. As Tilly encounters various wildlife and faces challenges in her community, she learns valuable lessons about friendship, resilience, and the impact of human actions on the environment. The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative have sparked meaningful discussions among the pupils about conservation and the interconnectedness of all living things. We encourage everyone to reflect on the themes presented in the story and consider how we can all contribute to protecting our natural world.
Thank you Cheryl!
Thank you Cheryl!
As the class has finished their visits to Forest School for the winter they took the opportunity to show our caring sides to the staff member, Cheryl who enabled this amazing opportunity for us. Cheryl is a fantastic Forest School leader and students wrote and personalised their own "Thank You" cards to share their appreciation with her.
Thank you Cheryl!
The Slave Trade in US History
The Slave Trade in US History
Throughout the module, students have been learning about the slave trade and its place in US history.
In Literacy, students have been reading a booked called "The Listeners" by Gloria Whelan. In the story, we have met some slave children (Ella-May and Sue) who work hard in the cotton fields with their parents. The studnets have used the text as a way of developing their inference skills by infering the story from the images in the text.
In other lessons students wrote biographical profiles of key figures in the fight to abolish slavery, including Harriet Tubman who fought not only for her own freedom, but for the freedom of all slaves.
Virtual Visit: Emmanuel Asuquo, author of The Ultimate Guide to Money
Virtual Visit: Emmanuel Asuquo, author of The Ultimate Guide to Money
Anning class explored The Ultimate Guide to Money: Your Mission to Turn Pocket Money Into Pots of Money by Emmanuel Asuquo, a well-known financial advisor, media figure, entrepreneur focused on wealth-building, and international speaker. After reading a passage from his book, the students participated in engaging discussions about topics such as money management, savings, finance, inflation, and investments.
On Friday afternoon, the students had the thrilling opportunity to join an online session with Emmanuel, along with other schools, where they posed the insightful questions they had prepared earlier in the week.
Forest School
Students have continued enjoying Forest School while visiting main site. This term they cooked waffles over the fire, enjoyed some hot pizza rolls and had 'fancy hot chocolate' at their own request! They enjoyed the water relay feature and some students even built their own. There were opportunities for quieter play with students enjoying some digging, tic-tac-toe and stepping-stone challenges. These activities help students develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. They also learn about plants, animals, and ecosystems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
In the final week of Forest School, students showed exemplary team work when they built their own den! This was entirely student led and they requested the materials that they wanted to make it. It was amazing to watch them share ideas, work together and support each other in their efforts to build this amazing structure! They even had it tested for its weather-durability! I'm not sure we'd trust it as an overnight shelter, but we were definitely proud of what they had accomplished!
Children In Need
For Children in Need, our class had a fantastic day filled with fun activities! We began by colouring pictures of Pudsey Bear, adding our unique designs to brighten him up. Later, we joined in the energetic DDMIX for Schools session, dancing together and getting active for a good cause. We also listened to some favourite songs, creating a joyful atmosphere as we reflected on the importance of helping others.
Anti-Bullying Week
During assembly, we discussed the topic of bullying, exploring what it means, how it can affect others, and why it’s important to create a supportive and kind environment. We talked about ways to recognise bullying behaviour and shared ideas on how we can all contribute to making our school a safe place for everyone. It was a meaningful discussion, encouraging everyone to think about the impact of their actions and the importance of standing up against bullying.
M@SGLA students joined the wider school community to pay their respects during the Remembrance Service held at Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy. The service provided an opportunity for students to honour the memory of those who served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. The students engaged thoughtfully in moments of silence and reflection, demonstrating a respectful awareness of the significance of Remembrance Day. This event offered a valuable chance for students to learn about and appreciate the importance of remembrance, empathy, and community.
Inquiry
This week, Anning class explored the concepts of fairness and freedom through a hands-on activity called "Free Time" and "Task Time." The students were divided into two groups, each assigned a different role. One group was given “Free Time,” where they could play, while the other group participated in “Task Time,” helping to clean up or organise classroom items.
After a few minutes, the groups switched roles so everyone had a turn at both activities. Following the activity, we gathered to reflect together. The students shared how it felt to play and how it felt to complete tasks, and we discussed the question, “Was it fair that some played while others worked?”
Through their thoughts and experiences, students came to understand that fairness often means everyone has the chance to make choices or participate equally. This meaningful activity not only deepened our class’s understanding of fairness and shared responsibility, but it also introduced the concept of freedom and fairness as an early step toward understanding what slavery means.
Afterward, each student wrote a letter reflecting on their experience of “Task Time” and “Free Time,” expressing their thoughts about fairness, freedom, and what it felt like to complete tasks while others played. These letters allowed them to connect the activity to broader concepts of justice and equality, enhancing their understanding in a personal and reflective way.
Maths
In maths, we have been practising our number bonds. Some of our students have been identifying and recalling number bonds to 10, while others have been applying them in various contexts.
Phonics
During our phonics lessons, we have been practising blending sounds together to read words.
Module 1
On Friday, 18th October, Anning class participated in the "Show Racism the Red Card" campaign. This event aims to educate and empower our students to take a stand against racism while promoting equality and respect. During the discussions, students explored important questions such as:
What can we draw to represent kindness?
What message would help people better understand racism?
They also examined examples, reflecting on what they observed, and then applied their learning by designing their own posters.
In Science lessons, students have been learning about the heart. Students then had the opportunity to take part in a heart dissection. This amazing experience provided students with a tangible and memorable way to reinforce their understanding of the heart's structure, function, and the importance of a healthy circulatory system. Seeing and handling a sheep heart in person, rather than just in diagrams or pictures, helps students visualise the complex anatomy. Students were able to observe how the heart's various structures, such as the chambers, valves, and vessels, work together to ensure efficient blood flow. Dissections encourage students to ask questions, make observations, and draw conclusions based on their findings. Prior to starting the dissection, students engaged ina discussion about the ethics of dissection This fostered a an appreciation for the complexity of living organisms and the importance of animal welfare.
As part of their learning about poems, students wrote acrostic poems about Halloween or Autumn. Students had a lot of fun exploring different words and using dictionaries to check their spellings.
Students in Anning class have been travelling to main site and taking part in Forest School activities, including cooking over a campfire, building hammocks and shelters, and exploring the natural environment. These activities help students develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. They also learn about plants, animals, and ecosystems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Students have been exploring rivers and coast lines through a variety of aspects of their learning. Students explored the different features of rivers and coasts and them sorted those features into their correct groups. In literacy students used their imaginations to write about what they would sense if they were standing near a coast line.
While completing an inquiry into how humans are inspired by nature, students used their developing computing skills to create a 'mood board' of what inspires them in nature. Quite naturally, many students were guided to searching for images based in colours they find calming or pleasing.
This module, students have been exploring their heart in science lessons. Students articulated and shared their prior knowledge of the human heart before taking a quiet moment to listen to their own heart beat. Of course, some took the chance to do some exercise and listen to their heart race!
It's a new school year and Anning Class has settled in well with their new environment and new peers. Students have been hard at work in Maths as well as Literacy and Communication. You can see students using an assortment of manipulatives to show off their arithmetic skills and knowledge that they recall from previous years. They did extremely well and staff are incredibly proud of them!
M@SGLA Commemorate Remembrance Day
Modules 1 & 2
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