We were recently visited by a group of teachers and school leaders from the Netherlands who were interested in finding out more about how the children at Grazebrook use technology across the wider curriculum. The digital leaders ran a workshop to teach our visitors how to create a program on their iPad app and transfer the code to a micro:bit to produce digital nametags. Our visitors were very impressed by the children's confidence and teaching skills! A shout out to Ella in Year 6 who also demonstrated how to use micro:bit to code games and music. 

Across the classrooms visited, the children demonstrated using Keynote to create and narrate animations of results from science investigations; Tinkercad to bring 2D artwork to life as augmented reality 3D sculptures; ChatterPix to bring characters to life, and Chromebooks and Crumble to code traffic lights. 

Safer Internet Day is marked across the UK on Tuesday 6th February. The theme for 2024 is ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, Managing Influence and Navigating Change Online’. At Grazebrook this week, the children will be discussing how to keep themselves safe online and what to do if they have any concerns or worries. The class teachers will be providing the children with age appropriate guidance about using the internet safely and avoiding being a bystander to cyberbullying. CBBC has produced a range of online resources for children aged 7 to 11 to support with safer internet conversations at home. These resources can be accessed by visiting: www.bbc.com/ownit

The Nursery children have been exploring the world around them by being scientists and carrying out investigations. The children identified a range of liquids and predicted whether they would freeze or not. The children were surprised that the paint froze and that the honey did not, but went very gloopy instead! They thought it was funny that the washing-up liquid partially froze, becoming very squishy and slimy. When the children experimented with adding oil to clear and coloured water, they learnt that oil and water don't mix. They also witnessed the "fireworks effect" when adding coloured water to oil and pouring it into warm water. Over half term, why not carry out a kitchen science investigation for yourself? You could even share a photograph with your teacher to show your class! 

The Reception children have been continuing to think about how they can be responsible and help look after the world around them. They had a recycling workshop with Hackney council and practised sorting different objects according to the material they are made from. Last week the children made folding houses and drew the rooms inside to help them answer their curious question, 'What is your home like?' 

Year 1 have been geographers, carrying out fieldwork in central London to identify human and physical features. They especially enjoyed taking a clipper boat and travelling along the River Thames!

Year 2 have been working as scientists to develop their knowledge of the materials in the world around them, discovering how the properties of these materials make them suitable or not suitable for different objects. They showcased their knowledge with amazing confidence in their learning celebration assembly last Friday. 

Year 3 were inspired by their virtual visit from Mary Anning, in which they learnt all about her fossil hunting and how fossils are formed. The children also conducted tests to identify the permeability of different rocks. If you are interested in fossils, why not consider a half term trip to the Natural History Museum where you can see some of the specimens collected by Mary Anning  and her brother Joseph in the early 1800s? More information can be found here. 

5G continued their work with Salters' Institute and Edible Landscapes to explore ideas for expanding our school garden. The children spent time measuring up, researching plants that would be suited to the space and working together to draft designs for a future garden. 

Mr Zanier and the geography ambassadors have once again been amazed by the quality of home learning projects this year. We have been so impressed by the many examples of focus, creativity and collaboration that demonstrate the children's knowledge of the world's human and physical features. Well done to all the children and thank you families for your support with learning at home. 

We are delighted to let you know that our colleagues from Citizens Advice Bureau Hackney (CAB) are offering our families free, confidential face-to-face or telephone advice and support sessions at Grazebrook each Thursday morning (9.30am - 12.30pm). Our advisor can offer advice on: debt; benefits and credits; money management and budgets; housing; immigration; healthcare; housing; employment; energy and cost of living. 

To make an appointment, just call our school office team on 0208 802 4051, leaving your name and contact details and CAB will be in touch. You do not need to share any other details. Alternatively you can contact our CAB colleagues directly on 0203 880 2266. Further information can be found here: Information leaflet

If you have any queries regarding you child's learning, the first point of contact is your child's class teacher. You can speak to them at the end of the day or contact our school office to arrange a phone call or face-to-face meeting. At times, you may wish to contact the member of staff in charge of your child's year group. At Grazebrook, these are: 

Nursery and Reception: Ms Kelly O'Callaghan (EYFS Leader) 

Year 1, Year 2, Year 3: Ms Caireann Conlon or Ms Joanna Ichim (Assistant Headteachers)

Year 4, Year 5, Year 6: Ms Simone Bunbury (Assistant Headteacher) 

SEND: Ms Caireann Conlon (Assistant Headteacher) 

All email queries, including those for the attention of a class teacher or school leader, should be sent to gboffice@newwavefederation.co.uk in the first instance with the addressee and/or topic in the subject line. These will be forwarded to the relevant member of staff.