Central idea: Through play we can express our feelings and ideas and develop new understandings

During our Unit of Inquiry, we have continued to look at traditional tales. We had an exciting start to the week, where the learners noticed some large foot prints, leaves and beans in the environment. It provoked an active discussion, awe and wonder. The learners enthusiastically contributed their ideas and some learners thought the footprints came from a giant and the beans would grow into something else. When posed with the question, What will grow from the beans? The learners shared their ideas and said; “An apple tree” “orange tree” “A leaf might grow from the seeds.” “A very tall tree”. Later in the week, the learners worked creatively to draw a picture of what they thought the giant looked like. We read the story, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ and enjoyed reading different versions of the story. We also retold the story using musical instruments and puppets. We used our mathematical understanding to measure the height of ourselves compared to a giant and also 'grew' a very tall beanstalk using junk modelling resources.

Central idea: Journeys help us to explore

"You could take a little trip around Singapore... To see Collyer Quay and Raffles Place - The Esplanade and all of us... Let's go down to the riverside - It's an unforgettable sight - To see the sunrise on a faraway isle - Turning darkness into light...The buildings are climbing all the way to the sky." [some lyrics from the song Singapore Town]

Learners in KB have been busy exploring our little red dot! We started our inquiry by talking about our favourite places to visit and sharing anecdotes about our journey to these places. Then we put on your thinking hats to design a model of one place that we've been to. We used our creative skills with recycled materials to put together the final piece. We even created mini versions of ourselves so that we can explore our 3D cardboard island city! Can you spot famous tourist attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Universal Studios and the Night Safari?

Meanwhile. learners in KG have spent time at school exploring journeys through the adventures of Paddington Bear. We read stories about the kind hearted little bear and had a surprise visit in the classroom from Mrs Brown from 32 Windsor Gardens. She stayed and made Marmalade sandwiches with the learners in our class. We made 3D models of Paddington and created a Pop Art version of him too. The learners talked about Paddington's voyage across the sea from Peru all the way to England, where he then took a train and ended up at Paddington Station in London. This started a great interest in the ways in which we make our journeys - by bus, car, train, boat, ferry or plane? What about a submarine or a space rocket? The possibilities are astounding!

Central idea: People's actions impact living things and their environment

Last week Year 2 learners started their new inquiry into how 'People's actions impact living things and their environment'. The introduction to our new unit was out of this world - literally! Our lessons were interrupted by a video message from Mr Beach showing an alien spacecraft landing on the football pitch! Six friendly, but weary, alien travellers needed our help to find them a suitable place to rest at Nexus. The learners showed terrific collaboration skills as they worked in small groups to find a place which would best suit each alien's needs. The groups then had a lot of fun taking photographs of each alien in the habitat they had carefully chosen for them: a sunny spot on the football field, a wet place at the swimming pool and a cosy place in the toy shed to name just a few. The learners did such a good job that the aliens were well-rested and able to return to their spaceship and continue to their next destination.

This week we turned our attention to looking at different habitats around the world and how these meet the needs of the animals and plants that live there. Next week we will be taking a trip to Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve to observe this habitat in person. The learners will also be looking at the impacts of people's actions, both positive and negative, on this natural environment. We were overwhelmed with all the offers of help from parents to accompany groups on this field trip. Thank you very much for your support!

Central idea: Citizens contribute to communities

Despite social distancing, Year 3 learners were still able to hold a Mini Exhibition and share their learning from our unit exploring culture. During library lessons this week, learners from across the primary school scanned QR codes linked to the Year 3 presentations. The link allowed them to view each presentation and provide feedback. The feedback will be reviewed in class to help us think about how to improve our presentations in the future. It was very exciting for the Year 3 children to come into the library and see their presentations on display.

In our new unit, exploring how ‘Citizens contribute to communities,’ Year 3 learners have been discovering local issues, the different views on the issues and what actions can be taken. They have each thought of an issue that they are interested in finding out more about and have started to make posters to raise awareness about their chosen topic. We have a passionate group who is very eager to take action to help their community and beyond.

Central idea: Migration of people changes places and communities over time

Year 4 learners have been very fortunate this week to have some 'Migration Experts' visit their homerooms. Some of our experts were from our school community and some were friends of the school. All had fascinating stories to tell about their own migration experiences. Year 4 learners read a short 'Bio' from our experts and then formulated their own interview questions in order to find out as much information as possible about the expert's story. Our learners put all their prior learning about 'questioning' into practise with great results! Year 4 learners are now writing biographies to share the information they discovered. On Friday we will have a 'Biography Afternoon' during which learners will share their writing with their peers in other Year 4 classes. A very big 'Thank You!' to all our Migration Experts who made this experience possible.

Central idea: Scientific inquiry helps us to investigate changing states of matter

Year 5 learners have been inspired by viewing a range of scientific investigations this week. They have chosen an investigation that they are curious or interested in knowing more about. Through the inquiry process they have written their own questions and used their research skills to increase scientific understanding. Learners are applying their procedure writing skills to plan and write their own scientific investigation. They will identify a variable that they would like to change and carry out their investigation. We are excited to see how different the results might be to the original investigation and what new understandings will be revealed.

Central idea: Experiences influence creativity

Our intrepid film crews continue to develop storyboards and bring their ideas to life through film. Many are recognising that making a quality movie takes time management, planning , cooperation and resilience. There are many films being made, from animations, to short stories and documentaries. It is sure to be a hectic run to the end of term. Fortunately the energy of the group remains high and the enthusiasm the learners are showing is infectious and will encourage everyone to achieve their personal best.