This week we welcomed our visiting consultants, Janice Ireland and Robin Belles to PDO School. Robin and Janice supported our school with the initial school review in May 2023 and were here to reflect and report on the developments since that first review.
We will receive a more detailed report in November which will be shared with parents, however you will be pleased to hear that the team of consultants have highlighted a number of key improvements across several areas of the school. We are very pleased that all the commitment made by our whole community is demonstrating such positive outcomes, ultimately providing a high quality learning environment for all our students.
In addition to conducting a review, our consultants have also been further engaging our teaching team on 'Looking for Learning'. This enables teachers to further develop their strategies by reviewing learning across classrooms, in order to further identify and deepen children's learning. Both consultants have highlighted the professional and positive attitude that our teaching staff have displayed throughout the week.
This term has been filled with excitement and skill-building in art!
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Year 1 focused on exploring line and shape while discovering how shadows form differently. Year 2 built on these skills, learning to draw animals using simple shapes as guides.
Year 3 took inspiration from William Morris, applying their newly acquired flower sketching techniques to create intricate designs.
Year 4 worked diligently on creating guidelines to help them achieve well-proportioned still-life sketches and explored how light direction enhances realistic shading.
Year 5 experimented with one and two-point perspectives to produce vibrant pop art pieces inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, with stunning results.
Year 6 developed their shading techniques with pencil and pen, creating beautiful portraits that showcased their impressive progression and ambition.
The Reception children learnt about how global warming is affecting the habitat of the arctic animals.
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We explored Arctic animals that live in the snow and their habitats. We created a tuff-tray decorated as Antarctica, and the children made cold playdough and their own snow from conditioner and cornstarch. To promote International Mindedness, we discussed global warming and its impact on arctic habitats, emphasising the importance of caring for our planet. We also discussed energy conservation, such as switching off lights, which helps keep our air clean and protects the ozone layer. A healthy ozone layer is important because it helps keep our planet cool, ensuring that arctic animals can survive in their icy homes.
We then went outside to investigate how snow melts and how this affects the survival of Arctic animals. Afterwards, we returned to the classroom for a brainstorming session to explore ways we can help them.
This week in Milepost 1, Yr2 visted Oman Aquarium as their Entry Point for their new topic - Beautiful Oman: Marine Life.
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The children had a wonderful time finding out about the diverse animals that live in the waters of Oman. They enjoyed a tour of the aquarium, finding out lots of facts about the animals. The children then met a starfish and had to show lots of empathy so they did not scare the animal. After that, they were treated to a dive show and made their own versions of the ocean. Finally, they met some penguins and came back to school full of excitement! What a fantastic way to start a new topic!
Year 4 became 'Agents of Empathy' this week and delved in the world of decision-making.
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Children worked collaboratively to play a bespoke board game created to encourage discussion. They encountered challenges that required them to express kindness, share perspectives and recognise emotions in others. Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions, players learnt to build emotional intelligence while having fun. With every turn, they deepened their friendships, making empathy an exciting journey for everyone involved.
Few people can boast of their job title as being a professional adventurer but the special guest speaker who came to talk to Y5 this week is exactly that!
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Nabil Al Busaidi, real-life explorer, world record holder and adventurer extraordinaire, shared his remarkable experiences of walking to the North Pole, climbing Mount Everest and rowing across the Atlantic!
In IPC, Y5 have been exploring the most extreme habitats on Earth. Having the opportunity to hear about the harsh conditions of these places by someone who has been there brought an engaging and interactive dynamic to their learning.
The children (and staff) were captivated by Nabil’s gripping accounts of his expeditions. Sharing the physical and mental challenges he faced, Nabil emphasised the importance of having a growth mindset. Students had the chance to ask Nabil questions, sparking further dialogue about the power of perseverance and adaptability. His experiences served as a source of inspiration, teaching the students valuable life lessons about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up on their dreams. Indeed, it was wonderful for the children to hear about so many of the Personal Goals in action.
So many Personal Learning Goals achieved- well done!