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Bleasdale has been busy exploring exciting activities in both Science and Design & Technology, all inspired by the topic “Invasion from the Vikings” and cultural-based designs. The pupils have been developing their creative skills whilst learning about Viking culture and science concepts related to the water cycle.

In Design & Technology, students created a variety of Viking-inspired items. We made beautiful brooches from felt, designed bracelets using safety pins, coloured beads, and clear beads, and added intricate details with thread. We also got creative with paper, rolling coloured paper to make beads and fashioning them into stylish bracelets. These hands-on activities not only allowed the pupils to learn about Viking artefacts but also honed their fine motor skills and artistic expression.

In Science, the class wrapped up their study of the water cycle by diving into the concepts of evaporation and condensation. Pupils learned key vocabulary and were able to confidently recite terms such as “evaporation,” “condensation,” and “precipitation.” To deepen their understanding, they conducted a hands-on experiment: boiling water in a pan to observe how the liquid turned into water vapour (a gas), then catching the vapour in a bottle. As the vapour cooled, they saw how it turned back into water droplets, demonstrating the process of condensation. This experiment provided a clear and engaging visual of how water moves through the different stages of the water cycle.

Overall, Bleasdale has made fantastic progress, engaging with both historical and scientific concepts through creative projects and experiments. Well done to all pupils for their hard work and enthusiasm!

In previous learning our children have learned about events and people from the past, such as the Great Fire of London. They have explored how life was different in the past compared to today, looking at homes, schools and jobs. In our current learning we have been looking at significant people and technology (buses, boats, space ships etc) and the impact that these people and inventions have had on us today.

During our visit to the vehicle museum, we had the opportunity to see real examples of old and modern vehicles, which helped us to see first hand how transport has developed across different time periods. We discussed how materials, designs and technology have evolved to make travel faster, safer and more comfortable. By observing these changes, the children could make thoughtful comparisons between the types of transport used in the past and the vehicles they see and use today. We then thought about the impact these vehicles have had upon us today and what is similar/different to the vehicles we use today.

As part of our learning, the children also drew upon their understanding of Rosa Parks and her brave decision to sit on a bus to take a stand against segregation. Her story helped the class to recognise that transport is not only important for how people move from place to place, but also plays a key role in social change and equality. We discussed how Rosa Parks’ bravery became a powerful symbol in the fight for civil rights and fairness, reminding us that the history of transport is closely linked to the history of people’s rights and freedoms.

On the 15th October Nicky Nook visited Greenlands Farm. This was an educational visit which linked to the class topic of Paws, Claws and Whiskers but it also linked to our Science topic (animals including humans). 

During the visit the students looked at many different farmyard animals, including cows, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, chickens, llamas and alpacas. The learners discussed what their diets might be and what species they belong to. Some students were able to give reasons as to why they belong to certain species, such as they are mammals because they have fur or give birth to live young and not eggs.  Also the students recalled some key vocabulary based on species and the diets of animals.

Not only were the students able to recap key learning from our lessons, they demonstrated enjoyment throughout and shared the environment well with the local community visiting on that day.

Throughout this half term we have been looking out for both children and adults who are ‘caught being kind, helpful or doing something for someone else’. Across the whole school we have observed many actions. During our assemblies this week we have shared these acts and the children have received a gold sticker. Some children, however, have gone above and beyond and been recognised four or five times by different members of staff. Recognition of this wonderful achievement has resulted in six children earning a trip to Pizza Hut. A massive well done to all and an extra special well done to Lydia, Theo, Levi, Codie and Archie.

In Parlick as part of our Topic ‘Lets explore!’ We took our exploration further afield to the Brockholes Nature Reserve. Despite the rainy weather, the nature reserve provided the opportunity for our class to engage with a local, open space whilst also exploring seasonal changes and what these look like in a natural environment. 

Throughout their experience, students engaged with physical activities which involved climbing, negotiating spaces and walking through different terrains- whilst also using their observational skills to explore various habitats (bugs, birds and deer) and natural objects such as trees and plants before discussing how these have changed based on the Autumnal weather. 

In the classroom, we have been sharing ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ as our Topic story, so our trip provided us with the opportunity to recite and practice the tale whilst experiencing some of the environments such as ‘thick, oozy mud and long, wavy grass’. To ensure we could continue creative and explorative learning at School, we collected sticks and various coloured leaves to take back to the classroom with us. 

This week, Bleasdale Class took their learning outdoors with a series of exciting activities in Holmes Wood. In science, pupils explored changes of state through hands-on investigations. They observed a candle melting from a solid to a liquid before cooling back into a solid again. They also investigated how chocolate changes when heated, carefully spooning the melted chocolate onto cakes before watching it cool and solidify. The class went on to explore how whipped cream can change from a gas to a solid while still showing properties of a liquid. Pupils created detailed drawings of these processes while surrounded by the natural setting of the woods, linking their science observations with their art skills. Later, they will add labels and write conclusions to demonstrate their scientific understanding.

In history, the children continued their outdoor learning with a scavenger hunt through Holmes Wood. They searched for missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and then worked in teams to race through questions about the Anglo-Saxons. Through this challenge, pupils deepened their knowledge about who the Anglo-Saxons were, the difference between invaders and settlers, what life was like during this time, and how archaeologists use evidence to uncover the past.

Throughout their time in Holmes Wood, Bleasdale Class showed excellent teamwork. Staff and pupils supported one another, making the most of the outdoor environment to produce exciting work that reflected both creativity and strong understanding. Pupils demonstrated collaborative skills while thoroughly enjoying their learning across science, art, and history in the woodland setting.

In Oakenclough class as part of our Starry, Starry Night topic in English and our Science topic on Animals Including Humans, we went on a brilliant trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve. The visit was carefully chosen to give children a real-life context for exploring nocturnal and diurnal animals, helping to deepen their understanding of animal behaviour, habitats, and adaptations through first-hand experiences in a natural setting.

During our time there, the children actively drew on their prior knowledge of nocturnal animals to explore the differences between day and night. They engaged in meaningful discussions about what we might see and hear in each setting, sharing ideas and building on one another’s understanding. As part of this collaborative learning, the children exchanged what they already knew about diurnal animals and worked together to identify which animals are nocturnal and typically emerge at night. The children were able to recall animals such as owls, bats, foxes, and hedgehogs, prompting discussions about how these animals are specially adapted to life in the dark. Through this peer interaction, the children not only deepened their understanding of animal behaviour but also strengthened their classroom relationships by listening to, supporting, and learning from each other.

The children also collected natural materials like leaves, twigs and feathers, which they later used in our enhanced provision to create their own nocturnal animal pictures. They had so much fun using their imagination and what they had learned to bring their animals to life.

This trip was a great way to explore nature, link our English and Science topics, and get creative using real-world materials. The children displayed collaborative skills whilst enjoying their learning in a practical way.

On Friday a group of children visited Brooklands Farm in Scorton. This was our first time at the farm and we had a wonderful time. We met Cookie and Oreo, the very cheeky and playful Pygmy goats, who we enjoyed feeding and playing with.

The children also met Boris and Schupaca the fluffy alpacas, we learned all about where they came from, why they were brought to our country and what their wool is used for. The children loved feeding and petting them. Finally, we met the horses and sheep- Monty, Cinders, Ella and Flossy. We enjoyed being able to pet and feed them. We were able to give Cinders lots of cuddles, which both she and we loved. We will definitely be back for more cuddles.

Children Calder Class enjoyed a day dedicated to First Aid training. During the first aid training, the children actively engaged in learning essential safety and care skills through a mix of demonstrations, practice, and role-play.

The session introduced them to the importance of staying calm in emergencies and seeking adult help when needed. The children were able to practise their CPR skills and also familiarised themselves with how and when to use a defibrillator. They all worked extremely hard! 

17/9/2025

Our class had a fantastic day out at Holmes Wood as part of our Invasion topic. The trip gave everyone a chance to get stuck into history and geography in a hands-on way.

For geography, the children had to think like invading commanders. They explored the woods and surrounding areas, spotting human and physical features that could either help or hold back an invasion. Physical features included trees, fields, swampy ground, rivers, steep cliffs and even mountains. Pupils explained how these features could be useful for protection or, on the other hand, make it more difficult for armies to move. We also looked at human-made features such as fences, battlements, walls, bridges and farms, and discussed how these could change the way an invasion might unfold.

Working in groups, the children took part in races to find and interpret information from invasion timelines. This really got them thinking as a team, answering questions and piecing together historical clues. Another highlight was the scavenger hunt, where the children searched for artefacts linked to the invasion theme. Back in class, they sketched the artefacts into their Topic books, showing great observation skills and creativity.

Overall, the trip was a great mix of learning and fun. The children came away with a much deeper understanding of how geography and human choices can influence history – and they enjoyed every moment of the adventure!