Now we know we are only in September but Christmas card time is upon us!

The children have been busy learning about background and foreground to create a Christmas card with depth and layers.

We began by using watercolours to create a graduated wash and then began adding additional items thinking about perspective and relative size.

Year 4 have been busily preparing for their exciting presentations, all to do with saving water.

After studying the facts about water usage and the dangers of running out of water, the children decided the most useful tactic would be to teach people to turn taps off whenever possible. They are now preparing posters, presentations, songs, dances and animations to show off to the Affinity Water company in two weeks time.

Many thanks to three Barnwell Sixth Formers who have kindly led and encouraged active participation in this project.

Year 4 have not wasted any time this term. We have been learning from the first minute of the first day. 

The children have settled well to the expectations of Year 4 and were brave enough to take part in a 'conscience alley' earlier this month. All of the children took part and had various pieces of advice for the lucky volunteer in the middle.

The question is...did our Pandora character actually decide to open the box? 

I don't know who was more excited to start the term, myself or the kids! It has been great to see all of the children back again, and we all hope they have had a great holiday.

The children are settling in nicely to their new classroom, maintaining a positive attitude to learning and thriving on the opportunity to be Year 4 children. They are recognising the importance of hard work and respect for others and we hope to build on these important aspects over the coming weeks.

We are looking forward to embracing the challenges ahead in Year 4!

The children have made a fast start to May, getting stuck into their learning and making a real effort to succeed.

It has been pleasing to visit Oak Class on a Friday afternoon to complete some paired reading. Each child has partnered up with a younger child to read with. They listen to each other read and encourage each other so well. I am delighted when I walk around and hear all the lovely comments the children are making to their reading buddies, and I believe they are making a real difference.

There is a real collaborative feel to Year Four at the moment. Long may it continue!

Well, Year 4 have certainly been busy so far this term!

We took part in the 'Mini Olympics' event hosted by the Stevenage Sporting Futures team, which was a lot of fun. Even the adults got involved...I believe there is an image of me skipping somewhere...but the children had a great time and were impeccably behaved throughout the event.

Earlier this week,l we had an exciting visit to the Football Stadium for 'Technology Day'. They children got a tour around the football ground and even got to sit in the directors office! Many thanks to the wonderful staff members at the football club for having us for the morning.

As the half term break is approaching, I am reminding the children to keep pushing for excellence, remembering that the 'Learning Pit' is a chance to learn new things and better ourselves!