SYCAMORE CLASS

A Guide for Parents

Our learning

Why is Seend School Church of England? Who created this and why? Study of the Tudors

Later this year…. Why is Greece a great holiday destination? Which was better Athenian Brain or Spartan

Brawn? Will we ever send another human to the Moon?

Is there life out there?

New National Curriculum - Headlines

English Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Reading – increased focus on fictional texts Recital of poetry, learning by heart Maths Increased focus on formal written methods Problem solving and Reasoning Science Core subject once again New topics including Evolution and Inheritance

Emerald Power

Welcoming risk You learn when things go wrong Rising to the challenge Perseverance, not giving up Keeping our brains exercised Celebrating mistakes Growth as opposed to a Fixed Mindset Impetus coming from the child – taking

ownership…

What are Mindsets?

Growth Mindset•Intelligence can be increased.•Just takes effort, persistence.•Mistakes and challenge are a way to grow better.

Fixed Mindset•Something you are born with.•Can’t change it much.  

What impact do Mindsets have on our children?

FixedFocus on performanceFailure and/or effort perceived as being sign of low abilityDon’t recover well from setbacksUnstable self-esteemChoose activities to maximise performance (easy ones to feel clever)Decrease efforts, withdraw or consider cheating (self- protection) Disengage, misbehave in class

What impact do Mindsets have on our children?

Growth Focus on learning Not threatened by hard work or failure Mistakes are perceived as part of the learning processes Stable self-esteem Seek new challenges for a sense of achievement View effort and persistence as a necessary part of success Pay attention in class- especially when learning something new or challenging

Home Learning

Independent Activities where possible Valuable support to in-class learning Preparation for Secondary School Must Do and Optional Elements

Must Do Homework Reading - 15 minutes every day - not always with an adult,

but sometimes Spellings – different groups Given out on a Monday, test on a Friday. Need 17/20 or 8/10. Increased importance of Spelling in New Curriculum Times Tables & Related Facts Weekly test on a Thursday for those who have yet to have these facts embedded in their memories. National Expectation to know up to 12 x 12 and related division facts by end of Year 4. Becomes a barrier to their learning.

N.B – Jan / Feb – Y6s have SATs practise to doN.B – Jan / Feb – Y6s have SATs practise to do

Optional Homework

Topic-based Learning to enhance their understanding of a topic

Set on a Wednesday, hand in on a Monday.

After Christmas, Y6s Maths and Literacy – not optional!

ActiveLearn – practise and apply Maths skills taught at school

Year 6 SATs Week

Week beginning Monday 9th May 2016

Reading Paper – Monday SPaG Papers – Tuesday Weds & Thurs – Maths – 3 papers

P.E.

Kit needed in school all week. Indoor and outdoor kit Tuesdays – Mr Dickens Fridays – Mrs Hunt If your child is unable to do PE, pls

send them with a note or phone the office; otherwise they will be taking part.

Online Safety - Reminder

Use of internet monitored very closely at school

Do you know what online communications your child makes?

ChildLine advice – should not be communicating at all with anyone they don’t know online…

Don’t even share minimal information NSPCC website parental advice: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

DANYWENALLT DANYWENALLT RESIDENTIALRESIDENTIAL

Monday 23Monday 23rdrd May – Friday 26 May – Friday 26thth May May 20162016

Why go on a residential Why go on a residential trip?trip? Memorable, first hand experience – most vivid memories

of primary school Taste of independence and builds self-confidence and

self-esteem Opportunity to learn in a different environment in a

mainly kinaesthetic manner Learn in the ‘real world’ Enhancing personal, social and emotional development Challenging themselves and strengthening relationships Health and fitness After SATs, great way to let off steam and relax

Where is it?Where is it?

What’s it like?What’s it like?

Converted welsh farmhouse Surrounded by woods, high peaks, waterfalls and trails Youth Hostel Clean and functional Used to hosting school parties Sleep in rooms with bunk beds, sleeping 4-6 Children expected to make their own beds and keep rooms tidy. Daily room inspections! Points mean prizes!

What’s the food like?What’s the food like?

The food is amazing! Lots to choose from. Three courses Cater for all special dietary requirements Eat altogether in the dining room All meals provided apart from lunch on the

Monday

ActivitiesActivities

Visit Big Pit – Monday Mammals of the Wood Tor y Foel Trek Survival Challenge Orienteering Rivers Creatures from the Deep Evening entertainment – to be decided by

children e.g. quiz, disco, talent show, movie night, games night etc.

CostCost

Per child £210 Includes: accommodation, food (except packed

lunch on 1st day), transport, visit to Big Pit, activities, services of Brecon Beacons Nature Reserve educational officers for each activity

£30 deposit required by 21st October. Payment Cards Balance by 18th March

Contact Details

Further info: www.seendschool.com

Call SchoolSee me at the end of the day

Email: phunt@seend.wilts.sch.uk