Summer 2024
Visit to Alnwick Library
Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh class had a really exciting trip to the playhouse on the 27th of June. We split into two groups; half of us explored the library and the other half completed a story and art session. In the art session, the children lay down on huge beanbags (which was exciting in itself) and listened to the story 'The Artist' by Ed Vere. Following this, the children looked at some famous artwork on the screen and discussed how everyone's idea of art is different. The playhouse had very kindly built us some super cardboard houses that we were able to decorate. The children used a range of media such as gems, stickers, paint, crayons, pens, stamps and tissue paper to decorate their house. The children produced some fabulous, imaginatively designed houses and thoroughly enjoyed this activity! The library session involved exploring the junior section of the playhouse library. The children played, coloured and spotted Julia Donaldson characters around the library. Both groups really enjoyed having some quiet time and sitting down to read a story of their choice. Each group then spoke about their story choices and decided on one story to be read by Miss Richardson and Miss Cromarty. It was a super morning and we all agreed that we would love to go back and complete another session.
Beach Day
On Monday the 24th of June, Dunstanburgh had their final beach day as Year 2s! It was a super hot day, the tide was low- it was perfect for a day on the beach! We started our day off looking at ID charts for sea creatures. We then explored the rockpools for creatures, using our nets and pots. The children found, shore crabs, hermit crabs, top shells, clam shells, fish, barnacles, sea anemones and many other creatures. Following this, the children made their own rockpools in the sand. We looked at each groups' pool and then headed to the Hindmarsh Hall for lunch and some well needed time out of the sun!
In the afternoon, we collected driftwood off the beach and worked together to make pirate ships. The children had some time to play in their ships which they really enjoyed. To end our beach day we sketched the sea creatures that we had found today, explored the plants in the dunes and had a play in the park. Another brilliant, sunny beach day!
Let's Learn about Bones
Dunstanburgh Castle Class have been learning all about life cycles and had lots of questions about how bones change as we age! Bamburgh Castle Class joined Dunstanburgh to learn some more about bones and radiology in a super visit from Ruth Mather. During our visit, we looked at bones and cartilage. We were all super surprised that children have more bones than adults! We looked at a crunchie and how it represented the structure of our bones; we really enjoyed getting to observe and feel different bones. Ruth talked about her job and how x-rays show different fractures. We took time to spot fractures on different x-rays and how they differ with age. As well as this, we looked at different sticks that represented bones at different life stages; we learned how bones are much more flexible when we are young but are more brittle and likely to snap in old age. There were many budding radiographers in the room and lots of children made super links with their prior knowledge.
Dunstanburgh really enjoyed their NERAP visit, discussing careers. The children loved finding out more about university and talking about the different societies available. Following this, they had lots of fun designing their own society and thinking about what courses they would be interested in.
As well as this, Dunstanburgh learned all about first aid. They learnt about how to put peers in the recovery position and in what ways they can provide first aid. The children thought about the importance of knowing where they live and when to ring 999.
KS1 Beach Day - Monday 20th May
On Monday Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh had another super beach day! This time, our focus was the history of Alnmouth. We started the day off by discussing the Duchess Bridge on the way, then visiting the Old School Gallery and sketching it in our beach books. We looked at the different features of the school such as the different entrances for boys and girls and the school bell. After this, we climbed to the top of Bracken Hill, visiting the Battery and sketching the view. We then recreated the features we had seen in the sand.
After lunch, we discussed different types of bird nests and made these in the sand. We looked over to Church Hill and shared our knowledge about the great storm that changed the course of the river and destroyed the church. On our way back to the park, we stopped to watch a river survey that was taking place. We ended the day with a play in the park- we had a lovely time!
KS1 Beach Day - Friday 10th May
Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh Castle class joined up for their first joint beach day of the term. We had a fabulous day and really enjoyed learning in the sunshine! In the morning, we visited the friary gardens and allotments to look at plants. After this, we classified different leaves in the woodland area. Before lunch, we made our own gardens in the sand- there were lots of creative ideas! In the afternoon, we made the life-cycle of a butterfly in the sand. As well as this, we visited the park and played a bee game. A super day had by all!
Friday 3rd May
On Friday, the children had a fabulous day wearing their pyjamas. As well as this, we had an amazing visit from Mrs. Waugh who taught us some more about the history of Alnmouth. We looked at some informative images from the past, maps and a timeline. The children loved being able to ask Mrs. Waugh questions and enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of our topic. And of course, learning about history was much more fun when wearing pyjamas!
Art and Science
Dunstanburgh Castle Class have had a very busy couple of weeks. Linking to our science unit, the children each planted their own sunflower seeds that we are going to observe grow. As well as this, they set up sunflower pots in different areas of the classroom, all with different conditions. We can't wait to see which plants grow the tallest!
Alongside this, as part of our art unit we created clay pinch pots. Lots of the children had very imaginative ideas for the design of their pot! This was great practice for making our clay tiles soon!