2019 - 2020 5th & 6th Class Term 1
Term 1 in the senior classroom has been a non-stop hub of work!
We had a lovely September getting to know our new classmates and settling into the challenges of a new class (and teacher in the case of the 5th class!). We began our school year by attending the annual Diocesan Schools Service in St Peter’s in Bandon. We joined all the other Church of Ireland schools in celebrating the new school year.
We marked the Harvest with our school Harvest Fair. Our senior pupils showed wonderful leadership and organisational skills in running the Games stall.
We have placed a huge focus on STEM subjects this year and took part in a number of initiatives including The Star Spotting Project, in association with UCC. We are currently working towards our Primary Science Plaque award. Our Science Showcase was prepared during the month of October and we worked diligently on researching, assimilating and creating a story board experiment.
At the beginning of November we had an open afternoon for the other pupils in the school, after which we held an open hour for parents and guardians. We received hugely positive feedback and thoroughly enjoyed presenting our experiments and being scientists for the afternoon!
December was a very busy month for the Senior class. We had a wonderful and informative visit from the local branch of the RNLI who taught us about water safety. We began to prepare for our Christmas Carol Service and had a number of rehearsals including one in St Multose Church. We got into the Christmas spirit and created beautiful felt Christmas trees to decorate our school tree with.
Term 2 will be an equally busy term! We can look forward to a forensic science workshop, Internet Safety week, The Pirates of Penzance (Ashton School) and our Pieta House Fundraiser (a Cake Sake!).
We look forward to telling you all about it!
4th Class 2019
The class proved to be expert knitters, producing pillows and bags. They joined their pieces together using blanket stitch.
Fourth class published their SESE projects using BookCreator. Topics ranged from sharks to birds of prey, Henry VIII to the history of travel, Japan to the Beatles. Each child created a model or display to accompany their book. Everybody presented their project to the class. All projects were A+.
We made clay roses for Mothering Sunday along with some quirky snails and an item of our own creation.
Autumn Term 2018
The children studied Ancient Rome and worked in pairs to research aspects of life at the time. They made mosaics in the style of the findings uncovered in Pompeii and made models of clothing and buildings of the time.
History: We investigated the Celts in September. The children worked in groups to create a wall chart on an aspect of Celtic life. We built a model of a crannóg from natural and waste materials.
Leading up to the Presidential election we explored president.ie to research the former presidents of Ireland, how a president is elected, the role of the president etc. The children met the woodland guides to Áras an Uachtarán and the Phoenix Park. They created drawings of the buildings and other features using the virtual tour button.
We had 7 weeks of swimming to work on our strokes and build stamina. Laura, the coach, focused on perfecting the backstroke and breaststroke using floats, limb isolation and lots of practice and guidance.
In preparation for assembly to mark the centenary of Armistice Day, the children made shamrock poppies to commemorate the people on the Roll of Honour in St. Multose Church. Each poppy had the name of one of the 21 men. During the assembly, as the names were read aloud, the children brought up their poppies to put in Re. Peter’s collection basket. Rev. Peter will bring the poppies to church next Sunday to use during the Remembrance Day service.
3rd & 4th Class
Summer Term 2018
Art:The Normans
This term's history lessons began with a unit of work based on 'The Normans.' During Art, the children worked in groups to design a Norman castle or a scene from Norman times using clay. Further to this, each of the children sketched a Norman castle with a unique defence mechanism of their choice. Have a look at a selection of their designs.
'Where the Wild Things Are'
Having read the text by Maurice Sendak, each of the children created their own wild or unusual creature. Their imaginations really came to the fore during this task. Some very impressive and interesting creatures were created.
Strawberry Fayre
This year, each class chose to create a strawberry themed craft for the Strawberry Fayre which took place on 16th June. The children in 4th class created a woven background complete with a bright, red strawberry to the foreground.
FAY Programme
During the months of April and May, we completed some basic first aid training using the 'First Aid for Youth Programme.' We identified the various contents of a first aid kit and listed the purposes of first aid. We practised making a call to the emergency services and are now more aware of the information required when making an emergency call. We discussed the signs and symptoms of some serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke and choking. The children learned how to assess an unconscious person and also how to administer hands-only CPR. Each of the children took these tasks very seriously, asked excellent questions and now have a good understanding of basic first aid.
Projects
During term three, each of the children worked on a project based on a topic of their choice. They worked diligently on these. Once finished, they took turns to present their projects to their classmates. What an array of topics we had: The Farm, China, Tsunamis, The Fire Service, Famous people from the past, Gorillas, Cats, Nocturnal Animals, Cars, Favourite Authors and many more. The children must be commended for their wonderful enthusiasm, dedication and hard work. Well done to all!
Light
One of the topics we learned more about this term was that of light. We completed some design and make tasks in groups. Some groups designed water drop magnifiers while other groups created kaleidoscopes and a mini periscope.
What a wonderful year's work. Well done to each of the children!
Spring Term 2018
Teeth
We identified the various types of teeth and their function. In pairs, we made mini models of a set of teeth. Some sets of teeth looked healthier than others!!
Design
The children were given the task of redesigning the grass strip area to the back of the school. There were some very interesting suggestions. Have a look at some of our proposed designs!
Construction activities
We've been reading 'Danny Champion of the World' by Roald Dahl. During Art, we worked in groups to construct either the gipsy caravan in which Danny and his Dad live or the Baby Austin car which Danny drives to Hazell's Wood! Great fun was had and there was wonderful attention to detail.
Electricity
Throughout the month of January, our Science lessons focussed on the theme of electricity. We learned about various ways in which electricity is generated and how it is then transmitted to our homes. We worked in groups to complete some experiments. We created circuits, tested materials to decipher whether they are conductors or insulators of electricity and made some switches. Hugo kindly brought his 'Hot Wires' electronics kit to school and demonstrated some interesting experiments for the class. Thank you, Hugo!
Assembly
We performed a modern day drama based on the parable of 'The Good Samaritan.' In this drama, an elderly lady in trouble was helped by someone she least expected. We're encouraging everyone to perform some random acts of kindness, just like Jack in the drama piece and to add these to our display!
Glucksman Gallery Trip 3rd & 4th class
On Thursday 1st February, the children from 3rd and 4th class attended an art workshop at the Gucksman Gallery, UCC. The theme of the art work was based on the book ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ by Maurice Sendak. The children thoroughly enjoyed creating their own wild creatures and completing collages. Their pieces of art will be on display during an exhibition from March 14th – 18th along with the works created by children from other schools. We would like to thank the P.A. for funding this trip.
AutumnTerm 2017
It's been a busy return to school. Have a look at some of the things we've been up to so far this term!
The Creation
Throughout the month of September, we were learning about God's wonderful creation and how we each have a part to play in protecting and caring for our beautiful world. Towards the end of month, we prepared and performed our assembly for the remainder of the school. 4th class began by introducing a drama entitled 'The Planetary Awards' with President Rachel Biodiversity accepting the award on behalf of the winning planet, Earth! We recited a poem and sang a song called 'Who put the colours in the Rainbow?'
Sonia Caldwell
On Thursday 21st September, Sonia Caldwell visited each classroom to complete a workshop related to the theme of Biodiversity. The children examined a variety of grasses and sorted them according to shape and appearance. Each child then completed a piece of weaving using the grasses. The weaving required careful concentration and I think you'll agree that the children should be very proud of their finished products.
Eco Rangers
As part of our work towards attaining our next Green School Flag, the children from each classroom completed a nature trail in a designated area. The plan is to visit these sites twice, now and later in the academic year to observe changes and development. We visited a park and a wooded area. The children had various goals to achieve and numerous pieces of information to gather. Signs of autumn were certainly visible with an array of colour to be seen underfoot.
Sound
Throughout the month of September, Science focussed on the theme of sound. We discussed how sound is made, identified pleasant and uncomfortable sounds, observed how our ears work and completed a couple of investigations along the way. Have a look at us testing our string telephones!
GAA with Anthony Shannon
GAA training kicked off in early September and we're very lucky to have Anthony Shannon with us. He has been helping us to develop and improve our skills in football. It's fair to say everyone has made a notable improvement in this area. Well done, all!
Summer Term
This term was a very busy one for all in 3rd and 4th class.
Kinsale College kindly extended an invite to the children from 1st to 4th classes to attend their production of 'Alice in Wonderland and Alice through the Looking Glass.' We thoroughly enjoyed the performance (although it was rather warm inside the tent!!). We were mesmerised by the fabulous costumes and props.
One of the highlights of the summer term is the arrival of Gregg Morris for annual tennis coaching. The children thoroughly enjoy their training sessions and these finish with a fun day and some treats! Thank you, Gregg! We're already looking forward to next year!!
We worked in groups to complete some design and make activities during Science. These design activities involved the use of magnets. We had to work together in planning, designing and making and then presented our finished products to the remainder of the class. Designs included a swing, a fishing game and a crash barrier to name a few.
As part of our course of work in R.E. class, we interviewed Rev. Peter. It was interesting to hear about his work, life before he arrived in Kinsale and his interests outside of his work. The children asked a number of interesting and thought provoking questions. We thank Rev. Peter for giving of his time.
Each of the children in 3rd and 4th class worked on a personal project based on a topic of their choice. Their topic had to have a link to either History, Geography or Science. When they each had completed their work, they presented their project to their classmates who were encouraged to provide some positive feedback and ask some questions. The children did incredibly well and they should all be so proud of their wonderful work. Well done, everyone!!
During Art classes, we tried some sewing which required a lot of concentration! We created summer themed pictures and put our sewing skills to the test.
Autumn Term
Over the past couple of months, we have been developing our skills in the area of explanatory writing. Explanations need to be clear and informative. During Science class, we learned about the digestive, circulatory and immune systems. Then, we planned and edited explanations based on the digestive system. Explanations often contain diagrams and so having learned about the water cycle, we illustrated and wrote about the various stages of this.
Have a look at our Noah's Ark creations. We read and discussed this and other stories about special covenants made between God and characters such as Abraham and Moses.
During Art, we've also been busy creating some circle prints and drawing from observation. Peruse some of our finished pieces.
As you are all aware, we are currently working towards our next Green flag based on the theme of Biodiversity. The Green Schools Committee set each class the challenge of drawing and designing an interesting bird house / table or a bug motel. The children rose to the challenge, creating some very unique designs.
ISAK-9: We were lucky enough to borrow ISAK-9 for a fortnight from West Cork Education Centre. ISAK-9 is a Maths resource which encourages active learning, group work and problem solving. The children worked in teams to complete challenges as set by ISAK-9. Plenty of fun was had by everyone as can be seen by the photos!!
On March 13th, the children from First class to Fourth class took part in some Lego based workshops. These were run by two representatives from ' Learnit.' The children in 3rd and 4th class engaged in a series of practical hands-on activities. They had to follow instructions and a series of diagrams to construct land yachts. Then, the children tested their yachts to see how far they would travel once a force was applied. A number of sails varying in shape and size were tested. The children were also encouraged to make their own modifications to their land yachts and test their constructions.