Columba and Aquila - Reflect and Review

Dear Parents and Carers,

We had another busy and productive week. On Tuesday, we attended the Remembrance Service at the War Graves, where pupils from Columba Class read poems, letters, and prayers with confidence and respect. All the children showed excellent behaviour and represented the school beautifully.

As readers, we compared the introductions of Wonder and Annie Lumsden, focused on autobiographical features and explored language used in autobiographical writing.

As mathematicians, Columba worked on cubed numbers and multiplying by 10, 100, and 1,000, while Aquila focused on adding and subtracting fractions.

As scientists, we learned about reflection and made periscopes to explore how mirrors can change the direction of light.

Next Week

In English, we will plan and begin writing our own autobiographies inspired by the two texts. In Maths, Columba will focus on dividing numbers by 10, 100, and 1,000, while Aquila will add and subtract mixed numbers and solve multi-step problems. As geographers, we will begin exploring the USA — naming and locating key places, studying human and physical features, and investigating patterns such as cities, rivers, and landscapes.

Home Learning

Please remember to return the Maths Practice Journals on Monday. Columba pupils should continue practising spellings from the Years 3–4 and Years 5–6 word lists, and all children are encouraged to revisit the words in their spelling logbooks regularly.

Aquila Residential Information

All medication should be given to Rachael on the morning of the trip. Please make sure that all medication is in original packaging. Children should have one bag to go under the coach and their day bag to go on the coach. They will need breakfast, lunch and snacks in their bag. No electronic devices. Children should bring spending money in a named purse. This will be collected by the group leader on the coach. Please make sure that you have joined the North Hinksey class WhatsApp group so we can keep you updated throughout the week. We will also post to Instagram. We will be leaving school at 5.20am, please be at school by 4.55am at the latest. The current estimated return time will be between 8.00pm-8.30pm on Friday 28th November. This will be at Matthew Arnold School Bus stop. We will keep you updated on our progress during our return leg on the class Whatsapp group. We like to keep everyone well fed so donations of biscuits or crisps would be greatly received.

Key Dates

• 24th–28th November – Aquila Residential
• 3rd December – Christmas Dinner and Jumper Day
• 11th December – Columba University College Visit (after school)
• 12th December – Christmas Service at St Peter and St Paul’s (Years 2–6) Children in Columba and Aquila can come dressed as wise men for the Christmas Service if they would like to. Please don’t buy anything for it specifically, each phase will be a different part of the nativity, but think low-key, cardboard crowns and capes would be perfectly sufficient – Be excited for the staff’s important dressing up role too! Starts at 10am, please be at school for 9.15am if you wish to walk with us.
• 12th December – HSA Christmas Bazaar (after school, details to follow)
• 15th December – Reading Passports returned to school
• 18th December – BFG
• 19th December – End of Term (1:00pm finish)