Columba and Aquila - Reflect and Review

Dear Parents and carers,

We have had another productive week across both classes.

On Monday, we explored where money comes from and why people work. As young economists, we discussed salaries, qualifications, and the expectations employers may have in the future.

As writers, we developed their use of first-person voice and tone. Drawing inspiration from the introductions to Annie Lumsden, Wonder, and our third model text, we planned and wrote our own autobiographical pieces, then edited them to refine tone and impact.

As mathematicians, Columba worked on dividing numbers by 10, 100, and 1,000 and began investigating equivalent fractions, including both unit and non-unit fractions. Aquila continued work on adding and subtracting mixed numbers and applying these skills to multi-step problems.

As scientists, we studied light phenomena, including rainbows, reflections, and colour blending. We also constructed Newton discs to observe how colours merge when the disc is spun.

Next Week

Aquila will be heading off on their Residential Trip to France. Columba, and pupils not attending the residential, will take part in a range of exciting projects:

• English – North Hinksey Press: exploring journalism and reporting.
• DT – Throne Project: designing, making, and testing thrones using cardboard. Please continue to send in cardboard boxes and kitchen roll tubes.
• Cookery – Scone making:practising measuring, mixing, and evaluating ingredients.

Home Learning

Columba's maths Practice Journals should be completed and returned on Monday.

Pupils should continue to read regularly and revise their spelling lists throughout the week.

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 (1:00pmfinish)