During our theme, children used historical evidence, such as the 1842 census and burial records in Llanover, to understand how tough life was in Blaenavon – Iron Town. Families experienced trying to ‘make ends meet’ on a daily basis and had to make some hard decisions about what they could afford with their slender wages. As teachers, we also felt it was important for children to understand some of the economic difficulties we face today. In Maths, the children discussed household finance, the difference between wants and needs; spending and saving. We were very impressed by their understanding and how clearly they expressed their own opinions using our Talk Tactics. Children quickly realised that shopping around and getting a good deal was very important if they wanted to look after their money and make it stretch that little bit further!
It’s incredible to think about the impact the Vile Victorians had on shaping our future, from Industrialisation and inventions to setting up charitable organisations. Through our theme, children have learned how kindness and compassion can change people’s lives and offer them a brighter future. After reading Street Child, the children realised Jim Jarvis was more than just a fictional character. The plight of Jim and other boys like him impacted Dr Barnardo so greatly that in 1867 he set up the Ragged Schools. These schools later became Barnardo’s Charity that we are so familiar with today. Pupils were motivated to create their own videos using iMovie in the Computer Suite, to persuade others to donate to this important charity.
As part of Year 5’s activities related to finding out about different jobs, they imagined they were curators at the Museum of Cardiff. Children carefully analysed a range of Victorian artefacts, thinking about what they were used for and what they tell us about life in the past. Next they extended their learning to a maths activity, where they measured the artefacts using mixed units of measurement, making sure their measurements were accurate and clearly recorded.
A visit from the Newport Transporter Bridge project team provided us with a real insight into this iconic symbol of the city of Newport. The bridge opened in 1906 and has dominated the Newport skyline ever since. Did you know it is approximately 74 metres tall, which is the height of 18 elephants or 16 double decker buses? This inspired children to have a go at building their own paper straw bridges. This meant investigating which shape was the strongest to use… it turns out triangles rule! We tested the strength of the bridges by adding weights.
The children were delighted to experience a Victorian afternoon tea, stepping into the shoes of wealthy Victorians. They began by carefully weighing ingredients and following written instructions to bake bread for cucumber sandwiches, as well as a traditional Victorian sandwich cake – Mrs Beeton herself would have been proud!
We were very lucky to have a visit from the community police – they bought a gaming van with them. Pupils were immersed in playing different games while learning how to stay safe on line and also how the police work with people in our community to keep everyone safe. Pupils asked lots of interesting and thoughtful questions and the officers were very impressed with how curious they were. One of the most exciting parts of the visit was getting to sit inside the police cars and see all the equipment up close.
A definite highlight of this half term was singing the classic song, ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ to the residents of Glyn Anwen. Year 5 even learned how to use Makaton, so then they could sign and sing it! The residents were delighted with the performance and the children were so happy that they had made so many faces smile and light up.
I think you will agree, Year 5 have worked super hard this half term and have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the wealth of experiences given to them. We would like to wish you all a wonderful, Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing the children’s excited faces again in the New Year.
