January was a busy month for 5th and 6th Class! The boys and girls returned to school after the winter break refreshed and eager to learn.
A major theme in their learning was Europe and the European Union, as part of the Blue Star Programme. In Social and Environmental Education, the class researched countries within the European Union and presented wonderful presentations to each other. The boys and girls chose a European animal to study and present to the class as well, with some very interesting creatures living across our continent! As part of history, the class studied WWI and worked in groups to research different topics about aspects of war - from the lives of soldiers in the frontline to the roles of women, weaponry and technology, major battles and even the roles of different animals. The class began reading the novel, ‘War Horse’, by Michael Morpurgo, which has been really engaging and a great compliment to our learning about Europe and European history. In STEM, the boys and girls worked in groups to design and plan WWI airplanes. Production will commence in February!
In Gaeilge, the boys and girls took on the role of weather forecasters, with their learning of ‘Aimsir’ and phrases describing weather around the country.
Catholic Schools Week took place during January. During this week the class took part in different activities which focused on holiness in our everyday lives. The students in 6th Class worked hard on preparations for their upcoming Ceremony of Light, due to take place in February.
In art, the students looked at some ‘Pop’ art, by Andy Warhol, and responded with some fabulous pieces of simple objects printed against contrasting colours. The boys and girls began knitting scarves with wool, which some students really enjoyed and others found very challenging. The class, and teacher, enjoyed some very entertaining drama activities and games. In music, the boys and girls began to understand music theory, in particular, the duration of notes and how rhythm can be created on a musical stave following a time signature.
In SPHE, the class took part in a very important programme called Stay Safe. Engagement throughout lessons was very good and thank you to all parents for their support with home assignments and/or discussions.
As part of a whole-school approach to wellbeing, January ended on a ‘cosy’ note with ‘Fuzzy Fun Friday’ whereby students and teachers wore pyjamas/cosy clothes. It was a relaxed, fun day and an uplifting way to end a long month!
