Good evening everyone,

I hope you have had a lovely week. It’s nice that we have ended on a slightly warmer day, though I have no doubt it will be short-lived!

In English this week, we have been creating menus for the Iron Man as part of our own Junkyard Cafés. The children have been experimenting with ambitious vocabulary, using expanded noun phrases and similes to describe their dishes in imaginative ways. We had everything from “rust-flaked metal burgers stacked like towering skyscrapers” to “steel-chain spaghetti twisting like shiny silver vines.” The children really enjoyed thinking about how to turn mechanical materials into meals that might tempt the Iron Man, and the creativity on display was fantastic.

In maths, the children have been finishing their topic on multiplication and division, with a focus on multiplying three 1-digit numbers together. They have been using their times-tables knowledge to help them break down calculations and spot number patterns. We also looked at how these skills link to real-life scenarios, such as working out arrays, area, and grouping objects efficiently. It has been brilliant to see their confidence grow as they apply different strategies to reach the same answer.

During science, as part of our topic on sound, the children have been investigating how sounds travel. We took a listening walk around the school grounds, tuning into everything from the hum of classroom computers to the echo of footsteps in the corridor. In pairs, the children then discussed what materials each sound had to travel through—air, walls, floors or windows—to reach their ears. This led to some thoughtful conversations about vibrations and how different materials affect the volume and clarity of what we hear.

In computing, the children have started planning their very own podcasts. They began by brainstorming topics they are passionate about—ranging from sports and books to school life and environmental issues. We discussed what makes a podcast engaging, such as clear structure, expressive voices, and interesting content. Over the next couple of weeks, they will script and then record their episodes using an audio-editing programme on the computers, learning how to add effects, adjust volume levels and produce a polished final piece.

In music, the children have been continuing to practise their songs for the carol service at Christ Church next month. Their enthusiasm and hard work are really shining through and the hall is already sounding beautifully festive.

Now that the children have been properly introduced to this term's PSHE topic, Celebrating Difference, I would like them to create a poster, a piece of artwork or even a presentation that celebrates what makes them different or unique. This could focus on one of their hobbies, a particular skill or something they feel proud of etc. The children can either bring their work into school or you can email it to me at: cchanter@littleheath.herts.sch.uk

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I will see you next week.

Kind regards