The weather was perfect as Year Four traced the footsteps of the famous North East entrpreneur and inventor, William Armstrong. This year we have been learning about water and inventions in our themed topic lessons. Cragside House and Gardens were the perfect place to visit, where we learned about how Amstrong used water power to run his many inventions and how hydroelectricity was first used here to provide lighting for the house.
Of course, our teachers made us trek for miles before we were rewarded with time on the adventure playground!
The guides commented on how well-behaved the children were, and were impressed by many of the questions they were asked.
A great day out for children and staff alike!

This week 4 Pine have enjoyed finding out about Brazil during One World Week.
We have learned about the country, its people and customs, made carnival headdresses and played samba music. On Thursday we invited parents to take part in Mr Thompson's construction challenge - to build a famous Brazilian structure using only rolled up newspaper - can you work out which it is?

On Friday morning 4 Pine created amazing sculptures to depict the planet in 50 years time.
Lucy, a professional artist, joined the class and showed us images of sculptures by Sarah Sze, who uses recycled everyday materials to create landscapes of other worlds.
We then designed and created our own landscapes of the future.

"It was exciting when we saw all the materials in the classroom after break" Harry Brown-King

"It was fantastic working with Lucy. When the display was finished it looked jaw-dropping!" Caitlin Leverett

"I was amazed to find we could use everyday materials to create our own masterpieces." Olivia Binns.

" it made me want to be a sculptor when I grow up." matthew Stephenson.

On Friday, year four were invited to visit the ISKCON Hindu Temple in Newcastle. Kirtida, the priest was very welcoming and taught us many interesting facts about the Hindu faith and culture.
We got to try on traditional Indian clothing - saris for the girls, and turbans for the boys. We played Indian drums, listened to stories from the Bavaghad Gita and watched Kirtida perform Puja - an act of worship. Kirtida also played the tamboura - a large stringed instrument which we discovered is made from a hollowed out pumpkin!
We were also treated to a Traditional Prashad meal made up of rice, a tomato and vegetable sauce with paneer cheese, puri bread and ice-cream. Mr Raine and Mrs Robson particularly enjoyed the puri bread.

Today 4 Pine braved the cold weather and visited Path Head Water Mill in Blaydon. We had a great time learning about the restored water mill and its past uses. We also saw examples of other renewable energy sources such as a wind pump and hydraulic ram. Our guide Trevor kept us informed and entertained.
This is what the children thought:
We learned:
“How the watermill was used in the past – for making flour” Cameron Richardson
“The mill was built by the Townley family to provide flour for their large house” Benjamin Jewers.
“How the mill ran by water power, not electricity” Hannah Thompson
“The mill was built in 1728 and it worked for 100 years.” Kayleigh Knight
“The wind pump and hydraulic ram pump water to a reservoir.” Niamh Renwick
“The mill was restored and opened to the public in 1998.” Rachel Tindale

What surprised us:
“The mill machinery was run by water power.” Matthew Stephenson
“How the sensory garden can be used by blind people.” Lewis Davis
“How quickly the water wheel could turn.” Lenny Dunn
“That the old machinery still works.” Olivia Binns

Our favourite parts:
“Being able explore the site.” Sophie
“Seeing the old water wheel turning.” Rachel Tindale
“Dipping my hands in the reed bed.” Niamh Renwick
“Making the wheel go faster.” Matthew Hadnum

Our topic in Year Four is Water World.
We started by estimating how much of the Earth's water is potable (drinkable) and non-potable (undrinkable). Here's what we thought.

0
Here's the actual answer:

We were suprised that only 0.097% of the Earth's water is drinkable!
We are learning how we can help to protect this precious resource and how fortunate we are to have fresh water on tap.

Year Four have been honing our sewing skills this week. We have designed money containers for different end-users and begun to manufacture them.
We have learned how to join fabric using running and back-stitch, how to hide the joins with hems and how to add decoration with cross stitch. We are enjoying using the needle and thread. The hardest parts are threading the needle and making the starting and finishing stitch. The best bit is when we have finished the joining stitches and turn the purse inside out for the first time.

On Tuesday the 8 members of the school Council spent the day at the Civic Centre finding out about the work of the elected councillors and the major. Once there they had the chance to sit in the council chamber and find out about the work of Gateshead Council. After lunch it was questions with the major before finally watching a real council meeting in operation. Not an everyday experience and one we are sure they will cherish!

Dear readers,

The children of Oakfield Junior School are setting up a healthy tuck shop. It will start on Monday 16th November. This includes fresh fruit, dried fruit, cereal bars including, Special K and Nutrigrain bars. These prices range from 20p-40p. Please support us.

Many thanks,

Snack Station Staff.

We were really excited to welcome Sue Woolhouse to Year Four today to help us create colourful glass artwork. We designed and made brooches and candles using all sorts of coloured glass.
Sue will take our work back to her studio to be fired - that means our designs will be melted onto the glass.
The glasswork will be given to visitors from around the world when they come to the Juice Festival at the end of the month.
" It was really exciting and interesting. I want Sue to come back again" - Luke
"I thought the glassmaking was fun. I liked adding my own patterns." - Ellie
"When I grow up I'd like to be a glass designer." - Benjamin.

4 Pine have been creating their own repeating rhythm patterns (ostinatos) in music, using body percussion and percussion instruments. Mr Raine is impressed by their ability to keep a steady beat and keep to their own rhythm pattern whilst others are playing a different rhythm! Here are a few pics!

Year Four welcomed an intrepid explorer to the classroom today (looking remarkably like Mr Raine), complete with boots, trekking poles, sleeping bag, and other essential equipment. The children guessed what was in the explorer's rucksack and thought about what it would be like to discover new lands or environments. They then explored the school grounds as if they were the first people ever to visit.

Remember to bring into school any information you have about explorers to use during our topic!

We are looking forward to:

"I am looking forward to making pop up toys." (Nathan)
"I am looking forward to going swimming this term." (Sophia)
"I am looking forward to art because I like sketching." (Eva)
"I like ICT and I am looking forward to using Education City for my homework." (Kyle)

We are enjoying year 4.
"I am enjoying being a year older." (Alannah)
"I like a challenge and I am enjoying the work." (Josh)
"I have enjoyed making tangrams." (Georgina)
"I am enjoying team games in PE." (Daniel)

Presentation night has been confirmed as Thursday 9th July, commencing at 7.00pm. Year 5 and 6 will have trophies to pick up (and hopefully Year 4 after this Wednesdays final)

After a very busy fortnight, it’s time to bring everyone up to date with the progress of all our teams. So………..

Year Four have been working as designers and creators. Following on from our visit to the Shipley Art Gallery last half-term, we have designed and made a chair for a well-known or invented character. First, we made a basic chair structure from rolls of newspaper, then added to, and decorated it, using a range of materials. We enjoyed the challenge and worked really well together in our groups.
Can you guess who their chairs were designed for?

Last night the year 4 team got underway in the first round of the Durham FA County Cup. In a round robin format they competed against teams from Rickleton, Seaview and George Washington, with the top two progressing to the next round. First up was a game against Seaview. Despite dominating the whole game (Kieran in goal didn’t touch the ball!) we could only muster a single goal, Ben W scoring.
The team found a more ruthless streak in the next game against George Washington, winning 3-1 despite going a goal behind. George Y scored all three. Finally we played the hosts Rickleton in a game that was very evenly balanced. Despite this chances weren’t taken and Rickleton won 2-1. So with the top two qualifying we made round 2 alongside Rickleton. Well done all, they have the makings of a very good football team!

Year Four children welcomed parents into their literacy lesson today to show them what we are learning about stories with imaginary settings. Our lesson was based on The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The children got to give their parents "bossy" commands using imperative verbs, before writing instructions on how to re-build the Iron Man after he had fallen off a cliff. Jack and Tarn decided the most important instruction after rebuilding the monster was - "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!"

Year Four were in good voice for the visit of a group of professional musicians, led by Mr Treherne, head of Gateshead Music Service. The children enjoyed learning a selection of local North East songs on a sea-faring theme, which were sung as part of the afternoon workshop. They then took part in a special concert at the Dryden Centre, to which all their parents were invited.
It was great for the children to learn from professionals and experience being part of a live perfomance. Children and parents thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

We have had a fantastic week learning all about the people, countryside and traditions of Kenya during One World Week. Over the course of the week we made African masks, were taught songs and dance of this region, formed one large African drumming band, produced some stunning art alongside our parents, and rounded the week off with a traditional Kenyan feast of Kenyan Bean Stew with flatbread, followed by fresh Pineapple and Passion Fruit. A great week was had by all!

We have been having a great time learning about the country and people of Brazil.
So far the children have explored the Amazonian Rainforest, learned to play the Samba rhythms of the Rio Carnival, made carnival masks, been coached in Brazilian 'Futsal', sampled some Brazilian foods like black beans, corn biscuits and cocoa truffles and learned about the life of children in a southern Brazilian village.

creating a rainforest collage

click the link for more photos

Ms Collins, Mrs Robson and 4 Beech had a great time creating African silhouettes. We experimented with chalk pastels to create a background and used charcoal to create the silhouettes. We had lots of fun. The results are amazing! Come and have a look at our African art displays.

"There are lots of different styles of tree silhouttes." By Alex Anderson

" It was fun blending the colours for the background." By Carter Harrison

" The colours make a dramatic background." By Robyn Thirlwall

" I really enjoyed learning how to do these silhouettes" By Sarah Walton

" The colours that we blended looked really attractive." By Nick Hall

" The colours make a fantastic effect." By Kate McKenna

Year 4 had a brilliant day out at the Centre for Life last Friday. We went to enhance our study of ‘Moving and Growing’, and the way we react to our environment.

While there we took part in a set of workshops about skeletons, our lungs, muscles and heart rate; enjoyed a film in the Dome about moving in space; played games to show us how our senses work; took part in the Really Rotten Show in the theatre and, best of all (for most!!) had a trip on the Motion Ride (luckily before lunch!!).

A great day was had by all. A huge thank-you must go to all the parental helpers who helped make the trip possible. THANK YOU!

Welcome back!
We have got of to a great start to our new school year.
The children have been having fun with skeletons in our science topic "Moving and Growing". We are looking forward to our specially tailored visit to the Centre for Life on Friday 17th October.
Our humanities topic is "Destination India", comparing our lives with those of children in a small village. We are even hoping to arrange a visit to a local Indian restaurant. Yum! Yum!

4R have been working with folk musicians Amy and Chris from Focal Music. They have learnt new songs, listened to fabulous live folk music played on the fiddle and piano accordian, and tried their hand (or feet) at traditional clog dancing. Mr Raine was very impressed by how quickly the children learnt the new dance steps!

4R had a great time at Thornley Woods as they took part in all sorts of physical and mental activities such as pond dipping, adventure trails and bird-watching.

Here are some quotes:
"I had a brilliant time. I especially enjoyed the birdwatching" (Aaron)
"I had a fantastic time, especially the discovery trail. I loved the sock tree!" (Jamie)
"I enjoyed the discovery trail because we got to answer questions." (Elle)
"Ollie was a good partner, but not when he's holding the map upside down!"(Luke)

When we went pond dipping we found Mayfly larvae, Greater Water Boatmen and many more creatures. A great big thank you to Sarah, our tour guide - it wouldn't have been possible without her.

Report by Callum M and Rebecca

At the bird hide

4D/R have had a fantastic time visiting Thornley Woods. There were of interesting things to do and see. Here are some of 4D/R's thoughts on the day:
"I had a fab time with Sarah group leader from the woodland centre. I liked the discovery trail the best because it was most exciting and we had to use maps." (Rhys)
"I enjoyed the pond dipping because we got to catch lots of interesting pond creatures." (Erin)
"I liked the discovery trail because I enjoyed looking for the letters on the trees." (James)

Here are some photographs of our day.
In the morning we went pond dipping. We found lots of interesting creatures in our nets. We used magnifying glasses to have a closer look at them in white trays.

We found ramshorn snails and dragonfly nymphs.

In the afternoon we had a discovery trail, it was really fun and the children had to read maps in order to solve the puzzle.

Year Four are having fun this week using the laptops. we have based some of our work this week on our topic "Go Ahead Gateshead". The children have been researching the Bensham Tram Disaster of 1916 and the Gateshead Theatre Royal fire of 1891. They have created concept maps using 2Connect software, newspaper reports in Word and recorded radio reports using Audacity.

Read James and Daniel's newspaper report
Download file

Read Chelsey and Aaron's newspaper report
Download file

Read Harry and Elle's newspaper report
Download file

Read Louis and Luke's newspaper report
Download file

Harry and Elle recording their news report

Year Four have been learning about worship in the Hindu temple, or mandir. We have also been finding out about the festival of Divali - a Hindu festival of light.
We imagined we were the temple priest welcoming visitors at Divali. Here is some of our work.

Rhys
Download file
Nathan
Download file

The children in Year Four have written reports on some of our favourite topics. We have reseached, made notes and then written our own reports for others to read.
Here is a small selection. Enjoy!

Aaron's Football Report:
Download file
Sophie's Report on Italy:
Download file
Oliver's Brilliant Bikes:
Download file

Our whole school got into character today for world Book Day.
Here's 4R's mugshot!

Year Four have been working on creating repeating patterns in ICT.
We have used a variety of painting and drawing software to create patterns and pictures using dot, stamp and copy and paste tools.
We can now design and create wallpaper and wrapping paper quickly by grouping objects and copying sections of pattern.
Have a look at some of our wallpaper wrapping paper designs!

Hannah
Download file

Megan
Download file

Ross
Download file

Arran
Download file

What the children say...
Mr Raine is the best teacher in the world. He helps us when we are stuck and tells us how to improve. If we do not understand a task he does not send us to our tables until we have some ideas. We think Mr Raine is a very exciting teacher. Sometimes he plays musical instruments for us that we have never heard before, like a didgeridoo. He also shows us new books. He is kind and keeps us safe, like when there is a fire drill he takes us straight outside. We know all the rules to help keep us and others safe. Mr Raine gives us lots of merits and rewards for trying our best. Mr Raine really is the number 1 teacher!

This afternoon Year Four will welcome a visitor to their RE lesson. As part of their RE topic, The Person of Jesus, Rev Mark Worthington will be explaining who Jesus is from a believer's perspective. The children have also prepared some thoughtful questions which they would like Mark to answer. For example "What would Jesus think, or do, about people who do things wrong?"

(Photo added after visit!)

As part of One World week, 4R took the Celebration Assembly on Friday morning. We presented what we have learned about Brazil in the style of a breakfast TV news programme. Hosted by Oliver and Sophie, the show included a re-enactment of the 'discovery' of Brazil, an 'Amazon Factfile', our take on Spring Watch (Amazon Watch), a weather report, a sports report and a demonstration of samba music rhythms. The children enjoyed producing the show and performed brilliantly. Well done!

Your hosts, Oliver and Sophie.

Rachel with her detailed weather report.

G'day possums! It's One World Week and 4D/R are finding out lots of fascinating facts about Australia. We want to sing a few songs, so if anyone out there has a Rolf Harris tape or CD that they could bring it would be really useful. Today we read an Australian folktale about a Bunyip. Beware of the Bunyip 4D/R!!!!!!!!! If you want to know the story ask a member of 4D/R to re-tell it to you.

Flag courtesy of EnchantedLearning.com

We will be exploring Brazil for One World Week. Rainforests, samba rhythms, football ....
If you have anything at home (including parents) that might help us discover more, bring it in for the class next week.
Don't forget - it's also our class assembly on Friday!

4R had a taste of Hollywood last Friday when we visited Heworth City Learning Centre.

We created the soundtrack to "Jonny Star", fantastic cartoon sci-fi space adventure.
We became expert script writers, actors, sound effect artists, theme tune and background music composers.

We can't wait to see our finished DVDs!

'Who invented the Olympics?' I know that question is on the tip of your tongue, well you need wait no longer! To find out all about how the ancient Greeks began the Olympics simply come along to 4D/R's class asembly on Friday 12th October, where we will take you on a journey back in time to the first Olympic games. Watch as the Spartans, Atheneans, Corinthians and Argives come head to head in a series of sporting events. Who will be victorious and raise the sacred olive branches high for their city state? Only time wil tell. MISS IT, MISS OUT

This week we have been looking closely at and sketching Greek Pots. We have enjoyed using these artefacts to find out more about the Ancient Greeks.

What the children say...
Mrs Davidson is a kind and nice person. She has dark, brown hair that is short. She has faith in all the children in her class. She tells us lots of interesting and exciting things. Mrs Davidson is very sporty and loves to teach PE. She always makes us laugh.

What the children say
Mrs Robson has eyes the colour of the sky and wears bright clothes. She is a very funky teacher and she is kind and caring. She teaches lots of fun lessons and she is very funny. She wears ear-rings every day. Mrs Robson runs the school council.