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
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Read Harry and Elle's newspaper report
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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
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Nathan
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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:
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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
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Megan
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Ross
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Arran
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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.