Week 2

Today's links to the curriculum were Geography- map reading and reading/ following coordinates. Identifying the seven continents and some of their features and characteristics. 

A big focus on DT- skills based using Japanese saw (sharper than a traditional builders saw), vices and electric drills. The children planned, designed and adapted small constructions based on individual design briefs. As always accidental learning in science from the purpose of roots to worms having up to ten hearts and being hermaphrodites. Lots of new vocabulary was being used around the tools and the children showed fantastic teamwork skills and resilience. 

When the children walked outside they raised their heart beats pulling children and teachers on the woodcamp taxi. Mr Oakey explained that he had brought in and hidden seven animals around the school. The children were given maps and after a little map reading work identified where each animal was hiding. Unfortunately, Mr Oakey had screwed the animals into wooden boxes so the first challenge was to release the beasts using screwdrivers. Inside the boxes were design briefs asking the children to build and construct various items for the furry friends! Some children used tools to make necklaces. They used, after training, the Japanese saws and electric drills independently. Other children were asked to build small shelters that would camouflage their animal from predators. Some built homes and habitats in trees, whilst others built swimming pools with slides. All of this and more in just ninety minutes! Mr Oakey was impressed with the children's ability to work as a team, resilience and ability to 'think outside of the box'. It seems St Mark's has forward thinking children who aren't afraid to make mistakes and learn from them and a desire to push the boundaries in their learning.