London Docklands

Today, we learned about the London Docklands and how the area has changed over time. We discovered the history of the Docklands and its ups and downs.

We made these Animoto films and Thinglink presentations, to teach others about what we now know:

https://www.thinglink.com/scene/787267975504723969

By Daniel and Jack G

Caoimhe and Erhun

Jess and Gracie: https://animoto.com/play/J3v2UWHzQaYCue81APKxUQ

Justin and Cesar: https://animoto.com/play/iNc111GORIC30I483rK5FQ

Owain and Harry: https://animoto.com/play/y21W0noZmLh3l1bqmNcyCg

Mina and Emily: https://animoto.com/play/Jf0i4zurFlCwrTBcnKzA1w

Stephanie and Maria: https://animoto.com/play/yh2qEmmQmDNGl2b4Rlj73w

Rory and Jack N: https://animoto.com/play/TUBl4Ws03xFaT5wX3ey3Uw

Darcy: https://animoto.com/play/MGnRUhlVMyjzizncF9Txpw

Sophia and Kenan: https://animoto.com/play/8GnWL4tTJUAMDwHctS9TCw

Jada and Elizabeth: https://animoto.com/play/emSk11JMsRVygbmOO08eUw

D and Christopher: https://animoto.com/play/gX7VjXemiSxcyK09xnibRw

Frost Fairs

Source: bbc.co.uk

Today, as part of our Thames topic, you learned about some rather fascinating historical events! We found out about the Frost Fairs, which were held on the River Thames itself. 

The worst cold spells in Britain occurred between 1550 and 1750. The climate during this time was known as the Little Ice Age, when winters were so cold that the Thames froze over each year. It was not uncommon for the freeze to last over three months, as it did in the winters of 1683 - 1684 and 1715 - 1716.

Source: Telegraph

The first recorded Frost Fair was held on the frozen river Thames in London in 1608. It had tents, sideshows, food stalls and even included ice bowling! The last Frost Fair was held in February 1814.

Why doesn't the Thames freeze any longer?

Source: walklondon

Here is the interesting video from the Museum of London that you saw today:

Source: YouTube, Museum of London

You made some posters advertising a Frost Fair, showing all of the activities and foods on offer. We'll share some on the blog soon!

Space Race and Thames Exploration!

Source: cntraveller

Next week, we will be beginning our new topics- hooray! We have lots of fun activities planned to learn about the River Thames and about Space for Science.

Get a head start by playing this fantastic activity from NASA. The Solar System mission contains lots of mini games and loads of information to help you with your new topic:

Source: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/solar-system-explorer/en/#/review/solar-system-explorer/game.swf

Take a look at the other awesome activities for kids on the NASA website (click the picture below)- there is so much to see and play!

Source: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/play/

A Wonderful Trip!

 Source: wikipedia

Yesterday, we had a fantastic day at Westminster Abbey. We felt very privileged to see areas of the Abbey, including the tomb of Edward the Confessor, that ordinary visitors do not get the opportunity to see! We truly were VIPs for the day!

 Source: wikipedia

Everyone was awestruck by the absolute beauty of the Abbey. We learned about the architecture and how it is designed to draw your eyes up- to remind people that they are there to look to God. Most importantly, we learned about the history of Westminster Abbey.

 Source: the tablet

Our excellent guides taught us so much about Edward  the Confessor; his life (including a fascinating story about a very special ring), his work and his family.

 Source: kingholiday.wordpress

We saw where Edward the Confessor was originally buried, then the tomb where he was moved to when the Abbey was rebuilt.

Source: The Tablet 

It was fantastic to view the Coronation Chair in real life- following our research last week!

Source: Britannica

A stand-out moment for many of us was the opportunity to sit in the choir's seats. We had seen them on television at Christmas and the Royal Wedding!

Source: Britannica

We took some time to reflect on the religious nature of the building and we said a special prayer and lit a candle for our own intentions, after viewing the grave of the unknown warrior. At 12pm, all of the visitors to the Abbey are asked to stand still and listen to a short prayer and reflection from the Reverend. We were thrilled that he welcomed us personally in his sermon!

Source: essentialhotels.com

Towards the end of our visit, we visited Henry VII's chapel, also known as the Lady Chapel. It was an astonishing sight; filled with flags and armour, under the most beautiful ceiling most of us had ever seen! We were so impressed, that on our return to school we worked in groups to design and make some Heraldic flags of our own!

Source: overseasattractions.com

What was the highlight of the day for you?

World War One

This week we have all enjoyed beginning our new topic- we have started to learn about World War One. We have read the first three chapters of 'Silver Donkey', learned about how the war began, written newspaper articles about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and found out which countries were involved at the beginning of the war in 1914.

Yesterday, we found out all about the planes used in World War One. Then we designed and made our own planes. Can you remember some of the many jobs planes did in World War One?