1969 Moon Landing

In literacy we have been researching the 1969 moon landing. Neil Armstrong, an American astronaut, became the first human to walk on the moon! This week we wrote recounts of the momentous event. Here is Caleb's recount introduction: 

During the 1950’s the Soviet Union, a colossal and powerful country, launched the first satellite (Sputnik) into Space. Unfortunately, this left America trailing behind the Soviet Union in the Space Race. Since this triumphant moment for the Soviet Union, America was eager and determined to quickly land the first man on the moon and show the world that they were the most powerful nation!. So, in 1957 John F. Kennedy (the American president) made a national promise that by the end of the century America would land a man on the moon and bring him back to earth safely! 

Informal letters from the frontline to home - 6F

This week saw the class getting into character as WW1 frontline soldiers, writing to their loved ones during the festive season. We thought about how they would have felt and what they might have asked about. Have a look at the first half of Melanie's below:

Flanders Fields,

North Belgium,

26 December 1915

 

Dear beloved wife,

As I write this letter, the festive season of winter is falling upon us. I thought that I would write to you because I have a heavy heart as I am apart from you and our baby girl. I miss you all terribly and some days, I get the feeling that my heart is a wrecked sunken ship being battered and swallowed whole by the ravenous seas of despair that is this war. I haven’t written to you since last year because we constantly go for inspections such as: Trench Foot, diseases and uniform. The nights are gradually getting colder and colder. Also, today, an extraordinary event happened… I will tell you later in this letter!

For now, please tell me about our cheeky monkey! Have you thought of a good name for her? I have an idea; how about Monica? Oh yes! Have you taught her how to treat the cats (Clio, Tickles, Chloe, Octavia and Riley)? I can imagine her sleeping in her colourful cradle, being lulled to sleep by your beautiful singing; as graceful as a nightingale. I feel quite regretful for coming to war because I haven’t seen the face of my own child.

Anyway, let’s go back to my extraordinary experience: I was sitting in our raggedy, rat- infested trench, yearning to be with you and “Monica”. When all of a sudden, sounds caught my ear. Soothing sounds. I heard quiet, calm singing coming from a trench; a German trench. I didn’t understand the words but that song…one of my favourite carols…Silent Night. It filled no-man’s-land with peace and joy. The words were sung “Stille Nachte…Stille Nachte”. Once it stirred us up, we were whispering it… then humming it…then singing it…then shouting it! After that carol class, I slept on the crumbly floor - which was my bed.

 

 

Moon Landing Recount from Aarthy in 5E

This week in Year 5, we have been writing our own recounts based on the 1969 Moon Landing. We have focused on using a variety of time connectives and varying our sentence length for effect. Below is Aarthy's recount:

Miraculously, the first Moon landing occurred when the Americans sent three astronauts (Neil Armstrong, "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collis) to the colossal Moon on the 20th July 1969. At that precise moment, it was 4:17pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time). 

The towering rocket that transported them, Apollo 11, was triumphantly landed by NASA. The rocket zoomed across the sky hitting speeds of 17,000mph, as rapid as a cheetah dashing towards its foe hiding in the fresh green grass.

In the midst of the Cold War angst, the Americans specifically chose this date to overtake the Russian's previous space achievements. However, this wasn't the end of the war.

1969 Moon Landing Recount by 5G

This week Year 5 have been writing recounts about the events of the 1969 Moon Landing. The following extract has been written by James who has focussed on his use of openers and brackets this week.

Nearly half a century ago, Neil Armstrong became the first man in history to land on the Moon. During the 1960's, America was locked in an unforgetable race with the Soviet Union to accomplish this goal. It was termed the 'Space Race'. It was an extremely intense period of time with both countries determined to win.

Just before the Moon Landing, the US was shattered when they heard that the Russians had successfully sent a man into space (and had him return safely!). Despite the pain of this loss, the Americans remained resilient and President Kennedy undertook a promise that the US would transport a man to the Moon before 1970. 

On the 20th July 1969 (now a well-known date!), three audacious astronauts, (Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins), set off on their epic quest to the Moon. 

By James, 5G

6R letters from the trenches

6R have been writing letters home from soldiers in World War One, all about the famous Christmas truce and football match. Here is a section of James' letter.

Sitting in the trench, trying to protect myself from the non-stop fire of sleet and yearning for home, I was polishing my rifle when I heard a familiar tune hover over the desolate no man's land. One or two of our lads chose - despite our pleas - to peep over the parapet, but it was as deserte as ever. The singing grew louder and we realised that the savage Hun were in fact singing what revealed itself to be 'Silent Night', only in German. Shortly after, our men were singing along heartily in English to the same tune. It was a peculiar moment; it reminded me that the Hun were human too, after all, with families back at home missing them this lonely Christmas.

This morning, I was woken by the feeling of loneliness, knowing that this Christmas I wouldn't be spending it with you, my love, and my precious son Jake, the only things I have left to live for. As the stand-to grew nearer, noises from no man's land filled our trench like gas hunting down soldiers. At once, we feared for our lives. The same lads as yesterday popped their heads over the parapet, and to our amazement there were Fritzes up there! Seizing our weapons, our platoon stepped up onto the firestep, only to realise they were unarmed; rather, they were beckoning us over.

6B letters from the trenches

This week, Year 6 have been writing letters home from World War One soldiers involved in the Christmas Truce. Here is Regan's letter. Can you work out how he has made it emotive?

                                                                                         Flanders Fields

                                                                                             North Belgium

                                                                                      December 26^th 1914

Dear my beloved mum,

                                             I am writing to you on a rather miserable boxing day,I have not kept my mind off of you for the whole time I have been in this unbearable, horrendous place. Especially, the trench.

First, let me begin by thanking you for the mouth-watering chocolate. I and the army were very happy, however, they did get something from their loved ones as well. Is it snowing at home Mum? Normally, at this bitter time of year it is. Is Christmas quiet without me? Haha! Have the boys been making our signature snow angels? Guessing, they obviously are, giggling sweetly and being ickle as always! The farm is probably filled with ice! Is the farm running OK? I wish I could be back at home giving you a hand, but instead I’m in this lacklustre battlefield.

Sit down now, Mum. What I am about to share with you is rather unbelievable… Well, last night, 8:00, we heard a beautiful graceful song. The lad sitting next to me recognised the song, it was Silent Night. However, it was the Germans singing it. Not very long after, we all found ourselves singing it. Not very long after, we found ourselves singing it as well! Shocking isn’t it!? I had never heard such amazing singing!

Gazing over the putrid trench's firestep, I couldn’t believe my eyes… I was seeing Christmas trees outside of the Germans trench, along with candles dancing, with fireflies dazzling like the sun. Failed, I thought that this was a dream, obviously not. Lighting the beautiful night sky with a hand by the stars. Amazed, everyone gazed up in the air looking at this amazing sight.

As Christmas day was running up to our hearts, it all fell silent for a second… We were all rather confused…The excitement began to resonate through my body. Off of the odds, apparently a German came out of his trench to salute our malicious commander. And it all basically went from there. Before I could even gain a blink, they were all up over no-mans land. I followed.

Whilst, I was out there I met a handsome, wonderful man called Rgna. (Rigna in English). He began to chat about his life back in Germany, I found it quite interesting. Then I started to talk about you and the boys, Mike and Tom. I tugged off my hat and placed it in his hands. Turning around, I saw a football match taking place, I went to play as well! If you would have watched you would be flabbergasted, amazed and speechless.

Probably, the most unexpected thing ever, you wouldn’t even go the near the thought of this! Looked like that we had been pals forever! All sharing cigars, chocolate and other gifts.

Christmas, which has definitely touched us all this year, it is going to be really hard to fight against the Germans, on this day. The Germans, who we once saw as savage monsters, are not bad people. Rgna was a really nice man, how am I going to defeat him?

Now I better leave you, and love you, its beginning to darken, and the paper is starting to fade because of the darkness. Hoping that this is not the last correspondence, if it is, I love you so, so, much. I would do anything to come back home.

However I’m not holding my breath.

Your husband Regan xx

                                                                                              

100 Word Challenge - 6F

Mamkumba's 100 Word Challenge this week had to incorporate: 'but as the leaves rustled'. Have a look at it below:


Trees were swaying side by side in the storm; but as the leaves rustled, people knew that it was a bad sign to hear leaves actually crackling… BANG! There was a thunderous clatter hurtling down, as a vortex was developing in the dark, leaden sky. A few minutes later, onlookers realised it was a space ship! However, on closer inspection, it looked like it was a little dented and needed fixing up…  The crowd that had gathered volunteered to help fix it as a show of good faith. They thought they had done a good deed, but when the door opened, and they found out who the driver of this unearthly object was, they were shocked…

Samantha's Newspaper Report from 5E

This week in Year 5, we have been studying the 1969 Moon landing. We read recounts and based on the information we gathered, wrote our own newspaper reports. Below is Samantha's:

MOON-WALK MAN!

Written by Louise Roxane Hailey

At approximately 4:17pm, an extraordinary miracle occurred. Ecstatic Neil Armstrong  powerfully landed on the moon, and, full of joy, he stabbed the American flagto on the rocky surface.

At that precise moment, Neil Armstrong confidently explained: "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!" like a trumpeting ear-splitting elephant. Afterwards ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, another astronaut, joined his colleague on the orbiting sphere.

Armstrong and his crew travelled in the magnificent rocket Apollo 11, reaching speeds of up to 17,000mph.  

Moon Landing Newspaper Article by 5G

This week we have been studying the 1969 Moon Landing! We have produced newspaper articles as if we were reporting this incredible event the day after it happened. Here is Asher's report.

Mystical Moon Touched By Humans!

Yesterday the most tremendous thing happened!Neil Armstrong,with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins,were the first people to set foot on a celestial body (the Moon).The tense run up to this incredible event has been named the 'Space Race'.It has been a phenomenal race between the USA and Russia to see who could put a human on the moon first. The Russians are of course, adamant that this is a hoax.

Once Neil Armstrong had set foot on the Moon,he stated, "That's one small step for man,one giant leap for mankind." After only twelve minutes of starting their journey,they had been rapidly rocketing at aspectacular speed of 17,000 miles per hour.The whole world had been in awe as the lunar surface felt a human body touch it for the first time ever.

Neil Armstrong had thought it would take forever to get to the Moon, however it actually only took them four days to arrive. Soon after entering the Moon's orbit, they disembarked with Neil Armstrong becoming the first person to step on the Moon's terrain.Twenty minutes later, after Armstrong had gathered soil and rock samples for scientists to study, Buzz Aldrin joined him in the historic moment, and the two men have reported the awe they felt, gazing at the Earth from the vantage of another celestial body. 

5C - Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

This week in year 5 we have been writing our own versions of 'Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator'. Here is Max's opening paragraph.

Previously, we saw tiny Charlie Bucket floating high in orbit above his home town. Everyone was wildly excited, apart from Grandma Josephine who was petrified! After winning the Chocolate Factory, which was a marvel, Charlie was returning in triumph.

“Get us out of here!” screamed Grandma Josephine loudly.

“We must go higher!” Mr Wonka shouted excitedly.

“You mad man!” screeched Grandma Josephine, her voice filling with fear.

Rachel's space narrative from 5E

This week in 5E, we have been creating our own versions of Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Each pupil created their own planet and alien. Below is Rachel's build up, where the elevator arrives at the unknown planet:

Although the elevator was programmed to float, it somehow dropped in time with the erupting screams spreading like an infectious cold, but an even crueller flu, which made Charlie deflate like a balloon. 

"Help!" Grandma Georgina screamed. How much worse could it get?

When Charlie reluctantly opened his heavy eyelids, he notcied he was covered in shattered glass, and was laying on a flat, ivory ground, trembling with fear. He moved his head, lookig at a dark, liquid blue sky. 

"Diiing!" Something screeched, and Charlie saw the most astounding thing in his life. He was frightened and amazed, his heart pounding.

6F Explanation Text - Trench Warfare

Year 6 have been looking at writing explanation texts. This week we wrote in the context of WW1 and focused on 'trench warfare'. See if you can learn a thing or two from Rosieanne's first couple of paragraphs.

What is trench warfare?

Trenches

A trench is a barrier from the enemy, to keep soldiers safe. Trenches, the temporary home of soldiers, were most commonly seen during World War One. Opposing sides would launch attacks across no-man’s-land (the space between the two front lines). Surprisingly, the first trench line was completed in November 1914 and by the end of that year it had stretched 475 miles, starting at the North seas. Soldiers dug into the ground, in times of war, to protect them from the horrid weather conditions, which could be appalling.

Construction and design

During WW1, soldiers would initially dig a 1 metre by 2 metre hole, to act as somewhere to hide. Then trench boards were placed on the ground to help with drainage. Eventually, a ‘fire step’ was cut into the walls to shoot from. At last, sandbags would be laid down to stop the trench from caving in on itself. Also barbed wire was rolled out to stop determined enemies from attacking. The front wall (the parapet) was about ten feet tall. The rear wall (the parados) was lined with sandbags as well. However, in extreme weather, some sand bags would fall over. 

5G's Narrative Writing Inspired by Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

This week we have used the original story of Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator to inspire us to write our own versions of the text. Instead of landing on the Space Hotel and meeting the Knids, we have created our own planets and aliens and told our own adventure story! This is an extract from Kristian's narrative.

'Where are we?!' cried Grandma Josephine.
'Now look what you've done,' Mr Wonka retorted, 'We're in space!'
Charlie stared out of the window at the vast blackness of the sky. It was an extraordinary sight, there were stars everywhere and the planets seemed to line up from biggest to smallest. 

An hour later, they saw a planet which did not appear on the charts of the Solar System. No one had ever seen it before. 
'Where are we? What is this planet?' Charlie asked Mr Wonka.
'I don't know,' he replied. As it turns out, it was the planet Brazian. They landed on its strange surface and began to explore. There were curious trees of fire and volcanoes rose up from the ground like great furnaces of light and heat. Fire dripped down their sides. At the bottom of a valley lay a fiery ocean of boiling water, if they had stepped in it, they would have been burnt!

'We've discovered a new planet!' Mr Wonka gasped, staring around in wonder at the sight spread out before them. 

6B Trench Warfare!

This week we learnt about trench warfare during World War One and wrote a report on it. This is an example of Malika's work.


What is Trench Warfare?
Trenches were used as barriers during WW1. They were dug in the ground by soldiers, in times of war, and acted as protection, especially from the weather. Trench warfare was most commonly seen in World War One.


The construction and design.
First soldiers would be told to dig a hole about one meter wide and 2 meters deep to protect them from small arms fire. Then they would place boards on the ground so that the rain and water would drain properly.


What was they daily routine for a soldier in the trench?
Soldiers were regularly rotated through a basic sequence of fighting and rest. Each morning and evening (just before dawn and dusk) the troops participated in a 'stand-to', during which the men would prepare for battle. 


Malika N'Dure 6B

6B Explanation Texts

Today 6B wrote a report about trench foot, an awful disease that soldiers contracted during WW1.


Here is an extract from Regan's work.


How do soldiers contract trench foot?
Trench foot is a condition that effects soldiers who were in WW1, WW2 and the Vietnam War. This condition is also known as hyperhidrosis and is normally most severe during the winter months. Is affects people when they have been outside for a long period of time. Although it is most commonly related to World War One, it was first recorded in 1812 by Napolian's army, nearly one hundred years before the Great War.


What are the symptoms?
Despite this being a dreadful disease, it isn't fatal. Commonly, your feet go numb and not long after the feet turn red - erythrosis-  or blue  - cyanosis. Also the sufferers develop a decaying odour, where they smell foul. Sometimes the soldier's feet became so swollen and engulfed with blisters that they couldn't take their boots off! In the worst case scenarios trench foot led to the casualties needing to have their feet amputated.

Explanation texts - 6R

The children in 6R have been independently writing explanation texts about a topic of their choice. Here is an extract from Maya's text about why we need to eat and drink.

Why do you need to eat and drink?

Many people from all over the nation, eat and drink every day, eating three to five times a day and drinking often. However, in some parts of the world (for example in Africa and parts of India) this is not always possible. Some citizens of these areas eat and drink rarely and when they do it is dirty and unhygienic. This is why we should eat and drink, as for many humans like us we have the privilege to do so.

Drink
You need to drink because it is a vital area in your life. Recent studies have shown that if you don't drink your brain will shrink as the protection of your brain is filled with water so if you don't drink your brain will shrink which will lead to a loss of memory, and you won't want that to happen.

Eat
Eating is as important, despite the fact that you can last longer without eating than drinking. You should eat because you know it is right for you. But, also, because ti is a break and to refill your body for the further part of your day. Food is packed with many different vitamins. For example oranges are filled with vitamin C. Also carbohydrates, like pasta, give you energy so you can keep going.

5C Alien Character Description

This week in 5C we have been continuing our work on 'Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator'. In the book, Charlie and the gang are attacked by deadly aliens called Vermicious Knids. We made up our own aliens and wrote a character description.

Strangely, it resembled a nut but it had sharp nails on the tips of its fingers. It was as tall as a sky scraper and as fat as an oompa loompa. Its deep purple skin was covered in prickly hairs that gave off a deadly, pungent smell. At the top of its body it had a colossal red eye that could melt you with one stare. Surprisingly, it tiptoed inconspicuously on its dainty feet.

By Ben

100 Word Challenge - 6F

This week 6F have uploaded Jason's 100 Word Challenege. This week's challenge was to finish a short story based on a video clip about the evil Lord Nulth. Jason had to create an interesting and exciting ending in 100 words.

As he opened the sack of sorrow, a ghastly talking creature jumped out! The dreaded Shrangutan; it was over for Lord Nulth. Shouting and crying, the beast was loose, despite usually being in his cage! It was the malevolent Lord Nulth who turned him into this abomination. Part shark, part orangutan, with teeth as sharp as skewers.

 “We meet again… It’s so nice to see you!” Lord Nulth screeched sarcastically.  

“Stop being so arrogant!” All of a sudden, the Shrangutan had leapt into mid-air and stuck his stone claws into Lord Nulth.

“Is it over?” one of the minions, standing to one side, thought aloud. Suddenly, Lord Nulth disappeared with a cloud of smoke. BOOM… It was. For now…

5E's Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator Narrative

This week in Year 5 we have been continuing our journey in space through the eyes of Roald Dahl. We have rewritten the opening of Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

Below is Katie's narrative, which is describing the moment when Charlie entered the Space Hotel:

They were feeling anxious and worried; nervous that just ahead of them they could see the mammoth Space Hotel shaped like a diamond. Carefully, Grandpa Joe attached their shimmering glass elevator to the humongous Space Hotel. Suddenly, inside the hotel - FLASH! - down like a lightening bolt, the Knids appeared.

Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator - Narrative Writing by 5G

This week in Year 5 we have been re-telling the story of Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Here is an extract from our shared writing as a class. We hope you enjoy it!

Charlie Bucket was an ordinary boy to whom the most extraordinary things happened. Mere hours after being told he was to inherit Willy Wonka's legendary chocolate factory; he found himself hurtling through the skies in an elevator to collect his family, accompanied by none other than Mr Wonka himself. It was an exhilarating ride!

They landed with a bump in the living room of Charlie's tiny, bedraggled house to be greeted by the astonished stares of Charlie's parents and three, bed-ridden grandparents.
'I have the most unbelievably amazing news' he exclaimed as he exited the elevator excitedly. 
'Spit it out then', replied Grandma Georgina rudely.
'We are all going to live in Mr Wonka's factory, he says I am going to take over from him one day!' 
A beatific beam spread across his face as he spoke.

Unsurprisingly, this announcement was greeted by a great deal of joy and excitement, followed by a rather heated debate about how, exactly, the bed-ridden grandparents were to be transported to said factory. After eventually agreeing that the enormous, unweildy bed could be squashed into the elevator, they set off. They had not got very far however, when Grandma Georgina began to panic in a most obnoxious way.

'This man is cracked! He's as crazy as a teapot, as loopy as a broomstick!' she shrieked as the elevator rose higher and higher into the brilliant, azure sky. The sun was winking off the glass walls of the elevator as they ascended, and even Charlie and Grandpa Joe began to feel a little concerned...

6R's WWI diary entry

This week, 6R have been writing the final diary entry of the character Private Charlie Peaceful. Here is a section of Madison's.

The only good thing about my life now is that soon, in about two minutes, this hell on earth will be over. The tide of fear that had come over me is ebbing away slowly. Thoughts of my dear Molly and baby Tommo fill my head. I truly hope that this death won't be as futile as I think it'll be. I really hope that after this war no human will ever have to see such sights. My last drops of energy are going to be spent on love not hatred because if this war has taught me one thing, hatred is all too costly for us soldiers. 

Mr Wonka Character Description

In year 5 we have been reading 'Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator' by Roald Dahl. Here is Luc's character description of the famous Mr Wonka.  

Mr Willy Wonka is a chocolate extraordinaire. He is an eccentric person and has a crazy hair doo. He is as mad as a hatter with twinkling eyes. He wears a deep plum velvet jacket, peach trousers, tap shoes and a red top hat seats neatly on his head. What a marvellous man he is! He’s thoughtful, for example he eventually decides to give his famous chocolate factory to a poor, melancholy young boy named Charlie Bucket. He is also a genius and takes Charlie and his family to Space Hotel USA in his marvellous glass elevator, and then saves them from vermicious knids. Furthermore, Mr Wonka is a very humorous man and tricks people a lot. In ‘Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator’ he fools the president of the United States into thinking they’re alien from mars because he speaks mystic words. Would you want to be the crazy Willy Wonka?

5E's Character Description of Willy Wonka

This week in Year 5, we have continued to study space and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. We wrote character descriptions for the wonderful Willy Wonka. Here is Ashiq's:

The enthusiastic Willy Wonka wears a plum velvet jacket whilst his Oompa Loompa assistants fondly dance and sing. He is as smart as Albert Einstein, although his ideas are as mad as a hatter. The recent owner of the famous chocolate factory, Charlie Bucket, admires Willy's out of this world actions. Mr Wonka loves to sample his delightful treats and care tenderly for his minion assistants.

6F's WW1 Diaries continued

Continuing our work with WW1 diaries, Matthew has written a diary entry from the perspective of Charlie, a soldier who is about to be executed by his country for "cowardice". This is his first paragraph:


Dear Diary,


As I solemnly sit and write for the final time, I fear that this war will never end. I feel a spot of relief because my time in the war will be over soon; very soon… The grip of fear in my heart has been extinguished, putting out all of the doleful feelings inside of me. Demoralising thoughts of Molly and little Tommo fill my heart, and I want to hold them in my arms for one last time. I deeply hope that my death will not be pointless and it will encourage others to fight and finish this war so that little Tommo will never have to face the terrifying horrors that I have. However, at the same time, revenge itches at my coarse skin. How could Hanley do this to me? But there is no point wasting my last moments in hatred; if the war has taught me one thing, it is that hatred is too risky.

Willy Wonka Character Description, 5G

Mr Willy Wonka

Mr Willy Wonka, an adroit man,with eyes full of more wonders than the human mind could ever imagine. He wears a purple blazer - as smooth as can be - a smart bow tie and golden trousers over his lanky legs. His hair curls round like little twirls of spaghetti and blows gently in the wind. Brown polished shoes cover his feet, gleaming in the rays of the Sun. His creased face hides an extraordinary talent. This man may look old but that has no effect on his mind, he remains as sharp as any man ever was. 

Mr Wonka is a little insane. He is incredibly generous and gave his entire chocolate factory to Charlie after Charlie proved himself to be worthy, Willy Wonka is a great judge of human character. He is rather formal and uses odd phrases in his speech, often confusing people. He is however, an intellectual and a genius inventor!

By Nancy, 5G

Diary Writing 6B

This week we have been planning and writing diaries of Charlie's last moments in the book 'Private Peaceful'.
 This is an extract from our class writing session.


Well nothing is a lie, I am going to die for my family, for the blood, flesh and bones of my darling brother Tommo. Never would I have left him there, in that ditch, with the life slowly fading from his eyes. What sort of brother would I have been then? Hanley might have been able to live with Tommo's blood on his hands, but not me.


All of that is irrelevant now. Soon I will join the other faceless casualties of this merciless war. Mystery men with much hope but little luck. Saddened by the fact that I am just one more child who waved goodbye to England and hello to his demise, I know my time is up. Whilst my son has all the time in the world to grow and flourish, I know my memory will begin to fade. All he has left now are Tommo and Molly, and I hope as the soothe him to sleep they sing our song - Oranges and Lemons - and think of me, not with sadness but with joy and love.


Until we meet again in heaven, as is God's will, I can only offer you peace and happiness.


Private Charlie Peaceful

SPaG workshop for Y5 and Y6

On Friday, Years 5 and 6 were lucky enough to take part in a drama-based Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) workshop. It was fantastic for the children to practise their key skills in this exciting context. Below are some photos of the morning.

5C The Planets

This week in Literacy, Year 5 have been writing poems based on our theme Space. We have been using many different features of poetry. What features of poetry can you spot in this poem? 

In the night sky,

Malicious Mars stomps and stares.

He is fiery red with anger,

And will kill you with his glares.

In the night sky,

Venus swiftly swirls.

She is tranquil and sympathetic,

And keeps peace between the worlds.

By Elliott, Liam, Ben, May and Hudhaifa

6R diary entry - WWI

Here is Zoe's diary entry from the point of view of Tommo, a soldier in Michael Morpurgo's WWI story, Private Peaceful.

   17th December 1914

Dear Diary,

With Christmas heading our way, we never give up hope, for the war should be over by then, but our hopes fade away a little each day because men have seen what they shouldn't have. Nevertheless, nobody back in England could possibly realise what a treacherous state we're in; it is pure hell on Earth: a static killing-field. A futile, bloody mess, in which men, who have done nothing, are perishing. And for what? For nothing.

Today was one of the darkest thus far. I can hardly bear to narrate what events happened last night. For many hours - which seemed to last for weeks - I truly felt Charlie was gone. When I saw him approaching, limping, bloodshod, I thought I was seeing a phantom. Others, however, weren't so fortunate. You only have to turn around to see that our numbers have been decimated - and as for those who have lives to go on? We have been demolished, in body and spirit alive.

It all began at dawn, while we were making tea. There was a bellowed order. We glanced at each other; this was it. Fuelled by pure adrenaline, I managed to escape a few hours - I do not know how - unscathed, but what I saw in that time I will never be able to erase from my mind. All I can push myself to say is that after this futile war no man will never experience something like this ever again.

I wish I was back home with Molly and Ma and I want to get out of this hell on Earth, but Charlie says to not think about it and concentrate on not getting myself killed. But I do wish I was with all of them because I am scared and frightened here.

This evening we were informed that Sergeant Hanley is our new commander. We loathe him more than any dreadful Fritz. I can not imagine how I will go on; but I have no other choice.

Tommo.

5E's Space Poetry

This week in Year 5, we have been working on poetry with our new topic, Space. After listening to Holst's The Planets, we created our own poems about objects in space.

Here is Chanel's poem, from 5E. She wrote about the moon:

The moon,

Smiling gracefully down to Earth,

An eye which sleeps during the day.

Nocturnal Moon,

Hiding her sparkling face,

Behind the fluffy white whispering clouds.

Asteroids and rockets land, 

And painfully crash,

Going very deep,

Into her rock hard body,

Making holes everywhere,

With no respect.

She detests, 

The other planets,

With such terrible hate.

She is the sister of darkness,

With a very evil side,

So when she is coming,

Keep your belongings inside.

6F WW1 diary writing

6F have been looking at writing recounts in the context of WW1 diaries. This is the first paragraph of Amy's, where she has written from the perspective of Michael Morpurgo's character, Tommo.

17^th December 1914

Dear Diary,

Christmas slowly walks towards us - there in no happiness though - everyone just wants to go home to their caring, loving families. They would not understand back at home; what it’s like. You see your fearless friends falling around you, row by row - like skittles. Everyone fading away until it is only you left. All of the brave soldiers here have hearts of courage. Why do they have to risk their lives? What is this all for? Nothing…

Diary Writing 6B

This week we have been learning about the features of diary writing. We planned and wrote a diary in the role of the character Tommo from Michael Morpurgo's book 'Private Peaceful'. Here is James' writing.

Dear Diary,

                     Christmas is getting closer. Hopefully, this dreadful war will end; every day is just mad killing. So we can celebrate Christmas happily. Nobody can compare anything to this war. Thousands have died. For what? Nothing. So many people have met their deaths. My opinion is that we just stop the whole thing. Sadly, I can’t stop this, I must go on…

Last night was the most evil night yet. Refusing, to even think about what happened last night. Although, I was on my own, I was still clinging to hope. Waiting, for Charlie to return. Suddenly, out of the gloom was Charlie . Bloodshot. However he was moving, but slightly. But a lot were “Lucky”. Not! Barely anyone was lucky.

First, it started at dawn. When we were eating breakfast. The sergeant (our commander) instructed “Right lads, on three we go over the top understood. One… two… three!”

We stared at each other. The time was now. We went. Luckily, I escaped the brutal hours. Later on, the stuff I witnessed in that time. No man should never see killing, fighting and attacks, I hope I will never witness any of that again (even though I know I will).

This evening we were informed that Sergeant Hanley is our new commander. We all hate his bones. I can’t see how I will go on. I must or punishments will be in order for me.

Until next time,

Tommo

James Allcott 6B

Space Poetry by 5G

This week in Year 5 we have been learning about Space which is our theme for the half term. We have created some poems based on space, including the idea of the planets as Roman gods as we focused on the use of personification. This is Charlie's poem, we hope you enjoy it!


In the night sky,
Stars gleams in the dark dimness,
playing with Saturn's rings all day long 
never growing weary. 

In the night sky,
Mars declares war.
he fights with stars for soldiers 
a great orb of blood stained armor. 

In the night sky , 
Venus heals poor dead souls of stars 
giving love, hope, peace 
to conquer Mars once more.

In the night sky,
The Sun beams down on Earth,
giving it heat,
vital, life-force heat.

By Charlie, 5G 

6F WW1 Narrative Writing

Here's a bumper upload from 6F for half-term. We have been combining our character description techniques, as well as our atmospheric writing techniques, to write WW1 based narratives. These are excerpts from Rosieanne's, Sophia's and Hilary's.


Rosieanne's:


Lit by the flare, the sky was awoken with a bang. It was show-time. Flares jumped, grenades exploded.

“Time to go, Young!” Andrew shouted.

“Come line up! Sergeant is waiting for ya.” Tick tock - the time had come.

“Ready boys… 3, 2, 1!” Sergeant barked, blowing his whistle.

Suddenly, a grenade exploded. His blistered fingers felt the soaked wood of the ladder. He gave a nod to his fellow soldier. They were off. The sight of the quagmire was overwhelming. He wanted to run, even hide, but he couldn’t. BANG! The screeches of the shells were horrific. He scrambled behind a blackened tree, wishing that he’d never joined. So much was going through his mind; his mother, his sister’s 15^th birthday, he was going to miss his sister’s wedding. He was definitely going to die, and that was undeniable.

WHOOSH! A flare lit up the sky again. The darkened sky had turned to light. They had been seen…

Sophia's:

SCREECH! Suddenly, a flare leapt into the inky night, shining a torch over her; filling the dead sky and becoming its blood. It whistled. Then fell to the wet, squalid ground. Lucy stared out into the dark, gloomy scene. “It’s a massacre!” she screamed, “We’ll be busy today!”

Petrified, she tip-toed out of the tent looking for people that needed her help. Suddenly, she felt something, or someone, grab her muddy leg. It was an Englishman. His wound was pouring blood, staining the mud. It was like the earth was bleeding itself. A bullet was stuck in his rib-cage and she could not help him nor bring him back to the trench hospital. “What is your name?” the boy asked.

“Lucy, nurse Lucy. Why?”

“You saved my brother Tomas Chester. I’m Lincoln Chester.”

Hilary's


Gazing down, the flare painted the sky orange.

“Go! We have to go now!” the Sergeant boomed, “Hurry!” They all stood to attention. The flare went up again. There was nothing they could do. Rain tapped on the men’s shoulders and meandered into their boots. Frantically, they heaved themselves up the ladders. It was time…

Petrified, Luke stood there amidst the carnage. Blood everywhere. Bile rose and threatened to explode from his mouth. Blood gushing from people’s heads, so abhorrent it looked like the sodden quagmire was bleeding itself.