Engineering Challenge: Paper Bridges

Children took on the task of designing and building bridges using no more than five sheets of paper. Their goal? To create a structure strong enough to hold itself up and support weights over a 20cm span.

The creativity, problem-solving, and engineering thinking on display were truly remarkable. Pupils experimented with folding, rolling, layering, and reinforcing their paper to create bridges that were not only strong, but cleverly designed. Watching the children test their bridges and refine their ideas was a brilliant celebration of practical science in action. Some children even managed to support over a KG of weight on their bridges!

Becoming Forensic Scientists

You may already have spotted evidence of our second activity coming home… literally! Each child created a full set of their own fingerprints using proper forensic-style techniques. We then used this class database to solve a mystery and uncover ‘whodunnit’.

A special mention goes to Penguins Class, who successfully identified a single fingerprint from the entire class set - a very impressive demonstration of observation, pattern recognition, and teamwork!

CREST Award Packs Coming Home

Please keep an eye out this week for your child’s Science Activity Pack, which includes:

• A set of fun, hands-on science challenges
• A “science passport” to record completed activities
• Stickers and guidance for families
• Information about the CREST Award they can earn after completing 6–8 activities in their passport.

We can’t wait to see the wonderful science investigations children continue to explore over Easter and beyond. Thank you for supporting their curiosity and creativity at home!

Bloom, Grow, Celebrate – A Wonderful Start to Our New Topic. 

The children performed a wonderful selection of songs and flute pieces from their class music sessions, demonstrating not only their growing musical skills but also their confidence and teamwork. Their hard work and enthusiasm were clear in every performance.

We were also treated to impressive solo and small‑group items from pupils who take additional music tuition. These included guitar, flute, clarinet and a lovely piano/keyboard performance, each one showing dedication, perseverance and real musical talent.

Parents, children and staff all thoroughly enjoyed the assembly, and the hall was filled with smiles throughout. A highlight of the morning was when everyone joined in with a lively rendition of “Golden” by K‑pop Demon Hunters, which created a fantastic atmosphere and left the younger children in school buzzing to be part of it all.

A huge well done to all our performers and a big thank you to our music teachers for their support and inspiration. What a wonderful way to start the day!

The circulatory system is the body's transport network. It moves oxygen, nutrients, and water around the body and carries waste products away. The system is made up of: The heart, Blood vessels and Blood. To help support pupils’ understanding Penguins completed a practical where they became the system. Pupils have been discovering how the heart works as a powerful, four‑chambered pump focusing on, how the heart sends oxygen‑rich blood around the body, how it returns oxygen‑poor blood to the lungs and how heart rate changes during exercise.

The performance was full of laughter, excitement, and plenty of audience participation. The children shouted, cheered, and joined in with the actors throughout the show, making it a truly interactive experience.

As well as having lots of fun, the trip gave the children a chance to learn about the wonderful British tradition of pantomimes – a unique blend of comedy, music, and storytelling that has delighted audiences for generations. Mr Robson got a starring role and had to stand up and do a silly wiggle many times throughout the show which children and staff all enjoyed thoroughly!

It was a memorable day that brought smiles to everyone’s faces and created lasting memories.

The unit began with pupils exploring the principles of designing for a purpose, considering size, shape, and aesthetics. They learned how to take accurate measurements, create paper patterns, and select suitable fabrics. Once their designs were finalised, the real hands-on work began.

Throughout the project, pupils developed key sewing techniques, including:

• Threading needles
• Running stitch and backstitch
• Joining fabric pieces securely
• Adding decorative elements for a personal touch

This practical experience not only strengthened their fine motor skills but also encouraged problem-solving, perseverance, and resilience. Many pupils encountered challenges—such as threading needles, keeping stitches neat, and correcting mistakes—but they showed determination to overcome these obstacles. Their ability to keep going, even when things didn’t go as planned, was a real highlight of the unit.

The final showcase was a delightful celebration of creativity and effort. Each teddy bear wore a unique waistcoat, reflecting the individuality and hard work of its maker. Pupils were incredibly proud of their finished pieces, and rightly so—their designs demonstrated both technical skill and personal flair. Staff praised the pupils for their dedication and teamwork, noting how the project brought the curriculum to life in a fun and meaningful way.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who kept Mr Culff sane as 27 children asked for help with threading needles and undoing knots!

This sewing unit has been a fantastic example of how Design and Technology empowers children to combine creativity with practical skills, while building resilience and confidence. It’s safe to say that every pupil left the project with a sense of achievement and pride.

Using a nail, the children worked in small groups to test materials including plastic, metal, and glass. They recorded their observations, compared results, and discussed why some materials are better suited for specific uses based on their hardness.

The activity links directly to the Year 5 science curriculum, which focusses on comparing and grouping materials based on their properties, including hardness, transparency, and conductivity. Pupils also learnt how material properties influence design choices in everyday objects. 

Right at the front of the stage, our children showed remarkable courage and composure. Despite a few nerves, they performed brilliantly - demonstrating the values we hold dear: open-mindedness, resilience, aspiration, and bravery.

A huge thank-you goes out to our wonderful parents and carers. Your continued and amazing support was felt in full force, with a fantastic turnout in the audience cheering us on every step of the way.

We are also incredibly grateful to WCET for organising this inspiring event and for their dedication in helping our children grow musically and personally. The experience has left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Well done to all our performers—you were outstanding!

Throughout the day they explored the impressive aircraft displays. The children were amazed to see planes from all over the world from different periods of time.  From fighter jets to the iconic Spitfire, they read about where each aircraft was built and what it was used for. Attached to each aircraft were speakers for the children to listen to an old pilot conversation, where children used their imaginations to picture them working inside an old aircraft. Children took part in a pilot workshop where they got to dress up as pilots from different decades, discussing all the different pilots they had learnt about in school.

But the highlight for many was sitting in a real cockpit! With beaming smiles and hands on the controls, the children imagined themselves as brave, heroic pilots high above the clouds. 

Swan's visit to RAF Cosford was a fantastic way to bring history to life, giving the children the opportunity to experience the history and wonders of flight up close.   

All other images are on the Manor Facebook page!