Mrs Inkson (Head of Year 6)

What is a mathematical bridge? This is the question we asked Year 6 to investigate. The students found that Leonardo Da Vinci designed a self-supporting wooden bridge structure that didn’t need nails to hold it together. They also found that wooden bridges that are a curved arch shape can be built using only straight pieces of wood. These were interesting concepts, so the students decided to have a go at building their own versions of these mathematical bridges. Although the bridges were quite small as they were made of dowel, they did have a curved shape and used no nails or glue to hold them together. The students worked out that they probably would be weight-baring if they were made with thicker planks of wood.

What is the Census and why is it important? This is another question classes have been investigating.  The students used the Government website for National Statistics to look at data collected during the census in the past. They were fascinated to find out how the local population has changed, both in density and diversity. It was also interesting to find out what data was collected in the past, compared to what is collected now. They have spent time in groups analysing the data we have found, making comparisons and producing graphs to show the data visually.

View a gallery of their architectural designs HERE.