Mrs Whomsley (Head of Year 5)

Last week, Year 5 enjoyed a beautiful Autumnal walk along The Embankment and into Russell Park. As part of the introduction to their new Unit of Inquiry. As they walked, the girls were asked to create their own map of the area and decide which ‘landmarks’ and objects to plot on their maps and which objects did not need to be recorded. Bridges, bowling greens and bandstands were drawn and noted as well as short stops to discuss other areas of interest such as the blue plaque to mark where John Bunyan was baptised and the Archimedes Screw.

Challenges quickly came to light, however, such as not having enough paper to record the whole area, from what angle to draw the landmarks and how to draw a map whilst on the move?! The girls also noted the safety responsibility of such a task noting – “we have to fit all the details on and make sure it is accurate so the reader does not get lost or walk into anything dangerous.” When we returned to the classroom, the girls were able to reflect on our challenges and how we could approach the task if we repeated it, such as what scale we could use and how to record directions. A list of areas to investigate further in our learning were also agreed, such as comparing how maps have evolved and some skills that would be useful for us to learn such as looking at coordinates on maps, compass points and gradients.

We all enjoyed exploring our local area and are excited to learn more about exploration and explorers who have travelled the world.