Road Safety Week  WC: 14/11/2022

World Science Day 10/11/2022

World Science Day happens every year on November 10th. It was started as a way of opening up the world of scientific research and discovery to engage everybody in current scientific issues and developments — like artificial intelligence or renewable energy. World Science Day aims to show that — although you may not be a scientist or a researcher — science is all around you and is a part of everybody’s life.

Reception- We have had a super fun morning today doing lots of science activities. We kicked off the day by talking about the different parts we need to create a circuit. We then created our own circuits and explored different materials that we could add to it. We found that with some items, the bulb didn’t light up, but with some, it did! We will continue exploring circuits during play since we have really enjoyed them. We also went around the school looking for different machines and we found so many! Some were large and some were really small. Some worked only on batteries whilst others needed a mains power supply. We have taken lots of pictures and will be displaying them in the classroom!

Primary- Children in primary had a spectacular, fun-filled afternoon. Teachers set up multiple stations in the hall, with different science experiments at each station. The first activity was testing magnetism using a giant magnet. There were a range of materials on the table such as pennies, paperclips, spoons, pens and counters. They used the giant magnet to pick up the items and see which were magnetic and which were non-magnetic. This allowed children to gain a wider understanding on magnetic materials.

The second station was the science behind SLIME making! Children particularly enjoyed this experiment, where they mixed together cornflour and water, amongst other ingredients to make sticky slime.

On another station was a chemical reaction test set-up. Using white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and food colouring, a FIZZY reaction occurred leaving the children amazed and intrigued at the chemical reaction taking place.

The fourth and final station included separating fats and lipids. To a bowl, they added milk, food colouring and fairy liquid and observed the magic happening!

World Mental Health Day 10/10/2022

Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, affecting everyone. We must do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society. World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th of October every year, with this year’s theme being ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’. As a school, we encourage both children and staff members to discuss emotions, feelings and thoughts regularly within the classroom environment, and particularly so, on this day.

We held a whole school assembly where guest speaker, Salma, spoke to our children about Mental Health and the importance of checking up on one another. The children watched a video, after which she highlighted issues that may arise when we don’t speak up about our problems. Children were engaged, participated well and listened to her advice. Jazakallah for visiting us for #WorldMentalHealthDay! 

Year 1 children talked about the importance of sharing their worries and expressing their emotions to adults they feel comfortable with. Children made some worry dolls so that they can share their worries with it. A worry doll is a great way of helping children think about and manage anything that troubles them and teaches them to open up to someone without bottling up their emotions. 🧸

Children in Year 5 undertook an origami style activity, wherein they wrote and drew activities that contribute to their own mental health and wellbeing within a folded paper chatterbox. When feeling down, they can use this to remind themselves of ways that can make them feel better.

Year 3 carried out an activity that tied in nicely with their PSHCE lesson. They have been learning about Allah’s vast knowledge of everything and the verse from the Quran: ‘He knows whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but with His knowledge.’ They discussed ways to open up and talk about their feelings and how Allah knows about all their struggles. They were also reminded to turn to Allah whenever they feel down and need help.  Alongside their PSHCE work, they went outside to collect leaves, traced around them on some paper and wrote positive affirmations inside. They read out the affirmations in front of the class to create a happy, positive and optimistic atmosphere. 🍁🍂🍃 Well Done Year 3!

World Dyslexia Awareness Day 06/10/2022

The theme for this year’s World Dyslexia Awareness Day is ‘Breaking Through Barriers’.  It allows us to reflect on the barriers that those living with dyslexia often face, while also focusing on how individuals, organisations and the education system have continued to succeed and break through these obstacles.

All children began the day by watching a video on ‘Seeing Dyslexia Differently’. This thought provoking video led children to ponder on different situations they may encounter when around someone with dyslexia. Children learnt about how a dyslexic person may have difficulty reading 📖 and spelling ✏️. They explained the importance of understanding how to help those who struggle with it and about being kind regardless of our differences 🧠.

World Kindness Day 12/11/2021

BEING KIND!
In Reception, we have been talking about being kind and how it is World Kindness Day tomorrow. Look at the amazing gifts the children have wrapped for the teachers around the school!
For this activity the children worked in pairs and pulled a name card out of a tub. They then worked together to wrap a gift for that teacher. We talked about giving gifts being a sunnah and their own experiences. We gave the gifts today and the teachers loved them.
In Primary, the children had a chance to explain why choosing kindness is important and how it can impact someone’s life. They decorated small cards with affirmations to give to someone to make them smile. ‘Remember smiling is a charity’
They also celebrated World Kindness Day 2021 with DIY origami cards to put a smile on a loved one’s face. ‘A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Let’s make our world a better and happier place through kindness!’

UK Parliament Week w/c 01/11/2021

For UK Parliament week, Primary learnt about the Houses Of Parliament and completed various activities
KS1 learnt about the House Of Parliament, how our Government runs our country, held a debate and then voted in an election.

KS2 looked at why we need laws. Pupils learnt that laws make things fair and give everyone access to equal rights. Laws keep us safe and protect us and make sure people behave so they don’t hurt themselves and they solve conflicts. They also had fun carrying out a class debate

Year 6 learnt about the Monarchy, House of Lords and House of Commons. They learnt about the difference between Parliament and the Government. Pupils wrote about the changes they would make if they were the Prime minister. Year 6 also debated whether the age for voting should be lowered to 16. The children could not come to a final conclusion and the debate continues.

Dyslexia Week 2021 04/10/2021 – 08/10/2021

”Dyslexia Awareness Week” is an annual event aimed at further understanding and raising awareness amongst pupils about dyslexia; what it means, what it is and what can be done to support people who have dyslexia.
In Year 1, children learnt about how people affected with this condition struggle with skills involved with reading, writing and spelling. They watched some videos and drew what they learnt.💬
Year 2 enjoyed learning about Dyslexia and they had lots of fun designing fun t-shirts. 👕
The Year 3 & 4 children had a thoughtful discussion surrounding dyslexia using some interactive cards. They discussed what makes each individual unique, their own strengths and how they may help someone in their class who may be struggling with dyslexia. The children came up with some fantastic, helpful ideas.
The children in Year 5/6 designed their own T-shirts to raise awareness for Dyslexia.
Well done to all of you for your hard work

Apprentice 23/07/21

Year 6 children took part in Paradise Primary School’s very own ‘The Apprentice’ wherein they formed teams, and then created and sold personalised goods to the rest of the school. Amongst carrying out vital market research, brainstorming ideas, budgeting and pricing their products, this project required the children to creatively decorate several items to sell. They thoroughly enjoyed the artistic elements, producing some amazing final pieces.

Throughout this process, year 6 were also educated on the reasons and importance of advertisement and promotion after which they concentrated on their own forms of advertising– powerful posters, snappy slogans and lovely logos. Once the big day arrived, the children sold their products enthusiastically, developing excellent trading and communication skills along the way. All the children showed great eagerness to complete given tasks on time and their hard work proved to be worth it, raising a total of £155! A huge well done to all the children in year 6 for their dedication and commitment to The Apprentice 2021!

Well-Being Week 08/03/21

The first week back from school post-lockdown focused on the well-being of children. As we welcomed them back to school, they were greeted with balloons and fun activities to help them settle in after a long break.

All the children were missed and we are delighted to have them back!

‘There’s always a rainbow after a storm’

The first day back was filled with joyfully activities. The children decorated cupcakes with emojis, enjoyed chocolate fountain and spent time outdoors playing penalty shoot-out.

Children named an emotion they felt during lockdown and then connected with their peers who may have also felt the same way. They were reminded of the importance of talking and listening to one another to enhance a positive wellbeing.

Yarn activity- a web of emotions ”we were away from each other but our feelings weren’t”. the children sat in a circle and mentioned an emotion they felt during home-school and when they felt it. They then gave the yarn ball to someone who felt the same. That child then named another emotion and forwarded the yarn to another child. This was to remind the children that it good to talk and that there are other children out there who feel what we feel and that you are never alone.

Happiness Balloons activity- children learnt about the importance of helping one another in a fun way. The teachers asked the children to blow the balloons and then each child to write their names on the balloon. They tossed all the balloons in the class so that they were mixed up. The children couldn’t find their own balloons so were told to pick up the one closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. After everyone had got a balloon they were told that balloons are like happiness. no one will find it looking for theirs only. instead if everyone cares about each other’s they will find theirs as quickly as possible.

Everyone is trying to find their own happiness in this world. But when we help someone else with finding their own happiness Allah grants us our happiness through the help of others. Wish for others what you wish for yourself

During the afternoon pupils used their computing skills to express their emotions. Well done!!

World Food Day 16/10/2020

Nursery, looked at the popular food in the country Turkey. The children had a fantastic time tasting the different food items such as falafels, humous, olives, pomegranate and even Turkish delight which was the favourite choice amongst the class. They discussed the different textures of the food and used amazing language to describe some of the foods such as ‘crispy’, soft, chewy, sweet, hard, crunchy. They also made Turkey flags at the creative table and looked at Turkish writing on the food packages.”

In Literacy Reception class got into small groups and looked at images of children from poor countries looking for food in the rubbish, waiting in line for food, carrying buckets of water or drinking dirty water. they talked about how we should be thankful and say Alhumdulillah and not waste food. They then drew and labelled pictures of what they could give to the children in the photos. For snack they had different items with chocolate in them and talked about the healthy foods they normally have for snack and how they can have chocolate in small amounts. They were also thankful for having these treats.

Year 1/2 looked at the culture of France. They learnt about the famous buttery, flaky, crescent shaped bread known as Croissants which is their speciality and crepes.

Year 3/4 chose Italy. The children learned the history of pizza and where it originates from as well as how mozzarella is made. They tasted pizzas, garlic bread and bread sticks.

Year 5/6 children learnt about the remarkable History of Turkey, the inspirational culture, the delicious cuisine and its famous attractions for tourists. They also made their very own Turkish Fez. Well done!

Mental Health Day 13/10/2020

In Early Years, the children talked about feelings last week and what they could do if they were feeling down. They read a book called ‘Angry.’ drew pictures of the feelings and talked about why they might be feeling that way. They also thought of ways they could help people if they were feelings sad, angry or lonely.

The children also learnt that when we are angry and standing up we should sit down and if we are sitting we should lie down. They even made their very own green ribbons!

In Primary, as part of wellbeing week, children learnt about the 5 steps to positive mental health. To connect with others, children created a card to a loved one of their choice. As part of ‘take notice’, children were given different types of jellies. They were then asked to take a close look at the jelly, smell it, feel it and listen out to any sounds it makes when dropped. They then wrote down a short description of their jellies, using their 5 senses.

As part of World Mental Health day, the children made ‘Anger catches’ to help them cope with different emotions that they may feel. It was a fun activity as they decorated their anger catchers while educating the children on mental health and its importance. They learned how situations may cause different emotional reactions for different people.

As part of mental health day, the children learnt about mental well-being and ways it could be improved. Children learnt about individuals they could turn to with any issue. The year 4 children created superhero face masks to reinforce the idea that they would be there for one another and actively try to ensure that they could help promote positive mental health.

As part of well-being week, we looked at the five steps to positive mental health and the impact mental health has on our young minds. Children made a well-being booklet where they illustrated what makes them happy and what they are grateful for. Children also created a “What I would like to achieve by the end of the year jar”

For Mental Health Day the children made green ribbons. The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness. The children attached the ribbons to their clothing to show that they are aware and care about mental health. Children also learnt about how to develop and maintain a growth mindset and discussed the benefits of having positive thinking.

Elections 13/12/2019

It was a busy day at PPS on Election day as our party leaders prepared to present their vision for the country in a live-debate with our student audience. The Yr6 candidates were representing Labour. Conservatives. Green Party. UKIP or Liberal Democrats for General Election 2019.
Once the leaders, made their final pitches, the students cast their votes carefully and thoughtfully in the Ballot Box.
The party with the most votes with a whooping 53.4% was Labour, followed by The Green Party with 17.3%
Well Done to all the children for taking part, especially the Yr6 students for all their time and effort.

In Reception class, the children talked about the importance of voting and how people all over the country would be voting. They prepared their own election where the children could vote for the play dough colour for the following week. It was emphasized that voting was their choice and when the voting started all the children queued up. They remembered to keep their vote private, fold it and post it in the ballot box. They were careful to add only 1 cross.

World Kindness Day 13/11/2019

For World Kindness day, the children looked at the reward received when thinking of others and in this activity the Reception children wrapped chocolates for the adults that help them in the school. They made their own labels and delivered them to the adults a few days later.

Reception class incorporated World Kindness day in Anti Bullying week.
They looked at the story of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff and talked about what the troll did in the story that made him a bully. They then made their own story boards to retell the story and made ‘friend hats’ adding pictures on to the hat that showed them how one can be a good friend.

STEM April 2019

STEM Cross Curricular day provided a resourceful platform to stimulate and support children to become confident individuals and celebrate all sciences,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and their importance and reliance in our everyday lives.
Throughout the day children engaged in various exciting activities such as:

Paper Tower Challenge
9 Toothpick Triangle Challenge
Building with Lego
Creating Bridges And Structures
Measuring And The Process Of Baking
Creating Inventions
Packaging And Materials

Languages Around the World December 2018

This terms cross curricular was themed around promoting multilingualism and creating awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. The whole school became alive with a celebration of our diverse and beautiful world of rich cultures, customs and languages spoken around the globe. The children had an opportunity to identify the different countries on the map, explore their culture and learn about the origin of the languages spoken. Overall, It was a day filled with multilingual fun!

NHS70 – OCTOBER 2018

We had a whole day celebrating 70 years of the NHS.

The children learnt about the NHS services available to them and how they can seek help using the services provided in our region. Children went back in time to see where it all began by looking at the history and timeline of the NHS. They explored different inventions that were made and learnt how advances in technology have shaped the NHS and moulded it into the brilliant establishment it is today.
Children were also taught basic first aid, from what do in an emergency to how to call for help. They learnt how to help someone choking, someone who is un-conscious, the recovery position etc. They explored emergency scenarios and were able to explain what must be done in a particular situation.

Hats of Faith – July 2018

Hats of Faith bus came to visit our school to help us learn more about all the religions in the world and also to talk about tolerance and respect.

Downs Syndrome Awareness – March 2018

Grandparents Day – December 2017

To help consolidate the learning of the Year 1 children in their history lesson, we invited some grandparents to school to talk about how things were when they were young. It was very interesting for the children to hear about the types of games they played.