🌿 Boundary Achieves Green Flag Award for the 7th Time! 🌿

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Boundary Primary School has once again been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Eco-Schools Award, making this our seventh Green Flag achievement. What an incredible accomplishment!

The Green Flag Eco-Schools Award recognises schools for their outstanding commitment to environmental education, sustainability and taking positive action to protect our planet. Achieving this award is a testament to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm shown by our entire school community.

At Boundary, environmental responsibility is embedded throughout school life. Our dedicated Eco Warriors lead the way, encouraging everyone to think carefully about the impact our actions have on the environment. Through a range of cross-curricular learning opportunities in subjects such as Science and Geography, children develop their understanding of important environmental issues and consider how they can make a difference both locally and globally.

The Eco-Schools programme is a pupil-led initiative that empowers young people to take action on environmental issues within their school, local community and beyond. Following the Eco-Schools framework, our pupils have helped to drive improvements that support sustainability and environmental awareness.

This week during our Always Time reward session, Rowan Class enjoyed taking part in some fun Silly Science and Challenge Games. The children were set two exciting challenges: using centrifugal force to remove an orange from the bottom of a jug without touching it, and using their understanding of Archimedes’ principle to lift a pen out of a cylinder of water. There was lots of discussion, teamwork and laughter as pupils tested their ideas and celebrated their successes. It was fantastic to see everyone engaged, problem-solving and having fun as a reward for making positive choices throughout the week. 🍊🖊️🔬

Year 3 had a wonderful time during their science lesson this week as they explored the fascinating world of animals and their diets. The children learned that animals can be classified into three different groups based on the food they eat: herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

We began by discussing the meaning of each group and looking at examples of animals that belong to them. The children were excited to discover that:

• Herbivores eat only plants. Examples include cows, rabbits, giraffes, and horses.
• Carnivores eat other animals. Examples include lions, tigers, sharks, and eagles.
• Omnivores eat both plants and animals. Examples include bears, foxes, humans, and chickens.

The class enjoyed sharing their own knowledge about different animals and discussing what they thought each animal might eat.

🔦 Investigating Shadows in Science

This week in Science, Year 6 explored the fascinating question: What causes shadows?

To begin our lesson, we recapped our understanding of different types of materials. We discussed opaque, translucent and transparent objects and considered how each one interacts with light. We remembered that opaque materials block light completely, translucent materials allow some light through, and transparent materials let light pass through clearly.

Next, we became scientists and carried out our own investigations using torches. Working collaboratively, we shone light onto different objects to create shadows and observed what happened. We discovered that opaque objects produced the clearest shadows because they blocked the light source.

We then took our investigation a step further by exploring how the length and size of shadows can change. Using our torches, we moved the light source closer to and further away from objects and carefully observed the effects. We found that when the light source was closer, the shadows became larger, and when it was moved further away, the shadows became smaller. This helped us understand how the position of a light source affects the shadow that is formed.

It was a practical and engaging lesson that allowed us to test our ideas, make observations and draw conclusions from our findings. We are looking forward to building on our knowledge of light and continuing our scientific investigations in the coming weeks! 🌞🔦🕶️

Science Vocabulary: Opaque • Translucent • Transparent • Light Source • Shadow • Reflection • Observation • Prediction

Year 4 Science: Investigating Gases

This week in Science, Year 4 pupils explored the fascinating properties of gases through a series of exciting investigations.

First, we investigated whether air has mass. We carefully weighed an empty balloon and found that it had a mass of 8g. We then filled the balloon with air and weighed it again. This time, it measured 9g! This simple experiment helped pupils understand that, although we cannot see air, it is made of particles and has mass.

Next, pupils combined vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to observe a chemical reaction. We knew a reaction was taking place because the mixture began fizzing and bubbling, producing a gas called carbon dioxide (CO₂).

To finish our investigation, we collected some of the carbon dioxide produced and used it to extinguish a candle flame. Pupils were amazed to see that the gas could put out the fire and discussed why this happened.

Throughout the lesson, pupils made predictions, carried out observations, and drew conclusions from the evidence they collected. It was a fantastic hands-on lesson that helped bring the science of gases to life! 🔬🎈🕯️

This week, Year 2 became scientists as we carried out an exciting investigation to find out which materials absorb water best and would therefore be the most suitable to use in our school dinner hall. 🔬👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

We began by discussing why absorbent materials are important. We thought about what might happen if drinks were spilled during lunchtime and how different materials could help to clean up the mess quickly and effectively. 🍽️🥛

Working in groups, we tested a variety of materials, including paper towels, cloth, sponge and other fabric samples. We carefully poured the same amount of water onto each material and observed what happened. 💦👀

We made predictions before carrying out our tests and recorded our results like real scientists. 📋✏️ We looked closely at which materials soaked up the most water and which materials allowed water to remain on the surface.

Some of our results surprised us! 😲 We discovered that certain materials were much more absorbent than others, while some hardly soaked up any water at all. By comparing our findings, we were able to decide which material would be the best choice for cleaning up spills in the dinner hall. 🧽✨

Throughout the investigation, we used important scientific skills such as observing, predicting, testing and recording results. We also discussed how scientists use evidence to make decisions. 🔍📊

Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed putting their scientific thinking to the test and learning how science can help solve everyday problems. We were very proud of the excellent teamwork and thoughtful discussions that took place during the lesson. 🌟👏

📸 Take a look at our photos to see our young scientists hard at work! 😊🧪💧

Today, Year 5 had the exciting opportunity to take part in a live online event hearing directly from NASA engineers Howard Hu and Branelle Rodriguez. This linked perfectly with our current learning in science, where we have been exploring the Solar System, the planets, and the evidence that helps us know the Earth is round.

The session also connected with our guided reading lessons. Recently, the children studied an interview with British astronaut Tim Peake, and they have been learning about the crew who will take part in the Artemis missions. During the event, the children learned more about the Orion spacecraft and the Artemis II mission, gaining an insight into the work of the engineers and teams who make human space exploration possible.

The event inspired curiosity, deepened the children's understanding of space travel, and helped them make meaningful links between their science and reading learning.

Year 4 Science: Investigating the Properties of Liquids

This week in Science, Year 4 pupils explored the fascinating properties of liquids through a series of practical investigations.

To begin, we created a lava lamp using oil and water. Pupils observed that the two liquids did not mix and discussed why different liquids behave in different ways. The colourful experiment sparked lots of curiosity and scientific discussion!

The children then investigated viscosity, which is a measure of how easily a liquid flows. They compared water, shampoo, washing-up liquid, and vegetable oil, making predictions before testing and observing each liquid carefully. Pupils discovered that some liquids flow much more slowly than others because they have a higher viscosity.

To deepen their understanding, pupils also explored how the particles in liquids might be arranged. They discussed how particles in more viscous liquids may have stronger attractions between them, making it harder for the liquid to flow freely.

Throughout the lesson, pupils worked scientifically by predicting, observing, recording results, and drawing conclusions from their investigations. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they developed their understanding of the amazing properties of everyday liquids.

Today, Year 1 had a wonderful visit from Fisher's Family Farm. We were very excited to meet lots of different animals and learn more about them.

The children enjoyed petting some of the animals, including goats, donkeys and rabbits. It was a fantastic hands-on experience, and everyone loved getting up close to the friendly animals. We also enjoyed looking at all the other animals and finding out interesting facts about them.

The visit was a fun and memorable experience for Year 1, and we would like to say a big thank you to Fisher's Family Farm for bringing their animals to our school. We had a wonderful day! 🐐🐴🐇

Year 4: A Visit from the Mobile Farm

Year 4 were delighted to welcome Mobile Farm to school on a sunny Wednesday morning. The children had a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of farm animals up close.

During the visit, pupils met goats, sheep, a donkey, a dog, and a pig, along with several other friendly animals. The children listened carefully to interesting facts about the animals, including how they are cared for and the important role they play on a farm. Many pupils enjoyed asking questions and sharing their own knowledge and experiences.

The visit provided a fantastic hands-on learning experience, allowing pupils to observe the animals closely and appreciate the different characteristics of each one. It was lovely to see the excitement on their faces as they interacted with the animals in the sunshine.

The morning was both educational and memorable, and Year 4 demonstrated excellent behaviour, curiosity, and respect throughout the visit. A big thank you to Mobile Farm for bringing the farm to us and giving the children such a special experience!

This half term, Year 1 have been busy growing sunflower seeds and learning all about how plants grow. We carefully planted our seeds and observed them closely each week.

We were very excited to see the first roots begin to grow. Soon after, tiny green shoots appeared above the soil. We learned that plants need water, light, and warmth to help them grow strong and healthy.

As our sunflowers changed, we recorded our observations in a plant diary. We drew pictures and wrote about the changes we noticed, helping us to track the progress of our plants over time.

We also sequenced the stages of plant growth, learning how a seed develops into a young plant. This helped us understand the life cycle of a sunflower and the important stages it goes through as it grows.

Year 1 have thoroughly enjoyed being young gardeners and scientists, and we are proud of how well our sunflowers have grown! 🌻

Year 4 Science: Creating and Testing Switches

This week in Year 4 Science, pupils have been developing their practical skills by exploring how to create and use switches in simple electrical circuits. Using a range of everyday materials such as card, aluminium foil, paper fasteners, and paper clips, the children designed and built their own switches to control a circuit and light a bulb.

Pupils were encouraged to experiment with different types of switches, including those that push, slide, and turn. They then tested each design within a simple series circuit to see whether it successfully completed the circuit and allowed electricity to flow.

As they worked, pupils thought carefully about which designs were most effective and discussed why some switches worked better than others. This helped them develop their understanding of how circuits function and the importance of choosing the right materials.

The lesson promoted creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, with pupils showing great curiosity and perseverance. It was fantastic to see them thinking like scientists—designing, testing, and improving their ideas to create working electrical switches!

During our Year 3 science lesson, we became young botanists and carefully dissected plants to explore their parts. We learned that petals attract insects with their colours and scents, while sepals protect the bud before it opens. Inside, we found the stamen, which makes pollen, and the stigma, which catches it during pollination. We also discovered the ovary, where seeds begin to grow. It was fascinating to see how each part has an important job. We enjoyed working like scientists and sharing what we found. The lesson helped us understand how plants grow and reproduce in nature.

🔬 Year 6 Science at Aspire: Investigating Separating Solutions! 🧪

This week, Year 6 had an exciting opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom by visiting the Aspire science labs 🏫. The session focused on separating mixtures, and the children worked like real scientists as they followed a carefully structured experiment.

🧂 Step 1: Making a Solution

We began by creating a salt solution, mixing four spatulas of rock salt with 20 ml of water using a measuring cylinder. The pupils then used a glass rod 🥄 to stir the mixture until the salt dissolved as much as possible.

🧃 Step 2: Filtration

Next, we explored filtration by pouring the mixture through a funnel and filter paper 🔽 into an evaporating basin. This helped remove any undissolved particles, leaving us with a clearer solution.

🔥 Step 3: Heating and Evaporation

Now for the most exciting part! The evaporating basin was placed on top of a beaker of water, which sat on gauze over a Bunsen burner 🔥. Using a blue flame, the children carefully heated the solution until almost all the liquid had evaporated.

We learned the importance of careful observation 👀—if the mixture started to split, we knew to remove the Bunsen burner and turn it off immediately for safety.

🧠 What We Learned

By the end of the session, pupils could clearly see how water can evaporate, leaving the salt behind, demonstrating how substances can be separated and recovered from a solution.

⭐ A Brilliant Experience

Throughout the lesson, Year 6 showed fantastic teamwork 🤝, responsibility ✅ and scientific curiosity 🔍. It was amazing to see them working in a real lab environment and applying their classroom learning in such a practical way.

Well done to our fantastic young scientists! 👏🧪