By building 3D models of aspects of our theoretical lessons, Year 7 pupils have been learning how to approach projects in bite-sized pieces whilst understanding the rewards of patience, perseverance, and ongoing commitment to achieve their goals.
These learning activities have provided some much needed time away from the screen during the pandemic and allowed for other areas of the curriculum to be explored such as art, design and technology.
Science – cell 3D models
Pupils have been busy learning about cells and cell structures in science last half term. Cells are the basic building blocks of all animals and plants. Cells can vary greatly in size. You need a microscope to see most human cells. Their challenge was to recreate a cell by building a 3D model, where we would be able to see all of the important details. Pupils could choose any cell that they had learnt about in lessons; animal, plant, specialised or unicellular. They needed to make careful choices to show clearly the important components: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane and mitochondria.
We have seen some fantastic models using household items, Lego and even food!
Humanities – castles
As part of our Middle Ages module, Year 7 have had to step into the shoes of medieval architects. They have been challenged to design and build the perfect castle using recycled household materials. The first decision our expert builders have had to make has been whether to create a ‘motte and bailey’, ‘stone keep’ or ‘concentric’ castle. At every step of the design process they have been faced with hard decisions as they choose which features will give them the best protection from enemy siege weapons like the terrifying trebuchet or the murderous mangonel.
This task has seen a huge variety of castles being built as pupils from Year 7 have applied everything that they have learnt about castle evolution. Each pupil will present their finished model to the class to talk through the strengths and weaknesses of their design and to justify the decisions that they have made, from choosing round towers over square ones to adding drawbridges, crenellations and murder holes.
Maths – 3D shapes
Year 7 have been expanding their knowledge of shapes this week. Pupils have needed to think carefully about the properties of each shape including how many faces, edges and vertices each shape has. Pupils have predicted which net can be used to make a shape. Next they have constructed a number of different 3D shapes using a range of nets. Pupils continue to develop their problem-solving skills in this area of mathematics.
A huge well done to our Year 7 students for demonstrating excellence across the curriculum.