Headteacher
Chris Coyle-Chislett
Email the Office
secretary@penpol.cornwall.sch.uk
Telephone Number
01736 753472
Our Address
2 St George’s Road, Hayle,
Cornwall, TR27 4AH
As part of their new topic, ‘Make the Change’, Class 5 and 6 had a visit from South West Water to learn about how water is filtered prior to use within the home.
All of the children had the opportunity to carry out an experiment, which enabled them to identify all of the stages that dirty water needs to go through to make it safe for them to drink. They also became aware of the importance of ensuring that only toilet tissue is flushed down the toilet and not to waste water, whilst cleaning their teeth or taking a shower.
This term, Year Four have been learning to combine sounds and rhythms in our music lessons. After composing a range of different rhythms, we used GarageBand to record the rhythms which were played using a variety of everyday objects around the classroom. Using some studio effects and post production techniques, we edited the rhythm sounds and added melodic instruments. After we had recorded a short snippet, we then used a loop tool to repeat the rhythms.
Each half-term, students from Classes 11 and 12 have written a letter or email to a penpal in France. The aim of the French penpal exchange, which has been running successfully for over two years, was for our students at Penpol to better understand the similarities, as well as differences, between school life in France and at Penpol. This opportunity also offers a platform for our students to use their French for a real purpose, being able to ask their French counterparts any questions they may have about life in France.
As Year 5 have recently been studying reflexive verbs to say what they do on a daily basis, the first series of questions sent to France were based on what time their French penpal got up, started school, finished school and how much homework they received. The responses from the French students provided plenty of discussion. Did you know that French students start school at 8.30am and don’t finish school until 4.30pm? However, though the school day is longer on most days, children in France only have a half day on Wednesday, followed by the afternoon off school to take part in extra-curricular activities.
As well as sending emails, which is first drafted in their books, then sent on to France, the children have also received and sent festive cards.
It’s great writing to someone from another country. It’s a fun way to practise French! Isabella, Class 11
Next up, Year 5 will be creating a guess who game centred on the topic of hobbies. Watch this space for more news about Penpol’s thriving Cornish- French email exchange!
