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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

“Penpol pupils are curious, creative and courageous learners. Our school community believes in authenticity as the foundation of deep-rooted learning. Through our rich and relevant curriculum, we nurture community-minded, forward-facing international citizens of the future.”
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Frozen Frenzy: The Great Dinosaur Ice Break!

Class 4 had a smashing time today in our science lesson! First, the children eagerly revealed what was hidden inside the balloons. Many enthusiastic helpers volunteered to remove the balloons from the freezing ice.

We began by using our skills to record predictions. Carefully, we worked as a team to set up three controlled methods to figure out which would be the best way to free the dinosaurs from the ice quickly. Each method was timed to find out the results.

Then came the frenzy of smashing the capsules over and over again to free the dinosaurs (don’t worry, no dinosaurs were harmed in the process! 😊).

After all the fun, it was time to record our results. In third place, after 19 minutes and 42 seconds, we decided the ice egg near the heater was no longer in the running. The hot water method impressed us with a time of 9 minutes and 21 seconds, with one child noting, “…the water is now cold because the ice has melted, making it go from hot water to cold water.” But, in first place, with a super speedy time of 1 minute and 56 seconds, was the smashing, crashing, and bashing of the ice capsules!

What a frosty, fun-filled lesson it was!

AI in the Classroom

As Class 7 continues to learn about Cornish Mining,  this week we added a special twist! We used “School AI” to help us explore this fascinating topic in a way that was just right for each child.

 

With AI, we could ask our own questions and get tailored answers to help us understand what life was like for miners. Some chidlren wanted to discover what kinds of food miners ate, while others wanted to find out about their family life. Some even explored how mining helped the economy and why it was so important for Cornwall. It was amazing to see how AI could guide us to learn in a way that suited us best!

 

We also had an important discussion about using ai safely. We learned that AI is a great tool for learning, but we should always check information, think critically, and ask a teacher if we’re unsure.

 

A Special Visit from Clint at Geevor Mine!

Year 3 had an unforgettable experience this week when Clint from Geevor Mine came to visit us! He brought history to life with his fascinating stories about what it was like to be a miner in Cornwall, both in the 19th century and in the 1990s. The children were amazed to learn how mining has changed over the years and just how tough the job was!


One of the highlights of the visit was the chance to dress up in traditional mining clothing. The children had so much fun trying on the outfits and imagining what it must have been like to work deep underground. They also had the opportunity to feel the weight of real mining equipment—everyone was shocked at how heavy it was! It really helped us appreciate the hard work and strength needed to be a miner.

There were gasps of amazement when Clint told us that, in the past, children as young as three used to go down into the mines! It was difficult to believe, but it helped us understand just how different life was for children in those times.


We are now even more excited for our upcoming visit to Geevor Mine next week! We can’t wait to explore the site in person and see firsthand the places and equipment Clint told us about. Stay tuned for more updates after our trip!

Fantastic Fluency!

Maths isn’t just about numbers – it’s about discovering patterns, solving problems, and most importantly, having fun! That’s exactly what Class 13 has been exploring by diving into the world of maths fluency games! Fluency is an integral part of our maths curriculum here at Penpol and we’ve been shaking it up in Year 6!

These games have been about more than just a break from traditional lessons; they’re a chance for the pupils to challenge themselves further, work together, and re-discover how fun maths can be! Our Year 6 pupils are proving that by thinking like a mathematician and utilising the power of games, they’re able to discover new ways to build their skills, tackle challenges, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

How You Can Join the Fun at Home

Simple activities like times table challenges, card games, or even apps like Times Tables Rock Stars and Numbots can help keep the momentum going!

 

Class 7 are embracing collaboration and creativity!

Class 7 is buzzing with excitement as we delve into activities that foster teamwork, encourage creativity, and make learning fun and interactive. Here are some highlights from our recent adventures:

Collaborating on Writing

This week, Year 3 focused on improving their writing skills through collaboration and peer reviews. The children worked in pairs to share their stories and ideas. Each writer had the opportunity to hear feedback from their peers, who highlighted the strengths of the work and suggested thoughtful improvements. It was wonderful to see how constructive feedback inspired the children to polish their writing. The teamwork and respect demonstrated during these sessions were truly commendable!

Maths Dice Race Game

Learning maths has never been so engaging! To strengthen their quick-thinking and number sense, Class 7 enjoyed a lively dice race game. In this activity, pairs  competed to solve problems by rolling dice and calculating sums in record time. Laughter and determination filled the room as the children cheered each other on, showcasing their competitive spirit while working together. Games like these are a fantastic way to turn learning into a playful experience.

What’s Next?

As we continue to embrace collaboration in all areas of learning, we are excited for what’s ahead. Whether through writing, problem-solving, or creating art, Class 7 is proving that teamwork and creativity go hand-in-hand. Stay tuned for more updates from our incredible young learners!