Across the primary school, our students recently took part in activities celebrating International Women’s Day, learning about inspiring women whose achievements have helped shape our world. From space exploration to fossil discoveries and record-breaking sailing, pupils explored the stories of remarkable women through a range of creative and academic activities.
 

• In Year 5, students linked their learning to both Science and English. As part of their space topic, they discovered the achievements of astronauts Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, and Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel into space. Pupils watched videos and listened carefully to presentations about the astronauts’ journeys, practising their note-taking skills as they gathered key information. These notes will support their upcoming feature article writing in English. To finish the lesson, students began creating detailed pencil portraits of the two pioneers. The portraits are currently a work in progress and will be completed later this week - we are excited to see the finished results!

• Year 4 pupils explored the life of famous fossil hunter Mary Anning, linking their learning to their class text The Fossil Hunter. Students discovered how Mary’s discoveries helped scientists better understand prehistoric life. In English, they created fact files about Mary Anning, sharing key information about her life and achievements. Their learning also extended into art, where they produced beautiful ammonite watercolour paintings.

• Meanwhile, Year 2 students learned about modern explorer Ellen MacArthur and her incredible sailing achievements. After hearing about her story, pupils practised their own note-taking skills to record interesting facts about her life and adventures. Kira was especially inspired and when asked about MacArthur, Kira said, “She was an adventurer and very brave. Even at four years old she would go on adventures with her family and when she was grown up she went to explore by herself”. 

International Women’s Day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the determination, curiosity and courage shown by women throughout history. Through their research, writing and artwork, pupils across the primary school have celebrated the achievements of these inspiring figures while developing their own skills and creativity.

We are proud to share some examples of the fantastic work produced by our students.

Claire Garcia
Primary Teacher & Head of Key Stage 2