Another Busy Week in October!

A swinging pendulum looks simple, but it can start a surprisingly rich science conversation. This week, our P5 students explored what affects the time for one full swing, enjoyed an English Group lunch together with P4 and P6, and began a new SAP topic in Global Studies on inventions, innovation and technology.

Pendulum learning helped students think like scientists

In science, students investigated pendulums and the time it takes for one complete swing. This time is often called the period. A full swing means the pendulum travels from one side to the other and back again.

Students discussed and tested different factors, including:

• Length of the string A longer pendulum usually takes more time to complete one full swing.

  
  

• Mass of the weight Changing the weight does not usually make a big difference to the time, if the length stays the same.

  
  

• Size of the starting angle (Amplitude) For small swings, the time stays quite steady. Very large swings can change the movement more noticeably.

  
  

The activity encouraged students to make predictions, observe closely and compare results. It also showed that good science is not just about getting the “right” answer. It is about asking clear questions and testing one change at a time.

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English Group lunch brought P4, P5 and P6 together

Our mixed English groups from P4, P5 and P6 also stayed in their English group classrooms for a special lunch. The lunch gave students time to relax, chat and build confidence using English in a friendly setting.

Sharing food and conversation in a familiar classroom helped students practise everyday language naturally. They talked with classmates from different year levels, listened to one another and enjoyed being part of a wider learning group.

These moments matter. Language grows through real use, and a lunch conversation can be just as valuable as a classroom task.

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Global Studies began a new SAP topic

Students also started their new Student Action Project, or SAP, in Global Studies. The new topic is Inventions, Innovation and Technology.

This connects well with the pendulum investigation. Inventions often begin with close observation. Someone notices a problem, asks a question and tries a new idea. Technology then develops as people test, improve and adapt those ideas.

Students will explore how inventions have changed daily life and how technology can help people solve problems. The topic encourages curiosity, creativity and responsible thinking. It also invites students to ask thoughtful questions, such as:

• What problem does this invention solve?

• Who benefits from this technology?

• How has this idea changed over time?

• What could be improved next?

  
  

A week of connected learning

This week showed how different parts of learning can connect. Pendulums helped students practise scientific thinking. English Group lunch supported communication and friendship across P4, P5 and P6. The new SAP topic opened the door to big ideas about inventions, innovation and technology.

The shared thread was curiosity. Whether students were timing a swing, chatting over lunch or thinking about future inventions, they were learning to observe, communicate and imagine what might come next.