Thinking Like Scientists

6th January 2026Laura Parsons

This week, we discovered that for one of our case studies we are going to be scientists — and we wasted no time getting started!

Yesterday, the children took part in a materials carousel, exploring a range of different materials. We focused on developing scientific vocabulary and identifying key properties such as hard, flexible, waterproof and smooth. The children handled each material carefully, talked about what they noticed and began to explain why different materials are suitable for different purposes.

Today, we applied that learning in a more practical way. Working together, the children explored a variety of different games, thinking carefully about what materials they were made from and why those materials had been chosen. There was lots of thoughtful discussion as children justified their ideas using the scientific vocabulary they had been learning.

Class Five don’t know it yet, but all of this research is going to play a really important role in our next expedition — and in shaping our final product. An exciting start to our scientific journey!

Character Traits Top Trumps

6th January 2026Laura Parsons

This week, our class have been busy designing and creating their very own Character Traits Top Trumps cards – and they’ve been a huge hit!

The children began by revisiting the character traits that are important to us as a class, such as kindness, courage, integrity and compassion. We talked about what these traits really mean, what they look like in action, and why they matter both in school and beyond.

Each child then chose traits to feature on their cards, carefully thinking about how strong each one was and justifying their choices. This sparked lots of brilliant discussion, reflection and respectful debate, as children explained why one trait might score higher than another and shared examples from real life.

Once complete, the children enjoyed playing their games together, practising turn-taking, fair play and clear communication – all while celebrating positive character traits. It was lovely to see how proud they were of their creations and how confidently they could talk about the values behind them.

As part of hook week, the cards also included a subtle clue about what our next expedition might be — and the children are already full of theories!

A fantastic mix of creativity, thinking and character development – well done, everyone!

What is our world made of?

5th January 2026Laura Parsons

Today, our Year 2 children launched their new expedition, with an exciting, hands-on science afternoon.

We began with a story called The Little House Made of Everything, which helped children think about the different materials used in buildings and everyday objects. As we explored the house together, children discussed why walls are made from brick, why windows are made from glass, and what might happen if a house was made from just one material.

The children then took part in a Feel and Describe activity, where they explored a range of everyday materials including wood, plastic, metal, glass, rock and card. Using their sense of touch, they described how each material felt, using words such as hard, soft, smooth and rough.

Another activity challenged children to find out whether materials could change shape. They tested materials by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching them, and talked about which materials changed easily and which stayed the same.

One of the highlights was our Build a Job challenge. Children looked at real-life photos of houses, bridges, chairs and windows and decided which material would be best for each job. They shared their ideas confidently, explaining their choices using scientific language and clear reasoning.

To finish the afternoon, children explored their own classroom, identifying objects and naming the materials they were made from. This helped them connect their science learning to the place where they belong every day.

It was a fantastic start to our expedition — full of curiosity, thoughtful talk and hands-on learning. We’re excited to keep building on this as we continue to explore our community and the world around us.

St John’s Ambulance Visit Key Stage One

14th November 2025Claire Goodyer

Today, the children in Key Stage 1 enjoyed a very special visit from St John’s Ambulance. Julie and Deborah from the team came in to talk about the amazing work they do in our community – helping people stay safe, teaching first aid, and supporting those in need.

The highlight of the session was learning about their much-loved mascot, Bertie Badger! The children were interested to hear how Bertie helps teach young “Mini Badgers,” some as young as five years old, the basics of first aid. Through stories, activities, and fun demonstrations, the children discover how even little helpers can make a big difference.

To thank them for their visit and all they do for others, we presented Julie and Deborah with one of our special Community Champion awards recognising the respect, compassion and courage they show every day.

More Real-Life Heroes Visit Our School

10th November 2025Laura Parsons

This week, we were lucky enough to meet Keith and Dave from the Victoria Cross Trust. They spoke to us all about the incredible work they do to support veterans and restore the graves of those who served our country.

We learned why Remembrance Day is so important, and Keith and Dave shared stories about local heroes from Doncaster who were awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest military honour for bravery. We even got to see a real Victoria Cross medal, which was a very special moment for everyone!

Dave also told us fascinating stories from his own time in the army, helping us to understand the courage, teamwork and sacrifice shown by so many.

We were all left feeling inspired to remember and honour those who have served — and we can’t wait to share some of our own Remembrance projects over the next few days.

To thank them for their visit and all they do for others, we were proud to present Keith and Dave with one of our special Community Champion awards. It was hard to choose which character traits they showed because, quite simply, they are wonderful examples of them all — courage, kindness, determination and respect.

Thank you, Keith and Dave, for reminding us what it truly means to be a hero. ❤️

Expert Visitor – Ed Miliband

17th October 2025Laura Parsons

This week we were very lucky to welcome a special expert visitor — Ed Miliband! Ed came to talk to us about his job as a Member of Parliament and to share his passion for helping people and protecting our planet.

He explained what it’s like to work in government and how he represents people in our local community. The children had the chance to ask him lots of brilliant questions, from “What made you want to be an MP?” to “How can we help stop climate change?”

Ed spoke about the importance of looking after our world and gave us some simple but powerful ideas about what we can all do to make a difference — like walking or cycling instead of driving, recycling properly, and reminding our families to save energy at home.

We were proud to present Ed Miliband with our Community Champion Award for showing compassion towards people and the environment. His visit reminded us that everyone, no matter how young or old, can make a positive change in their community and in the wider world.

Expert Visitors: Community Heroes in Doncaster

7th October 2025Laura Parsons

This morning, we were very lucky to welcome more expert visitors to help us answer our guiding question:
“Not all heroes wear capes – How can I be a hero where I live?”

We were honoured to be joined by Ros Jones, the elected Mayor of Doncaster, Jackie Dudley, the Deputy Civic Mayor, and David Milnes, who is the Mace Bearer and official chauffeur to the Civic Mayor.

Our visitors spoke to us about their important roles in Doncaster and the ways they work to make a positive difference in our community. We learned all about the Mansion House — one of only a few remaining in the country — and discovered how special it is to have one right here in Doncaster!

Ros shared her CBE medal, which was incredible to see up close, and David gave us the chance to look at the official Mace, which was fascinating to learn about.

They also spoke about what inspires them in their roles and how proud they are to serve the people of Doncaster.

To say thank you for their time and the compassion they show every day towards our community, we were very proud to present them with one of our Community Champion Awards.

What an inspiring morning learning from real-life heroes who make Doncaster a better place to live!

KS1 Presentation of Learning Invitation

2nd October 2025Laura Parsons

This term, our Year 1 and Year 2 children are going on an incredible learning journey through our Autumn expedition, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, guided by the big question: How can I be a superhero where I live?

From creating their own superheroes inspired by Supertato, to marching for justice after studying Let the Children March, to meeting real-life heroes from our community, the children will explore what it truly means to show courage, compassion, and kindness.

We would love to invite you to join us for our Presentation of Learning:

  • Tuesday 2nd December
  • 3:00pm – 5:00pm
  • School Hall

You don’t need to stay for the whole time — please feel free to drop in at a time that’s convenient for you between 3:00pm and 5:00pm.

This special event will take the form of a museum-style gallery walk, where you’ll be able to see:
– The children’s artwork and writing
– Photographs and memories from expert visitors
– Pop-art placards from our peaceful march
– Reflections, pledges, and our very own expedition book
– Introduce some of the real-life heroes they have met, who will be joining us to help demonstrate their skills

It’s really important that the children come along too, as they will be your tour guides — explaining their learning, sharing their work, and showing off everything they have achieved.

Friends of Norton Campus Association will also be supporting us by selling refreshments during the event — so you can enjoy a drink and a treat as you explore the children’s fantastic work.

This is a celebration of your children’s hard work, character, and creativity — and a chance to see how they have discovered that not all heroes wear capes… sometimes they live right here in our community.

We can’t wait to share this with you!

Key Stage One Crew

A Visit from Stuart – Learning About Helping Homeless People

2nd October 2025Laura Parsons

This morning we had a very special visitor in school. Stuart came from an organisation called Starting Point. He spoke to us about his important job supporting homeless people across Doncaster.

Stuart told us that his role is to make sure people who don’t have a safe home can get the help they need. He explained that this could mean finding them a safe place to stay, helping them get food, clothing, and health care, and supporting them to make positive changes in their lives.

We asked him lots of thoughtful questions, such as:

  • What is your favourite thing about your job?
  • What can we do to help?
  • How do you get donations to help people?
  • Where do you take people to be safe?
  • How many people have you helped?
  • How many homeless people are there in Doncaster?
  • What are you most proud of?
  • What inspired you to help homeless people?
  • How can you help people stay clean and healthy?
  • Do people volunteer to help homeless people?

Stuart said that one of the best parts of his job is seeing people smile again when they feel safe and supported. He told us that anyone can help by being kind, donating food or clothing, or even just raising awareness about homelessness.

We learned that there are many people involved with the work Stuart does. Together, they make a huge difference to people who might be going through very difficult times.

At the end of Stuart’s visit, we were proud to present him with one of our special Community Champion Awards. The children thought carefully about the character traits Stuart shows every day in his work. We agreed that he demonstrates compassion, respect, and integrity in all he does.

Meeting Stuart made us think about how important it is to help others in our community. We left the session inspired and ready to play our part in making Doncaster a kinder place for everyone.