Science Week 

This week Brunel have been celebrating British Science week and we have enjoyed visiting Saltash library for a variety of workshops and lectures delivered by a series of guest speakers, based at various universities and other institutions.
We started on Monday when Reception, Y3 and some Y4 were invited to the library for a workshop based on 'Fun with Magnets'. Both workshops were led by Dr Vincebt Smith MBE from the School of Physics at the University of Bristol. As well as testing various materials to see if they were magnetic, the Y3/4 children explored different uses of magnetism and lokked at types of compass. Portwrinkle class were excited to finf out that magnets attract and repel each other. They made magnets dance on a table and discovered that UK coins can stick to a magnet but US coins do not. Finally, they explored all of the places in the library that can stick to a magnet. They are going to be exploring more about magnets in their classroom.
On Tuesday, the rest of Y4 went to a talk on the effects of Climate Change on UK Wildlife by Dr James Buckley, an ecologist from the University of Plymouth. The children were fascinated to hear all about how various animals adapt (or not) to temperature rises and how we might all help our native animals to flourish. The children were so full of questions that they had to be dragged away when their time was up.
This was followed by Y6 on Thursday with a talk on 'It's a Small World - The Wonders of Nanotechnology' by Dr Richard Handy (School of Biological and Marine Sciences - Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Plymouth). This presentation explored the idea of new teechnology and its application in biology, medicine, engineering, electronics etc. It invited the children to think about where new technology might lead, in this case to cybernetics, with nanotech merging with synthetic biology. For example, helping with creating new limbs, colour changing cars, self-repairing buildings, self-cleaning teeth and the ethics involved. Quite a mind-boggling afternoon all-in-all!
Friday's sessions with Y5 were workshop based on bridge building and 'Bridging the Tamar' with Mark Tebbs from Tamar Crossing. It was a really fun session with the children being very attentive and showing great interest.
Finally, our amazing Science week ended with a talk about careers in engineering and ' How Engineering Can Change the World'. This was presented by Trevor Gill specially for our school. Trevor discussed how engineering influences our medicine, sports, clothig, buildings, cars, food, water and so on. This was a fitting end for a school named after our one of the greatest and definitely our favourite engineer - Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Tuesday 8th February was Safer Internet Day and across the school children have been taking part in lessons aimed at keeping them safe online. Many children access the internet at home and below are some Top Tips for parents from the UK Safer Internet Centre.
Have conversations without judgement.
Whether by playing games, watching videos, or doing things your child enjoys, spending time together online is a great way to start conversations about the online world and how they’re finding being a part of it.It is important to ask questions and take an interest in what your child enjoys online.An essential part of having this open dialogue is to not judge, even if their behaviour or life online isn’t what you wanted or expected. This ensures that your child feels they can come to you if ever they make a mistake or experience a problem online.
Knowing where you can learn more about their favourite apps and games.
Websites like Common Sense Media or The Family Gaming Database can be invaluable sources of information. When your child starts talking about a new game or app, why not do some research into the reporting and blocking options available? Then you can help your child if they come to you with an issue.
Getting support if things go wrong.There are lots of organisations who are there to support you and your family if something has gone wrong. The Report Harmful Content website can help you with issues such as cyberbullying, impersonation and threats. You can report worrying behaviour towards children to CEOP. Find out more on Childnet’s Get Help page.
Reassuring your child that whatever happens online, you are there to support them.Let your child know that the best way to address any problem they have online, is to tell a trusted adult immediately. For example, this might include someone sending them a friend request; an online message; telling them to visit a specific website, or app; or asking them for their personal information. Reassure them that if anything happens online that they are unsure about, or makes them feel worried or upset, they can come to you for help.

Further information is available under the Keeping Safe tab - online safety.

On Monday 14th February the Brunel Friends Association are holding a Valentine ‘Love Yourself’ day. Children are invited to pay £1 to wear clothing that makes them happy. I look forward to seeing their choices!

Below are this week’s Achievers. Congratulations to all those chosen.

At Brunel we uphold and teach children about British Values which are defined as

Viking Invasion

The Vikings have invaded Brunel!  Please visit Looe, Finnygook, Pendower and Seaton class blogs to see more photos and find out all about the different learning that took place. Thank you to parents and carers for being so inventive with the children's costumes, they certainly looked imposing as they moved around the school.

Please see below for our most recent Achievers. Congratulations and well done to all who were chosen.

Portwrinkle Class enjoyed using their hands to print these beautiful blue Brunel angels.

The Brunel Christmas tree is on display in St Nicholas and St Faiths church alongside many other brightly decorated trees representing different groups from across the Saltash community. We are always impressed with the huge variety of decorations and how beautifully the trees fill the church.

The Christmas Tree festival runs from Saturday 27th November until Friday 10th December.

School Council

The members of Brunel's School Council have been busy already this term.

Last week, the LKS2 councillors, on behalf of the rest of the school, took a trip to the post box in order to post an array of fantastic persuasive letters written in support of keeping Saltash leisure centre open. We all hope that the letters will be read as part of the consultation process and that those making the decisions are made aware of the huge impact the closure would have on the local users and how detrimental it would be to Brunel school and the wider Saltash community. 

Children in Need is always our first fundraiser of the year and it's the job of the school council to decide how to raise money. This time they have chosen to 'Get Your Strictly On' with a Sparkly/Smart or Scruffy mufti day. We look forward to being dazzled on Friday 19th November!

Ancient Egyptian Treasures

This afternoon, I was very honoured to be invited to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Year3/4 Ancient Egyptian pop-up museum. 

All the exhibits were designed and produced by the children as part of a homework task  and we have been very impressed by the quality and variety of the work presented.

On display are such treasures as Tutankhamun's death masks, sets of canopic jars, replica pyramids, a life size sarcophagus and many more beautiful artifacts and buildings constructed  from all kinds of materials.  

Please visit the class blogs for further information and photos.

Please see below our Brunel Achievers since the beginning of term . Well done to everyone chosen; it certainly is something to be proud of and a reason for congratulations from the whole family.