Ridgefield Primary School

Some children in key stage two were lucky enough to visit the Department of Computer Science at the University of Cambridge yesterday afternoon. We knew it would be interesting but we weren’t prepared to be blown away!
First the students met Ian who showed them his remote controlled helicopter. He said he was researching how stressed people get when having to perform difficult tasks with the helicopter controls. Want to know how he measures their stress? He measures their sweat! He hopes that one day cars and aeroplanes will be able to help humans in stressful situations. Two children even got the chance to control the helicopter but thankfully nobody crashed it!
Then the children got the chance to meet Andra Adams and her robot, Charles (well just his head). The children found out how useful it would be if robots could be social and she’s trying to work out how to makes Charled copy our own funny faces. Andra gave some children the chance to control Charles. They had to sit in front of a camera and it read 66 points on their face. When it was done, they got to smile and frown and Charles did the same!
We were all very impressed. Thank you to both Computer Scientists, we had a great afternoon.

Charlotte Houldcroft visited a curious year-six class to tell them all about microbiology. Bringing with her cuddly examples of microbes (four thousand times bigger than the real thing), she showed the class the difference between bacteria, virus’s and micro-organisms.

Teaching them interesting facts about these microscopic creatures, Miss Houldcroft invited three children from the class to explore objects she used in the lab. During her talk she explained about the bodies’ white blood cells, which are the ones that protect us from catching viruses that make us sick, as well as the oxygen carrying ones.Charlottealso taught the class about different types of viruses, additionally she also taught how to catch them too.

After Miss Houldcroft answered the classes’ questions, year six now feel that they know a lot more about this subject.

Written by Amanda

Today, Ridgefield got the amazing chance to be visited by the Mayor himself. The day started when the Mayor visited Class 6, so that the children could ask him questions about his job. One of these questions was “What is the best thing about your job?”. The Mayor answered, “Just before Christmas, I got the opportunity to visit King’s College to take part in the nine lessons and carols. This event is heard by millions of people around the world every year on Christmas Eve.”

After a wide variety of intriguing questions, the children displayed their artwork during ‘We are Ridgefield Week’. These included leaves that were hand-made by the pupils themselves. On each leaf, the pupil drew a detailed picture of what they aspire to be when they are older. The mayor enjoyed this a lot. Next, the Mayor was led into the school hall where Ks1 had a carousel, involving a range of fun activities.

Then, the Mayor, the Head teacher, the school governors, some staff, the Head boy and Head girl, and the older school council representatives had some tea and cakes in the library. This rounded off a great morning with the Mayor of Cambridge, a morning I am sure the whole school will remember.

Written by Andrew

Biochemistry is the study of 22 Year-old Glenn Masson; let’s find out what it’s all about. First the brilliant biochemist asks,” What are alive things made of?” Of which the reply is, “All life is made of matter and all matter is made of atoms.” The budding biochemist then goes on to say ” How you can tell if something is alive or dead is by these 7 elements: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion and finally Nutrition.” When asked ” Why did you want to become a biochemist?” Glenn replied ” I wanted to discover the secrets of life!” We say thank you for a great presentation and Goodbye.

Today, Jeremy Solly arrived at the school to teach Class 3 all about extinct plants. Mr Solly started the session by letting the children get a hands-on chance to feel what real fossils are like. This was followed by many interesting questions from an eager Year 3. Mr Solly explained that extinct plants weren’t alive just a few days ago, some plants have been extinct for at least 460 million years!
He also let the class have a look at moss, that had been growing in jelly! Not the one that you can eat, of course!

After a beautiful display of stunning fossils, Mr Solly showed the class his own personal lab coat, and also let two fortunate children to try it on and pretend to be him. This exciting and creative lesson, taught by Mr Solly, should have given Class 3 a great insight into the world of extinct plants.

Written by Andrew

Today Kate visited class 1N about Archaeology. Kate has been talking to them about her job as an archaeologist and how she works everyday. She digs up large holes to find broken pots, old pans and mud to explore how life was in the past.

Kate then showed an artists impression on whatLife was like six thousand years ago. On the tables, there were a variety of objects: pottery, different types of metal, coins etc. She asked the children to put the materials into groups, which was completely up to them.

The children learnt a lot about Archaeology and how life was like in the past. Overall class 1N enjoyed looking at history and are very interested in exploring the nature of Archaeology!

Written by Jesal and Layan

Andra Adams popped into Year 2 to display her vast knowledge and experience about social robots. She explained to the class in precise detail about living machines. Ms Adams let the children give her examples of a variety of robots. Afterwards, she gave her detailed explanation of robots.

Ms Adams then answered dozens of extremely enthusiastic questions asked by the children. She then showed the children her robot that she created herself. The children were astounded by this.
After Ms Adams’ technological presentation, the children hopefully have been inspired to stretch their minds, as they know they can be brilliant.

Written by Jesal