Year 3

We had a lively start with some Djembe drumming before learning an African dance. Shortly after, we were inspired by Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’. This led to much discussion and thought about the way we treat each other and about difference and resilience. We also pondered over what it must have been like to live during apartheid. Some excellent newspaper reports were then written documenting Mandela’s release after 27 years in prison. and presentations on creatures ranging from the pygmy hippo to the ground pangolin. We learnt some fascinating facts along the way and certainly sharpened our public-speaking skills. In addition, we had fun with alliteration in writing ‘Zealous Zoo’ poems.

Members of the Art Club made some beautiful silhouette paintings of an African sunset which brightened our classrooms, and in Drama lessons we worked hard as an ensemble to act out two traditional African tales. Characters included a talking snake, a prince who changed into an impala, an old witch and a jealous brother.

We also enjoyed using atlases and maps to consider the landscape and landmarks of South Africa, and we interpreted symbols to find out what the main industries are and what food is grown there. Did you know that on 24 September, South Africans celebrate National Heritage Day by having a ‘braai’, which is Afrikaans for barbecue? It was interesting when we learned of the life of two children in South Africa and looked for similarities and differences within our own lives. We looked at homes, schools, clothes and added our own interesting facts that we found out in our research. Many of us like barbecues too.

Finally, our main text this term has been ‘The Akimbo Adventures’ by Alexander McCall Smith. In following these exciting stories, we were saddened to learn of how elephants are poached for their ivory. This led on to further discussion and research and a whole class debate about whether

Did you know, on or not we 24 September, South should

Africans celebrate have zoos.

National Heritage Day? If you are curious to know all the pros and cons, just ask Year 3!