Baking, Books and Jingle Bells!

This half-term has been bubbling with excitement (literally!) as we explored the science of baking. In our Bake It! IPC unit, students became scientists, investigating how materials can combine, separate, and transform. The highlight of our learning was an investigation into yeast as a living organism. Pupils experimented with variables like water temperature and sugar amounts to determine what produced the most carbon dioxide gas. From balloons stretched over cylinders to measuring frothy mixtures, students worked creatively to capture and measure their findings.

In Design and Technology, we took our experiments to the kitchen by mastering the basics of bread making. First, we all followed a white loaf recipe, learning the foundations of the baking process and creating step-by-step presentations to share our knowledge. Once we had the basics down, we split into groups to explore just how different breads can be. From the pão de queijo, which uses gluten-free cassava flour, to Irish soda bread, which doesn't require yeast, and focaccia, which allowed us to get creative with toppings and textures, pupils experienced how ingredients and techniques shape the final product. It was a hands-on, delicious experience that introduced us to new flavours, cultures, and baking styles—and a little flour-covered fun along the way!

Meanwhile, in Literacy, we took inspiration from The Book of Hopes to create our own collection of poems and stories. The class mission? To fill a book “bursting with bright, exciting adventures that make you wonder, gasp, and imagine.” Each pupil explored the power of words to express emotions in creative and unique ways. Using vivid metaphors, they turned feelings like hope, stress, and happiness into beautiful imagery. We’re so proud to share our stanzas with you—we hope they make you pause, smile, and reflect.

This term also saw our Winter Show take the stage, where Upper Primary performed a short version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Complete with a hand-painted backdrop of Whoville and a cozy fireplace for Cindy Lou Who to tiptoe down to in the middle of the night, the performance was full of festive cheer and creativity. The students brought the story to life with energy and enthusiasm—a real highlight of the season!

To round off the term, we launched the 2nd annual Jingle Olympics – a series of festive challenges that tested patience, teamwork, and communication skills. From constructing candy cane ziplines to mastering tearing up Christmas trees, the class embraced the holiday spirit with enthusiasm and plenty of laughs!

We also enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of ice skating at the Kristallijn Ijsbaan in Ghent. Joined by Middle Primary and ISG+, students glided (and sometimes stumbled) around the rink, showing off their skills. It was fantastic to see how much progress some pupils had made since last year—though riding a plastic banana boat was still a popular highlight!

Finally, we said a fond farewell to our intern, Ms. Laura, who is returning to Spain this month. We are so grateful for all her hard work and the kindness she brought to our class.

Wishing all our families a safe, happy, and restful holiday. We look forward to seeing you back on Monday, 6th January for more adventures in learning!