5B’s learning journey took them from the Northern Hemisphere-the United Kingdom- to the Southern Hemisphere- Antarctica.  Although a continent 50 times bigger than the United Kingdom, humans have never settled in Antarctica. However, this beautiful continent is in great danger due to the actions of humans. 

Our illustrations of these two places, captured the seasons, climate, wildlife, colours, mountains and urbanisation of the United Kingdom and the pack ice, icebergs, mountains and volcano, ‘aurora australis’ and vastness of the loneliest continent on the planet. 5B’s pictures provided the ‘view’ for their silk paintings and clay slabs as well as the collaborative 3D plasticine model scenes of both places.

A relief slab depicted what the United Kingdom meant for them. Some urbanisation did emerge through houses and buildings, road networks and pylons as well as pollution. Cross hatching, slip and intricate cutting of and moulding of the clay saw their designs transfer to the medium of clay. Once dry, the slabs were painted using acrylics.

Their beautiful silk paintings were made by:

• Selecting a view from their drawing and then enlarging
• Pinning silk onto a wooden frame and ensuring that the silk was taut
• Using gutta to create the outline of their scenes and to act as a barrier. This stopped the inks bleeding
• Painting with inks and adding texture with sea salt

Over the fortnight, we learnt that the Antarctic Circle was a risk. Climate change is happening with Global warming causing the ice to melt.  As a result, 5B’s dance choreographed by Miss Allison incorporated this sobering fact. Glaciers shrank and melted, forcing the wildlife to migrate to other locations in order to survive. Since Ernest Shackleton’s expeditions, so much has changed.

Together, we can make a difference. 5B’s posters share how we can take responsible steps in order to make sure that this wonderful and extremely important region has a chance of a future.  

Thank you to all the parents and interested adults who attended 5B’s celebration on Friday. Your responses captured the responsible steps we can make as a community. They included:

• Cycling or scootering instead of taking the car
• Putting on another layer instead of turning on the heating
• Switching off lights when not needed
• Eating less meat and dairy products
• Buying things that don’t have packaging
• Putting items on a free website for people to use, instead of taking to a skip
• Not keeping the water running when brushing teeth