Barry Island Primary

Croeso - The news this week

It has been a fantastic and action-packed Science Week across the school, with children taking part in a wide range of exciting and innovative lessons linked to the theme of curiosity. The week began with a whole-school assembly led by our special guest, Professor Whacky, who amazed the children with demonstrations showing the power of air. Her experiments sparked lots of questions and excitement, setting the tone for a week full of investigation and discovery.

In Nursery, children explored shadows, experimenting with light to create their own animal shadow shapes. They enjoyed observing how shadows change and using their imagination to bring their shadow animals to life.

Reception developed their scientific curiosity by testing different objects to see whether they would float or sink. The children made predictions before experimenting and discussing why some materials floated while others sank.

Year 1 learned about different types of clouds and why rain falls, even creating their very own “cloud in a jar.” They also investigated the enquiry question “How do boats float?” Children tested which materials would float before designing their own boats using tin foil. The challenge was to see how many coin passengers their boats could carry before sinking — a very exciting investigation!

In Year 2, pupils explored the fascinating question: “Can the length of a Greenland shark tell us how old it is?” They measured their own heights and compared them with their ages before applying this thinking to estimate the ages of sharks. This was a great opportunity to combine maths and science while learning about incredible ocean creatures.

Year 3 investigated natural and man-made objects before testing different materials for absorbency and waterproof properties. The children used their results to decide which material might make the best raincoat, thinking carefully about how materials behave in wet conditions.

Year 4 explored states of matter — solids, liquids, and gases. They investigated how solids can change into liquids, testing three different methods to see which worked the fastest. Melting chocolate in their hands was definitely a favourite activity! They also investigated sound, exploring whether sound travels better through solids or through air.

In Year 5, pupils took on the role of forensic scientists, using their critical thinking skills to analyse clues and evidence.

Meanwhile, Year 6 had a brilliant time becoming aerospace engineers. They applied their maths skills, including diameter and radius, to design rockets that successfully launched. They also investigated how drones fly in increasingly windy conditions and debated whether drone deliveries to Barry Island would be practical.

Alongside Science Week, Year 3 also enjoyed an exciting residential trip. Their adventures included visiting Cardiff Castle, taking a water taxi from Cardiff Bay to Bute Park, going bowling and completing a scavenger hunt around Cardiff Bay. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to build independence, teamwork and confidence while creating lasting memories with their friends.

What a brilliant week of curiosity, discovery and adventure!

Maths - times table initiative

Congratulations to Rory in Year 3, who was the first person in the school to complete his timetable recall card! 🎉👏

Credit Union

The Year 6 school accountants warmly welcomed many families last term, guiding them through the school saving process with confidence and enthusiasm. Their clear explanations and helpful attitude made a real difference, showing how important and rewarding managing money wisely can be.

If you would like to join the Young Savers with the Credit Union please pop along to the Cafe at 8.40 on a Friday morning to see what it's all about.

Upcoming Important Dates

• W/C 16.03.26 - Extra curricular clubs
• 20.03.26 - Year 3 Family Engagement Session - Getting on and Falling out

Science Week!

School drop off update

We have a new system in place: if your child arrives late, they must be signed in by a parent. They can no longer be dropped off on their own.

Skill of the Fortnight - Dosbarth Hywen

Dosbarth Onnen have been about clouds!

Welsh of the Fortnight

Our Criw Cymraeg group have been busy exploring how to ask and tell the time in Welsh. Please enjoy the video and try asking and telling the time at home.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Criw Cymraeg and Ms Evans

Healthy snacks

Team A4H have been considering what a healthy snack looks like. 

Please can you make sure that you bring health snacks to school and NOT chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweets. These snacks are high in sugar and fat and have a negative impact on your child's sugar levels and concentration. They can also lead to obesity and tooth decay. 

So please look after your body and mind and thinks smart snack. This could include cheese, yogurt, fruit, vegetables and raisins. No nuts allowed for snacks due to food allergies in school. Team A4H will be around next week checking on healthy snacks.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Ms Evans and Team A4H