This half term, Year 5 have been venturing into the frozen frontiers of our planet - and beyond - as part of their Ice Worlds Combined Humanities topic. Through geography, drama and digital exploration, the children have been uncovering the mysteries of the polar regions and learning how life survives in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
The topic began with a geographical investigation into the Arctic and Antarctic. Using atlases and digital maps, pupils located the polar regions and discovered that only Antarctica is a continent. They were fascinated to discover that while polar bears roam the Arctic, penguins are only found in the Southern Hemisphere - and that the largest land animal in Antarctica is, surprisingly, an insect! 
A highlight of this half term was a dynamic workshop led by One Day Creative, where the children explored the animals of the polar regions through drama and movement. Using freeze frames, they recreated key moments from Shackleton’s legendary expedition, imagining the challenges faced by his crew as they battled the elements. The session also included a creative twist - pupils worked in pairs to mime carving intricate ice sculptures, using only their bodies and imaginations to bring frozen masterpieces to life. The children also turned their attention to the impact of climate change on the polar regions. Through thoughtful discussion, they explored how melting ice caps are threatening wildlife and contributing to rising sea levels.
Back in the classroom, the children used their iPads to research other famous explorers, including Robert Falcon Scott. They gathered facts, images and quotes, and organised their findings using the Popplet app to create colourful digital mind maps. These helped them visualise the connections between explorers, environments and the challenges they faced.
To round off the topic, Year 5 are now looking forward to a special visit from an oceanographer. This exciting opportunity will allow the children to learn all about the work of modern-day explorers and the vital research being carried out in our oceans and polar regions today.
Throughout the topic so far, Year 5 have shown fantastic curiosity, creativity and care for the natural world. From green screens to freeze frames to frozen facts, they have embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.
Well done, Year 5 - you’ve been brilliant polar pioneers!
