Children at Cotgrave Candleby Lane School have been looking at the topic of Electricity, and what life might be like without it. 
Teacher Alex Wigley explained. “The enquiry question for children was to explore what life might look like without electricity. They loved discussing the problems we posed such as ‘How could we have fun?’ and ‘How could we cook or stay warm?’ The children then worked in teams to problem-solve and find solutions.”
During the topic children explored the impact of the wider use of electricity, and likewise, the advent of the technology and appliances that followed, and questioned how they could manage without them. Children’s problem-solving week culminated in a campfire and toasting marshmallows to round off their work.
Alex said that the theme has helped to ease children back into the routine of school life. “The children have responded fantastically to returning back to school. Their love of learning is shining through and they’re so keen to engage with all of our topics. We’re striking the balance between returning to our curriculum whilst still giving the children meaningful and fun experiences. We find that providing the children with experiences and making learning fun allows all of the children to engage and for learning to become part of their long-term memory.”
Pupil, Bethany Leggett said that she enjoyed the lessons. “I really enjoyed our no-electricity day because of the campfire. The campfire was my favourite because I’ve never done it before. I learnt that it would be harder to cook and stay warm without electricity, -but it is possible!
Pupil Elsie Stannard said, “I loved eating the toasted marshmallows – they tasted amazing, better than chocolate! I’ve enjoyed marshmallows before when I’ve been camping with my family. Some of my class hadn’t tried them before and were very excited!”
Alex said that pupils and staff at Cotgrave Candleby Lane have risen to all of the new challenges created by the ongoing pandemic. “It’s been wonderful to get back into school, doing what we all love. Fun is one of our values at Cotgrave Candleby Lane School and we’re very lucky to have such amazing staff who will go above and beyond for our wonderful children.”
For more information about the school please visit: https://www.candlebylane.co.uk/
