There was plenty of excitement in Year 5 this week as our young scientists prepared for lift off! They designed and tested rockets as the Entry Point to their new IPC unit, Mission to Mars. It was an exciting start to a unit that will take pupils far beyond the classroom. It also highlights something central to learning at St. Michael’s. Children learn best when they are curious, involved and able to make connections.

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) provides a clear, thematic approach to learning. Each unit connects subjects through a central theme. These may include science, history, geography, art, technology and international learning. Alongside subject knowledge, pupils develop important skills and understanding. They learn to ask questions, explore ideas, solve problems and become more independent learners. Every IPC unit begins with an Entry Point. Its purpose is to spark curiosity and create excitement about the learning ahead. For Year 5, launching rockets did exactly that. As pupils tested their rockets, they began to think like scientists. They observed each launch and considered why some rockets travelled further than others. They asked questions, shared ideas and explored the factors that might affect the results.

The excitement of the launch was only the beginning. It created a meaningful starting point for deeper scientific learning. This is an important feature of high quality learning at St. Michael’s. Engaging activities have a clear purpose. They give children something real to explore, question and build upon. As Year 5 continue their Mission to Mars, they will develop new knowledge and subject skills. They will also strengthen the personal skills that support learning across our curriculum. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity will all play an important part.

At St. Michael’s, the IPC helps us make learning purposeful, connected and memorable. From an exciting Entry Point to deeper investigations, each unit encourages children to take an active role in their learning. For Year 5, the rockets have launched. Now the real exploration begins!