Welcome to Term 1 

A very warm welcome to all our children and families as we begin a new school year.

We hope everyone has had a lovely summer and is ready for a happy and exciting term. It has been wonderful to welcome the children back to school, and we are looking forward to getting to know our new children and watching everyone grow in confidence as the term progresses.

EYFS

Our first topic is ‘Marvellous Me’, giving the children lots of opportunities to learn about themselves, their families, their friendships and the world around them.

Our youngest children will spend the first part of the term getting to know their new routines, classroom and friends. Through our Marvellous Me topic, we will talk about what makes each of us special, our families and the people who are important in our lives.

The children will enjoy exploring this theme through stories, role play, creative activities, music and practical experiences. They will have opportunities to create self-portraits, talk about their interests and develop their confidence when speaking and listening.

As autumn arrives, we will continue to make the most of our outdoor environment. We will look for signs of seasonal change, collect natural objects and discover more about woodland animals. Leaves, conkers and pumpkins will provide lots of opportunities for sensory exploration, artwork and investigation.

Literacy

We will share a wide range of stories, rhymes and songs while developing the children's communication and language skills. The children will begin their Read Write Inc. phonics journey and will develop their early reading and writing skills through practical and engaging activities.

Maths

Our maths learning will focus on developing early number knowledge through play and hands-on experiences. We will count, compare, recognise numbers and explore shape, space and measure as part of our everyday learning.

RE

In RE, we will think about the people, stories and events that are special to us. We will explore ideas about belonging and learn how special occasions are celebrated.

The children will also find out about Christmas and Diwali, including the Christian Nativity story and the Hindu story of Rama and Sita. We will explore these through stories, artwork, drama and discussion.

PE

Our PE sessions will introduce the children to moving safely in different spaces and using equipment appropriately. We will develop fundamental movement skills including:

• Running
• Jumping
• Skipping
• Balancing
• Stopping safely
• Working with a partner or group

The children will also begin to develop their understanding of simple games and rules.

Years 1 & 2

English

Our English lessons will continue to develop the children's confidence as readers and writers.

In Reading, the children will continue to build their phonics knowledge and practise reading words containing their Set 2 and Set 3 sounds. We will also focus on developing reading fluency, expression and understanding, particularly in Year 2.

In Writing, Year 1 will concentrate on writing simple sentences, using capital letters and full stops and putting ideas into a sensible order. Year 2 will develop accurate sentence writing, begin to proofread their work and experiment with different sentence structures.

We will also work on spelling patterns, common exception words and some of the suffixes children need to use in their writing.

Handwriting will continue to be practised regularly, with a focus on accurate lower-case letter formation and, in Year 2, developing confidence with capital letters.

Maths

We will begin the term by developing our understanding of place value and numbers to 20.

The children will explore:

• Counting forwards and backwards
• Representing numbers in different ways
• One more and one less
• Comparing and ordering numbers
• Estimating numbers on number lines
• Number bonds
• Doubles and near doubles
• Addition and subtraction
• Fact families and missing-number problems

We will use practical resources and problem-solving activities to help children explain and apply their mathematical thinking.

Design & Technology

Our first DT project is Cooking and Nutrition.

The children will explore what makes a healthy and balanced diet before designing and making their own tasty wraps. They will consider ingredients, make choices based on a design brief and evaluate their finished product.

RE

Our RE learning this term will explore the question:

How are stories and celebrations connected?

We will think about how stories, beliefs and traditions are shared through celebrations and how festivals can bring communities together.

Science

Our Science topic is Animals, including Humans – Sensitive Bodies.

The children will identify and name different parts of the body and investigate our five senses through practical activities. They will make observations, look for patterns and use what they discover to answer questions.

Geography

In Geography, we will be exploring the question ‘Where am I?’

The children will develop their map skills, locate the countries of the United Kingdom and explore features within and around our school environment.

Computing

Our Computing work will focus on Data Handling.

The children will learn how information can be collected, sorted and presented. They will use digital tools to create simple charts and pictograms and think about how clearly information has been communicated.

We will also explore the International Space Station, finding out how astronauts live and work in space and how technology and sensors are used to collect and monitor information.

PSHE

Our PSHE theme is ‘My Healthy Self’.

We will talk about our emotions and how we can look after our wellbeing. Children will learn to recognise and name different feelings and consider how emotions can be shown through facial expressions and body language.

PE

This term, our PE learning will focus on developing children's physical skills and confidence.

We will work on:

• Agility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Speed
• Stamina
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Simple tactics
• Working safely with a partner.

Willow Class – Information for Parents

PE Days

Our PE lessons will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Children should come to school wearing their PE kit on these days. As some activities may take place outdoors, please make sure your child has suitable warm clothing.

If your child has pierced ears, please ensure that earrings are removed or securely taped before coming to school on PE days.

Water Bottles

Please send your child to school with a named water bottle containing fresh water each day.

Children are encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day. Please ensure that bottles contain water only. A separate drink can be provided for lunchtime if required.

We recommend using a clear bottle where possible, as this helps us to monitor children's water intake.

Book Bags

Please bring your child's book bag into school every day.

Book bags are used for reading books, reading records, letters and other items that need to travel between home and school. Please check them regularly and remove any completed work or correspondence.

We recommend that water bottles are kept separately from book bags to prevent books and other important items from being damaged by leaks.

Reading at Home

Reading regularly at home is one of the most valuable ways you can support your child's learning.

Children will read books as part of their Read Write Inc. phonics sessions in school. Once a book has been read and practised, it will be sent home so that children can enjoy reading it again with you.

When your child has finished their reading book at home, please sign their reading record so that we know they are ready for a new book.

Children will also have a Choosing Book. This is a book selected for enjoyment and sharing rather than independent reading, so don't worry if it is too challenging for your child to read alone. Please enjoy looking at the pictures, talking about the story and sharing the book together.

Choosing Books can be changed regularly.

Please make sure that reading books and reading records are kept in book bags and brought into school each day.

Learning from Home

We always love to hear about the wonderful things children have been doing at home.

If your child has completed something they are particularly proud of, discovered something interesting or had a special learning experience, please share it with us. We enjoy celebrating children's achievements and sharing their experiences with their friends.

Our EYWelcome to Term 1 

A very warm welcome to all our children and families as we begin a new school year.

We hope everyone has had a lovely summer and is ready for a happy and exciting term. It has been wonderful to welcome the children back to school, and we are looking forward to getting to know our new children and watching everyone grow in confidence as the term progresses.

EYFS

Our first topic is ‘Marvellous Me’, giving the children lots of opportunities to learn about themselves, their families, their friendships and the world around them.

Our youngest children will spend the first part of the term getting to know their new routines, classroom and friends. Through our Marvellous Me topic, we will talk about what makes each of us special, our families and the people who are important in our lives.

The children will enjoy exploring this theme through stories, role play, creative activities, music and practical experiences. They will have opportunities to create self-portraits, talk about their interests and develop their confidence when speaking and listening.

As autumn arrives, we will continue to make the most of our outdoor environment. We will look for signs of seasonal change, collect natural objects and discover more about woodland animals. Leaves, conkers and pumpkins will provide lots of opportunities for sensory exploration, artwork and investigation.

Literacy

We will share a wide range of stories, rhymes and songs while developing the children's communication and language skills. The children will begin their Read Write Inc. phonics journey and will develop their early reading and writing skills through practical and engaging activities.

Maths

Our maths learning will focus on developing early number knowledge through play and hands-on experiences. We will count, compare, recognise numbers and explore shape, space and measure as part of our everyday learning.

RE

In RE, we will think about the people, stories and events that are special to us. We will explore ideas about belonging and learn how special occasions are celebrated.

The children will also find out about Christmas and Diwali, including the Christian Nativity story and the Hindu story of Rama and Sita. We will explore these through stories, artwork, drama and discussion.

PE

Our PE sessions will introduce the children to moving safely in different spaces and using equipment appropriately. We will develop fundamental movement skills including:

• Running
• Jumping
• Skipping
• Balancing
• Stopping safely
• Working with a partner or group

The children will also begin to develop their understanding of simple games and rules.

Years 1 & 2

English

Our English lessons will continue to develop the children's confidence as readers and writers.

In Reading, the children will continue to build their phonics knowledge and practise reading words containing their Set 2 and Set 3 sounds. We will also focus on developing reading fluency, expression and understanding, particularly in Year 2.

In Writing, Year 1 will concentrate on writing simple sentences, using capital letters and full stops and putting ideas into a sensible order. Year 2 will develop accurate sentence writing, begin to proofread their work and experiment with different sentence structures.

We will also work on spelling patterns, common exception words and some of the suffixes children need to use in their writing.

Handwriting will continue to be practised regularly, with a focus on accurate lower-case letter formation and, in Year 2, developing confidence with capital letters.

Maths

We will begin the term by developing our understanding of place value and numbers to 20.

The children will explore:

• Counting forwards and backwards
• Representing numbers in different ways
• One more and one less
• Comparing and ordering numbers
• Estimating numbers on number lines
• Number bonds
• Doubles and near doubles
• Addition and subtraction
• Fact families and missing-number problems

We will use practical resources and problem-solving activities to help children explain and apply their mathematical thinking.

Design & Technology

Our first DT project is Cooking and Nutrition.

The children will explore what makes a healthy and balanced diet before designing and making their own tasty wraps. They will consider ingredients, make choices based on a design brief and evaluate their finished product.

RE

Our RE learning this term will explore the question:

How are stories and celebrations connected?

We will think about how stories, beliefs and traditions are shared through celebrations and how festivals can bring communities together.

Science

Our Science topic is Animals, including Humans – Sensitive Bodies.

The children will identify and name different parts of the body and investigate our five senses through practical activities. They will make observations, look for patterns and use what they discover to answer questions.

Geography

In Geography, we will be exploring the question ‘Where am I?’

The children will develop their map skills, locate the countries of the United Kingdom and explore features within and around our school environment.

Computing

Our Computing work will focus on Data Handling.

The children will learn how information can be collected, sorted and presented. They will use digital tools to create simple charts and pictograms and think about how clearly information has been communicated.

We will also explore the International Space Station, finding out how astronauts live and work in space and how technology and sensors are used to collect and monitor information.

PSHE

Our PSHE theme is ‘My Healthy Self’.

We will talk about our emotions and how we can look after our wellbeing. Children will learn to recognise and name different feelings and consider how emotions can be shown through facial expressions and body language.

PE

This term, our PE learning will focus on developing children's physical skills and confidence.

We will work on:

• Agility
• Balance
• Coordination
• Speed
• Stamina
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Simple tactics
• Working safely with a partner.

Willow Class – Information for Parents

PE Days

Our PE lessons will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Children should come to school wearing their PE kit on these days. As some activities may take place outdoors, please make sure your child has suitable warm clothing.

If your child has pierced ears, please ensure that earrings are removed or securely taped before coming to school on PE days.

Water Bottles

Please send your child to school with a named water bottle containing fresh water each day.

Children are encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day. Please ensure that bottles contain water only. A separate drink can be provided for lunchtime if required.

We recommend using a clear bottle where possible, as this helps us to monitor children's water intake.

Book Bags

Please bring your child's book bag into school every day.

Book bags are used for reading books, reading records, letters and other items that need to travel between home and school. Please check them regularly and remove any completed work or correspondence.

We recommend that water bottles are kept separately from book bags to prevent books and other important items from being damaged by leaks.

Reading at Home

Reading regularly at home is one of the most valuable ways you can support your child's learning.

Children will read books as part of their Read Write Inc. phonics sessions in school. Once a book has been read and practised, it will be sent home so that children can enjoy reading it again with you.

When your child has finished their reading book at home, please sign their reading record so that we know they are ready for a new book.

Children will also have a Choosing Book. This is a book selected for enjoyment and sharing rather than independent reading, so don't worry if it is too challenging for your child to read alone. Please enjoy looking at the pictures, talking about the story and sharing the book together.

Choosing Books can be changed regularly.

Please make sure that reading books and reading records are kept in book bags and brought into school each day.

Learning from Home

We always love to hear about the wonderful things children have been doing at home.

If your child has completed something they are particularly proud of, discovered something interesting or had a special learning experience, please share it with us. We enjoy celebrating children's achievements and sharing their experiences with their friends.

Our EYFS families can also share ‘Wow’ moments through Tapestry, however big or small. These moments are a lovely way for us to celebrate children's learning beyond the classroom.

A Final Message

We are looking forward to a fantastic first term and to seeing the children develop their confidence, independence and enthusiasm for learning.

Thank you for your continued support. Working together with families makes such a difference to the children's experiences at school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to come and speak to us.

FS families can also share ‘Wow’ moments through Tapestry, however big or small. These moments are a lovely way for us to celebrate children's learning beyond the classroom.

A Final Message

We are looking forward to a fantastic first term and to seeing the children develop their confidence, independence and enthusiasm for learning.

Thank you for your continued support. Working together with families makes such a difference to the children's experiences at school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to come and speak to us.