Week Ending 27/02/26

The children have had a brilliant first week back! It was lovely to see them all after their week off. They enjoyed sharing the fun things they got up to over the half-term.

In Maths, we began learning our 10 times table. The children have been working hard on grouping amounts into tens and understanding how to count in 10s. We enjoyed lots of practical activities where we counted objects into groups of ten and then worked out how many tens and ones we had altogether. The children did a wonderful job explaining their thinking. For example saying, “I have 3 tens and 4 ones, which makes 34.” Keep practising counting in 10s at home!

In English, the children were very excited to start our new book, Traction Man by Mini Grey. It is all about a super action doll who saves the day! We generated lots of fantastic adjectives to describe Traction Man and thought carefully about his heroic qualities. We also spotted exclamation marks in the story and discussed why authors use them (to show strong feelings or excitement!). The children then had great fun creating their own villains, thinking about powerful names and exciting descriptions.

In Science, we explored how trees change across the seasons. We discussed what happens in winter, spring, summer and autumn, and learnt how the sun helps trees to grow.

In RE, we recapped the Easter story. The children remembered key parts of the story and discussed why Easter is important to Christians. The children are beginning to think critically and think of inquisitive questions.

In Computing, we explored the difference between digital books and traditional paper books. We talked about how they can be used in different ways and explored some examples together. The children enjoyed comparing how we turn pages, looking at pictures and interacting with the text in each format.

Next week is also World Book Week with our World Book Day celebrations on Thursday. We can’t wait to see all the children dressed up as their favourite book character! Please read the communications from the office to find out more information for each day.

 

Week Ending 13.02.26

In Maths, we revisited and consolidated our understanding of 3D shapes. The children were able to name and recognise a variety of shapes and took part in discussions about their properties, including faces, edges, and vertices. In addition, the children practised reading and interpreting simple word problems independently before deciding on appropriate strategies to solve them. This supported both their comprehension skills and their ability to apply mathematical reasoning.

In English, the children explored a selection of poems, including Ning Nang Nong by Spike Milligan. They listened carefully, discussed the playful use of language, and expressed their enjoyment of the humour within the poem. The children practised reciting sections aloud, building confidence in speaking, expression, and rhythm.

In Science, we consolidated our learning about animals covered throughout the term. The children revisited key concepts, discussed their prior knowledge, and demonstrated their understanding through class discussions and activities.

In History, the children compared notable achievements from the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. They explored developments across different fields such as computing, artwork, and literature, helping them to recognise how life and innovation have changed over time.

In Art, the children applied their colour-mixing skills in a creative project inspired by Clarice Cliff. They used primary and secondary colours to design decorative paper plates in the style of circular tree designs. Following this, they carefully added black paint to create tree silhouettes, demonstrating creativity, control, and pride in their finished work.

The children have had an amazing term and we are incredibly proud of how hard they have worked! Have a relaxing and enjoyable half term and we look forward to welcoming the children back on Tuesday 24^th February.

Week Ending 06.02.26

In Maths, the children have been learning to write fact family number sentences using numbers within 20. They explored how numbers are related through addition and subtraction and used this understanding to find the difference between numbers. The children also developed their reasoning skills by solving missing number problems, carefully explaining how they knew which numbers were needed. They showed increasing confidence and independence as the week progressed.

In English, the children created their own fact files. They were given the opportunity to choose their own subject, which helped to motivate and engage them in their writing. The children spent time researching their chosen topic, using a range of age-appropriate resources, before organising their ideas and writing their fact files. On Friday, the children proudly presented their completed fact files to their peers. They listened carefully to one another and enjoyed learning new and interesting facts about a variety of topics, including animals, places and hobbies.

In History, the children learnt about Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. They explored some of the significant events that took place during the periods when each queen was alive, including learning about wars and how these events affected life at the time.

In Geography, the children compared the countries of Wales and Scotland. As part of this learning, the children enjoyed making Welsh cakes. They were excited to take them home, cook them, and later share their opinions and experiences of tasting them.

In Art, the children explored colour mixing, with a particular focus on how to create the colour green. They experimented with mixing different amounts of colours to produce a wide range of shades of green, developing their understanding of how colours can be changed and adapted.

In Science, the children learnt how to compare animals based on their diets. They were introduced to new scientific vocabulary, including herbivore, carnivore and omnivore, and practised using these terms to classify different animals. The children showed a good understanding of the new vocabulary and were keen to share their knowledge.

Week Ending 30/01/26

This week, Year 1 pupils have taken part in a wide range of engaging learning experiences across the curriculum. In English, the children were introduced to a new text called The Emperor’s Egg. At the beginning of the week, they were encouraged to predict whether the book was fiction or non-fiction. Many pupils were surprised to learn that it is a non-fiction text, which provided detailed information about penguins. The children enjoyed discovering a variety of new facts and demonstrated enthusiasm when sharing their learning with their peers.

In Mathematics, pupils revisited key skills to strengthen their number knowledge. They practised doubling, adding near doubles, and subtracting using number bonds. They used different resources such as number frames, part, part whole models and number lines. We have been challenging the children to think about the presentation of their books when completing their work!

In Science, learning focused on continuing our topic about animals. We explored different animal groups and sorted animals into mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and amphibians. They demonstrated a good understanding of the characteristics of each group and engaged well in discussion-based activities.

History lessons involved comparing the childhoods of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. The children learned about life in different historical periods and were able to identify similarities and differences between the two monarchs’ early lives. This supported their understanding of how childhood has changed over time.

In Geography, pupils explored the differences between England and Northern Ireland. To support this learning, the children participated in a range of practical and cultural activities. They had the opportunity to try fish and chips, learnt some Irish dancing, practise speaking simple words in Irish (Gaelic), and enjoy playing a variety of board games. These experiences helped to bring their geographical learning to life and were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The week also included an exciting visit from Olympian Heather Olver, who visited the school to work with the children. Pupils took part in a range of fun physical education activities, including a sports circuit. The children thoroughly enjoyed the session and were highly engaged throughout. They were also given the opportunity to ask Heather questions, which they found both inspiring and memorable.

In your child’s bag is a homework book. There is a range of different suggested learning activities that your child can go at home. These activities are linked to the different curriculum areas that we have focused on this term. This homework is not compulsory but an opportunity for your child to enhance their learning from this term!

 

Week Ending 23/01/26

This week in maths, we focused on comparing numbers, consolidating our understanding of the concepts of greater than, less than and equal to. The children used a variety of practical activities and representations to support their reasoning and explain their thinking clearly.

In English, the children planned and wrote parts of their own imaginative stories based on the text The Queen’s Knickers. They carefully developed their ideas, sequenced events and applied their phonics knowledge and writing skills to create engaging pieces of writing.

In RE, we listened to and reflected on the story of Jesus calming the storm. Through discussion, the children explored how this story helps Christians to understand that Jesus brings peace and reassurance to the world, particularly in times of worry or fear.

In science, the children compared a range of animals, identifying similarities and differences. This learning then led to a deeper understanding of the key characteristics that distinguish different animal groups, with a particular focus on the differences between fish and birds.

In history, the children learnt about Queen Elizabeth I. They examined a range of portraits and discussed what she may have looked like, considering how paintings from the past can give us clues about historical figures and the time in which they lived.

In geography, the children became “flag hunters” as they searched for and identified the four different flags of the countries within the United Kingdom. They also learnt a range of interesting facts about each country, helping to develop their understanding of the UK and its diversity.

Finally, in PE, the children learnt about the importance of exercise and how it affects the body. They explored the role of the heart and investigated how their heart rate changes when they move at different speeds, helping them to understand why regular physical activity is important for keeping healthy.

 

Week Ending 16/01/26

This week, the children have been deepening their understanding of using number lines appropriately to complete and answer questions. They explored using number lines to identify where each number lies as well as understanding the pattern. Today we begun estimating numbers on a number line.

In English, the children have been building up on their understanding and retelling of our key book, The Queen’s Knickers. They have been writing simple sentences to retell what happens during the story.

In PE, the children spent Tuesday’s lesson focusing on how exercising and fitness makes us feel. We played different games to compare how we feel throughout and also to learn about making each other feel better by saying ‘well done’ or giving each other a high 5 for taking part. In Thursday’s lesson, we learnt how to dribble a ball using their hands and keeping good control of the ball.

In Music, our topic has been all about learning a football chant! The children have found this exciting to learn and perform. This week we used instruments to develop our football chant further.

In Geography, we continued our learning on the UK by exploring capital cities. We identified the 4 capital cities in the United Kingdom and found them on the map of the UK. Many children were eager to visit London to explore England’s capital city after discussing the difference between rural and urban areas.

 

Week Ending 09/01/26

It has been wonderful seeing the children come back to school following the Christmas break! The children were eager to see their friends and share what they got up to when they were off.

This week, we started our new English off by reading all about the Queen's Knickers! A story written by Nicholas Allan. The children instantly found the book hilarious, but we were on a mission because the knickers had gone missing, and we needed to help the Queen find them. We designed our own knickers for the Queen and over the course of the week, created a wanted poster to help find them. 

In Maths, we have been building on our knowledge of teen numbers. We have been learning how many tens and ones are within each number and noticing the pattern when the numbers get larger and smaller. 

In Science, we learnt all about the different parts of our body. The children were able to correctly identify key parts of their body such as their arms, legs, head and back. 

In RE, we learnt to understand how Jesus shows friendliness to others through learning about the story of the Tax Collector. The children acted out the story before thinking how what Jesus did.

 

Week Ending 21/11/25

 In Maths this week, we have been consolidating our learning from reception on 2D and 3D shapes. The children have been able to name, identify and recognise these shapes as well as sort them by looking at their different properties. I wonder if they can find any 3D shapes at home over the weekend, such as a cone, a pyramid and a cylinder. 

In English, the children have been thinking about how instructions help us in our lives to complete different tasks such as building, making or cooking. We have been planning our own set of instructions to make a spell that might help Rapunzel catch the witches! 

In Geography, we explored the key symbols that we might find on a map and what they mean. They had great guesses on what they thought they could mean before sorting and matching them together. 

In Science, we have been continuing our learning on Seasons. They have been looking at how the weather is different in Autumn compared to the other seasons. 

In DT, this term our theme has been sliders. Over the last few weeks, the children have explored how sliders work and what they could be used for. We have made our own practice slider games before we design and make our own. 

In Computing, we have practised logging on and off of purple mash, finding our 2Dos and completing our work. 

 

Week Ending 14/11/25

After a busy week of school photos, forest school, remembrance day and a visit from the BBC, anti-bullying week has finished. The children have been able to become compassionate people who are able to recognise and identify ways bullying can happen at school and how to prevent it. They marched around the school with their pledge to help stop bullying this morning. 

In English, we continued our planning and writing of our own version of a Rapunzel story. The children have created fantastic stories and it has been so inspiring hear their ideas come to life. The children have also been challenging themselves in grammar where they have been learning all about the suffixes 'er', 'ing' and 'ed' and how it changes words. 

In maths, we were consolidating our recent learning of addition and subtraction. They have also been focusing on being able to recall their number bonds to 10. A great game that we use and recommend is called Hit the button on a website called Top marks. I have challenged the children in 1A to tell me their highest score they can get on Monday. 

On Tuesday for Remembrance day, the children learnt all about the importance of remembering those who died when fighting for our country. We created poppies that are in our class windows as a lovely art activity in the afternoon.  

Week Ending 07/11/25

It has been a jam-packed week full of fun at forest school and whole school activities on House Day! 

This week we have continued our learning of subtraction by using different resources to support use such as number lines. We have been concentrating on making sure we look at what the number sentence is asking us to do before we start jumping on our number line! 

In English, the children have been creating their own version of Rapunzel. They have thought about their own characters, what they look like and what has happened to them. They have taken their amazing ideas and formed simple sentences, creating their own narrative. It has been fantastic watching their writing improve each week as they become more independent. 

In History, we discussed how we can stay safe when we are watching fireworks and celebrating bonfire night. The children shared their ideas of what they can do when out and about at night when watching the fireworks. 

In PE, the children enjoyed having their first gymnastics lesson with Hailey. The children learnt new jumps and balances. 

A quick reminder- next Tuesday is school photos and all children need to come into school wearing their school uniform. This will mean they will not be having PE next Tuesday. 

 

Week Ending 31/10/25

The children have come back to school after the half term brilliantly! 

In English this week, we introduced our new key text 'Rapunzel' by Beth Woolvin. We have been exploring the story, making predictions and making sure it includes everything we need in a sentence, such as capital letters and full stops! We have also continued our grammar learning and we have learnt about verbs. 

In Maths, the children have dived into subtraction! After learning about addition and making our numbers larger, we are now moving onto subtraction and remembering to take numbers away from each other. 

This term in Science, we are learning all about the four seasons. We discussed how the weather changes across the year and compared each type of weather that we may get across the year in the different seasons. 

In History, our topic is called 'Remember Remember'. We will be learning all about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot in 1605. 

 

 

Week Ending 26/9/25

We are halfway through the term and the children have had a lovely week! 

In English, we have been exploring what a letter and a postcard look like and why you might send them. The children came up with their own sentences to write on their postcard that they would send to someone. 

In maths, the children have lots of fun becoming crocodiles when introduced to the greater than and fewer than symbols. They were able to identify which number was the greatest or smallest and used full sentences to explain their reasoning. 

In PE, they learnt different gymnastic positions and balances before having a go themselves. On Thursday, they continued to practice their sending and receiving skills by rolling the balls to others in the playground. A quick reminder that we have PE on a Tuesday and a Thursday and the children should be coming into school on those days in their PE kits. 

In RE, we continued to look at the story of the Prodigal Son as well as learning about different reasons why you might pray to God. As a class the children came up with different things they could be thankful for or may want forgiveness for before writing their own prayer. 

 

Week Ending 19/9/25

We’ve had a fantastic week of learning! In maths,the children have been strengthening their place value skills by ordering numbers in descending order, counting on in ones, and working with sequences both in and out of order.

In science, we explored materials and their properties, investigating whether objects are hard or soft, bendy or rigid, and flexible or stiff. The children are beginning to use clear scientific language to explain what they discover.

In English, we continued with" Old Bear", developing our own imaginative stories and experimenting with new descriptive language.

Looking ahead, please note that next week Ms Belliere will be in school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and Ms Fancett will be with the children on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The children have already been made aware of this change, but it would be helpful if you could remind them over the weekend so there’s no confusion.

Finally, for our upcoming trip into Tonbridge, we still have a few spaces for parent volunteers. If you are able to help, please email the school office . We’ll confirm next week who will be joining us. Have a great weekend.

 

Week Ending 12/9/25

It was lovely to meet so many of you on Wednesday evening. We hope you found the evening informative. For those who were  unable to join us, please see the uploaded information on the Year 1 class pages.

This week in English we have started our class book "Old Bear." The children have really engaged with the story and have been writing simple sentences based around the plot.

In maths, Year 1 have been looking at place value using a variety of resources and manipulatives to aid them. The children have worked really hard this week, and we have been impressed with the work produced.

We have started all our foundation subjects as well and will provide more information in these areas as the weeks develop.

We wish you all a really happy weekend with your families and look forward to seeing all the children on Monday, raring to go!

 

Week Ending 5/9/25

Welcome back to Year 1! It has been a fantastic first week back at school. The children came into school on Tuesday with a smile on their faces, ready to embark on their new adventure in Year 1. They have settled into their new classrooms amazingly, getting to know their new teachers and teaching assistants. It was lovely seeing them in their new school uniform. They were very smart and proud to show off their new shoes and uniform to their friends. 

This week, the children have been learning the new routines of being in Year 1. For example, going to the tables to complete their work as well as learning where the toilets are! In English, they wrote a sentence about what they did over the holidays, and we were blown away by their writing. They remembered to use their sounds to sound out words, use finger spaces and begin to hold their pencil correctly. 

Next week, the children will begin their afternoon continuous provision time when they will have time to learn different foundation subjects and complete different activities. 

Reminders- 

– Meet the Teacher Wednesday 10th September 6pm

- In Year 1, children should be wearing shirts with buttons and a tie. (summer dresses are fine still until Term 2)

- Snack for playtime should be a fruit, vegetable or other healthy snack. No biscuits, crisps or chocolate.