This week in Reception, within our topic days we have looked at Science and Geography.

In Science we investigated why different objects float or sink and questioned material differences.

In Geography we are looking at how different animals adapt to the environment they are in. We created our own winter landscapes with tissue paper and paint using our printing/stippling method to cover the trees in snow. It is so exciting to see their curiosity and investigative skills expand over the past weeks.

As a quick reminder, puddle suits or waterproof trousers are vital for when it's muddy outside. Please put them in your child's bag to wear at lunchtime.

The children thoroughly enjoyed our Dinosaur day last Friday. We spent the day exploring and learning about fossils. The children were able to make their own fossils from salt dough and explore some real life fossils.

This week we have started a week-long topic on printing in Art. We have learnt how to use everyday objects to print and build up their skills and then use them on their final printing piece on Friday. 

We are continuing to learn our new phase 5 sounds. Please review the summary sheet with your child weekly.

Would it be possible for all children to bring in a pair of named spare clothes with them to keep at school. Many of the children are choosing to explore all areas of the field at lunchtime and often need a change of clothes when they come in. Unfortunately, we are now down to our last few items.  

In English, Year 2 have been exploring the classic tale of Rapunzel and have been busy writing their own creative versions of the story, adding their own unique twists and characters. It's been wonderful to see their imaginations come to life on the page!

In computing, we've begun an exciting new topic on programming, where the children are learning how to give instructions and create simple sequences.

In Maths, we're continuing to build on our addition and subtraction knowledge, exploring different strategies to help us solve problems more confidently. Well done, Year 2!

In English, the children have been learning about the key features needed to write an engaging newspaper report. Their writing has been inspired by an ‘incident’ we created in school, which has sparked lots of enthusiasm and creativity. We hope the children have enjoyed sharing their excitement at home, and we look forward to parents being able to read the finished reports during our upcoming book-look sessions.

In Maths, our focus has been on decimals. The children have explored decimal equivalents, ordering and comparing decimals, and rounding decimals to the nearest whole number. Next, we will move on to place value and investigate what happens to decimals when they are multiplied and divided by 10 and 100.

We have also completed our Science topic on teeth and the digestive system. The children thoroughly enjoyed recreating an experiment to model the digestive process! Although it was a little messy, it was great fun and a fantastic learning experience. Some excellent science writing has since been displayed on our Proud Wall — well done, Year 4!

We have had another busy and productive week in Year 5 and are excited to share what the children have been learning, as well as what is coming up next.

In Maths, the children have been developing their skills in the formal method of long multiplication, focusing on multiplying a 3-digit number by a 2-digit number. They have shown great perseverance and are becoming more confident with this challenging method. This week, we will also begin our work on short division, building on their understanding of place value and multiplication facts.

In English, the children have completed and published their persuasive letters. They worked hard to use persuasive language, strong arguments and a clear structure—well done to all! This week, we are starting our new unit on non-chronological reports, where the children will explore how to organise information clearly using headings, subheadings and factual language.

We have now finished our Geography unit on latitude and longitude, during which the children learned how to locate places accurately using coordinates and maps. This week, we are moving on to our Art & Design unit, focusing on printmaking and textiles. The children will have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques and materials, encouraging creativity and careful design.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.  

Recently in Year 6, we have been looking at shape and BIDMAS in maths. BIDMAS has been especially interesting as it is practicing our multi-step problem skills.

In English, we are coming to an end of our non-chronological report on mythical creatures. We are very excited to publish these into our class books for everyone to see!

In the afternoons, we have been learning all about the Windrush and how society has changed since then. 

Well done to our Year 6's for taking this new homework in their stride. We can see the positive impact it is making already.

We will shortly be inviting parents of children who are receiving targeted SEN support for a meeting with our Inclusion team to:

• Discuss your child's current APDR document
• Review their progress this term
• Plan next steps and support for the coming half-term
• Answer any questions you may have

This meeting is specifically for parents whose children are receiving targeted SEN support. When you receive this invitation please do not share the booking link with other parents.

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing how we can continue to support your child's progress.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Many thanks,

Amy Russell
Assistant Head, Inclusion Lead