Joy across the curriculum

Welcome back to another exciting week in The Beach Class! The children have been working hard across all subjects and settling beautifully into the routine of the school year. Our outside area has been a source of joy, and the children have thoroughly enjoyed spending time outdoors during play and learning activities.

Maths In Year 1, we’ve been focusing on number bonds to five. The children used counters, cubes, and fingers to explore different combinations that make 5. Through games and hands-on activities, they have learnt how to break down the number 5 in various ways (e.g. 2 + 3 or 4 + 1). It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they explore different number patterns!

Our Year 2 children have been working on place value, focusing on hundreds, tens, and ones. They have been using Base 10 blocks and number lines to help them understand how to partition numbers and develop a stronger understanding of how each digit represents a different value. This skill is crucial as they build a solid foundation in maths!

 

English In Year 1, we have been using adjectives to make our writing more interesting. The children went on an autumn walk around the school to collect leaves and spent time describing oranges, thinking about their colour, texture, and smell. It’s been a great way to introduce descriptive language and spark their imaginations!

Year 2 children have been diving into the story The Storm Whale. They have been writing extended diary entries as if they were Noi (one of the characters from the book), using powerful language to describe their thoughts and feelings. This has been a great opportunity for the children to develop their writing skills and expand their vocabulary while thinking creatively.

Geography Both Year 1 and Year 2 have been continuing their work on our local area. This week, we focused on identifying our school on aerial maps. The children were fascinated to see how their familiar surroundings look from above and were able to identify key landmarks near our school.

Design & Technology (DT) Year 2 children have been learning about famous free-standing structures from around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. They have been drawing these structures, learning more about architecture, and getting inspired by the creativity behind these incredible landmarks.

Meanwhile, our Year 1 children have been exploring the work of Robert Sabuda, a famous American artist known for his incredible pop-up books. They were amazed by the intricate designs.

We are so pleased with how well the children are settling in this term. They are adjusting to the new routines, making new friendships, and enjoying their time both inside and outside the classroom. Our outside area has been a favourite for many, offering space for both learning and play. We have also started our group reading sessions, and it has been wonderful to see the children so engaged in their books. Reading is such a vital part of their learning journey, and we encourage parents to read with their children as often as possible. Sharing a book at home not only helps with their progress but is also a lovely way to spend quality time together.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another fantastic week of learning!