Opportunities to learn and grow.

This week in Beech Class, we have had a wonderful time exploring a variety of exciting topics across our lessons, with lots of opportunities to learn and grow.

In English, our Year 2 children have been stepping back in time by writing their very own diaries as if they were schoolchildren living in the Victorian era. This immersive activity helped them to understand the daily life and experiences of children from the past. We guided the children through the important stages of writing: first, they created their initial drafts, capturing their ideas and stories. Then, they took time to review their work carefully, making thoughtful improvements to spelling, punctuation, and the clarity of their writing. Finally, they published their diaries, producing polished pieces they were proud to share. This process helped the children to appreciate the value of patience and perseverance in writing.

Meanwhile, the Year 1 children have been focusing on adjectives and how to use them to bring their writing to life. They have written some beautiful, descriptive autumnal poems, painting vivid pictures of the season with words. This has strengthened their vocabulary and encouraged them to think creatively about language.

In Science, Year 2 took part in a hands-on experiment exploring magnetism. They investigated which poles of different magnets attract or repel each other and then tested a range of metals to see which were magnetic. This practical work helped develop their skills in making careful observations and recording results.

Year 1 children have been learning to classify animals into different groups such as mammals, birds, and reptiles. This introduced them to important scientific vocabulary and encouraged them to observe similarities and differences in the natural world.

In Design Technology, the Year 1 children practiced making simple mechanical systems by creating their own levers and sliders, gaining an understanding of how movement can be incorporated into design. Year 2 children spent time evaluating famous sculptures from around the world, learning to appreciate art and develop critical thinking skills by discussing what they liked and what made each piece special.

Our Maths lessons were equally engaging. Year 1 focused on adding and number bonds, building a solid foundation in basic arithmetic. Year 2 continued to develop their adding skills, with particular attention to understanding place value, which is crucial for handling larger numbers confidently.

We are so proud of the children’s hard work and enthusiasm this week. Each activity has helped them develop important skills not just in their subjects, but also in teamwork, resilience, and creativity. We look forward to another exciting week ahead!