We have had a busy week in Reception. In literacy, we have finished creating our class story map and have been working on orally retelling the class story. We have also been learning about farm animals in preparation for next weeks trip. In maths, we have been looking at first, next and then stories to support addition and subtraction. In understanding the world, we have been looking at the lifecycle of a sunflower and have planted our very own sunflowers.   

Year 1 had a fantastic time exploring Cassiobury Park as part of their science learning on wild plants. The children enjoyed spotting and identifying a variety of plants in their natural environment. They also collected fallen natural materials like leaves, petals, and twigs to use in a creative art activity inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Back at school, they used their finds to create beautiful pieces of natural art, combining science and creativity in a truly hands-on experience! 

This week in Science, Year 2 explored the conditions needed for seeds to germinate. The children carried out an investigation where they worked in groups to plant seeds and placed them in different conditions to observe the effects. They made predictions about what they think will happen over the next two weeks. In addition, each child had the opportunity to plant their own individual bean seed, giving them hands-on experience with planting. 

This week, Year 3 learnt that VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) is a significant moment in history signifying the end of World War 2. We found out how this event was celebrated by communities sharing food and music together. We ended the day listening to celebratory music from the 1940s and sharing some biscuits and squash! 

In English, Y4 practised short burst writing, focusing on describing settings using expanded noun phrases, adverbs, and similes, demonstrating fantastic creativity and attention to detail. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the class learned about the significance of this historic event and wrote messages of remembrance. In Maths, we used different strategies to find the difference between mixed numbers and fractions, and the children showed great perseverance and problem-solving skills.

This week in Year 5, the children have been learning about the 80th anniversary of VE day. We held a discussion in class specifically about what VE day is and why it is important. We  began by having a group discussion, refreshing our knowledge on World War Two, then we discussed what it means to be free and to have freedom relating to why we celebrate VE day. The children then placed themselves in the shoes of an evacuee on VE day and wrote a letter to their family describing how they celebrated.

Our Year 6 pupils have been showing incredible resilience as they've been learning the techniques for the long jump. It takes real determination to practise the run-up, the take-off, and the landing, and they've all persevered brilliantly, encouraging each other along the way. 

The process of report writing is underway and we reviewed some draft comments to ensure the new format is understood and used consistently. We also revisited our behaviour systems so that all staff are accurate and consistent in their record keeping. Lastly, the teachers continued to map out the provision for the final half term.