We are looking forward to a wonderful year filled with exciting learning, new discoveries and memorable experiences. Throughout the year, children will explore a range of engaging topics across the curriculum that help develop their curiosity, knowledge and confidence.

In the Autumn term, our Geography and History learning will focus on ‘UK and Beyond’, where children will explore the United Kingdom and learn more about the wider world around them. In Science, we will study Living Things and Habitats, discovering how animals and plants live and survive in different environments.

During the Spring term, our History and Geography topics will include ‘Titanic’ and ‘The Great Fire of London’, helping children learn about important historical events and how they have shaped the world we live in today. In Science, we will focus on Everyday Materials, exploring different materials and their properties.

In the Summer term, our learning will explore ‘The Seaside and Coast – Past and Present’, where children will compare seaside holidays and coastal life from the past with the present day. In Science, we will learn about Growing and Changing, discovering how plants, animals and humans grow and develop over time.

We aim to create a supportive and inspiring environment where every child can grow in confidence, independence and a love of learning. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and working together to support your child’s learning journey.

Explore & More 

In Key Stage 1, we focus on one foundation subject each week. This approach allows children to explore the topic in greater depth and develop a strong understanding of the learning objective. Throughout the week, children take part in a range of activities designed to support different ways of learning. These may include opportunities to create, draw, construct and write, helping children engage with the subject in a variety of meaningful ways. We have found this approach to be very successful, as it allows every child to demonstrate their understanding through different learning styles and build their knowledge over the course of the week.  

Phonics 

In Year 2, we teach phonics every day using the Monster Phonics programme, which helps children develop strong decoding and reading skills. During the Summer term, children will take part in the Phonics Screening Check. This short assessment asks children to read 40 words to demonstrate their phonics knowledge. Most of the words are real words, but some are pseudo-words (also known as alien words). These made-up words are included to ensure children are using their decoding skills rather than relying on memory. To help children recognise them, pseudo-words are shown alongside a small alien picture. The current pass mark is 32 out of 40.

Spellings

Spellings are given out weekly on a Friday. Children should practise these spellings at home during the week and will be assessed the following Friday. The assessed spellings will then be returned in the Home School Book, where you will be able to see your child’s score and progress.

Reading

We encourage children to read with an adult at home every evening as part of their weekly homework. Children who read each night will receive a House Point the following day. Please remember to record each reading session in the reading diary section of the Home School Book, as this helps us track your child’s reading practice and development.

Learning Logs

Children in Key Stage 1 will receive their Learning Logs once each term. Inside the book there will be a grid of activities for children to choose from and complete during the term. Learning Logs also include a Rocket Challenge for children who would like to extend their learning further.

Children are welcome to present their work in creative ways, such as models, artwork or other hands-on projects. We encourage children to have fun and be creative with their homework.

Learning Logs should be returned during the final week of each term.

Forest School

Forest School is led by Mr Tilbury and takes place once a week. During these sessions, children will spend time exploring and learning outdoors in the school forest area or at Chicksands Woods.

Children may arrive at school wearing their Forest School clothes and should bring their school uniform with them to change into afterwards. Please ensure that your child wears warm, comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy or wet, as outdoor learning can sometimes be messy.

We aim to run Forest School sessions in most weather conditions, so it is important that children have appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for the outdoors. Sessions will only be cancelled in the event of extremely high winds or severe storms.