Summer 2

 English/Understanding of the World
Each week, we ‘took off’ from our classroom airport and travelled the world to explore different seaside locations. From the beaches of Jamaica with The Rainbow Fish, to the shores of India with The Snail and the Whale, and Thailand and Myammar (Burma) under the sea with Tiddler, the children have been inspired by a range of rich texts. They have created story maps, detailed drawings, and imaginative responses, exploring big ideas like friendship, courage, honesty and adventure. Our travels ended in Poland with The Treasure of Pirate Frank, which had everyone searching for treasure and using their positional language skills on maps they created themselves!

 Maths
This term, the children explored a range of mathematical concepts including sharing and grouping, doubling, odd and even numbers, patterns, and positional language. They have loved solving problems practically — from sharing buttons with gingerbread men to building their own doubles using cubes and pictures. They especially enjoyed using maps to go on treasure hunts and applying their knowledge of directions and location-based language.

Phonics
We have been busy consolidating our phonics knowledge — revisiting Phase 2 and 3 sounds, long vowel sounds, and tricky words. The children have worked hard to blend and segment more complex words with increasing fluency and confidence. It’s been a joy to see so many eager readers and writers using their phonics skills across all areas of learning!

 Religious Education (RE)
This term in RE, we have deepened our understanding of Jesus and His friends. We explored stories about Peter and Paul, learning about trust, courage, and spreading the Good News. We reflected on how we too can be friends of Jesus, even when we feel worried or unsure. The children particularly enjoyed meeting visitors who shared about their own faith and how they live it out in everyday life. We also looked at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian man, and learned about the Christian Church in Ethiopia, creating beautiful Coptic-style artwork.

 RSE (Relationships & Health Education)
Throughout the term, our RSE focus has been on developing empathy, respect, and understanding. The children explored similarities and differences, learned about feelings and consequences, forgiveness, and how to grow in love and kindness. We discussed how we are all unique but share common needs, and finished with the joyful theme "God is Love" — singing songs, listening to scripture, and celebrating the love we share with others.

 PE
We have been practising hard for Sports Day, working on teamwork, turn-taking, and encouragement. The children have grown in confidence and skill as they participated in races, obstacle courses, and group games. We’re so proud of their sportsmanship and determination!

 Special Events
One of our highlights this term was the Nursery Rhyme Sing-Along in aid of the RSPCA. Thank you so much to all families for your generous donations and support — the children were so proud to perform and to raise money for a great cause. We also had an inspiring visit from an airplane engineer, which helped bring our travel theme to life in a real-world context.

 

Summer 1

Phonics

This term, children have continued to strengthen their understanding of Phase 3 phonemes and digraphs, with a particular focus on blending adjacent consonants such as st, nd, and mp. They have been applying their phonics knowledge to read and spell longer words with increasing independence and accuracy.

We have introduced new tricky words such as said, have, one, there, and today, while also revisiting familiar ones to support fluency in reading and writing. A strong emphasis has been placed on blending for reading and segmenting for spelling, helping the children to develop both accuracy and confidence.

Through a variety of games, group work, and writing opportunities, the children have grown as capable, enthusiastic readers and writers, with plenty of opportunities to practise their skills in meaningful contexts.

English / Understanding of the World

This half-term, our Drawing Club adventures have been rooted in stories that celebrate the beauty of the natural world, which links nicely with sustainability! Books such as It Starts with a Seed, Eco Girl, Lulu Loves Flowers, and Oliver’s Fruit Salad have inspired the children to explore themes like plant life cycles, sustainability, healthy living, and how small actions can make a big difference.

Through discussion, drama, drawing, and writing, the children have developed their vocabulary and creative thinking. They’ve written sentences inspired by these stories and expressed their ideas through imaginative artwork. These experiences have also supported our Understanding of the World curriculum, encouraging children to think about how we care for nature, the environment, and each other.

RE (Religious Education)

This term, the children have learned about Pentecost—the moment the disciples received the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended to Heaven. We explored how the Holy Spirit helps us to be kind, brave, and full of love in our daily lives.

We also learned about the importance of visiting church and what it means to show respect in God’s house. The children enjoyed setting up an altar in class before visiting our local church for a special celebration of Our Lady of the Visitation. This helped the children understand more deeply the role of prayer, reflection, and how we can live out our school’s mission in everyday life.

Maths

In Summer 1, children extended their number knowledge beyond 10 by exploring teen numbers and understanding them as '10 and some more'. For example, they recognised that 14 is made of 10 and 4. We also introduced early subtraction using practical resources and simple number stories such as “first, then, now” to help children understand the concept of ‘taking away’.

The children explored and continued complex patterns (e.g., ABB, AAB, ABBC) using sounds, objects, and movement. They also solved simple addition problems by adding more to groups and began to count on from a given number. These activities supported their reasoning skills, number fluency, and mathematical language.

 

PSHE / RSE (Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education)

This half-term, we’ve been learning about what makes each of us unique and special. The children reflected on their own strengths and celebrated the idea that we are all wonderfully made by God. Through songs, stories, and thoughtful discussion, they explored healthy choices, body awareness, and the importance of caring for themselves and others.

We also talked about people who help us in everyday life and during emergencies. The children learned how to ask trusted adults for help and what to do in situations that might require calling 999. These sessions supported their understanding of safety, wellbeing, and responsibility.

PE

This term in PE, the children have continued to build on their fundamental movement skills, focusing on spatial awareness, coordination, and how to move safely around others. They have practised using both their arms and legs while running and engaged in games that promote teamwork and turn-taking.

We placed a strong emphasis on fair play, kind words, and supporting one another—helping the children to develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of sportsmanship. These skills have not only supported their physical development but also their social and emotional learning.

Spring 2

Phonics
This term, children will focus on consolidating their understanding of previously
taught graphemes and phonemes. They will apply their phonics knowledge to read
and spell longer, more complex words, including those with adjacent consonants and
polysyllabic structures.
There will be a strong focus on blending for reading and segmenting for spelling,
helping to build accuracy and fluency. Children will also revisit tricky words that do
not follow regular phonetic patterns, such as my, was, you, they, all, by, sure, pure,
are, ensuring they can read and spell them confidently.
Through a range of engaging activities, children will strengthen their phonics skills
and continue to grow as independent, confident readers and writers.

English / Understanding of the World
Our topic this term is "Dinosaurs". The children have been exploring the fascinating
world of dinosaurs through a range of engaging non-fiction books, learning about
creatures such as the T-Rex, Ichthyosaurus, Pterodactyl, and Diplodocus. A
particular highlight was discovering fossils and the story of Mary Anning – The Dinosaur Lady,
which helped the children understand the important role of scientists in uncovering
the past.
We especially enjoyed linking our learning to Science Day, where the children took
part in a hands-on investigation to carefully extract dinosaurs frozen in ice. This
activity encouraged them to think like scientists—observing, predicting, and
experimenting. Once the ice had melted, we transitioned into our Deep Sea Yoga
adventure, where we moved like sea creatures and explored their different habitats.
This topic has sparked curiosity and imagination, helping the children develop a
deeper understanding of prehistoric life and the natural world.

 

  

RE
As we moved through the term, the children learned about Jesus’ time in the desert
and the significance of Lent. They explored why people choose to give things up or
take on new challenges during this special season. We also learned about Holy
Week, recognising the difficult journey Jesus went through to save us. To mark
Shrove Tuesday, the children enjoyed making and tasting pancakes, and on Ash
Wednesday, we welcomed a visit from the priest who gave ashes to those who
wished to receive them.
During Easter Week, we celebrated the joy of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday
by making Easter treats and reflecting on the meaning of new life and hope.
Maths
In Spring 2, Reception children build on their number knowledge through the topics
Alive in 5, Growing 6, 7, 8, and Building 9 and 10, focusing on recognising,
representing, and understanding the composition of numbers up to 10. They begin to
compare quantities, explore simple addition and subtraction, and are introduced to
zero. The children also investigate measurement through Mass and Capacity and
Length, Height, and Time, using language such as heavier, lighter, longer, and
shorter. Finally, they explore the properties of 3-D shapes, learning to name, sort,
and describe objects like cubes, spheres, and cylinders. These topics help lay a
strong foundation in number sense, problem-solving, and mathematical language.

PSHE

This term in PSHE, the children have been exploring the concept of talents and
learning to recognise and celebrate their own strengths. We have discussed how it’s
okay to be good at different things and that we should feel proud of our abilities. The
children also explored ways to get better at something, understanding that with
practice and perseverance, we can all improve. Additionally, we talked about likes
and dislikes, and how these are unique to each person – just like our talents. This
helped promote a sense of individuality, respect for others, and confidence in
expressing themselves.

PE
This term in PE, the children have been developing their fundamental movement
skills through different activities. They have focused on key areas such as balance,
jumping, hopping, and coordination, all while learning to move with increasing control
and confidence. A big emphasis has been placed on personal and social skills,
including taking turns, working cooperatively with a partner, and showing
perseverance when faced with challenges. The children have also begun to reflect
on their own efforts, recognising improvements and celebrating what they can do
well. These sessions have supported not only their physical development but also
their confidence, teamwork, and resilience.

 

Spring 1 

RE

In Religious Education, the children are learning about the feast of Epiphany, which marks the end of the Christmas season. They will learn about the journey of the Wise Men, who travelled from afar and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. The children will explore the message that Jesus has come for everyone and that He takes care of all people. They will also discuss how they can be more like Jesus by caring for others and sharing what they have with those in need.

Phonics

This term, we will dive into Phase 3 phonics were the children will continue to revise phase 2 sounds and learn phase 3 sounds.

Week 1: ai, ee, igh, oa

Week 2: oo, oo, ar, or

Week 3:ur, ow, oi, ear

Week 4: air, er, words with double letters dd, mm, tt, bb, rr, gg, pp, ff

Week 5 : longer words.

 

English/Understanding of the World

Our topic this term is "Who are our Superheroes?" In this topic, the children will learn about the superheroes in our community, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, through our Drawing Club stories and creative activities. They will also explore the important roles that their families, especially their parents, play in their lives as everyday superheroes. This topic will help the children appreciate and understand the valuable contributions of these individuals in keeping us safe and supporting our community.

    

Maths:

In maths this term, the children will be focusing on understanding numbers up to 5 by comparing quantities to see if they are the same, more, or fewer. They will also be exploring the composition of numbers to 5 through subitising, making pairs, and using the part-part-whole method, as well as learning number bonds to 5. As they progress, they will be introduced to numbers 6, 7, and 8, using activities like subitising and comparing these numbers, and learning to recognise them in different forms. The children will also engage in pairing activities to understand pairs and odd numbers, and they will work on the concept of one more and one less than a given number. They will start exploring basic addition and subtraction through combining and finding missing numbers. Additionally, your children will be introduced to measuring and comparing mass and capacity using scales and containers, which will also be applied in practical activities like baking.

 

PSHE

In PSHE, the children will be learning about the importance of rules and how they help us understand appropriate behaviour and keep us safe. They will explore the concept of making right and wrong choices, understanding the consequences of these choices. Additionally, they will be taught about internet safety, learning practical ways to stay safe online. This will help them develop a clear understanding of personal responsibility and the impact of their actions, both in the real world and the digital space.

 

Autumn 2

RE – Prophecy and Promise

This term, the children will be learning about the beautiful story of the Annunciation and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. They’ll hear how Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel, announcing that she would be the mother of Jesus, and how she and Joseph then travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They’ll learn about the humble stable where Jesus was born, and the joy and wonder of the shepherds and wise men who came to visit Him. This story teaches us about Advent, a time of preparation and reflection as we get ready to celebrate Christmas. We will explore how Jesus came as a gift for the whole world, bringing hope and love for all.

 

Literacy / Understanding of the World

We are excited to announce that our children will be taking part in the Drawing Club, an enriching program designed to bring creativity and storytelling to life. In Drawing Club, children will dive into the world of stories, exploring the beauty of language and discovering new vocabulary in a way that transforms learning into a playful adventure. This club will help children develop their creativity and imagination, celebrating their uniqueness and encouraging them to see themselves as extraordinary. Through age-appropriate, highly engaging activities, children will also experience the warmth and joy of connecting with books, creating a "library of progress" that will mark their amazing journey in storytelling and self-expression.

This term in Drawing Club, the children will embark on a magical journey into the world of fairy tales! They’ll explore classic tales, discovering enchanting characters, imaginative settings, and rich vocabulary that bring these timeless stories to life. Through creative storytelling, drawing and writing, they’ll develop their own unique interpretations of fairy tales, fostering their creativity and deepening their love for stories. Join us as we dive into a world of wonder where every child can be a part of the fairy tale adventure!

     

Phonics

This term, we will continue with Phase 2 phonics, where we will learn the sounds of each letter (phoneme) and how two letters together make one sound (digraph). We will continue learning how to blend them to form CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words!

Phonemes learnt this term will be:

Set 6 – ff , ll, ss, j

Set 7 – v, w, x, y

Set 8 – z, zz,qu, ch and words with ‘s’ added at the end (hats, sits)

Set 9 – sh, th, ng, nk

Set 10 – words with ‘s’ added at the end (hats, sits) and words ending in s /z/ (his, bags)

Maths

This term, children will be exploring important early maths concepts that build a strong foundation for understanding numbers and shapes. They’ll start with subitising, learning to recognise numbers 1-3 at a glance without counting, which helps them develop a number sense. The children will also explore the ideas of "1 more" and "1 less," which is a great way for them to begin understanding how numbers grow and shrink. Through fun activities, they’ll use positional language to describe where things are, like "next to," "in front of," and "behind." We’ll also look at composition, discovering how numbers can be made up of smaller parts, and explore 2D shapes, learning to identify and describe their properties. These activities will give the children a solid start in understanding numbers, shapes, and spatial awareness in a playful, engaging way!

PSHE

This term in PSHE, the children will be focusing on important topics around well-being, kindness, and caring for others. They’ll start by learning about what it means to be healthy, discussing nutritious foods, staying active, and looking after their mental and emotional health. During Anti-Bullying Week, we’ll explore the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusion, helping children understand how to treat others with respect and what to do if they or someone else is being bullied. We’ll also be participating in Children in Need, where children will learn about the power of generosity and how supporting others in need can have a positive impact. These themes will encourage children to make healthy choices, show kindness, and understand the importance of helping others in their community.

Autumn 1 Term

Our topic for Autumn 1 is Who am I?

In our engaging topic "Who Am I?" We will embark on a delightful journey to explore the wonders of our five senses and the stages of our human life cycle. Through fun activities and hands-on experiences, your child will learn how we perceive the world around us and how we grow and change from tiny infants to confident individuals. We’ll also celebrate the uniqueness of each of our friends by discovering the importance of families and the special roles they play in our lives. Let’s uncover the magic of who we are together!

The stories that will support our learning are ‘I can Hear’ by Julie Murray, "Look, Listen, Taste, Touch, and Smell: Learning about Your Five Senses" by Pamela Nettleton, "I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too!" by Rachel Isadora and "Super Duper You" by Sophy Henn.

 

 

Phonics

This term, we will dive into Phase 2 phonics, where we will learn the sounds of each letter and how to blend them to form CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. To make this learning enjoyable, oral blending games will be incorporated, such as “Touch your h-ea-d,” which will help reinforce our phonemic awareness playfully. In addition to phonics, reading will become a key part of our weekly routine. We will participate in group reading sessions three times a week. Each session will focus on decoding, prosody, and comprehension, ensuring a well-rounded approach to literacy. On Thursdays, children will bring home books to read with their families, and we kindly ask that they return them the following Wednesday, allowing them to share their progress and excitement about reading with you!

Phonemes learnt this term will be:

Set 1 - s, a,t, p

Set 2 - i, n, m, d

Set 3 - g, o,c, k

Set 4 - ck, e, u, r

Set 5 - h, b, f, l 

RE

This term, we will explore the Creation Story from the Good News Bible, which beautifully illustrates how God brought the world into existence and the importance of each part of creation. As we learn about the wonders of nature and our place within it, we will discuss what it means to be a steward of God's word and the responsibility we have to care for the world around us. Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions, we will discover how we can honour God's creation by showing kindness, respect, and gratitude for all living things. This exploration will inspire us to take an active role in being caretakers of the Earth, embodying the values of stewardship in their everyday lives.

 

Maths

We will be having lots of fun exploring early maths concepts through engaging activities! We will enjoy matching objects, spotting differences, and sorting items into groups based on qualities like size, colour, shape, and purpose (such as creating dinner sets). We will also be comparing amounts in groups to see which has more, fewer, or if both are the same.

 We will also be exploring measurements like big, small, tall, short, and long, and investigating mass (heavy vs. light) and capacity (what fits inside a box). We will also be learning patterns, focusing on creating and spotting simple repeating patterns, including looking for any ‘mistakes’ in the sequence.

It’s been a wonderful term of discovery and learning!

PSHE

In PSHE, we will be learning about the rules and routines that keep us all safe and happy in Reception. We will discuss what it means to be part of our year group and how we can have fun while staying safe together. We will be getting to know each other’s names and discussing how we are all unique—our names, families, and feelings may be different, even if we share a name or are twins!

We’ll soon begin discussions about how families can look different and why it’s important to celebrate this diversity. The children have also been enjoying activities that encourage positive thinking and friendship, including drawing pictures as gifts for their friends. In the coming weeks, we will revisit our emotions and engage in deeper discussions about different feelings, learning how we can respond to both our own emotions and those of our friends.

Books that will support learning:

• Incredible You by Rhys Brisenden
• Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
• Who’s in my Family – Robie H. Harris
• Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival

Welcome to the Bumblebees and Butterflies Class Page.

It is an exciting new chapter for all of us, as your child begins their journey in Reception! This is a time filled with curiosity, discovery, and growth, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant school community. Together, we will nurture your child's love for learning and help them develop essential skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. We look forward to partnering with you to create a positive, engaging environment where your child can thrive. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

The children have now settled in well and have all been making new friends. Over the last week they have enjoyed exploring our classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We will be sharing all the exciting learning on this page and in our photo gallery over this academic year.

Phonics Meeting Wednesday 25^th September at 2:50pm.

A few reminders:

• School uniform

no frilly socks for girls

no trainer socks for the boys

• Hair

Long hair must be tied up with dark blue hairbands.

Headbands must be blue or white

 

• No Jewellery worn in school
• Please bring a spare change of clothes and leave at school (trousers / socks / pants / shoes)
• Do not let your child bring toys/sweets to school.
• Label all your child’s belongings clearly
• Register online for free school milk at ‘Cool Milk’.