Autumn Term Highlights from Year 1

Phonics and Writing

Year 1 have been working hard in becoming fluent Phonics readers and writers this term. We have learnt how to use our sound buttons when needed, partner talk orally when making sentences and remembering sentences need capital letters and full stops in grammar. We have been making great attempts at writing our own sentences. We have also been focusing on letter formation and handwriting. Our favourite part in Phonics is creating actions for our sentences.

Maths

We have been focusing on addition and subtraction within 10 using bar whole models and looking at 3D and 2D shapes and patterns. We have been learning how to use resources independently to help us as well as understanding multi step problem questions. Next term, we will look at additions up to 20.

Science with links to 11b411

We looked at seasonal changes this term and how the weather affects seeds to grow and how the sun changes of a period of time. We observed the weather forecast and looked at the symbols used to read the weather. We measured the rain and wind and had fun creating windsocks and a class rain gauge. We also had an amazing time on our school trip to Rushall Farm. We had the opportunity to dig up some worms and talk about the importance of soil for seeds to grow, planted our own seeds and visited the farm animals and went on a tractor ride!

History

‘It’s all about me’ was our focus topic. We looked our family trees and compared to King Charles. We found that life in the past was much different than life in the present. We explored toys from the past and had a go at trying to play with some that were ‘not so easy’ to some of us. We ended our unit by designing an outfit that the King would wear in the present time.

Geography

We explored our local area by looking at arial maps, finding our school. One of our lessons were finding spots on our school ground by following a map. We found the difference between physical and human features and how we would find them on a map. We also looked at the characteristics of the countries of the United Kingdom and their capital cities and made brochures if anyone ever wanted to visit.

DT

We explored different materials that would make a sustainable umbrella. We tested various materials to see if they could be waterproof. We created our final pieces by the support of our parents that came in for our DT workshop. It is always nice having our Ranikhet parents on site

Art

We practiced the skill of drawing self-portraits inspired by Pablo Picasso as our inspired artist. He created symmetrical and non – symmetrical self-portraits and evaluated each other’s art to see what we could improve.

Message from Mrs Stark

Overall, I am so impressed with how well Year 1 have settled into the new term. There have been many new routines that have been put in place, new learning and lots of instructions we must follow throughout the day. Year 1 have shown me such wonderful listening and resilience in such a short amount of time. I am very proud of Year 1. Thank you to the quick check ins from parents and the support that you continue to give your children at home. I wish your all a wonderful and restful festive break. I am looking forward to our learning in Spring.