Friday, 21st March 2025
High Flyers
Our high flyers have shown energy and resilience. We were impressed by their skills!
Goodbye
We wish you all the best of luck in your new school. Turtle class will miss you lots!
English
In English, we finished our narratives based on, ‘The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight’ story. There was an impressive use of capital letters, full stops and finger spaces! We will now be starting a new unit on writing instructions about how to make a castle.
DT
In design and technology, we are making castles with a drawstring bridge.
Reading Awards
Congratulations to the children who received reading awards this week!
Maths
We will be working on known fact families.
Notices
Thursday – PE and library day.
Friday – PE day.
Hornbill House Team Points – Term 2
Friday, 14th March 2025
Our high flyers have demonstrated every learning power across all subjects this week!
English
In English, we are writing our narratives based on, ‘The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight Story’. We are focusing on using capital, letters full stops correctly. In addition, we are making sure we use our prefixes s, es, ing and ed correctly.
Book Day
We really enjoyed our book week last week. We did lots of fun, activities based on ‘The Dot’ storybook.
Maths
We have enjoyed learning our doubles and near doubles. We are now working on subtraction. It has been great fun using counters and bead strings.
Notices
Thursday – PE and library day.
Friday – PE day.
If your child has a club that needs PE kit after school, they can come to school wearing their PE if that is easier on that day.
Friday, 7th March 2025
Our high flyers have shown creativity and courage in all subjects.
Certificates
Congratulations to the children who have received their certificates. All the hard work is really paying off.
Science
In Science we have been learning about the names and properties of different materials.
KIRF (Key instant recall facts)
Well done on being the term 2.1 fluency champion for the number bonds to 10. Who will be our next winner?
Notices
Thursday – PE and library day.
Friday – PE day.
If your child has a club that needs PE kit after school, they can come to school wearing their PE if that is easier on that day. Last club day is Thursday 6th March 2025.
Friday, 28th February 2025
Our high flyers have shown creativity, confidence and resilience.
In Maths we have been measuring in different ways. We have used non-standard units like paper clips and cubes before moving onto centimetres.
In English we have been role playing the story of ‘The knight who wouldn’t Fight’. The children have been confidentially retelling the story and acting as different characters.
In Science, we have been looking at the names of different materials and discussing their features. We also completed a material guessing game where children had to describe the properties and the children had to guess the material.
In PE on Fridays, we are working on our ball skills. We have been playing games using different types of balls and improving our throwing and catching skills.
KIRF
Key instant recall facts of term 2.1 was number bonds to 10. Our first fluency badge winner received his badge on Friday. Please see more information below about our current KIRF on doubles.
FS2 and Year 1 Phonics FLP
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday morning for the Phonics FLP. We hope that you found it useful and that you now feel more confident about how you can support your child with their phonics, reading and writing at home.
Please find here a PDF of the PowerPoint shared in the session, including the updated phoneme pronunciation resource/video from Oxford Owl. This is also available here: https://youtu.be/UCI2mu7URBc.
Notices
Thursday – PE and library day.
Friday – PE day.
Thursday book day- Dress up day. Your child should come to school in their dress up clothes for book day with their PE kit inside their bag. They can come in clothes with dots or as their favourite book character.
If your child has a club that needs PE kit after school, they can come to school wearing their PE if that is easier on that day. Last club day is Thursday 6th March 2025.
Friday, 21st February 2025
Congratulations to the children who have received their reading awards. We are very proud of you! Once again, thank you for your continued support at home with reading. This is evident not only in child’s reading progress but also in their writing.
Welcome to Turtle Class. What a great first few days! We have been impressed by your good manners, enthusiasm and hard work.
English
We began our new unit on, ‘The knight who Wouldn’t fight’ by Helen Docherty. There is a link to the story below. This week the children have made predictions and role played the story.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories 1×739 The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight
Maths
We have started a new unit on length and measure. The children have been using the key vocabulary longer, longest, shorter, shortest, length and measure. This is a short unit before we move onto addition and subtraction up to 20.
Our new KIRF (Key instant recall fact) for term 2.2 is to know the doubles and halves up to 10.
The fluency champion shall receive a badge at assembly soon. Please continue to support your child’s learning in this area. The information sheet has many suggestions on how you may support your child at home with this.
Science
Our new Science unit is on materials and their properties. Please see the key vocabulary below and support your child in learning this new vocabulary.
Key Vocabulary
Notices
Thursday – PE and library
Friday – PE day. See below.
Friday – Friday is purple day/ crazy hair day. Your child may come to school in purple clothes but please ensure they have appropriate and safe footwear for PE.
If you scroll down you can see the information sheet about this special day below.
Advance notice
Book week – World Book Day – Thursday 6th March 2025
Phonics Screening Test Year 1
Monday 9th June – Friday 13th June 2025
If you know you are leaving that week, please let the office know, as soon as possible, as we will ensure that this statutory assessment for all Year 1 pupils in English Schools is one of the first assessments completed.
KIRFs Term 2.2
Websites to support learning
https://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/archeryDoubles/index.html
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Doubles Game – Find the match
Thursday, 13th February 2025
High Flyers
Our high flyers have shown confidence, kindness and all the learning powers.
We say goodbye to a wonderful class member. We wish them lots of luck for their return to the UK. Your stories, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
The children have produced some lovely writing based on, ‘The Princess and the Pea’. We have been working on improving our capital letters, full stops and adjectives in our writing.
In maths we have been estimating number on a number line. The children enjoyed working with partners to estimate the mid-point and position of other numbers on a number line.
Notices
No swimming.
Thursday – PE and library today.
Friday – PE today.
Phonics Glossary in English and Nepali
Information on Purple Day
Useful information for learning in year 1
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/learning-at-home-5-6
Phonics Sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCI2mu7URBc
Maths in Year 1
White Rose workbooks – These can be printed at home.
https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads
I have received a few queries about resources to support Year 1 pupils with maths at home. There are lots of resources available, but the two links below will take you to two different workbooks that match closely with the work the children complete in Year 1:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Maths-10-Minute-Weekly-Workouts/dp/1789083109/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2KOIAUKCKHWBV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rl6IkIffY9O2_AdWl2D7cDaz3boVQ8-kV_eI8aXqK3q80eocg673RwyN0EY9W9330AMDUpMaJ2I46OAA-A-ER8mOxApEPnFnyGZWz5IRWIlrqbMuFb_gn-6EBuMOZ0QiznkOSMHKb81A6XD-bLxzmrAL6Izi2qCgq0N5BLlgAx6HBgVTKdtVjHXKqGWKPWoDcznbl62t2vsAa2R_jcrqWmrfv-rWnPhXVirT7VFjZVQ.qNf3z8s025xRcYW0lwlOl7KcZW0kN9QnU0FaW__m_mA&dib_tag=se&keywords=year+1+maths+weekly&qid=1739270970&sprefix=Year+1+maths+%2Caps%2C511&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mental-Maths-Targeted-Practice-Workbook/dp/0008670242/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2KOIAUKCKHWBV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rl6IkIffY9O2_AdWl2D7cDaz3boVQ8-kV_eI8aXqK3q80eocg673RwyN0EY9W9330AMDUpMaJ2I46OAA-A-ER8mOxApEPnFnyGZWz5IRWIlrqbMuFb_gn-6EBuMOZ0QiznkOSMHKb81A6XD-bLxzmrAL6Izi2qCgq0N5BLlgAx6HBgVTKdtVjHXKqGWKPWoDcznbl62t2vsAa2R_jcrqWmrfv-rWnPhXVirT7VFjZVQ.KrURa8zhpYanJ6mUJ-6TqTRX6qYUUY0wKcYSBm6O3RU&dib_tag=se&keywords=year+1+maths+weekly&qid=1739271041&sprefix=Year+1+maths+%2Caps%2C511&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
Friday, 7th February 2025
High Flyers
Our high flyers this week, have shown energy in all subjects and great confidence in asking for help if they need it.
Reading Awards
Congratulations to the children who have achieved reading awards. Thank you, parents, for the continued support with reading.
English
We are finishing off our Princess and the Pea stories. The children have been learning about the ‘un’ prefix and how this can change a root word.
Science
In science the children have been looking at the structure of different plants. They have been exploring plant bashing to create beautiful art work and to discuss the features.
Maths
We have been learning about two-digit numbers up to 50. The children have been counting forwards and backwards and finding one more or one less than a number.
ICT
In computing lessons, the children have been learning about computer coding. They have been giving simple instructions for basic algorithms.
Notices
Tuesday 11th February – swimming (Last swimming, of the academic year). Please can your child come to school in their swimwear and bring their PE kit
Thursday – PE and Library are on today.
Finally, please remember to sign up for a parent’s evening appointment if you haven’t already done so!
Friday, 31st January 2025
High Flyers
Our high flyers this week, have shown creativity and courage in all subjects. But I have been particularly impressed by their writing skills.
English
Our new English unit about traditional stories has started well with lots of oral retelling and role play about the Princess and the Pea.
Y6 visited
We enjoyed sharing our non-chronological reports about wildflowers with Year 6. We also enjoyed having Year 6 read stories to us.
Maths
Our maths has been very practical as we have started to learn to count up to 50.
Notices
Tuesday 4th February – swimming (second last swimming, our last swimming in on Tuesday 11th February). Please can your child come to school in their swimwear and bring their PE kit
Wednesday – PE today instead of Thursday. Please can your child come to school in their PE kit.
Thursday – Library is on today.
Please look out for the parent’s evening sign-up sheet for the week commencing Monday 10th February and sign up for an appointment
Friday, 24th January 2025
High Flyers
The High Flyers have been fantastic role models for all. They have been showing all the learning powers but in particular reflection. They have taken on board feedback and improved their work.
In maths lessons this week, the children have been using number lines up to 20 and finding 1 more or 1 less of a number up to 20. We have also been learning some different songs to support our maths. Our current favourites are
In English, we have been finishing our non-chronological reports on wildflowers in the UK. We have focussed on using third person, technical language and ensuring our capital letters, full stops and finger spaces.
In science, we have been looking at different plant types and planted seeds this week.
ICT lessons have been focused on the importance of following algorithms. We start our computer coding next week.
Coming soon
Look out for certificates coming soon!
Our drop in for parents at swimming will be on 4/2/25. More information to follow.
Notices
Please support your child with the reading of their common exception words at home. The envelope should be in their reading folder. Please keep the envelope in the folder.
KIRF – Key instant recall facts
Please support your child to learn their number bonds to 10. See the other notices below about this.
Tuesday – Swimming
Thursday – PE and library day
For our design and technology project later, this term. We will need an empty cereal box. If you have any, please send them to school.
Useful Websites for Year 1
Starfall – Phonics and reading
Splashlearn – Maths and English
Kodable – Computer coding
ICT games – Maths and English
Topmarks – different subjects
Friday, 17th January 2025
High Flyers
What a great start to the term! Our high flyers have demonstrated all of our learning powers but their energy and courage have really stood out.
English
We have been learning all about wildflowers that can be found in the UK and we have been writing facts about the wildflowers.
Maths
In maths lessons, we are learning about our numbers up to 20. We have been writing them, counting them and finding different ways to make them.
History
Our new History unit is about Kings and Queens. This week we learned about famous Kings and Queens of the past in the UK. We also discussed which Kings and Queens our parents remembered and knew about.
Science
Our Science this term is about plants. We have been learning about the structure of different plants and collecting and sketching leaves.
Notices
Please support your child with the reading of their common exception words at home. An envelope containing the common exception words that we are learning has been sent home in each child’s reading folder for your information. Please keep this envelope in the folder, as we will be using it regularly.
KIRF – Key instant recall facts
Please support your child to learn their number bonds to 10. See previous Blog Posts below for more information about this and suggested activities.
Tuesday – Swimming
Thursday – PE and library day
For our design and technology project later this term, we will need an empty cereal box. If you have any going spare, please send to school.
Please see the attached STA Parent information leaflets, for your information:
Phonics Screening Check for parents
Multiplication Tables Check for parents
Key stage 2 National Curriculum tests
Friday, 10th January 2025
Reading Rewards
Thank you for your continued support with reading. Congratulations to all the children receiving reading rewards.
English
Our first unit this term is on non-chronological texts. This week the children will be looking at the different features of these texts and identifying them e.g. title, facts, subheadings, paragraphs. Then the following week the children will be writing a report about wild flowers.
Maths
In maths lesson we are leaning about our numbers up to 20, ensuring that we can match the numerals to the words. We are also counting to 20 and finding 1 more and 1 less of a given number up to 20.
History
Our new History unit is about Kings and Queens. This week we will be learning about the Battle of Hastings and why it is significant to the History of the United Kingdom.
Science
Our Science this term is about plants. We will be investigating different types of plants, how they go and the structure of plants.
ICT
We are learning about algorithms and the importance of being precise with our instructions. This week the children gave specific instructions to their partner while they were playing with Lego. We also reminded ourselves of the correct procedure for logging on.
Notices
Please support your child with the reading of their common exception words at home. The envelope should be in their reading folder.
KIRF – Key instant recall facts
Please support your child to learn their number bonds to 10. See the other notices below about this.
Tuesday – Swimming
Thursday – PE and library day
For our design and technology project later, this term. We will need an empty cereal box. If you have any, please send them to school.
KIRFs Introduction
What are KIRFs?
They are specific to each year group, building on your child’s prior learning whilst linking to the national curriculum. To support your child’s fluency and mental maths skills, we are introducing KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) throughout school from FS2 to Y6. KIRFS are a way of helping your child to learn by heart, key facts and information which they need to have instant recall of. They contain number facts such as number bonds and times tables that need constant practise and rehearsal, so children can recall them quickly and accurately.
Instant recall of facts helps enormously with mental agility and flexibility in maths lessons. When children move onto written calculations, knowing these key facts is very beneficial. For your child to become more efficient in recalling them easily, they need to be practised frequently and for short periods of time.
How can we access the KIRFs at home?
Each half term, children will focus on a Key Instant Recall Fact (KIRF) to practise and learn at home for the half term. They will be available on our school website, on the class blog. At the end of each half term there will be a fluency champion chosen from each class and they will be given a badge for maths. Children will be rewarded for their commitment to their learning and the progress they have made with their KIRFs that term.
How do we practise the KIRFs?
They are not designed to be a time-consuming task and can be practised anywhere – in the car, walking to school, etc. Regular practice – little and often – helps children to retain these facts and keep their skills sharp. The KIRFs include key vocabulary and examples of the key skills, as well as practical ideas to assist your child in grasping the key facts. Each KIRF also contains helpful suggestions of ways in which you could make this learning interesting.
How are the KIRFs developed in school?
Throughout the half term, the KIRFs will also be practised regularly and in short bursts in school. Over their time at primary school, we believe that – if the KIRFs are developed fully – children will be more confident when working with number, understand its relevance, and be able to access the curriculum much more easily.
Websites to support learning
Learn a number bond song
I Know My Number Bonds 10 | Number Bonds to 10 | Addition Song for Kids | Jack Hartmann – YouTube
Other
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/teddy-numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/saveTheWhale/
https://mathszone.co.uk/number-facts/number-bonds-to-10/10-pipe-ict-games
Friday, 13th December 2024
High Flyer
Our high flyers this week have shown lots of energy and resilience in all their work.
Our Merry Adventure to the Post Office
On Monday, 9th December, we embarked on a jolly jaunt to the post office, bubbling with excitement! The children couldn’t contain their joy as they prepared to send their letters to Santa Claus up North. With dreams of sugar-plum fairies and presents galore, the atmosphere was positively festive!
Once we arrived, the post office team, led by Sgt Christopher Locke, welcomed us with open arms, sharing their Christmas cheer. They were excellent and informative, explaining how the post office operates like a well-oiled sleigh. The children listened intently, eyes wide with wonder, learning that letters must be wrapped up tightly, just like a Christmas present, before they are sent off on their journey!
One of the highlights of our visit was giving the children the opportunity to purchase their very own stamps. Excitedly, they received colourful festive stamps, humming Christmas tunes as they did so. With their stamps in hand, the children carefully affixed them to their letters to Santa, ensuring everything was ‘post-perfect’.
To top it all off, we even got to use the BFPO (British Forces Post Office) stamper! Watching the children beam as they validated their letters was a sight to behold. They truly felt the magic of Christmas knowing that their heartfelt messages would soon be winging their way to the North Pole.
Our trip was a wonderful way to kick off the festive season. The children left the post office with their spirits soaring higher than Rudolph on Christmas Eve, delighted in the knowledge that Santa would receive their letters in just a matter of days. It’s safe to say our adventure was a ‘tree-mendous’ start to the celebrations!
Fun this week.
We had great fun doing lots of creative activities and finishing off our Christmas baubles. We also had a fantastic time completing a whole series of Purple Mash computer based festive tasks.
Thank You
Thank you for your support this term. holiday. If you are celebrating Christmas, we wish you a very merry Christmas, and wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable holiday!
Mr Leahy
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Mr Leahy this week. He has been a wonderful colleague and teacher and will be missed greatly. The children will write to Mr Leahy in term 3 to share their progress and updates from this year.
Farewell and Best Wishes from Mr Leahy
Dear Parents
As we approach the end of this term, I find myself reflecting on my time at Hornbill School over the past eight and a half years. It has been an immense pleasure teaching your children and witnessing their growth and development. The supportive involvement of families and the enthusiasm for learning displayed by your children have been hallmarks of our school community that I will always cherish.
As many of you are all aware, I will be moving to Port Lincoln, South Australia soon and although I am excited about this new chapter in my life, my departure is tinged with a sense of sadness. I am grateful for the invaluable experiences I have had at Hornbill and the connections I have forged with both the children and their families.
As we prepare for our departure, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you for being such supportive parents. Your partnership in your children’s education has significantly impacted their learning journey and has contributed to creating a nurturing environment at Hornbill.
Looking ahead, as Dolphin class amalgamates with Turtle, I extend my best wishes to Mrs Donald who has been such a wonderful teaching partner during the autumn term.
As we approach the festive season, I wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas break filled with joy and reflection. May the coming year bring every success and happiness to you and your loved ones.
Thank you once again for the privilege of teaching your children.
Warm regards,
Mr Leahy
Common Exception Words
In Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2), children have common exception words to learn alongside their phonics. Common exception words are words in which the English spelling code works in an unusual or uncommon way. They are not words for which phonics ‘doesn’t work’, but they may be exceptions to spelling rules, or words which use a particular combination of letters to represent sound patterns in a rare or unique way. By the end of year 1, your child should be able to read them and spell them all.
In term 2, we are focusing on reading these words. Your child will be given words in an envelope to practise if they need to learn to read them. If your child can already read them they will not be given an envelope home yet. Please can the envelope stay in the folder as they will also practise them at school.
There are some online games here
Words and Spelling, English Games for 5-7 Years – Topmarks
Notices
Tuesday 7th January 2025 – Swimming is on.
Thursday 9th January 2025– PE and Library.
Common Exception words – See the note above, look out for these in your child’s reading diary.
Hornbill House Point Trophy Term 1.2
Friday, 6th December 2024
High Flyer
Our high flyers have shown resilience and energy this week.
This week
In maths this week we finished off our unit on shape by looking at patterns. We ill continue to use patterns in creative activities next week. In English we finished off our letters to Santa. We can’t wait to go to the post office on Monday to post them.
Special Visitor
We had a special visitor from the North Pole…
A Wriggly Nativity
Thank for your support, the children did a fantastic performance. We are very proud of all their hard work.
Notices
Monday – Trip to the post office.
Tuesday – No swimming.
Thursday- Festive Clothes Day
Your child may wear Christmas colours or Christmas t-shirts etc on this day. Please can they bring their PE kit in their school bag.
Thursday – PE and library
Friday – School finishes at 12 o’clock
Friday, 29th November 2024
In English lessons, the children have been preparing to write their letters to Santa. They have been learning about using joining words such as ‘and’ or ‘because’. Additionally, the children have been using adverbials of time e.g. first, next, after etc.
We look forward to visiting the Post Office on Monday 9th December. We would be grateful if your could return the permission slip and the fee for the stamps next week.
In maths lessons, the children have been learning about 2D and 3D shapes. They have also been making repeating patterns.
DT
Within DT we have been learning about the running and over stitch. The children have been practising these skills.
A Wriggly Nativity
We would be most grateful if you could practise the songs for our nativity. Most of the songs are on a YouTube link posted below. Click on the link and sing along with your child at home! We have also posted a pdf copy of the lyrics on this blog post here.
Wriggly Nativity songs – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kF0jJsmx76SM-etjqgCHIIibM9D2UkUT4
Notices
Reminder: If you were given a costume letter, your child needs to bring these items to school on Monday. We have our performance and dress rehearsal next week.
We are unsure if the children will be swimming next week as a result of the current pool closure. We will send further information on Monday.
Tuesday- swimming TBC
Wednesday- swimming TBC
Thursday – PE and library
Friday – Nativity Performance 1030hrs
Friday, 22nd November 2024
High Flyers
Our high flyers, pictured below, continue to impress and have shown great energy, creativity, resilience and courage in class.
Reading Awards
Congratulations to the children who have achieved reading awards. Thank you again to parents for your support at home.
Certificates
Wow, so many children have achieved their fourth certificate! Congratulations to all of our award winners this week!
Leaver
We sadly had to say goodbye to an amazing learner. We wish you all the best for the future! Good luck! This child achieved their much deserved badge for Maths!
Nativity Rehearsals
Some of the children have been trying on their costumes. We are working hard to learn our song words and lyrics.
A Wriggly Nativity
We would be most grateful if you could practise the songs for our nativity. Most of the songs are on a YouTube link posted below. Click on the link and sing along with your child at home! We have also posted a pdf copy of the lyrics on this blog post here.
Wriggly Nativity songs – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kF0jJsmx76SM-etjqgCHIIibM9D2UkUT4
English
We have begun a 3-week unit on letter writing. The children will be preparing their Santa letters in this time ready for posting. It is our intention to visit BFPO in the Chit Chat centre on December 9th where the children will be given the opportunity to post these letters. We will share more information on this short school trip next week.
ICT
In computers, the children had a go at creating their own Maze Adventures. Although the task was quite challenging, it was impressive to note the successes of many children who guided their character through their own created mazes.
Geography
In geography, we looked at the seven continents of the world. We examined the UK’s location in using atlases and also examined the respective locations of both Brunei and Nepal.
Thursday, 14th November 2024
Our high flyers this week have demonstrated all of our school’s learning powers.
In maths lessons, we have been using number lines and bead strings to support with subtraction. We have also been finding fewer and more than numbers up to 10. The children greatly enjoyed writing their stories about the Snow Dragon this week.
Reading awards
Congratulations to the children who have achieved reading awards this week… Thank you for your commitment to your reading.
Fine Motor Skill Activities
The children participate in a variety of activities to enable them to build strength in their hands, which supports the development of handwriting. They enjoy dough gym, lacing activities and many more activities.
For relaxation we enjoy Scratch Yoga. You can find a variety of yoga activities by following this link: scratch garden yoga – YouTube
ICT
In computers the children have been using algorithms this week to complete their maze adventures. This topic certainly has captivated our learners!
Geography
In geography, we have been examining villages, towns and cities. We have looked at the countries which make up the UK as well as the countries that share the island of Borneo. We also identified our two local towns, Seria and Kuala Belait, drawing on our experiences of our October trip to V-Plaza.
Christmas Nativity
Our Christmas Nativity is on Friday 6th December at 1030hrs. We hope you will be able to join us then. The children are going to be trying on costumes next week. We will update if they need any other clothing for their costumes.
Notices
Tuesday – Swimming
Thursday – PE and library
Friday, 8th November 2024
In maths, the children have been working hard on developing their subtraction skills. They have really enjoyed using our maths bead strings to help them to subtract numbers along with the crossing out method of subtraction. We use White Rose Education to support children’s learning in maths. The website has free workbooks that can be printed to support your child’s learning. If you are interested these resources can be found here.
In our computing lessons the children have been working their way around mazes proving that they are ‘Maze Explorers’! This week saw them extend their learning by incorporating algorithms in their maze activities.
English
Our core text in English remains The Snow Dragon. It is an enthralling adventure story which has captivated our learners. Here is a good version of the story that you can watch with your child at home – https://youtu.be/TUXtL6PNKLQ?si=w1DqghArupGtpfff . This week we looked at descriptive adjectives in the story; we looked at the children’s comprehension of key events and we produced some impressive pictorial story maps which reflected the children’s understanding.
For Information: School Trip
In a few weeks’ time we will be visiting the post office so the children can post their letters to Father Christmas. Our trip is pencilled in for Thursday 5th of December. We will send out a letter with the information in due course.
Reading Awards
Congratulations to Dolphin reading prize winners. Fantastic to see home reading continue throughout this autumn term. Next week the Turtle reading award winners will receive their prizes!
Notices
Tuesday – Swimming is cancelled on Tuesday 12th December due to lack of lifeguard availability. Please can children come with their PE kits as we can replace the swim session with a PE session.
Thursday – PE and library
Halloween Discos Thanks
Hornbill House Point Trophy Term 1.1
Please find below the total number of house points received by each house team during the first half term this year. House points are awarded in recognition of each child’s hard work, particularly focussing on the school’s learning powers of: Reflection, Communication, Creativity, Courage, Curiosity, Exploration, Energy and Resilience.
Congratulations to every child for their contribution towards these totals!
Friday, 1st November 2024
In maths the children have been working hard on developing their addition skills. They have really enjoyed using our maths bead strings to add numbers together!
In our computing lessons the children have been working their way around mazes proving that they are ‘Maze Explorers’!
English
Our core text in English is The Snow Dragon. It is an enthralling adventure story which has captivated our learners. Here is a good version of the story that you can watch with your child at home – https://youtu.be/TUXtL6PNKLQ?si=w1DqghArupGtpfff . Over the next few weeks this story will inspire the children as the write their own adventure narratives.
In our continuous provision area, the children have enjoyed a variety of activities this week. Some of their favourite activities this week have been writing Halloween spells, learning about Tihar, making Diya lights and mehndi patterns. Additionally, the role play area, which is currently a castle has been popular with the children role playing as kings and queens. We now have dragon costumes in the role play area.
We use White Rose Education to support your child’s learning in maths. The website has free workbooks that can be printed to support your child’s learning. If you are interested these resources can be found here.
Notices
Tuesday – Swimming
Thursday – PE and library
Friday, 18th October 2024
High Flyers
Our high flyers have shown great confidence, energy and enthusiasm to their learning.
Our Week
In maths the children have been working hard on their number bonds. The children have been learning about how to be systematic. In English lessons we have been continuing to learn about recounts.
In our computing lessons the children have been making pictograms and have linked this to their learning in Science about the seasons.
V-Plaza Trip
Our trip to V-Plaza was both educational and enjoyable. The views of the Belait River were spectacular, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of the physical features and human features present in Kuala Belait. What a way to bring our geography curriculum to life! At the end of a busy morning’s work, where the children completed two activities linked to their surroundings, we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch of pizza, fries and delicious sandwiches. A truly memorable Thursday morning! We even had the pleasure of meeting DCS Head Ms Beverly Martin and Mr Rowley Bucknill, DCS Assistant Chief Educational Officer, during the course of our visit.
Notices
Swimming is on Tuesday.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
Parent’s Evening Tuesday 29th October and Wednesday 30th October 2024 – Please ensure you have made an appointment.
Halloween Party Thursday 31st October (After school) – See the letter that came home.
Friday, 11th October 2024
High Flyers
Our highflyers have shown great curiosity and courage in their lessons.
It has been a great week, this week. The children have been working hard to learn about using the past tense and to recognise the features of a recount. They have been using time words e.g. first, next, after, lastly to retell events. Following our next school trip (to V- Plaza), the children will be writing their own recounts.
Our lessons in maths have been learning about number sentences. The children have learned about the ‘plus’ (+) symbol and the ‘is equal to’ symbol (=) . The children have also learned about the different structures number sentences can have.
e.g. 5 = 4 + 1
5 = 1 + 4
4 + 1 = 5
1 + 4 = 5
V- Plaza Trip
Our trip to V-plaza on Wednesday is sure to be an enjoyable and educational experience. The children look forward to making geographical observations and this will support the lessons we will deliver in class over the next few weeks. Additionally, a delicious lunch in the riverside café is included. If you have not returned the permission slip long with the suggested $6 contribution, please can I ask you to please share by Tuesday the 15th October.
Happy Dashain
We wish you a Happy Dashain for those celebrating! May this Dashain bring you all happiness, good health, and success in everything you do!
Science
We are approaching the end of our Science unit about the different seasons. The children have impressed us with their understanding and knowledge.
Some of our key vocabulary for this topic is listed below for your information:
- season
- summer
- autumn
- winter
- spring
- change
- leaves
- harvest
- baby animals
- hibernate
- festival
- flowers
Notices
Swimming on is cancelled on Tuesday 15th 0ctober 2024. Your child should come to school in their PE kit.
Wednesday- Our school trip.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
Friday, 4th October 2024
High Flyers
Our highflyers have shown great reflection skills in their learning as well as energy in all subjects.
Next week, we are finishing our instructions on how to make a compass and beginning to learn about recounts. This week in maths the children played games when learning about the part whole model.
Next week in maths, the children are continuing to learn all about the part whole model and number bonds to 5 and then 10.
In Science lessons, the children have been learning all about the seasonal changes and the different types of weather that can occur.
Notices
Swimming on Tuesday. Your child should come to school in their swimwear and should bring their PE in their bag for afterwards.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
INSET DAY Friday 11th October 2024 – NO school for the children.
School Trip
Next week we will be sending out a letter about a school trip to V-Plaza on Wednesday October 16th. The trip will support our delivery of the Year 1 geography curriculum focussing on map reading skills and physical features – as the view from V-Plaza is exceptional. The trip will include a lovely lunch in the riverside restaurant.
Mile-A-Thon
Friday, 27th September 2024
High Flyers
Our highflyers have shown great listening skills and reflection on their learning.
Our Week:
In maths the children are comparing numbers and learning about greater than and less than.
In English we have been working on instructions. We looked and discussed the features together and followed instructions on how to make a compass. If you have time a great way to reinforce this is to follow a recipe at home with your child.
In Science lessons, the children investigated which materials were waterproof and what properties were best for an umbrella.
In geography, we reflected on our trip to Seria Park and we identified the human and physical features we observed. We also discussed how the park’s facilities could be improved!
Reading
Thank you for your continued support with reading at home. We have been delighted with the reading we have heard in school. Here are some of the children who received reading awards below. Fantastic reading, well done!
Dashain Picnic
Parents and carers will be warmly welcomed to our school site from midday to collect their child from the classroom and then have a picnic within our lovely school grounds. If you would like to pack some lunch to share as a family along with a picnic blanket or chairs, we would love to see you! If you are able to attend, your child will not need to bring a separate lunch with them – they can join you for the picnic as their lunch that day. You will need to enter the school site through the main entrance and then travel to Turtle or Dolphin classes to collect your child from either Mrs Donald or Mr Leahy. When you collect your child, you will be asked if you would like to take your child home with you directly at the end of the school day, following the picnic, or if your child will return to class with their teacher at the end of the picnic.
Notices
Swimming is cancelled on Tuesday. Your child should come to school in their PE kit.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is a Thursday.
Dashain Picnic – 12 o’clock Friday 4th October 2024
Friday, 20th September 2024
High Flyers
Our highflyers this week have shown great curiosity in their learning, by asking lots of interesting questions. Well done!
Next week, we are finishing our acrostic poems in English and moving onto instructional writing. You can support your child at home by using time connectives when giving them instructions e.g first, next, after, before, later etc
In maths the children are beginning to compare numbers and to use the greater than and less than symbols. In ICT lessons, the children are working on purplemash to create weather pictures. In geography the children will be reflecting on their learning on the trip by making 3D maps of Seria Park.
Our Trip to Seria Park
Thankfully the weather was good for Friday’s trip to Seria park after the disappointment of last week’s rain enforced cancellation. The children had a wonderful time as we explored the park’s human and physical features. We also discussed the compass directions and the children all used compasses to identify where North, South, East and West were. The children also had a chance to explore their favourite human feature in the park – The Oil Rig Play Ground!
Our second school trip is in the planning stages at the moment. We hope to visit V-Plaza hotel roof terrace – again to support our geography curriculum. More details will be provided in the next few weeks.
Reading
Thank you for your continued support with reading at home. We have been delighted with the reading we have heard in school. Look out for the reading awards following soon.
Independence and swimming
In Year 1, your child is expected to be able to change themselves after swimming. This involves drying themselves and independently putting on all clothing. Although adults will encourage the children, they should be able to manage this task on their own. If this is an area that your child needs to develop, please support your child by expecting them to dress and undress independently at home. Please follow this link to a useful guide to support developing independent dressing skills developed by NHS Borders here.
Notices
Swimming is on Tuesday.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
Please ensure your child has spare clothes in their bag. Next week in Science the children are testing to see if different materials are waterproof, so spare clothes may be needed!
Friday, 13th September 2024
High Flyers
Our high flyers have shown great confidence, energy and enthusiasm to their learning.
This week the children have been doing lots of counting in maths and have been matching the numerals to the words. In Science the children have been learning all about the four seasons and in particular about the animals that are born in springtime. Additionally, the children have been working hard to improve their fine motor skills and have produced great work in phonics!
Sadly, our Geography field trip to Seria was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. We have rescheduled for Friday, 20th September.
House Teams
The children are given house points for showing the learning powers. There has been amazing courage shown this week!
Reminders
Daily reading at home is vital to support your child’s progress in reading and writing. Please continue to sign the front of the reading diary and the back for the reading awards. Your child should bring their reading folder to school every day.
Notices
Swimming is on Tuesday.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
Friday, 6th September 2024
Our highflyers have impressed us with their communication skills. They have shown great listening skills and have been attentive learning partners.
The children in Year 1 have been working hard creating poetry about the weather in English and counting in Maths. Our swimming lessons began this week and the children participated with energy. Within our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health education) lessons we have been discussing how to make someone feel special and ensuring the children all feel valued within the classroom. Our classrooms are beginning to take shape and the children have created some beautiful work for display.
Your child will come home with a letter about our upcoming trip. Please sign and return in your child’s reading folder on Monday.
Reminders
Reading
Daily reading at home is vital to support your child’s progress in reading and writing. Please continue to sign the front of the reading diary and the back for the reading awards. Your child should bring their reading folder to school every day.
Your child was given a library book on Thursday which is our library day. Please ensure they return their library book next Thursday.
Healthy Snacks
The school provides fruit. Please ensure that you are providing your child with a balanced lunch and another snack with healthy foods to support their growth and wellbeing.
Independence and swimming
In Year 1, your child is expected to be able to change themselves after swimming. This involves drying themselves and independently putting on all clothing. Although adults will encourage and support the children, they should be able to manage this task on their own. If this is an area that your child needs to develop, please support your child by giving them the opportunity to practice dressing and undressing independently at home.
Notices
Swimming is on Tuesday.
PE is on Thursday.
Library is on Thursday.
Trip to Seria Park is on Friday, 13th September 2024.
Year 1 PE
Welcome to Year 1
The children have had a fantastic start to Year 1 and have impressed us with their kindness, energy and enthusiasm.
Home Learning Support
Reading Please help your child to rehearse their reading skills by reading together daily. Please record this with a signature and comment in their reading diary.
Maths The other area of learning that we would really like to encourage families to support at home is their Maths learning. The best way to support your child with their work in maths is through
Modelling and using maths in their everyday life, through activities such as cooking or shopping. Your conversations can also really help children to learn – perhaps you could talk about the days of the week and then ask questions, for example:
- Today is Monday, what day is it tomorrow?
- I need two clothes pegs for this item of washing and one more for this sock, how many pegs do I need altogether?
- Counting objects together. Once your child is able to do this confidently, count in steps, for example 2, 4, 6, 8… 5,10,15… 10, 20, 30 etc
- Playing maths related games or singing maths related songs.
More information will follow about maths and phonics at a later date.
Communication
For children travelling by bus, please remember to inform the bus supervisor of any bus cancellations.
Each morning your child’s reading record will be checked, please feel free to add messages there if you are not able to speak to us in the morning or contact the school office if your message is urgent.
PE/ Swimming
Your child’s PE day is on a Thursday. They should come to school in their PE kit, wearing trainers.
Swimming is on a Tuesday morning – Your child should come to school with their swimwear on with either their PE kit or school uniform to change into afterwards. Please ensure they have their towel and underwear in their bag as well.
We politely request that your child does not wear any jewellery on their PE and swimming days.
Library
Our Library day is Thursday. On this day, your child will be issued a new library book. Please ensure that on this day your child returns their old library book.
Other
Building on their personal, social and emotional skills learnt in FS2, please encourage your child to dress independently, including learning the important skill of putting on and doing up their own shoes.
Your child has a snack and lunch break at school. They are provided with fresh fruit during snack time.
Please ensure your child has a spare set of labelled clothes in their bag. Occasionally, learning can be messy!
Thanks for your support.
Year 1 Team
