Welcome to Beech - Year 1!

Autumn Term

Settling in

We are so proud of every person in Beech class for the way they have settled in to life in Year 1. We have ensured that the transition from Early Years into Year 1 is a smooth one, by creating an outdoor space filled with learning opportunities that link to our curriculum. The children love being able to move from the classroom to the outdoors freely, and this has already proven to be a real success.

Here are some photographs that show the children taking part in both their formal lessons, and accessing the continuous provision (learning through play).

Forest school

Beech class have now begun their weekly Forest School sessions! Our first visit to Forest School this week was linked to spirituality and maths.

The children used a mix of natural found objects (twigs, leaves and stones) to count groups of objects accurately, and some children took on further challenges to compare quantities.

We then took some time to be mindful and show an awareness of our surroundings. They explored the mud kitchen, built different structures and discovered wildlife living amongst the leaves.

Although the weather was drizzly and our wellies got muddy, we had a fantastic time out in the fresh air!

Topic homework

Thank you to all of the families that have supported their children to create such fantastic topic homework this term. Our role play areas have really been brought to life with the children’s creations.

Spring Term

Settling in

The children have been absolutely amazing and they have really helped me settle into my new role as their class teacher.  I couldn’t have asked for a better class!  I have already gained some really lovely bonds with the children and good rapports with some of the parents. I know I have only spoken to some of you, but I just wanted to say that if any parent/career have any concerns or would like to speak to me, I have an open door approach.  You can speak to me at the end of the school day or send me an email and I will give you a call back. 

Great Fire of London Day!

Year 1 had an unforgettable day stepping back in time to September 1666, when History Off The Page immersed us in life on an old London street near Pudding Lane. From the moment they arrived, the children were fully engrossed in a range of hands-on activities that brought history to life.

Throughout the morning, the children tried their hand at candle making, perfume blending, sewing and weaving, and pottery making, making bread from salt dough, and visiting the doctors, where they learned about the extreme measure taken to treat illnesses like the plague. The excitement grew as news spread that the fire was approaching, and by lunchtime it was time to evacuate.

Later, the children returned to explore the aftermath, carefully examining the ashes and artefacts left behind. It was wonderful to see how engaged and enthusiastic they were throughout the day.

Science - Materials

Beech class have really enjoyed investigating and exploring different types of materials in their Science lessons this half term.  The children explored and tested materials to see whether they were hard, soft, shiny, dull, stretchy, transparent, waterproof or absorbent.  This learning was then linked to our history project the Great Fire of London where the children designed a house and chose the most suitable materials for the walls, roof, windows and door.  We had some excellent class discussions with the children explaining why certain materials were suitable for specific purposes and why others would not be appropriate.  The children loved being scientists and confidently used scientific vocabulary such as transparent, absorbent and waterproof when sharing their ideas.

Topic homework

Thank you to all of the families that have supported their children to create such fantastic topic homework for our Great Fire of London role play area.  We have had a few ovens, salt dough bread rolls, signs, menus and houses.  The children have really enjoyed using these creations to bring their role play to life.  This has really helped them fully immerse into the topic.