Year 1

Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful summer break and that the children feel rested and ready for an exciting year ahead. It has been lovely to see everyone returning to school with such enthusiasm. The children have made a brilliant start, settling into their new classrooms, meeting the adults who will be helping them in their new classes, and beginning to form new friendships.

This week in English we have started our new book Journey by Aaron Becker. This is a beautiful story told entirely through pictures, with no words at all! The children have been using the illustrations to practise important skills such as inferring what the characters might be feeling and thinking, and predicting what might happen next. It has been wonderful to hear their imaginative ideas as the story unfolds.

In maths, we are revisiting key concepts from Reception to make sure our learning is secure. We have been practising correct number formation, exploring number bonds to 5 and 10, and learning to recall doubles with increasing confidence. These skills will give us a strong foundation as we move into new learning later in the term.

Our wider curriculum has also got off to a great start. In science, we are learning about the seasons and how they change. In art, we are exploring the work of Yayoi Kusama, famous for her dots and bold colours. In geography, we have been thinking about where The Vineyard School is on a map. We are also beginning new topics in computing and PSHE, focusing on using technology safely and building positive relationships.

It has been a busy but exciting first week, and we are very proud of how well the children are adapting to Year 1.

            

            

            

w/b 08.09.25

Keywords: number bonds, doubles, add, predicting, inferring, near, far, beside, Yayoi Kusama, polka dots, seasons, autumn, winter, spring, summer

Sounds: sh, th, ch, qu, ng, nk

 

w/b 15.09.25

Keywords: sorting, numbers to 10, weather, changes, tools, aerial photograph, adjectives, feelings, sequencing, finger spaces, full stops, capital letters 

Sounds: sh, th, ch, qu, ng, nk

 

Messages: 

• Please ensure your child brings their reading folders in with their reading record and books on Mondays. 
• The reading record should be signed by an adult five times.
• All hair needs to be tied up- half up and down needs tying completely back. 
• Please ensure your child has a book bag- we cannot safely house rucksacks due to our limited space.

 

Dates: 

• 19th September: PJ reading day (bring £1 or a book for your child’s reading corner)

• 9th October (9am): family volunteer training

• Tuesday 14th October: family teacher meeting 

• Thursday 16th October: family teacher meeting

• 10th November: Victorian day (dress up as a Victorian child)

• 3rd December (8.45 - 9.15 am): open classroom

• 9th December (9.30 am): year 1 Christmas performance

 

Year 2

Welcome back to a brand-new school year in Year 2! We’ve had a wonderful first week settling in, getting to know the children, and beginning our learning journey together. The children have already shown great enthusiasm and curiosity, and we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

English
This week, we have been exploring Journey by Aaron Becker. The children are working on creating their own setting descriptions, using exciting adjectives to make their writing vivid and engaging. We have made and described our own portals into new worlds in the playground with chalk and been practising asking questions to develop our ideas and enrich their descriptions.

Maths
In maths, we have been learning about place value, with a focus on tens and ones. The children have been practising partitioning numbers and representing them in different ways.

Science
Our science topic this half term is living things. We have been exploring the difference between things that are living, non-living, and never alive, and thinking about what characteristics make something alive.

Art
In art, we are taking inspiration from Orla Kiely. The children will be experimenting with patterns, colour, and shape to create their own artwork in her style.

Geography

In geography, we are exploring settlements in the United Kingdom. We are learning about the location of the UK within Europe, as well as identifying nearby countries and surrounding seas.

It has been a fantastic start to Year 2, and we are excited to see all the children grow and flourish this year. Thank you for your continued support.

      

                                 

w/b 08.0925

Keywords: Setting description, adjectives, questions, explore, ones, tens, diens, place value, settlements, United Kingdom, patterns, nature, living, non-living, never alive, materials

 

w/b 15.09.25

Keywords: Setting description, adjectives, questions, number, partition, expand, number lines, habitat, living things, safe, settlements, town, village, city, product, design

 

Messages: 

• Please ensure your child brings their reading folders in with their reading record and books on Mondays. 
• The reading record should be signed by an adult five times. 
• All hair needs to be tied up- half up and down needs tying completely back. 
• Please ensure your child has a book bag- we cannot safely house rucksacks due to our limited space.

 

Dates: 

• Tuesday 15th October  - Open Classrooms 8:45-9:10
• Tuesday 15th October - Behaviour For Learning Workshop 09:15-09:45
• Thursday 17th October - PTA BINGO night
• Phonics Workshop for Year 1 and 2 - 22.10.24 at 9.30 - 10.15 will be taking place on Zoom. Please attend as there will be relevant information regarding Phonics and the statutory Phonics Screening Check. 
• Wednesday 22nd October - End of term