Year 1 Church Visit

Year one had the opportunity to visit a local church- St. Dominic's. During the trip the class met Father Angelus and learned about the symbols of Christianity including signs of Advent and Christmas. Later they looked around the church and lit a candle whilst thinking of someone special, as per the Christian tradition.

Father Angelus discusses the Advent wreath.

Pine class excited to light their candles.

Mulberry thinking of other signs and symbols.

Children being shown how a pew is used.

Lighting candles while thinking of someone special.

Asking Father Angelus lots of questions.

Cedar star writer 11.12

Congratulations to Alex Kopiec who won star writer in Cedar this week for a very informative non-chronological report about snakes. Alex included a very interesting fact to finish his writing: 'Did you know that snakes don't eat vegetables'. Well done Alex! 

Creative Colouring Club

The children in Colouring club completed their masterpieces this week to take home. They have worked extremely hard on their patterns which are, in fact, designed for grown ups! Persistently, the children worked to keep their colouring within the miniscule spaces and understood that colouring in this style would take more than one session to complete. 

The benefits of colouring have been widely discussed in the media recently, did you know...

 "colouring can relieve stress and anxiety; sparks creativity; improves hand-eye coordination and improves focus."

It has been lovely watching the children's determination and patience this term, have a great Christmas! 

A little goodbye treat...

Mulberry Star Writer: Bonnie Martin

Well done to Bonnie Martin who is this weeks star writer. Year 1 have been learning about how Christians celebrate Advent and why. Bonnie remembered lots of facts and included some of these in her writing. She sounded out her words independently and remembered her full stops and capital letters.

Excellent work Bonnie, keep it up!

The world at Christmas time in Cedar

Today Cedar learnt about the differences in Christmas time across the world. The main focus was on our topic countries, Antarctica and Australia. They each chose an item from a bag and had to decide if you would see/use that item in the UK, Antarctica or Australia during Christmas time (or a combination of the countries). The children were astounded to find out that it is Summer in Australia right now and some children couldn't believe they have a hot Christmas. "Wowwww" they all said in chorus.

Cedar Star Writer - Bailey James

Congratulation to Bailey James who won star writer for Cedar after his brilliant information text on Australia. Bailey James was able to use conjunctions in his writing to join sentences together and to provide more information. Bailey has been aiming for Star Writer since the beginning of the term, so it was a pleasure to award it to him this week. Unfortunately Bailey was absent for the E for Excellent assembly so he will receive his award next week!

Cherry Star Writer: Tyrell Bertin

Tyrell has been working very hard recently to improve his writing. He has ensured his letters are legible and used his sounds to spell words. Last week he wrote an information text all about Australia!

Outdoor learning in Cedar

The children in Cedar have been busy outside this week. Focusing on our theme Antarctica they built an igloo out of sand showing great reciprocity when working together.

"We made a hole for the door" Jessica Chilvers.

An igloo was also made in the construction area.

Whilst Megan and Charlie got measuring..

"I'm trying to get exactly 20ml" Charlie Ilott.

In Cedar we value outdoor learning greatly. The children understand that it is their time to explore and become independent learners, showing the qualities of the 4R's: reciprocity, reselience, reflectiveness and resourcefulness. 

Star Writer

Well done to Indie who is this weeks star writer! After creating Diva lamps as part of our learning about Diwali, the class had to write their step by step instructions of how to make them. Indie used her phonic knowledge to assist with her independent writing. She remembered all the instructions in their correct order and she used a sound chart to help her with tricky words. Great effort, Indie!

Pine Star writer - Olivia Bundy

Well done Olivia who is this weeks star writer! For anti-bullying week, Olivia wrote about bullying and what not to do to ensure we are being kind. She used phonic knowledge to explain we do not say horrible words, we take care with other people's belongings and we do not use physical bullying. Excellent effort, Olivia!