English

We will begin the half term by reading the text ‘The last wolf’. Our end of term aim is to
write a narrative and a recipe. We will be focusing on correct punctuation including finger
space, capital letters, full stops and exclamation and question marks for year 2. We will be
using ‘and’ to join sentences and the Year 2 children will begin to use ‘because’, ‘or’ and
‘but’.

Maths

This half term in maths, Year 1 children will be developing their addition and subtraction
skills. They will learn to add by counting on from the largest number, making 10 first, and
separating ones and tens. For subtraction, they will practise counting back and subtracting
without bridging through ten. The children will also solve simple word problems, deciding
whether to use addition or subtraction and using number bonds and visual representations to
support their thinking. This will help them build confidence and strengthen their
understanding of number and place value. Throughout this unit, pupils will use a range of
methods — starting with concrete resources, moving to pictorial representations, and finally
working with abstract calculations — to build confidence and efficiency in their recording
and reasoning.

Year 1 children will, also, begin exploring the ideas of multiplication and division through
practical, hands-on activities. They will learn to solve simple word problems using equal
groupings to understand the concept of multiplication. Using concrete materials, pupils will
practise dividing even numbers into equal groups, finding out how many groups can be made
or how many objects belong in each group when sharing equally. They will also count in
multiples of 2, 5, and 10 from different starting points to recognise patterns in the number
system and build a strong foundation for future multiplication learning.

This half term in maths, Year 2 children will be exploring multiplication, division, and
fractions. They will learn to understand multiplication and division as repeated addition and
equal grouping, using arrays to help them visualise and make sense of these concepts. The
children will practise writing and calculating mathematical statements using the symbols for
multiplication (×), division (÷) and equals (=). They will also develop their understanding of
division as both equal sharing and grouping. Throughout this unit, pupils will use a range of
methods — starting with concrete resources, moving to pictorial representations, and finally
working with abstract calculations — to build confidence and efficiency in their recording
and reasoning.
Later in the term, the children will focus on fractions. They will learn to recognise, find,
name, and write fractions such as ½, ⅓, ¼, 2⁄4, and 3⁄4 of a length, shape, set of objects, or
quantity. They will explore simple examples (for instance, ½ of 6 = 3) and understand that 2⁄4
is equivalent to ½. Pupils will also be introduced to the terms numerator and denominator,
and will explore how fractions represent parts of a whole or a set.

Science

This half term in science, the children will be learning about humans and animals. They will identify,
name, draw, and label the basic parts of the human body, and learn which body parts are linked to
each of the five senses. Through practical investigations, they will explore their senses by exploring
different textures, sounds, and smells. The children will also learn about how humans grow and
change, discovering that animals, including humans, have offspring that grow into adults. In
addition, they will find out about the basic needs of all living things—such as food, water, and
air—and understand the importance of exercise, healthy eating, and good hygiene for keeping our
bodies healthy.

History

This half term in history, the children will be learning about a significant event from the past — The
Great Fire of London. They will explore when and how the fire started, what caused it to spread so
quickly, and who may have been to blame. The children will also learn about Samuel Pepys, an
important eyewitness whose diary helps us understand what happened during the fire. They will use
what they discover to write their own diary entries in the style of Pepys. In addition, the children will
learn to order events from 1666 on a timeline and compare life and everyday objects from that time
to those we use today. Through this topic, they will develop their understanding of how people lived
in the past and how this event helped to shape the London we know today.

Our PE days this term are Monday and Wednesday. Please make sure children come in school PE kit wearing school shoes and bring a spare pair of shoes e.g. trainers to change into

We will continue with our weekly woodland sessions on a Tuesday, however, as the weather is unpredictable this time of year we will not go if it is too cold or wet. Class dojo will be updated weekly to inform you. But children will need appropriate clothing and footwear, especially as it is muddy in the woods!

Throughout the school there is an expectation that all children read every day. We understand that it can be tiring being at school and then going home to do reading. We do not expect your child to read all their book in one night, but we would like you to do at least 5 minutes reading every day. Please remember to record reading in your child's reading record. We check reading records regularly and we will move their book worm around the race track, children will be rewarded when they reach certain levels on our book worm race!

Children in Year 1 are still entitled to free school meals. Lunch boxes need to be placed on the Year 1 trolley at the start of the school day. All school lunch meals need to be ordered on Scopay by midnight the night before8.30am. At break time your child is more than welcome to bring in a healthy snack in a labelled container. Children will also need a labelled water bottle to have in class.