Year 1/2

The Y1/2 Team this year are:

Miss Wilson (Class Teacher)

Mrs Gilby-Young (HLTA - PPA Cover)

Mrs Johnson (Teaching Assistant)

January Update

January has flown by and the children have jumped straight back into it. They have returned with enthusiasm, focus, and a brilliant attitude towards their learning. It has been wonderful to see them settle so quickly and embrace the new term with such energy.

Maths

This month, we have been working on adding and subtracting 2‑digit numbers, with a particular focus on exchanging. The children have worked incredibly hard to learn each step carefully and apply their understanding to tricky problem‑solving tasks. Their perseverance has been fantastic, and I am very proud of the progress they are making.

Phonics and Reading

We have seen a noticeable improvement in the children’s phonics knowledge and reading skills. They are becoming more confident in blending sounds, recognising digraphs and trigraphs, and reading with increasing fluency. Their enthusiasm for reading is growing every week, and your support at home is greatly appreciated. I really appreciate all the extra work you do with the children at home, accessing their personalised phonics videos. If you do have any problems with this, please let me know via their reading record.

Talk 4 writing

In Talk for Writing, the children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the suspense toolkit. They have learned how to build tension, use dramatic vocabulary, and create atmosphere in their writing. One of the ways they explored creating suspense was through music and telling ghost stories. The children really got a hands-on experience with the different ways to create suspense. Their own spooky stories have been wonderfully imaginative — some of them are genuinely chilling!

Geography

Our geography topic this half term has focused on the continents and oceans. The children have been using atlases to explore hot and cold places around the world, comparing climates and discussing what life might be like in different environments. Their map‑reading skills and curiosity have been fantastic. Thank you again, for you extra engagement using google earth to explore this topic further.

Science

In science, we have been learning about habitats. The children have explored a range of environments, including woodlands, deserts, oceans, and polar regions. They have discussed how animals adapt to survive, what they eat, and how different habitats meet their basic needs. We will begin to look at living things in more detail by exploring different food chains!

PE

This term in PE, the children have been developing their skills in invasion games, focusing on teamwork, movement, and simple attacking and defending strategies. In gymnastics, they have been practising turns, spins, balances, and controlled sequences, showing great coordination and confidence.

Art

A huge thank you to the parents who supported the children with their collage projects. The finished pieces look amazing and incredibly imaginative. The children were inspired by the Artist Brianna Mcarthy to create their own portrait pictures in weird and wonderful ways.

Design & Technology

In DT, the children have been exploring different materials to design and weave their own mini bags, inspired by the continents we have been studying. They have experimented with texture, colour, and pattern, and their finished creations will be amazing to see.

RE

In RE, we have been exploring the question “Who is a Hindu and how do they live?” The children have enjoyed learning about Hindu beliefs, traditions, festivals, and family life. They have shown great respect and curiosity throughout the topic.

Learning for Life

Our Learning for Life sessions have focused on what we have in common and what makes us different. The children have taken part in thoughtful discussions about kindness, respect, and celebrating individuality.

Special Events

We were delighted to welcome visitors for two exciting taster sessions this month:

• Judo Taster Session – The children had a fantastic time, and it has been wonderful to hear that some have signed up for the classes.

• Drama Taster Session – This was a huge hit! The children loved expressing themselves, acting out scenes, and building confidence through performance.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the start of Spring Term 1. The children have made a brilliant start to the year, and we look forward to seeing their learning continue to flourish.