Across the school, pupils have been working on place value and in KS2 are learning and revising calculations for the four rules: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Y2 to Y6 are competing in weekly Times Tables Rock Stars Tournaments and we are soon to have a TTRS Tournament against other schools in the Osborne Trust. 
This academic year, Reception, Y1 and Y2 are taking part in an exciting maths programme, ‘Mastering Number’, provided by the NCETM – National Centre for the Excellence of Teaching in Mathematics – to help all pupils master their understanding of number. This programme is very popular and helps provide a secure knowledge and understanding of number which will help pupils in all areas of maths as they progress through their education. One of the essential items the pupils will be using to help their mastering of number is a ‘rekenrek’ which is like a mini-abacus.  ​

This week 2RS have been focussing on place value in maths. The children have been partitioning 2-digit numbers and partitioning them in different ways. In English we are reading a story called The Crow’s Tale and have been using adjectives to describe and extended our punctuation skills with the introduction of commas between repeated words. In D.T. this week we discussed stability and strength, we utilised our knowledge to create one of two structures. One was made using card, the other using pipe cleaners and straws. To make the structures we followed a few step-by-step videos and used our knowledge to create them. We will be finishing and testing them next week. In Geography, the children located the equator and North and South Poles on a map.
2RS also had a great time visiting the new outdoor classroom. We played some games and listened to a story. We look forward to using this area throughout the year.

This week in reception we have been looking at using our senses to tell a story. We looked at things we like to smell and decided that ice cream is the best smell. We listened to some beach sounds with our eyes closed and used our imaginations to think of things we might do or see if we were at the beach. Building sandcastles and swimming with sharks were definite favourites.  
In maths we have looked at numbers one to five. We have played clapping games and used the smartboard to give the correct number of cakes to teddy bears.  
We have also been learning how to play snakes and ladders. We can go up ladders or down snakes if we land on them. Painting pictures of our family has also been a firm favourite this week.  ​

The first 8 days back in school have been amazing, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
 
First things first, we've been getting to know each other better. There are some new faces in our class, and it's been fun making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. We've been playing games and working together on group learning tasks!
 
We've also been learning about our behaviour expectations and classroom routines. It's important to create a ready, safe and respectful learning environment, and our teachers have been helping us understand what that looks like.
 
I'm excited about being in our new classroom, and guess what? We've started using our new exercise books! It's like a fresh start for the school year.  Here is some of the cool stuff we've been learning so far:
 
English: We watched a fascinating video called "The Lost Thing" and started a new scheme of work called "The Write Stuff." It's all about improving our writing skills and being creative.
 
Maths: We've been diving into Place Value, working with numbers up to ten thousand. Part-whole models and partitioning are helping us understand numbers better.
 
Science: Our topic is "Living Things and their Habitats." We learned how scientists classify animals based on their features, like birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects.
 
Computing: We're exploring computer networks and how the internet shares information. It's like peeking behind the scenes of the digital world.
 
Art: We've been making 3D pencil drawings, using shading to make our drawings look lifelike and three-dimensional. It's been a real challenge, but it's so rewarding!
 
Geography: We've been learning about settlements, both urban and rural, and discussing what makes them unique.
 
History: We dived into the exciting world of the Anglo Saxons, from their clothing and buildings to their beliefs and King Alfred the Great.
 
French: We're learning to describe each other, practicing gender and appearance words like hair and eye colour.
 
Music: We're singing along to the ABBA song "Mamma Mia" in music class. It's been an extraordinarily tuneful good time!
 
PE: Cross country trials and netball have been great getting active and improving our ball skills.
 
Lastly, we've been talking a lot about Growth Mindset. We're learning to embrace challenges and stay positive about our learning journey. It's all about believing in ourselves and pushing our limits.
 
I can't wait to see what the rest of the school year brings. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
 
 
(Written by Class 4JP pupils)

Some pupils from 6JM have shared their thoughts since returning for their final year of primary school: 
On the first day of school, I felt worried and anxious because I didn’t know what it would be like. Now I feel more comfortable because I know what it’s like to be in Year 6. I have enjoyed seeing my friends and I am very excited for Stubbers. I am also looking forward to curriculum day as the whole day will be art. This year, I am hoping to be prefect as I really like it when I feel that I am useful. 
 Patrick B 
 
When I first came to school, I was mostly feeling anxious and stressed about what would happen next, but now I'm feeling a bit more comfortable after a few days. This year, I want to overcome my weaknesses in English and Maths. I am hoping for better results by the end of the year. I am mostly looking forward to seeing what topics and subjects we will be doing as a Year 6 student. Finally, I am eager to see what will happen next.  
Atika J   
 
I felt excited to come back to school, as I heard we’ll be doing algebra and other new learning like electricity and evolution. I’ve enjoyed The Pirate Game and mostly everything else like our class read (Little Badman and the invasion of killer aunties). It’s a hilarious book. I look forward to algebra and science, because they’re my favourite topics and subjects. I’m hoping to achieve being Prefect and learning new facts in science (such as electricity and light).  
Jasson M 
 
When I was coming back to school, I felt a tiny bit nervous because I really struggle with Maths and was scared whether I would struggle again this year. So far I have enjoyed seeing all my classmates after 6 weeks, but I’ve also enjoyed the English - I think it’s really interesting. I am looking forward to getting to know all the teachers better and PE I think will be really fun! I’m hoping to achieve better maths skills and better handwriting. 
Lexi P 
When I came back to school, I felt mostly excited but upset as well to be in Year 6. I‘ve enjoyed learning about what is going to happen throughout the year. I’m looking forward to Stubbers and camping on the field (if we do). I’m hoping to achieve a good mark on my SATS so I’ll be working hard. 
Grace R ​

This week 2RM have been focussing on place value in maths. The children have worked really well to use the classroom resources to support their understanding, representing 2 digit numbers in a variety of different ways. In English we have been using adjectives to describe a winters scene and extended our punctuation skills with the introduction of commas between repeated words. In D.T. this week we have been exploring stability, creating a range of 3D shapes in card and testing these to recognise which shape will work best for Baby Bear’s chair. In Geography, the children located the continents of the world and labelled these on their own maps. ​

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I am so proud of how well 2RM have settled into their new classroom environment. Keep up the great work 2RM!