In IT, Year 1 have been learning about how to use the mouse and keyboard. We have also learnt how to login in independently.

In Geography we are beginning our topic of ‘What is it like here?’. To start this off, we looked at aerial photographs of the UK and Nottingham on Google Earth. We then looked at an aerial photograph of our school and local area. We then located key places with our partners.

In English we are studying the book ‘The Day The Crayons Quit’. To get into character we made crayon headbands and role played being the crayons. We were amazing at this and really got into character. We also did some hot seating and our questions were fantastic!

In music we have just started our new topic of ‘Magical Musical Aquarium’ topic. We had so much fun using the instruments to create a relaxing aquarium soundtrack.

In Design and Technology, we made a pair of curtains. We had to design and use an appropriate material to block the light. We learnt that the material had to be opaque.

In History Year 1 are looking at the history of schools. So why not look at the history of  our school? We asked Miss Whiley to talk about Southwold as she remembered it when she attended here as a child. We learnt so much from here and loved hearing all of her stories.

Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 have gained a great deal from BeatFeet drumming sessions, where the children have taken trip to Africa, meeting animals and working together to sing African songs and play various rhythms on drums and expressing themselves through movement.  The children have developing their imagination and cooperative skills, as well as continue to develop a love of learning through fun and engaging activities.

Key Stage 1 had a great end of term visit to Wollaton park.  The weather may have been hot but the children stayed cool in the shade of the trees and explored many different activities as part of ‘Forest Schools’.  They had a treasure hunt for the Forest fairy’s rings, climbed trees, made treasure bracelets from natural materials, created animal footprints with clay, found minibeasts in their natural environments and made fairy houses using sticks and mallets.  A great day was had by all.

This week Key Stage 1 finished their topic all about castles, as part of our Creativity Collaboratives project with a great visit to Bolsover castle.  The children had the chance to see parts of the old ruins of the castle, look out over the battlements, see rooms as they may have originally been used and dress up in traditional clothing.  What a great first hand experience for the children to have to enhance their learning.

As part of ‘Empathy Day’, KS1 had a great opportunity to visit Nottingham City library to watch a production of the story book ‘Ruby’s Worry’.  Prior to the visit, the children had enjoyed reading the story and discussing various feelings, including their own worries and how to deal with these.  The children thoroughly enjoyed seeing the book come to life with the opportunity to watch a live performance of music and drama.  Unbeknown to any of us, Tom Percival, the author of the book was also sat in the audience.  We were all very excited to meet him at the end of the performance and he very kindly gifted us some of his other books, signing them personally to Southwold school.

Classes 1 and 2 had a fantastic time at Nottingham Castle yesterday. We enjoyed exploring the Castle and looking at various artefacts. We also learned a lot about the history of Nottingham and the adventures of Robin Hood!

Wow! Thank you to all the parents who attended our exhibition. We hope you enjoyed learning a different style of art. The children loved it!😊

Year 1 continue to compare seasons in science. Children went outside and used a thermometer to check the temperature. It was 8 degrees at 2pm. Now it is winter. Brrr!

Year 1 pupils have been learning new sewing skills. They showed great perseverance and resilience practising the running stitch and over stitch. We are so proud of the skills they displayed. Well done class 1!

Children in EYFS and KS1 enjoyed a visit from Tootie Fruitie this afternoon. The children become brave explorers in a tropical musical rainforest and make their way through the huge trees and leaves to the lion family’s annual big boogie bash! Children were invited to find all the essential ingredients for a huge smoothie (the lions’ favourite drink!) and play their African djembe drums along the way.

Key Stage 1 returned to school after the holidays to CCTV footage of Santa losing control of his sleigh in the storm and a polar bear walking across the playground as he fell off the sleigh –    there were polar bear footprints all over the classrooms!!!  Children have been busy making a large igloo in the classroom for the polar bear to sleep in overnight, making small igloos using a variety of materials including sugar cubes and finding out facts about polar bears.  The children’s task this week is to not only think of ways to keep the polar bear cool, but to write letters to Santa to tell him where his polar bear is and to come and collect him.  I wonder how long the polar bear will continue to live at our school???

Thank you SO SO much to everyone that came today for the Year 1 and 2 exhibition. The children have loved you being in school and getting creative. We appreciate your support as always!

What an amazing afternoon in forest schools – we had the best time pretending to be Percy the park keeper. We made dens, jewellery, firework conkers, tree swings, toasted marshmallows to make smores and so much more! It was the best day ever!

We have loved learning about mixing colours today. We mixed the primary colours to make secondary colours! It was lots of fun! 🌈

Pupils in Years 1 and 2 enjoyed a visit from Nottingham University.  They had the opportunity to explore how toys have evolved by material, shape, design and subject. Children enjoyed playing with a variety of games and toys – from Victorian board games to rubik cube!

Pupils worked in groups to investigate which type of biscuit would take the shortest time to fall apart.  Pupils observed the biscuit, recorded the seconds using an iPad and presented their data in a class bar chart.  They concluded that Biscuit B took the shortest time because it was thinner and the water easier to absorb.  What amazing Scientists we have in Class 1!

In Design & Technology children designed a buggy suitable to travel across a rough terrain.  They used their knowledge of axles and wheels to design, build and evaluate their own buggy.  We have some very creative designers and engineers in Class 1!

In today’s session, the children went on a mini beast hunt and explored the grounds looking for and identifying trees. They displayed great teamwork and observations skills.

Year 1 had a fabulous first Forest Schools session – including going on a Gruffalo Hunt! We thought about how to be safe when climbing trees, carrying sticks, and making dens and using ropes. Our Gruffalo hunt helped us explore all the different areas of our Forest school and playground area. We spent some time looking at the different trees whilst trying to find all the characters from the book.

What a brilliant day we all had yesterday at Cadbury World. We found out how chocolate is made and all about Cadbury. We also got some free yummy chocolate!

Wow! What a celebration we had for the King’s Coronation Day. Drumming, crafting, eating, dancing and singing. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thank you! 👑🇬🇧

Parents and pupils in Years 1 and 2 enjoyed using clay to create a hedgehog.  Pupils taught their parents the techniques:  pinch, roll and squeeze. After, they performed  ‘London’s Burning’, singing in rounds.  Thank you to our parents for their support. What a lovely we have had!

Year 1 visited Greens Windmill in Nottingham as part of our Great Fire of London topic to see how bread was made. The children had a great time exploring the mill and seeing how wheat is turned into flour and how that flour is turned into dough. The children then made their own bread from the dough, learning how to knead and shape the dough. Well done Year 1!

Class 1 and 2 loved the live science session, learning about tractors and their link to space. It was very interactive and the children learnt just how complex tractors can be.