Thank you to all the parents who came to join us in Class 2 and across key stage 1 for our ‘Stay and Read’. It was wonderful to see all the children enjoying and celebrating reading!

Year 2 have been busy doing some fabulous learning this term!

Computing: In computing, we’ve been learning about IT in the world around us.

Art: We are using shape and colour to create work inspired by Clarice Cliff.

Maths: We’ve been working systematically to investigate 3 number calculations in maths.

Geography: We are training to become weather reporters in Geography.

In Autumn, Year 2 studied materials – which are waterproof, strong, flexible and other properties.

Year 2 had an amazing day dressing and becoming action heroes to welcome our latest book character, Traction Man, into our learning.

As part of our history and science learning, we visited Derby Museums (Pickford House and the Museum of Making) to learn about toys and the different materials that make up our toys and other objects.

We started Autumn Term by reading the book Paper Dolls and creating our own dolls to take on an adventure.

Today Key Stage 1 had their project exhibition. We heard children speak about the different things we have been learning and looked at a montage of all their work.

We’ve made a coastline using blocks for our project in geography. The children had to make a coastline with some key physical features, such as, a beach, stack, arch and sea.

We made paper aeroplanes in History after learning how humans took flight and experienced real life aircraft at Newark Air Museum.

For our Design and Technology project, we made some fruit kebabs together. The children displayed knife safety skills and chopped fruit into small chunks.

We are all very proud of the children and are extremely pleased with how far they have come this term, keep it up Key Stage 1!

Class 2 had an amazing time with Class 1 at the Newark Air Museum, exploring the different types of flying machines over the years from helicopters, aeroplanes, jets, and a replica of the original aircraft built and flown by the Wright brothers for 12 seconds.

Years 1 and 2 had so much fun celebrating Chinese New Year. Many thanks to our parent governor for celebrating with us!

We really enjoyed celebrating the work of the children this half term with their parents as part of the KS1 Project Exhibition! The children got to demonstrate what they’ve learnt about maps in geography, schools in the past in history and sketching techniques in art. Thank you to all the parents that attended.

In Year 2, we had great fun using chalk to map out maps of our playground as part of our Geography learning.

In Art in Year 2, we have had a lovely time drawing observational drawings of trees and then using sketching techniques to produce detailed drawings in our sketchbooks.

Children in Reception, Class 1 and 2 took part in a Beat Feet dance workshop.  They listened to an African story and then learnt a series of actions in time to the music. They retold the story using expression, rhythm, actions and movement to music.

Year 2 had a wonderful time at Perlethorpe, where they attended a Victorian School! We tried on Victorian outfits, learnt about the strict punishments, had a go writing in cursive on slate and got to play with old, wooden toys. It was a wonderful day! The children learnt a lot.

In Art, Year 2 are focusing on mark making and pencil drawing. We started by trying out lots of different mark making tools to create straight and curved patterns.

Year 2 have enjoyed creating crayon characters to introduce their new book ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt as part of their hook days. We look forward to getting to know each character in more detail.

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.

What a brilliant trip to the farm we have had today, despite the rain. It was so good and we saw a baby lamb that was 3 hours old. The children learned about different animals and their habitats and what foods we get from certain animals. It was fantastic and the children were so well behaved! Well done class 2!

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 2 children were University Detectives for the day! They visited Nottingham University campus and learnt about higher education. Most children were introduced to a university for the first time. Lots of children said they would like to go there when they are older. Aim high and follow your dreams!

We have been learning 2 new types of stitch in design and technology today. We have done a running stitch and an over stitch. It was tricky but good fun! 🧵

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???

Well done to all of Class 2 for their amazing efforts with the Great Green Read writing competition. You have all done so well and have been given this fantastic wildlife book for entering from The National Literacy Trust. Great work to all 🤩📕

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!