We would also like to extend a huge thank you for all your support in helping the children settle so brilliantly into Year 2. They have adapted so well to new routines, expectations, and learning challenges, and it has been a joy to watch their confidence and independence grow every single day.

A Look Back at This Week:

Exploring Big Questions in RE: We held a special RE focus week centred around the big question: “Is it possible to be kind to everyone all of the time?” The children listened thoughtfully to the parable of the Good Samaritan and discussed examples of times when Jesus demonstrated kindness to others - even when it was difficult or when kindness wasn't returned. This sparked wonderful, mature classroom discussions about empathy, compassion, and how we can apply these values in our daily lives.

Harvest Festival Celebrations: Beyond learning the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, the children explored themes of gratitude, community, and sharing, reflecting on where our food comes from and how we can support others in need.

Building Strong Mathematical Foundations: As mathematicians, we spent the week consolidating our learning on addition. The children worked on strengthening their mental arithmetic strategies, using concrete apparatus, and solving simple word problems to ensure a solid grasp of addition concepts before we move forward next term.

Home Learning & Support Over Half Term:

Maths Practice: There is no white rose maths homework set over the half term (unless your child has any catch-up tasks from previous weeks). However, maintaining recall speed is key! Please spend a few minutes each day helping your child practice their number bonds to 10 and 20 (e.g. 4 + __ = 10, 14 + __ = 20). Quick-fire mental games, using toys, or counting everyday items around the house are great ways to keep these facts fresh.

Reading Together: Every child has taken home a new reading book today. Reading regularly over the break, both listening to your child read and reading aloud to them helps to build vocabulary and comprehension skills. 

Looking Ahead to Next Term:
We have an exciting term planned ahead! We will launch our learning through our dynamic new class text, Traction Man by Mini Grey. Using this hilarious action-packed hero story as our springboard, we will:

History: Dive into the history of transport, investigating how travel has evolved over time and exploring the pioneering work of legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Design & Technology: Plan, design, and build a variety of sturdy frame structures, testing strength and stability.

Science: Become material scientists, investigating everyday materials in the world around us, testing their properties, and discovering why specific materials are chosen for different objects.

We hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing half-term break. Take time to enjoy all the lovely autumn celebrations—whether that's visiting pumpkin patches, going for crisp autumn walks, collecting shiny conkers, or stomping through crunchy leaves together.

Thank you once again for your continued support, partnership, and enthusiasm. We look forward to welcoming the children back for another fantastic term!

Important Dates

• 23rd October: INSET Day (School closed)

• 2nd November: INSET Day (School closed)

• 7th November: School Open Day (10:00am–12:00pm)

Open Day:

Saturday 7th November 10am-12pm is our annual Open Day, while this day is predominately aimed towards families who may want join our school next academic year, we open the school to existing families too. There will be a range of activities for the children to enjoy. All families are welcome, children are unable to attend without an adult to supervise them.