Read below to find out about the highlights of each topic

 

Term 1 

This half term, Reception have been learning all about themselves. We explored our families, homes and communities, talking about the similarities and differences between our own lives and those of our friends. The children enjoyed sharing their experiences and learning how everyone is special and unique.  

In English, we practised writing our names, learning to form letters correctly. We also took part in lots of fine motor activities to help strengthen our finger muscles, supporting our early writing skills. 

In Maths, the children explored sorting and grouping objects, learning how to notice similarities and differences. We also began learning about 2D shapes, identifying and talking about their names and features. 

In RE, we learnt about Creation and discussed why the word God is so important to Christians, helping the children to develop an early understanding of Christian beliefs. 

It has been a lovely topic that has helped the children grow in confidence, independence and understanding of the world around them. The children have settled in wonderfully to Reception and have made a fantastic start to school life. They have formed new friendships, learnt classroom routines and shown growing confidence and independence. It has been lovely to see them playing, learning and working together so happily. 

Term 2 

This half term, Reception have been exploring the exciting topic of Space. We learnt about the planets and discovered how they orbit the sun. One of the highlights of our learning was an amazing visit from the Wonder Dome, where we were able to experience space in a fun and immersive way. 

In English, we learnt about the difference between fact and fiction. The children enjoyed learning new vocabulary and wrote their own facts about space, showing how much they had learnt. 

In Maths, we focused on numbers to 5, learning how to recognise them and make them in different ways. We also explored shapes, naming them and talking about their properties. 

In RE, we learnt about Incarnation and listened to the Nativity story, helping the children to understand why Jesus is special to Christians. 

It has been a wonderful topic full of curiosity, excitement and great learning! 

Movers and Shakers - St Christopher and St Mary

This term, the children in Years 1 and 2 have been learning all about exploring the lives of significant people who have helped to shape the world we live in today. In our history lessons, we learned what makes someone significant, what they did, and the impact their actions had on others. 

As part of this topic, the children discovered the inspiring stories of Neil Armstrong, Christopher Columbus, Malala Yousafzai, Rosa Parks and Mary Anning. They were fascinated to learn how each of these individuals made a difference in their own unique way and how their achievements still affect our lives today. Throughout the unit, the children produced a range of exciting work, including posters, fact files, biographies and diary entries, allowing them to develop both their historical knowledge and their writing skills. 

Art 

In art lessons, the children explored colour and creativity. We began by learning about primary and secondary colours and used colour wheels to mix primary colours to create secondary colours. This hands-on approach helped the children to develop a strong understanding of colour mixing. 

We also studied the work of famous artists, including Vincent Van Gogh and Georges Braque. The children compared their artwork by looking closely at themes, colours, compositions, objects and textures. They shared thoughtful ideas about what they noticed and expressed their own preferences. 

In addition, we explored the work of Wassily Kandinsky and his famous abstract pattern designs—some of which can even be seen displayed around our school! Inspired by his style, the children created their own artwork using a range of brightly coloured paints, experimenting with patterns and shapes. The final pieces were vibrant, creative and full of expression.

 Invasion - St Andrew and St Augustine

This term, the pupils had an exciting and engaging journey into the history topic ‘Invasion’, focusing on the fascinating world of the Anglo-Saxons. Through a rich mix of lessons and hands-on experiences, children were fully immersed in learning about who the Anglo-Saxons were, where they came from and why they chose to settle in Britain after the Romans left. 

Pupils particularly enjoyed discovering what everyday life was like over a thousand years ago. They explored Anglo-Saxon homes, food, jobs and village life, and were intrigued by beliefs and the introduction of Christianity. Lessons were lively and interactive, with opportunities for discussion, practical activities, storytelling, use of artefacts and historical enquiry, helping children to develop a real sense of curiosity and excitement about the past. 

A real highlight of the topic was our educational visit to Rochester Cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. At Rochester Cathedral, pupils were captivated by the scale and history of the building and loved learning about the important role Christianity played in Anglo-Saxon communities. The visit brought classroom learning to life and inspired thoughtful questions and discussions. 

At the Guildhall Museum, pupils were thrilled to see real Anglo-Saxon artefacts up close. Exploring objects such as tools, jewellery and weapons helped children understand how historians use evidence to uncover stories from the past, making learning both meaningful and memorable. 

By the end of the topic, our pupils had built a strong understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period and its lasting impact on Britain. The wide range of learning opportunities and the educational visit helped foster a genuine enthusiasm for history and supported pupils in developing confidence, curiosity and a love of learning. 

Tribal tales - St Anne

This term, St Anne have been exploring the exciting theme of Tribal Tales, delving into life from the Stone Age through to the Iron Age. From the very beginning, the children have shown great enthusiasm and curiosity, eagerly asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging fully in every activity. They learned how people lived in the past, how they used natural resources, and how life changed over time. 

Pupils compared different periods, discovering how tools, homes, and daily life developed from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. As part of their learning, the children created woven pots, learning how early people used weaving techniques to make containers. They also made clay pots, carefully shaping and decorating them, and designed Iron Age jewellery out of clay, exploring how people expressed themselves through personal decoration. 

                

Alongside history, the children investigated light in science, learning about different light sources and how light helps us to see. They explored how people in the past used fire and natural light in their homes and communities. 

A highlight of the topic was our inspiring trip to Rochester Cathedral and the Guildhall Museum. The children were excited to see history come to life in these special places. At the Guildhall Museum, pupils took part in a Stone Age workshop, where they explored how people lived, worked, and made tools. The children’s enthusiasm shone as they asked thoughtful questions and took part in hands-on activities

Frozen Kingdom - St George, St David and St Martha

This term, our UKS2 children embarked on an exciting journey to explore the Frozen Kingdom, covering the Arctic and Antarctic regions and everything that makes these icy worlds so fascinating. The children learned about the geography and climate of both regions, discovering how extreme temperatures, icebergs, and snow shape the environment and the lives of the people and animals who live there. We studied iconic animals such as polar bears, penguins, seals, and whales, exploring how they survive in such harsh conditions. 

Our learning also included a historical perspective, looking at the story of the Titanic. The children explored its construction, the voyage, and the tragic sinking, linking this to the wider history of exploration and travel in icy waters. 

We investigated climate change, discussing its impact on polar regions, melting ice caps, and the future of the habitats and species that depend on these areas. The children considered ways humans can help protect these fragile environments, connecting science learning to real-world issues. 

To enrich our understanding, we visited the London History Museum, where we explored exhibits about polar exploration, Inuit culture, and the natural history of the Frozen Kingdom. The visit gave the children first-hand experience of artefacts, life-size models, and interactive displays, making their learning memorable and inspiring further curiosity. 

Back at school, we took our learning even further with hands-on creative activities. The children helped build a life-size igloo, which gave them insight into how Inuit people traditionally construct shelters to survive in the Arctic. They also designed and created their own Inuit-inspired art, using patterns, symbols, and storytelling to explore culture and creativity. 

Throughout the topic, the children engaged in a mix of research, discussion, creative tasks, and problem-solving activities. They demonstrated curiosity, resilience, and teamwork, particularly during practical tasks such as building the igloo and presenting their artwork. This topic helped the children connect geography, history, science, and art in a meaningful and memorable way, fostering a deeper understanding of the Frozen Kingdom and the people, animals, and environment within it.