In Nursery Class we went to the woods on Tuesday and on Wednesday were inspired to create a large autumn collage.

Press here to see us on the blog.

In Year 1, 2 and 3 we celebrated the end of the half terms Enrichment Time with a special banquet. You cannot miss it! Press here to view.

In Reception Class we went to Thorndon Country Park with Nursery Class and had a fantastic time in the wet woods meeting characters from the Gruffalo. Press here to see more.

We look forward to having a full Year 3 class next academic year. Each week in the newsletter we shall be adding a piece with regard to our plans for the children. Year 3 is an important year as it marks your childs transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. We aim to make this transition as worry-free and enjoyable as possible. We also aim to ensure that the children further develop their skills as confident and happy learners and are able to take a full and active part in the life of KS2. This week, in the appendix below, is the illustrative curriculum for Year 3. This gives you an idea of the types of activities and subjects the children will be enjoying.

Your Sweet Thursday key rings are now in and with Alannah. Come and collect one and save 25% off your bill next time you visit.
The focus this week for certificates was to see which children took pride in the presentation of their work. It was a tough decision because so many children try really hard to make their work lovely, but these children either made an extraspecial effort this week or are consistently producing work of a high standard. Well done to them all. The Musician of the Week went to Freya in Year 1 for impressing Paul with her sense of melody and always being ready and focused during music lessons. Great! The Artist of the Week this week goes to Bella in Nursery Class for her painting of a monster. The brushwork, choice of colours and overall look of her work is worthy of our weekly accolade.

Press here to see it in all its glory!

OCTO B ER
28th October 1st November Half Term (Optional Play scheme and Nursery Class open)

NO V EM BE R
15th Science into Schools Textile Collection WB 18th Parent/Teacher consultation week (details to follow)

Stars of the Week Nursery Alfie, Bella & Ewan Reception Freddie Year 1 Sam Year 2 Holly

Prizes Nursery Marcela, Jefferson & Violet Reception Zac & Henry Year 1 Seby & Jimmy Year 2 Jorge

Musician of the Week Freya Artist of the Week Bella

Literacy We will focus on different types of writing, including stories, plays, information writing, myths, legends and traditional stories, poetry from different cultures, notetaking and instructions. We will be exploring adventure and mystery stories, humorous stories, texts that play with language, word puzzles, puns and riddles and alphabetical texts. We will be comparing stories by the same author. We will also be writing letters for different purposes. Children will be aware of next steps in their learning through their individual writing targets (APP Assessing Pupils Progress). We will also be emphasising the use of verbs, adjectives and adverbs. The authors focused on are Dick King-Smith, Jeremy Strong, and Phillip Pullman. Ma ths We will work on mental calculation strategies, place value, understanding addition and subtraction, measures and time, word problems and shape and space. Mental arithmetic (to practise and develop mental skills, e.g. counting, mental strategies, rapid recall of +, -, x and ), place value, four rules of number, measures, word problems and shape and space, money and real life problems, making decisions and checking results. We will also be assessing times tables this term in the mental and oral sessions. Science We will be focusing on characteristics of materials including the strength, flexibility and absorption rate of different materials. We will also be focusing on the structure and functions of the various types of teeth found in different types of animals, 'Magnets and Springs' and 'Rocks and Soils'. We will be investigating the topics, 'Helping plants Grow Well' and 'Light and Shadow'. We will also be concentrating on designing and carrying out a 'fair test'. Info rma tion and communi cation technology (I CT) We shall be introducing databases, which include spreadsheets and graphs. The children will combine text and graphics and develop repeating images. They will visit websites to extend the science and history curriculum and, later in the year, we will be focusing on sending and receiving emails and using the internet for research purposes. In addition, see the next newsletter to find out more about how we are going to teach enhanced technology skills to our children in Key Stage 2. Histor y We will focus on Ancient Civilisations - making a study of artefacts to find out what life in Ancient Egypt was like; then 'Invaders and Settlers' - a brief look at Celtic Britain and then focusing on life in Roman Britain after the Roman Invasion. To support the work in these topics we will visit the British Museum.

Geography We will be looking at the countries that make up the United Kingdom and exploring their culture and geographic features. Religious education (RE ) We will be focusing on rites of passage in Christianity and Judaism; the children will visit places of worship: Churches and synagogues, and as with all members of the school, learn about Harvest Festival and Christmas. Physical education (PE ) They will start the year focusing on invasion games, dance (with an Ancient Egyptian theme) and net and ball games. In the summer term they will play tennis, but will also focus on jumping and landing in gymnastics. Swimming continues weekly at the Britannia Leisure Centre. Social, Moral, Spiritual & Cultural (SMSC ) We will be working on developing good relationships and respecting differences between people. We will also focus on topics from the SEAL pack and the whole school initiative. In the summer term we will be focusing on the topic, 'Good to be Me' from the SEAL pack and throughout the year we will teach the children good decision-making and citizenship. Art We shall be looking at how relationships are portrayed in art. This will entail a detailed study of the proportions of the human figure and figure drawings using different mediums (pencil, pastels and paint). We shall also be investigating pattern, and focusing on Ancient Egyptian symbols used in their writing. In the summer we will be looking at sculpture in the environment and how recycling can be used in art projects. Design technology (D T) In the autumn term children will be designing and making a healthy sandwich and later in the year we will be exploring and making frame structures. French The children have a weekly French lesson; the emphasis will be on speaking and not on the writing of French. Enrichment Ti me Year 3 will continue to participate in enrichment time activities with the rest of the school. Topics covered may include: communication, conservation, pirates and mermaids, etc.

Playdays Timetable (Monday 28th October 1st November)

Monday
Arts and Crafts We will be kicking off *Halloween, making a pumpkin lantern.

Tuesday
Outing Peter Pan and the ticking crocodile! (11am 1pm) The British Library needs us to help the resident artist create a giant Peter Pan installation. There will also be storytelling, and a chance to pen your own tale. Please bring a packed lunch.

Wednesday
Outing Cinema

Thursday
Outing Ahoy! Lets visit pirates playhouse this morning! Cost 2.75

Friday
Cooking We shall be preparing some spooky *Halloween treats for our party in the afternoon. Including creepy marshmallows and banana ghosts.

M O R N I N G

We will be watching a film at Islington Vue cinema in the Angel. Cost 6:50 Please bring a packed lunch. (Film and time TBC.)

Movie This afternoon well be carrying on our theme for half term with a spooky film and popcorn at school. (Viewing optional other activities will be planned for should your child not wish to watch the movie)

Arts and Crafts This afternoon we shall be making wooden spoon *bat puppets!

Cooking This afternoon we will be decorating our own *Halloween themed gingerbread men.

Arts and Crafts Today well be collecting leaves and creating our own autumnal tree pictures.

Party Well be ending half term with a Halloween Party! Complete with games, dancing and party food.

A F T E R N O O N

Bring your spookiest costume!