Foundations final farewell blog

11th July 2025Farhana Siddique

Reading
Splash, Anna Hibiscus! : Atinuke, Tobia, Lauren: Amazon.co.uk: BooksThis term, our focus story was ‘Splash, Anna Hibiscus!’ Anna lives by the sea in Africa and loves to splash in the water with others, but all her family members are busy. We have been discussing the features we might see and activities we might do at the seaside—both at our seaside and the one where Anna lives in Africa. We’ve been learning and using words like jetty, parasol, shack, and palm tree. The children drew pictures of the seaside and talked about what they enjoy doing at the beach.

RE
This term, our theme for RE is ‘Nature’. This unit explores how we can be helpful members of society. The children have learned about the creation story and discussed the importance of appreciating what nature offers us, as well as how we can best look after the environment.

Phonics
Children in Foundation have made tremendous progress in phonics, where they are able to read CVC words confidently and independently. They have also mastered how to read alien words with greater accuracy and fluency by identifying the special friends. Most children have also learnt how to write sentences using the sounds learnt and apply finger spaces and full stops. We are beyond proud for how far they have come.

Safety
In preparation for the summer holidays, this week we have been talking about how to stay safe at home, in the sun and spoke about water safety. Children understood how to keep safe in different situations by;

  • Wearing a hat
  • Applying sun cream
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Staying in the shade when possible
  • Asking adults for help when they are in the kitchen
  • Always listen to adult when playing in or near water.

Maths
This term we have been learning about how to share out equally and identify odd and even numbers. Children have been using using different mathematical resources such as numicon, counters and cubes to prove whether a number is odd or even. Similarly, Children have been exploring how to read maps using prepositional language and have been able to draw a maps of their local area.

Continuous Provision
At the beginning of the last half term the children enjoyed learning all about dinosaurs. This involved finding out about when dinosaurs lived and what they ate for example, we used the vocabulary carnivore, omnivore and herbivore. The children became very good at recognizing the different dinosaurs and being able to pronounce their names! We set up a dinosaur cave within our setting which the children enjoyed exploring. It has also been good to see the children using their creative skills to make various dinosaur crafts.

Science (Understanding the world)
We are now turning our focus onto studying mini beasts and the children had fun when we went on a bug hunt around the school environment. They found many different mini beasts including ants, bees, ladybirds, butterflies and spiders. The main highlight for the children was when on Science day they let the class butterflies out of their net and watch them fly away. We had watched them grow and hatch from the caterpillar stage. We are looking forward to a visit from Teaching Talons next week when the children will have the opportunity to look at a range of animals and mini beasts at close hand and to learn some interesting facts about them.

Writing
This half term it has been so encouraging to see the enormous progress that the children have made with their writing skills. They have independently written about their own dinosaur which they drew as well as about the butterflies which we hatched. Just this last week they wrote about what they would like to be when they grow up.

Sizzling Fun in the Sun!

14th May 2025Farhana Siddique
Maths:
This term we have been learning to count to 20. Children are challenged to recognise and write the numbers. They have also been using different mathematical resources to represent a number between 1 – 20. Likewise they have been learning how to articulate subtraction number sentences using different mathematical language and prove if the answer is correct using different methods such as a number line or a ten frame.
Continuous Provision:
The children have had a Vet’s Clinic in the role play area where they have had the opportunity to reinforce their learning about animals and how to care for them. They have used play dough to model different animals and have made farm animal face masks using different collage materials. They have also enjoyed making silhouette pictures of African animals on a sunset background. Next week the children will be exploring animals that live under the sea and will have  the opportunity to create under water sea pictures using a range of different materials.
Outside Learning:
With the lovely warm weather we have been experiencing the children have enjoyed being outside, especially in the garden. Our sandpit has been enjoyed daily as the children have made sandcastles together as well as digging and making patterns in the sand. Many of the children have enjoyed the opportunity to have water play outside as well as building in the construction area and mark making at the tables. The reading area has proved popular too with some children taking the opportunity to sit in the shade.

 


Phonics:
Children in Foundation are thriving in phonics and are reading real words with speed. They are beginning to read alien words with greater accuracy and fluency. There are individuals who are now starting to write sentences and are being taught set 3 sounds. Please continue to listen to your child read at home and access the phonics home learning documents to strengthen their understanding so they continue to make progress.

Reading:
This half term, our focus texts were Stanley’s Stick and The Gruffalo. Inspired by Stanley’s Stick, the children tapped into their creativity and explored a variety of imaginative uses for their own sticks. They transformed them into items such as pens, pencils, walking sticks, magic wands, and even paintbrushes, showing great inventiveness and enthusiasm during the activity.

After reading The Gruffalo, the children had a wonderful time making their own Gruffalo Crumble in the mud kitchen. They carefully read and followed the recipe, demonstrating excellent teamwork and early reading skills as they measured, mixed, and created their imaginative dishes inspired by the story.

The Gruffalo - WikipediaStanley's Stick : Layton, Neal, Hegley, John: Amazon.co.uk: Books

RE: This half term, the children have been engaged in lessons designed to introduce the concept of society. As part of this, they explored the roles of significant religious figures such as Moses and Mohammed, listening to stories about these special messengers. To deepen their understanding of respect—a key value in any society—the children created a paper chain decorated with words that represent respectful behaviour, highlighting the qualities they believe are important in treating others kindly and fairly.

Writing:
In English, the children have been writing about the story of Farmer Duck and have been using lots of their phonic sounds, including some special friends! They also had a go at using tricky words in their writing. Similarly, this week we focused on the story ‘The tiger who came to tea’ and the children were excited when the tiger visited them for their picnic lunch on VE day.

Springing into Spring

28th March 2025Farhana Siddique

Reading
This half term the children have read Yucky Worms by Vivian French. We learnt lots of interesting facts about worms and found some worms in the garden during continuous provision. Then we drew worms and made our own worms using playdough and pipe cleaners. Our next book is ‘The Gigantic Turnip’.

Yucky Worms - Growing MindsThe Gigantic Turnip (Book & CD)

We celebrated World Book Day and the children came into school all dressed up as their favourite book characters. In class we enjoyed listening to an audio book called ‘The dragon that loves spaghetti’. It was lovely to see all the children engaged in a variety of activities.Stream 5-Minute Enchanted Stories: The Dragon who loved Spaghetti - A Yoto Originals Story from World Book Day UK | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

Understanding the world
This term has been extremely busy, children have been learning about different traditions and celebration whilst gaining many opportunities to try new food and expand their taste buds. For example, for Chinese new year, we opened a Chinese restaurant in the role play area and the children had the opportunities to taste; prawn crackers, stir fry, fortune cookies and spring rolls which they could dip into their sweet and sour sauce.

We also celebrated Pancake day. The children were extremely excited and they used key vocabulary throughout the week when discussing how to make the pancake batter and what steps are involved during the cooking process. It was lovely to see children apply their phonetic knowledge to write instructions for making their pancake in their book. Children also loved listening to the story ‘Mr. Wolf’s Pancake’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXQDiqHp-xM

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Similarly, this half term, we have also been learning all about growing. The children have planted their own cress seeds and will be observing them as they grow. They also had the opportunity to go on a Spring walk around the school to observe signs of Spring.

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Phonic
All children will be assessed and will be moving into their new phonics group next term.  Every class in Foundation is making tremendous progress and beginning to read longer texts and answer comprehension style questions.

Maths
In Maths, the children have been learning about the numbers 9 and 10. They were encouraged to count to 10 using objects arranged in different ways, touching each object as they counted. In class, they found objects in the provision and identified groups of 9 and 10, as well as the corresponding numerals. The children have also been learning to identify parts and wholes, as well as to find more and fewer. We are now recognising and exploring 3D shapes found in the environment and creating different patterns with them. 
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RE
This half term the children have been doing lessons which are designed to introduce the concept of wonder in the universe through science and technology. They have looked at different light sources like torches and glow sticks, explored the concept of space exploration and looked at the different phases of the moon.

 

Spring One

7th February 2025Farhana Siddique

Phonics
Children in Foundation are thriving in phonics and are beginning to read words with great accuracy and fluency. There are individuals who are now starting to read sentences and are being taught set 2 sounds. Please continue to listen to your child read at home and access the phonics home learning documents to strengthen their understanding and continue to make progress.

Maths
In Maths the children have been learning about measurements. They had the opportunity to explore the concept of capacity and weight. Children used language such as ‘bigger than’, ‘less than’, ‘balanced’, ’empty’, ‘full’, ‘half full’. This week we are learning about doubles to 5. Children will have the opportunity to find a double in the provision and make their own using a variety of templates.

Reading
Children have been learning about the story ‘Whatever Next` By Jill Murphy. Children talked about what they would take to the moon. They also had the chance to make their own rocket and use CVC words to label pictures found in the book. We are now reading the story ‘The Train Ride’.

English
For English the children have been exposed to different stories and they are now able to write captions/ sentences related to the pictures. This has included looking at the books; ‘Hello Winter’ and ‘Jack Frost’.

Continuous provision
This term the children had a chance to play in their own Café where they were able to make their own hot drinks and serve biscuits/ cakes. This week the children were excited to have the opportunity to taste different foods that are eaten during Chinese New Year Celebrations.

Year 2 blog

20th December 2024Farhana Siddique

English

This half term the children learnt a story called ‘George and the dragon’ which was about a dragon afraid of mice. The children learnt how to use noun phrases and write in the past tense. Next, the children learnt a poem called ‘A few frightening things.’ The children enjoyed innovating this and writing their own poems about frightening things. They also wrote some amazing Christmas poems and are doing well at using rhyme.

Maths

In the second term, we focused on place value, addition and subtraction using pictorial methods such as drawing tens and ones grids and using concrete resources of dienes. We learnt to regroup and exchange when numbers are too large. Next, we explored 3D shapes, familiarising ourselves with the key terms: vertices, edges and faces. In the picture, students are sorting shapes based on their qualities.

To strengthen children’s number sense we launched the Number Bonds competition that has been really popular. Children worked hard on their number bonds both at school and home. As they completed the different levels, they took ownership of their own learning showing great resilience and independence.

Reading

This term in reading, we explored two captivating stories that children enjoyed. We began with the vibrant storybook ‘Leaf.’ Children loved the emotional ending where the polar bear returns home and we had discussions about Leaf’s feelings to infer emotions from the text. We then read the book ‘Ossiri and the Bala Mengro’ which had children in suspense at the end when they were predicting what might have happened to Ossiri’s instrument when the mysterious figure showed up. 

Science

This half term we learnt about animal and human survival as well as balanced diet, the importance of exercise, sleeping and hygiene. Children had a go with counting their heart beat after different activities. We used our working scientifically skills to compare results and came to the conclusion that the more rigorous activity we do, the higher our heart rate gets. At the end of our unit we conducted an experiment to find out how germs spread. Children used glitter to trace and observe how easily germs can spread from one person to the other. We also learnt how to wash our hands properly.

History

In history we used our enquiry skills when answering the question ‘Who was our most powerful monarch?’ We explored the reign of many kings and queens. We have learnt, researched, compared and even debated to find the answer to our question.

Design and Technology

In DT, we explored the elements that make an ideal car and the essential components needed to create a moving vehicle such as axles, chassis, and wheels. The children thoroughly enjoyed designing their own models and incorporating resources from home to create their very own car and they turned out amazing!

We are reaching for the stars in Year 1

17th December 2024Farhana Siddique

Year 1 have been reaching for the stars this term! The children have been displaying growth mindset and excellent independence.  They have been continuously showing their teachers that they never give up and keep trying. They have been doing a fantastic job at finding and using resources to help them in lessons, which has blossomed their progress in their learning. Here are a few of the wonderful things we have been learning in Year 1.

English

In English we learnt about the story ‘How to catch a star’ which is about a boy who loved stars very much and wanted one of him own. So, he thought of various methods to try and catch a star: he climbs a tall tree, uses a lifebelt to lasso the star, uses a seagull to help him fly up in the sky and wants to fly his rocket. The children enjoyed changing the story to something else the boy would like to catch: Jupitar, Pluto, Saturn, an alien and moon. The children sequenced the story to get a better understanding of its structure. They learnt about what a verb is and how to write in the past tense. Have a look at these amazing creations:

Maths

We have marvellous Mathematicians in Year 1. The children have been working on Addition and Subtraction using the concrete, pictorial and abstract procedure. They enjoyed solving problems using cubes, rekenreks, bead strings and numicon. They have applied their knowledge of part-whole models to find addition and subtraction fact families and used counters and ten frames to identify number bonds within 10. Year 1 superstars have been learning about Subtraction by drawing dots and crossing them out to represent taking away numbers. Have a look at some magnificent work:

Reading

We are rockstar Readers in Year 1! The children have been exploring the book ‘Jolly Postman and other people’s letters’ which is about a postman delivering letters and postcards to traditional tale characters. They learnt new vocabulary which is key to the text: wicked, cackle, thimbleful and nightingale and applied these into sentences. Children worked on building their fluency and confidence in reading by adding reading hooks to represent pauses in sentences. Also, the children learnt the skill of authorial intent in which children delve deeper on the author’s illustration and choice of words in the book.

RE

In RE we have been delving in deep and enriching ourselves in both Christianity and Islam which has allowed us to view the world from a different perspective. We have been sharing with our friends what we are grateful for through the Islamic perspective of Shukr (gratitude). In addition to this, we have also worked as a class to create a friendship tree, using our leaves to represent different beliefs and values, in turn demonstrating our diversity as a year group. This has therefore aided us in developing an understanding of appreciation of different viewpoints in regard to what makes us human.

Science

In Year 1 we have lots of children that are super scientists who love exploring and investigating during these lessons. This terms topic has been about Autumn and Winter. In these lessons’ children have learnt about how the weather changes between the seasons and what impact this has on the hours of daylight. Not only this, they have explored how these seasons effect plants and animals.

History

This term Topic has been a blast from the past as we have learnt about Toys. The children have really enjoyed this History topic. Year 1 were lucky enough to do a toy workshop at Wardown Museum where they got to play with toys from the past. Their favourite toys from this workshop were the spinning top, tumble down the ladder, hobby horse and the metal hoop.

Jigsaw

In Year 1 the children celebrated differences in the classroom and explored about the value of the month…Independence! The children have completed a range of activities and identified similarities and differences between people in the class. They learnt about what bullying is and who they can talk to if they were feeling unhappy or being bullied. This is some of the amazing work our children have created:

EYFS- Autumn Two

16th December 2024Farhana Siddique

Phonics:
Children in Foundation are thriving in phonics and are beginning to blend the sounds together to read CVC words with great accuracy and fluency. Positively, some individuals are reading words that have special friends eg. words with sh, ch, qu. Please continue to listen to your child read at home and also access the phonics home learning documents to strengthen their understanding so they can continue to make steady progress.

Read Write Inc.: Green Word Cards (READ WRITE INC PHONICS) : Munton, Gill: Amazon.co.uk: Books

Reading:
This term we have explored the story ‘Owl Babies’. Children investigated the setting and retold the story using their imagination. They also captured how the characters felt throughout the story. Children have also learnt the story ‘We’re Going On a Bear Hunt’. They were able to retell it using actions and expression. Next week the children will be doing some poetry.

Owl Babies: A beloved classic from the recipient of An Post Irish Book Awards’ Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award: Amazon.co.uk: Waddell, Martin, ...We're Going on a Bear Hunt

RE:
This term our theme for RE is Humanity. The children have learnt about the importance of being kind and respectful. They have also learnt about who helps us in our community and what makes them special.

Maths:
In Maths this half term the children have been focusing on numbers up to 5. They have matched numbers to their quantities and have been using their new skill of subitising. They have become familiar with using a ten frame to record different numbers and to say what is one more or one less than a given number.

They have also learnt about 2D shapes which have included circles, triangles, squares and rectangles. The children have learnt about their different properties and what makes them the same , e.g. a square and rectangle both have 4 sides, and what makes them different, e.g. a triangle has straight sides and a circle is curved. We all enjoyed taking a walk around our indoor and outdoor learning environment looking for evidence of the different shapes. We found lots!
Understanding the World:
It has been a busy half term of learning. The children found out about Diwali, the festival of light as well as learning about why we celebrate bonfire night. We also took part in making poppies for the display at the front of the school for Remembrance day. They joined in with the rest of the school for the two minute silence to remember those soldiers who fought in the world wars as well as in different conflicts since then.
We have been fortunate to have some visitors come into school to talk to the children about the importance of looking after their teeth and the need to visit a dentist regularly. They kindly gave each child a toothbrush and toothpaste to take home. Our school lollypop man Mr. Paul came into the classroom to talk to the children during road safety week. They listened carefully as he talked about the the importance of knowing the correct  way to cross the road and to keep safe especially at this time of the year when it is getting darker earlier.
At the the moment the children are busy practicing for their nativity play. They are looking forward to seeing you all next Tuesday 17th December at 2pm when they will perform it for you.
Continuous provision:
The children have had a very busy term! We set up tuff trays themed around the winter season and a Post Office role-play area, where the children enjoyed weighing different parcels and writing postcards. They especially loved Santa’s workshop, where they dressed up as elves and wrapped presents.
Outdoor Learning:
Children have been enjoying their outdoor learning experiences. They have been using their imagination and creativity, to make pictures and solve puzzles. The children have been using their phonetic knowledge to write words to match pictures.

Craft Fair

28th November 2024Farhana Siddique

Wigmore is getting into the Christmas spirit, join us at the craft fair. HO HO HO!

Year 2 Blog

18th October 2024Farhana Siddique

English

In English we studied the book ‘Meerkat Mail’ which is about a meerkat who is looking for the perfect place to live. He visited lots of hot countries so we wrote about him visiting a cold place. The children wrote postcards home to the family about where he lived and we created a comic strip about his journey.

We then looked at a non-fiction text which was a non-chronological report about meerkats. The children have been learning how to structure the text and use a range of vocabulary.

Maths

We have been working on number and place value using a range of concrete apparatus such as tens frames, dienes, rekenrek and cubes. The children are now working on adding and subtracting two two-digit numbers crossing a 10.

Reading

We started our reading sessions with a book called ‘Look Up.’ The children were enthused to learn about meteors and space. They also enjoyed role play and empathising with different characters. We then moved on to a non-fiction book about The Great Fire of London which has sparked lots of interest from the children about their upcoming trip to The Tower of London.

History

The children really enjoyed our history topic on The Great Fire of London and are particularly looking forward to their trip to The Tower of London. Next they will be learning about important monarchs in British history. They will find out why William was called William the Conqueror, what gave Bad King John his reputation and why Queen Elizabeth was adored by the British public.

Art

The children had a great time in our art lessons! We looked at ‘Nancy McKrosky – Suite in Black and White, 1992’  mural and have been practising different methods of shading. The children have also had a go at some observational drawings.