We hope you enjoy looking at our Year 1 blog which will show you some of the learning we have been doing in class.
Year one have been doing some great learning in science! Last week we investigated why giraffes have big hooves by trying to push different sized objects into the sand. We also explored designing a menu and creating pizzas for animals depending on whether they were, herbivores, omnivores or carnivores.
Today we identified and named different body parts through playing different games and drawing round someone in the class then labelling the drawing.
We spent time in groups learning facts about different African animals. We learnt where they live, what they eat and some very interesting facts!
Back in November, the School Council decided to buy every child a clear bauble to design and decorate ready for Christmas. Each year group chose their own designs and have been busy over the last few weeks creating them.
In Year 1, children filled their baubles with Christmas sequins and they decorated the outside.
In Year 2, children turned their baubles into reindeer and used them to decorate the Christmas trees in their classrooms!
In Year 3, the children turned their baubles into snow globes, complete with snowmen inside.
In Year 4, the children used lots of glitter and glue to decorate the outside of their baubles.
In Year 5, they used tissue paper and glue to create a textured bauble which they filled with yummy treats!
And finally, in Year 6, the children filled the inside of the baubles with glitter, then used white pen to create patters on the outside.
We think they all look amazing! A great big thank you to the School Council for organising this for everyone.
Year one designed and made penguins as part of Design and Technology. First, they had to plan what the penguin was going to look like and which part they wanted to move. Some children chose to make the head move. Some decided the flippers or wings would move. Next, they drew a template and cut it out. Finally, they put it together using spilt pins for the moving part. They were all very proud of the end result.
On Wednesday Year 1 came back from lunch to find a mess in their classrooms. There were footprints, ice, water and fish. The children acted as detectives to find out what had happened. On Thursday we were able to check the CCTV and found that it had been a penguin! Now we need to try and find the penguin so we can get some more information.
This week we have been finding out about the changes we will see as we move into the next season. We know that Autumn is the next. We have been looking out for some of the changes that occur at this time of year and spotting the signs of Autumn. On Thursday we will be going on a walk to the outdoor classroom to try and observe some of these seasonal changes. In the classroom we have explored the Autumnal small worlds and used pine cones to help develop our fine motor skills. We have been practicing our maths and turn taking skills by playing games like snakes and ladders.
Our amazing teaching team have been painting self-portraits after school today for our Colours of Queen’s Hill art project. They’ll be going on display in the main entrance next week.
The Colours of Queen’s Hill is a wonderful art project for our whole-school community, where everyone will be creating their own self-portrait to celebrate individuality and diversity, inspired by the work of artist Angélica Dass.
Year one have made a fantastic start to the year. They have spent the first week exploring the new outside resources. They have created delicious food in the outdoor kitchen and building hand eye co-ordination playing tennis. Children have enjoyed having a go at writing and phonics is underway!
I am delighted to inform you that we have retained our ‘good’ judgement by Ofsted in our recent inspection.
There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes, and I am thrilled that the dedication of our staff and pupils has been recognised. I’m sure you will join me in congratulating everyone who works and volunteers at
our school.
I wanted to draw your attention to some of the excellent feedback we received:
- Queen’s Hill Primary is a peaceful, well-organised school, where pupils feel safe.
- Pupils are helped to develop academically and personally in a nurturing environment.
- Leaders provide a harmonious environment where diversity is valued.
- Expectations are high for everybody.
- Staff treat pupils with respect and kindness.
- Leaders are ambitious for pupils with SEND.
- Parents appreciate the work of the school staff both in regard to the care they provide and the
- curriculum on offer.
I also wanted to personally thank everyone who completed Ofsted’s Parent View survey. This is such valuable feedback, and helps us to ensure our school continues to be the best that it can be for our pupils.
Thank you once again for all the support you continue to give the school.
Best wishes,
Mr. Matthew Cross
Headteacher