This week, we welcomed our children and families back to school for Autumn Term 2. It has been a joy to see our children reenergised and embracing every learning opportunity that they have been given this week.

Autumn Term Two is the term of celebrations. Please read the email that was sent this week with the key dates and information for this term.

Today, I met with our Education Welfare Officer. Proudly, I shared our attendance percentages, which continue to be 95.7%. Thank you again, for your support in ensuring your child attends school daily and arrives on time. 

Reception Maple have returned to school with enthusiasm and confidence; the children are also suddenly so much taller!

Miss Matthews and Mrs Guild have the following learning to share with you:

Mathematics

In mathematics, we have been learning about circles and triangles. First, we sorted circles and triangles into sets. We've also enjoyed using our fine motor skills to cut pictures out and stick them in the right group. Then we used our new knowledge and vocabulary about these shapes to imitate the artwork of the famous Russian artist Kandinsky and talk about it. We've also learnt about positional language – we've used a teddy and classroom equipment to show the words under, on top, next to, in between, in front, and behind.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

On Tuesday 4th November, Belgrave fire crew brought their fire-engine to GVPA for the Reception children to learn about, supporting their knowledge of ‘people who help us’. The excitement when the fire engine drove alongside our classroom, parked in our playground flashing its lights was incredible. The crew helped the children hold and spray one of the hoses and every child got to sit in the vehicle. It was a memorable moment for every child!

Expressive Art and Design

This week in Expressive Arts and Design we have started our new topic of Soup! The children played a matching game to test their knowledge of different fruits and vegetables. Miss Matthews read the word, and the children worked together to find the match. We also discussed which fruits and vegetables we like and dislike in preparation for taste testing next week. The children also loved watching the changes happening outdoors during the transition from Autumn to Winter. We have created our own Autumn trees using Lego bricks and paint. 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Reception Maple continue to strengthen their co-operating skills, particularly at lunchtime! They have loved taking it in turns to play inside the Reception playground, ensuring to work together, listen and collaborate on their ideas. A particular favourite activity is to build Jurassic World!

Physical Development

Remember, remember the 5th of November. With the help of Mrs Burke, Reception Maple made and baked bonfire biscuits just like the ones Pip makes. We enjoyed weighing the ingredients, rubbing the butter into the flour and sprinkling the sparkles on top! The children enjoyed these on the carpet together at the end of the day.

Phonics

In phonics, we have started learning some more alternative sounds and tricky words. The children can read and recall the new sounds and words so quickly; they can also write the words accurately too.

History

We have been learning all about the history of bonfire night this week. We listened to the story of Guy Fawkes, and then we created collaged bonfire night pictures. 

Year 1 Fire Engline Visit

On Wednesday 5th November, the Green Watch Crew visited Year 1 Rowan. The fire crew showed and spoke about their roles, and then they came into the classroom to talk to teach us about how to stay safe.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, the children have been learning all about missing parts in subtraction and challenging themselves with some reasoning questions.

Computing

In computing this week, using Chromebooks, Mrs Burke taught us how to use the mouse or 'trackpad' to click and drag objects. Although tricky at first,  using two hands, we persevered to use a paint app to draw a picture. We were so proud of our achievements... some children repeated the lesson at home too and emailed the pictures in. 

Remembrance

Thank you for supporting the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Reception Maple were inspired to make their own poppies. 

On Friday afternoon, Reception and Year 1 enjoyed an afternoon of Remembrance crafts. The children could choose from sewing poppies and painting poppies, inspired by an image of Flanders Field.

Thank you parents, Miss Matthews and Ms Rogers for sharing medals and photos of family members from the war. Using real artefacts, the children were able to develop a deeper understanding about why we are wearing poppies at this time of the year. 

Thank you to everyone who is not parking on the yellow road markings at the front of school. Please can all adults ensure that no cars are parked or wait on the yellow lines before and after school.

It is positive to see so many children walking, scootering and biking to school. A HUGE thank you to the children and parents who are supporting walking bikes and scooters when on the school grounds.

As a polite request, please can the children also walk their bikes and scooters to the front gate after school too. This is simply to prevent any accidents with both the children and adults collecting. We thank you in advance for your support with this.  

Road Safety Information from Tamworth Fire Station

This week, Mrs Burke attended a 'Curriculum and Assessment' meeting with other leaders from the Fierte Multi-Academy Trust. The meeting was a great opportunity to share the curriculum which is taught at GVPA and also listen to other schools across the Trust. 

For further information about the Trust, please use this link: Fierté Multi-Academy Trust - Home

Telephone: 01827 214630

Office Email: office@gardenvillage.fierte.org

Headteacher / SENCO: headteacher@gardenvillage.fierte.org