In phonics, children will continue with Phase 3 sounds, focusing on digraphs and trigraphs and beginning to read and spell longer words with increased confidence. Through daily phonics sessions, children will practise blending for reading and segmenting for writing. In English, our learning will be centred around the story The Pirates Are Coming! This exciting and humorous text will spark curiosity and imagination, supporting children to retell the story, sequence key events, explore characters and settings, and experiment with descriptive language. Children will take part in shared writing, independent mark-making, sentence writing, role play and drama activities, helping them see themselves as confident early writers.

Development Matters:

• Recognises and says letter sounds correctly

• Blends sounds into words and segments words into sounds

• Writes recognisable letters, some correctly formed

• Gives meaning to marks as they write and draws pictures to tell stories

Key Vocabulary:
Pirate, ship, treasure, map, island, sound, letter, blend, sentence, story

Through our WhiteRose Math programme, the children will deepen their understanding of numbers through counting and comparing quantities in practical ways. Learning will be supported through stories, games, manipulatives and real-life problem-solving. Children will also explore patterns, shape, space and measure, helping them to notice relationships and make sense of the world around them using mathematical language.

Development Matters:

• Counts objects accurately and matches numerals to quantities

• Subitises small quantities without counting

• Begins to solve simple mathematical problems in practical contexts

Key Vocabulary:
Number, count, more, fewer, pattern, shape, measure

Our topic this block is Under the Sea. Children will explore oceans, sea creatures and underwater habitats, learning about similarities and differences in the natural world. Through stories, videos, sensory activities and discussions, children will develop curiosity and ask questions about ocean life. We will also introduce simple ideas about caring for the environment and how our actions can help protect the oceans.

Development Matters:

• Talks about features of their immediate environment and the natural world

• Shows interest in different animals and habitats

• Understands the importance of caring for the environment

Key Vocabulary:
Ocean, sea, fish, shark, coral, habitat, pollution, protect, environment

Children will explore creativity through art, music, movement and imaginative play, inspired by our pirate and ocean themes. They will experiment with colour, texture, sound and movement while expressing their own ideas. This block, children will also be practising songs, dance and drama as they prepare for our performing arts show, building confidence, cooperation and enjoyment in performing.

Development Matters:

• Uses a variety of materials to create and express ideas

• Engages in imaginative role play and performance

• Sings songs and moves rhythmically to music

Key Vocabulary:
Music, dance, performance, paint, colour, rhythm, role play

Children will continue to build strength, balance and coordination through PE lessons, outdoor learning and active play. Fine motor activities such as drawing, cutting, threading and writing will help strengthen the muscles needed for pencil control. These skills support independence and confidence, particularly when writing, dressing and managing personal care routines.

Development Matters:

• Moves confidently in a range of ways, showing balance and coordination

• Uses tools such as pencils, scissors and paintbrushes effectively

• Shows increasing control when forming letters and shapes

Key Vocabulary:
Balance, stretch, grip, control, strength, movement, exercise

Following the Jigsaw unit Healthy Me, children will learn about looking after their bodies and minds. They will explore healthy eating, physical activity, personal hygiene, rest and safety in age-appropriate ways. Through stories, circle time and practical discussions, children will also develop emotional awareness, learning to recognise feelings in themselves and others and understand the importance of making healthy choices.

Development Matters:

• Manages own basic hygiene and personal needs

• Talks about feelings and understands how actions affect others

• Shows increasing independence and confidence

Key Vocabulary:
Healthy, exercise, food, sleep, feelings, choices, safe, strong

Communication and language development will be woven through all areas of learning. Children will be encouraged to listen carefully, take turns in conversations and express their ideas using full sentences. Through storytelling, role play, questioning and group discussions, children will build vocabulary, improve confidence in speaking and develop the skills needed to communicate clearly with others.

Development Matters:

• Listens attentively and responds appropriately

• Uses new vocabulary in different contexts

• Speaks in sentences and expresses ideas clearly

Key Vocabulary:
Listen, speak, sentence, question, answer, explain, describe

Reception children develop musical skills through singing and instrumental play linked to pirates, sea creatures and mermaids. They practise steady pulse, copy and create rhythms, and use dynamics (loud/quiet) and tempo (fast/slow) to match waves, storms and treasure-hunting adventures. Children rehearse songs with clear lyrics, confident voices and expressive performance. They work together to start and stop as a group and perform with enjoyment.

Key vocabulary: pulse, beat, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, loud, quiet, sing, chant, instruments, pattern, repeat, perform, ocean.

Reception children create dances inspired by pirates and underwater adventures, using movement to show sailing, diving, swimming and searching for treasure. They explore pathways, levels and shapes, learning short sequences then adding their own creative actions (shark swish, jellyfish wobble, pirate stomp). Rehearsals focus on timing, formations, safe spacing and confident performance with character and expression.

Key vocabulary: sequence, levels, pathways, space, travel, shape, formation, timing, expression, character, stomp, sway, glide, perform, refine.

All students will take part in a weekly swimming lesson designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments. 

Literacy 

• • Practice writing Phase 3 sounds and simple CVC words on paper, in sand, or with chalk outside.

  • Label household objects with sticky notes to practise letter-sound recognition.

Maths

• • Count toys, snacks, or objects around the house and write the number next to the group.

  • Look for shapes around the house and outside, and talk about their properties.

Understanding of the World 

• • Go on a “pirate treasure hunt” in the garden or home, using maps or clues.

  • Draw or create a model of an ocean scene, labelling animals and features.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

• • Sort foods into “healthy” and “sometimes” categories together.

  • Practise simple exercises or yoga stretches at home and talk about how your body feels.

Physical Development

• • Obstacle course at home or in the garden to practise balance, coordination, and agility.

  • Dance along to music, encouraging movements that stretch, twist, and jump.

Expressive Arts and Design 

• • Make pirate hats, treasure maps, or ocean creatures using craft materials.

  • Paint or draw scenes from stories, encouraging imaginative details.
    
    

Communication & Language 

• • Ask open-ended questions during walks or play: “What do you think the shark is doing?” or “How could we help keep the ocean clean?”

  • Encourage storytelling or “news sharing” at dinner or bedtime, using new vocabulary from class.