Dear Parents/Carers,

The children in Reception thoroughly enjoyed exploring their new core text this week, 'Inside the Villians'. In English, the children shared their current knowledge about traditional tales like The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk. They even used adjectives to describe clues from the traditional tale, Jack and the Beanstalk. Within the provision, the children enjoyed developing their creative skills by using a range of resources to make a beanstalk for Jack to climb up!

Year 1 were extremely excited about their hook lesson this week which was associated with their new core text, Grandad's Secret Giant'. After discovering giant footsteps and clues around the classroom and learning environments, the children then wrote possible answers to different questioning sentence stems. We know the children in Year 1 will love their learning about this text this term and we can not wait for them to showcase their improving writing skills whilst writing a recount and an informal letter.

Computing proved to be an engaging lesson this week in Year 2 as the children were learning about algorithms. The children logged onto Purple Mash and started to explore coding. They then inputted different instructions to make a plane move around the screen. We are so proud of the children as they applied so much resilience to their computing lesson, which was definitely a challenge!

Fractions have been fun in Year 3 this week! The children have been exploring unit and non-unit fractions, as well as developing their understanding of 'a whole'. The children loved discussing fractions during their maths lessons, using examples of pizza and cake to show how different fractions are made. In addition to this, the children commenced their learning about their new core text, 'Dreams of Freedom'. Year 3 read through a variety of thought-provoking quotes which are written in the book and they then reflected on what freedom means to them and what their dreams for the future would be. 

Tiger Troops was most definitely a success this week for Year 4! The children had such a positive first session where they learned about the value of respect before participating in military drills. As part of their English learning, the children experienced a day in the Amazon Rainforest to hook them into their new core text, 'Journey to the River Sea'. The children started by getting their belongings and passports together before experiencing a vritual tour around the rainforest.

Year 5 had an engaging science lesson this week which built on their learning about the planets of the Solar System as the children created a scale model the Solar System in the outdoor learning environment. In their DT lesson, the children started the design process of creating their own Trojan horses. This learning links amazingly with the children's prior learing about Ancient Greece and their future learning about the Trojan War. We can not wait to see their final DT outcomes!

Throughout their geography learning this week, Year 6 focused on the changing landscape of the Congo by exploring images of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As part of their PE learning, the children in Year 6 started to explore tennis. They enjoyed learning about the correct technique to perform the forehand shot whilst thinking about their court position following the shot.

This week, we had a visit from David at Kent Fire and Rescue. He provided year groups assemblies about the Fire Service and their role in keeping us safe. He reminded children about what an emergency situation is and what number should be called. In addition to this, he spoke to the older years about preventing electrical fires and general fire safety. The children across the school were very enthusiastic about recalling the knowledge they have been learning about. 

It has been a great first week back at school and the children have all worked very hard!

We hope you have a lovely weekend,

Miss Capes, Mrs Jackson and the Maundene Team

Well done to Jessica and Mason in Ospreys and Mollie in Robins who recently took part in a dance competition over the half term. 

Well done to Theon in Kestrels and Noah in Swans for achieving their kickboxing belts. 

Developing strong oracy skills is crucial for children's success in school and beyond. It empowers them to express themselves confidently, think critically, and engage effectively with others. To support this vital skill, our weekly newsletter will feature fun and engaging oracy activities that families can enjoy together at home, fostering communication and building confidence in your children.