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Blog 2025 - 2026

Autumn Term 1

As we come to the end of a busy and exciting first half-term, Beech Class have been working incredibly hard across all subjects and have made a fantastic start to the school year! We are proud of their positive attitude to their learning.  

In Phonics, we’ve begun exploring the extended code in Sounds-Write, focusing on different spellings of the same sound. The children have enjoyed spotting patterns and applying their knowledge in reading and writing activities, reading at home has really helped their progress here in Year 1 and our Year 2 children have begun to apply these skills further within their writing.  

Our focus has been on comparing numbers within 20 in Maths. The children have developed their understanding of greater than, less than, and equal to, using practical resources and number lines to support their learning. 

In RE, we explored the story of Creation. The children created beautiful book covers and revisited the Bible story, discussing its meaning and significance. Their thoughtful reflections and creative responses were a joy to see. 

We’ve been looking at toys through time during our History lessons. The children created personal timelines and explored how technology has changed the way toys are made and used. This topic sparked lots of curiosity and comparisons between past and present, they loved getting out slates, dominoes and spinning tops!  

In Art, we’ve been learning about colour. The children experimented with mixing primary colours to create secondary ones and studied the work of Wassily Kandinsky. Their abstract art pieces were vibrant and expressive! 

Beech Class have been champion gymnasts during PE! They’ve practised linking movements and sequences on equipment, showing great control and creativity. Their confidence and teamwork have grown with each session. 

In Music, the children have been learning to keep a pulse. They started by clapping along to slow and fast beats, then progressed to playing instruments in time with a variety of tunes. Their final lesson involved composing their own instrumental pieces using different pulses – a task they embraced with enthusiasm and imagination. 

We have explored how computers sort data in Computing time. The children sorted objects by shape, colour, and size, and worked collaboratively on a range of engaging activities. Their problem-solving skills really shone through. 

In PHSE, our focus was on friendships. Through roleplay and discussion, the children learnt what makes a good friend and how to build positive relationships. These lessons have had a noticeable impact on the class’s social interactions and behaviour. 

We have also taken to the outdoors as much as possible, enjoying additional playtimes on the large equipment as often as possible, and we loved our class trip to Wessex Wild at Tincleton, searching for vegetables, finding fruits, watching the hens and sheep and learning about our lunchboxes! The food tasting was a highlight!  

Well done, Beech Class, for a brilliant start to the year, and thank you so much for your support with the homework. Reinforcing our learning in school when at home really supports the children in knowing and remembering more.  We’re so proud of all you’ve achieved! 

Blog 2024 - 2025

Summer Term 2

As we head towards the end of the school year, it is hard to believe how quickly the months have flown by. It feels just like yesterday that we were welcoming our new Beech Class members into the classroom, full of curiosity and excitement. Now, as we prepare to say goodbye for the summer, it is the perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey that we have shared.

From the very first day, our class has shown resilience, creativity, and a genuine love for learning. Whether it was mastering multiplication tables, exploring the wonders of storytelling, or diving into the past, every student brought their unique spark to the classroom.

In English, we’ve seen budding authors emerge, crafting imaginative stories, recounts of visits, and thoughtful reflections. Four standout texts this year were:

• Beegu by Alexis Deacon, which sparked deep conversations about belonging, kindness, and empathy. We explored characterisation, thinking carefully about Beegu’s feelings and actions, and made predictions about what might happen next.
• The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy, which inspired some of our most beautiful creative writing. We focused on using similes to describe emotions and the children wrote about what could be in the Tear Thief’s sack.
• George and the Dragon, which brought legends and bravery to life. The children loved exploring the traditional tale and we discussed the themes of courage and good versus evil, and the class created vivid descriptions of dragons and knights.
• The Three Little Pigs, which we revisited after our theatre trip, helped us explore storytelling structure and character voices through drama and role-play.

One of the proudest writing moments this year was the children’s recount writing about our visit to Nothe Fort in Weymouth. They used time connectives, descriptive language, and personal reflections to bring the day to life on paper. From exploring the dark ghost tunnels to learning about life on the Home Front their writing captured the excitement and curiosity of the experience beautifully.

In Maths, the class tackled each challenge with determination and enthusiasm. We focused on building strong number sense, developing fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and applying these skills to solve real-life problems. A particular highlight was exploring pictograms and tally charts, where children learned how to collect, organise, and interpret data in a visual and meaningful way.

In Humanities, we explored the lives of significant individuals and the impact they’ve had on the world. A particularly inspiring topic was learning about Grace Darling and her heroic sea rescue. The children were captivated by her bravery and the dramatic story of how she and her father saved survivors from a shipwreck in stormy seas. This led to thoughtful discussions about courage, selflessness, and the importance of helping others. We also learned about the RNLI and the incredible work they do to keep people safe at sea. The children were fascinated by the lifeboats, rescue missions, and the dedication of the volunteers. This topic helped us connect our local coastal environment to real-life heroes and sparked a deeper appreciation for community service.

In Geography, we travelled (virtually!) to South Africa, where we explored its wonderful wildlife and plant life. The children were amazed by the diversity of animals—from lions and elephants to zebras and wildebeest—and learned about the different habitats they live in. We also studied the unique plants of the region, including the striking protea flower. This topic sparked curiosity, awe, and a love of all things in the natural world

This year, our class truly shone in the arts. One of the most exciting highlights was creating a fabulous clay dragon for Purbeck Arts Week. Inspired by our work on George and the Dragon, each child sculpted their own individual clay tile, which was then combined to form a large, collaborative dragon mural. The final piece was a stunning celebration of teamwork, imagination, and artistic skill—and it was proudly displayed as part of the local arts celebration.

We also explored the work of Barbara Hepworth, creating our own abstract clay sculptures inspired by her smooth, flowing forms. The children experimented with shape, texture, and negative space, producing thoughtful and expressive pieces that reflected their growing understanding of modern art.

In Design and Technology, the children loved making pop-up cards, combining creativity with engineering skills. They learned how to use folds, tabs, and levers to bring their designs to life—resulting in some truly delightful and surprising creations!

P.E. has been a fantastic outlet for energy, teamwork, and skill-building. The children have loved taking part in a variety of team games, learning how to communicate, cooperate, and compete fairly. From relay races to small-sided games, they’ve shown great sportsmanship and enthusiasm. We also explored attacker and defender games, where the children developed their spatial awareness, agility, and tactical thinking. These sessions were full of excitement and strategy, and it was wonderful to see every child grow in confidence and coordination. Sports Day was a highlight of the summer term, with every pupil giving their best and cheering on their classmates. The sense of camaraderie and celebration was a perfect reflection of the spirit we’ve built together this year.

This year, we’ve also taken our learning beyond the classroom. Our school trips have been memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Three trips stood out in particular:

• Leeson House, where we explored the natural environment and developed our observational skills through pond dipping and outdoor art inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy.
• Our visit to Nothe Fort in Weymouth, where the children explored historic tunnels and learned about life during wartime. The interactive exhibits and dramatic coastal views made it a day to remember—and the children’s recounts of the trip were some of the best writing we’ve seen all year.
• A magical trip to the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage to see The Three Little Pigs brought storytelling to life in the most delightful way. The children were captivated by the colourful set, lively performances, and the familiar tale told with a fun twist. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience live theatre and inspired lots of creative writing and role-play back in the classroom.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been watching the children grow not just academically, but personally. We’ve focused on developing resilience and the core values of the school. Through circle time, mindfulness activities, and our PSHE lessons, the children have learned to support one another, manage challenges, and celebrate their own unique strengths. Our classroom has been a safe and supportive space where every voice is heard and valued. The kindness and respect shown by the children has created a truly special learning environment and I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching each and every member of Beech class! Thank you for your continued support with your children’s learning and I wish you all  a very happy summer break!

 

Summer Term 1

Although this half-term has been short, the children have completed so much learning! Overall, the weather has been fantastic and this has meant that activities, such as Games, have not been interrupted. Everyone has enjoyed the outdoor freedom -especially lunchtime play on the school field!

 Our focus book for English has been The Tear Thief, by Carol Ann Duffy, a beautifully illustrated book with lots of creative language. The children thoroughly enjoyed using similes to add description to objects put into the Tear Thief’s sack. Following on from The Tear Thief, the children completed work on the Magic Box poem- a beautifully descriptive poem by Kit Wright. They had to use their creativity and imagination to describe special objects and memories that they would put into a Magic box and keep forever. Their use of simile, and descriptive language, was amazing and a highlight for me this year has been the progress of their brilliantly neat handwriting!

 In Maths, the children have been learning all about money. They have learnt the value of coins and notes as well as adding up amounts of coins. I would like to thank all of the parents for supporting their children’s learning in Maths whilst completing their money homework activities. For our Humanities topic, the children have been finding out about the African country Kenya. They have learnt about the similarities and differences between the seasons, animal life and culture. They loved learning about the Savannah and we incorporated this learning into our music when the children composed a Tone Poem (telling a story with music) about the Kenyan Savannah and its animal wildlife.

In Science, Mrs Hollard has informed me that the children have been learning about plants and animals. This half-term, we had a fabulous visit to Leeson House where the children used plants to create Andy Goldsworthy inspired outdoor art. They also went pond dipping and found a huge variety of wildlife which they then had to identify.

 All in all, it has been a fantastic half-term of learning and with so many fabulous learning opportunities (the embodiment of Live Learning: Love Learning). I am very much looking forward to the final half-term of the academic year as I know that there will be plenty more- well done Beech class!

 

Spring Term 2

Reflecting on this half-term, looking through all of the photographs that I have taken, it is amazing to see the amount of wonderful learning opportunities that the children have completed to fulfil our vision to live learning and love learning. This half-term, the children have had the opportunity to complete Forest School. They have been making wonderful pictures, using natural materials, as well as a multitude of other activities involving being outdoors and learning in the woods. They have all thoroughly enjoyed these activities and it was lovely to see their smiley faces after each session.

 Debbie, from the Purbeck Arts week, came into the school to complete an art session with Acorns and Beech. They enjoyed designing dragons and then completed a tile, that when added together, would form a large dragon. I cannot wait to see the final results once they are fired and put together! Creativity was also on show for World book Day when I was blown away by the children’s amazing costumes. During the day, the children completed many learning activities, to promote reading, and throughout the whole week. Parents came into Beech class to read books to the children. The children loved this and especially enjoyed trying to work out who was coming into the classroom deciphering the three clues! The book for the day was called ‘Leaf’ and we completed a colourful display using the work from the day – great fun was had by all!

In Computing, the children learnt to programme Beebots and give directions. They were so creative when it came to them designing a treasure map for the Beebots to navigate with hazards and obstacles.

 

Spring Term 1

The children have had a wonderful half-term and I have been pleased with their progress in all areas of the curriculum. In English, the children thoroughly enjoyed learning to write letters and I was amazed at the quality of their handwriting. This has significantly improved since the beginning of the year and lots of adults, around the school, have commented on the quality (they have received many ‘smelly’ stickers from Mrs Astle!)

 A highlight of this half-term was Computer Science. We had a good run of lovely days so we went into Tom’s Garden to learn to take quality photographs. The children learnt the difference between landscape and portrait photographs as well as the importance of putting the subject in the middle of the frame. It was great fun and the children thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience.

 In RE, the topic was Judaism and the importance of artefacts in the Jewish religion. They learnt about the Mezuzah (box for holding prayers in the home) the Ketubah (marriage contract) and the Tzedakah (charity box). The children loved decorating an envelope and putting in their own special prayers and thoughts. They also thought about the similarities and differences between Jewish and Christian artefacts.

In Maths, the children have begun multiplication and our extending their knowledge of times tables. As this knowledge is so important, especially in Key Stage 2, it so important to embed these skills and develop their times tables fluency.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable half -term and as the weather improves, we are all looking to extend the children’s learning into the outdoor environment. I wish you all a wonderful half-term and, as always, thank you for your support in your children’s learning.

 

Autumn Term 2

During the final week of term, it has been wonderful to look out at Beech class and see how well they are doing in school. They have all settled really well and the best thing is that they get on really well with each other. When completing work, they support each other and each and every one of them tries their very best. This is very pleasing to see and it bodes well for the remainder of the academic year where I am looking forward to seeing them flourish in their learning.

A highlight of this term has been the focus on the Nativity play. Watching members of Beech class support the younger children has been an absolute joy as has the development in the children’s confidence when performing. I hope that you feel as proud of them as I do and this support between classes is just one of the benefits of being a smaller community school.

In the core subjects, the children have been working on developing their knowledge of number, in Maths, as well as using a variety of adjectives and conjunctions in English. I have really enjoyed teaching them the Three Little Pigs story and they have produced excellent writing. Another focus has been on using capital letters and full stops and the children are using these well. I am looking forward to seeing their writing when completing our letters and diary entries next term which I know the children will love doing.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support with your children’s learning when completing home learning. This work is so valuable to your children’s development as it gets them into good habits for later years. Developing a routine is vital and the more your children read, the more the likelihood that they will be able to access the wider curriculum through later years.

 

Autumn Term 1

Lets start by reflecting upon how well all of the children in Beech class have settled in to school life again this first term. With so many learning experiences, it is difficult to know where to start but I feel that their performance of the ‘Potatoes’ song, in the Harvest Festival service, sums up the confidence and engagement of all the children. This confidence has shown itself when completing work in class and the children have thoroughly enjoyed the Great Fire of London topic this half-term. They have learnt how the fire started, in Thomas Farynor’s bakery, and how the authorities tackled the fire with primitive squirts and gunpowder to make fire breaks. Their understanding of how quickly the fire spread, because of the houses being built of wood and too close together, was demonstrated when they completed a design to re-build London where most of the children designed wide streets and houses made of stone.

We were fortunate to have two brilliant visitors with Wessex Wild and the Dogs Trust. Chrissie, from Wessex Wild, talked about their conservation work as well as the importance of fruit and vegetables in a children’s diet. She even brought in some for the children to try! The Dogs Trust talked about dog behaviour and the importance of the correct behaviour when interacting with dogs. This is an extremely valuable life skill and of all the children thoroughly enjoyed the interactive session.

In Science, the children learnt about the seasons and as the Summer turned into Autumn (almost overnight!) it was possible for the children to experience the real differences. They completed some wonderful seasonal posters and individual artwork as they learnt about how the seasons change.

Overall, the children have been brilliant this half-term and it has been wonderful to watch them interact with all of the learning experiences. I want to thank you all for supporting your children with their home learning.