Curriculum News
Class G3
G3 students have begun the term by settling into the classroom with a focus on building relationships through the Play is the Way life rafts. Students had the opportunity to
re-engage with the life rafts and build upon their understanding of how they can use them to support their social and emotional growth. The students also had the opportunity to participate in different tasks to develop their Active Listening skills. These involved students learning different strategies to assist them to ‘tune in’ to learning. One activity was done through the reading of a book. The teacher gave the students a ‘key word’ to listen out for. As the story was read, every time the students heard that word, they had to play a musical instrument/put their hands on their head etc. We also created some art work related to ‘getting to know you’. Students were asked to share 5 important things about themselves and then transfer this onto a background of crayon colour.
Performing Arts
During music lessons, G3 students explored body percussion and focused on rhythm and collaboration.
Class R5
R5 has had a flying start to the year. We have spent time getting to know each other and the school. In the mornings when we first arrive, we have time in the COLA (Covered Outside Learning Area). The space allows students to engage in a range of learning through play. This supports students to develop and practice their ability to take turns and share whilst exploring the tasks. It also supports students to have a smooth transition into our day. We have loved playing with all our friends in the other Reception/One class R1. We learnt where everything in the school is by going on a hunt for the green sheep. There is a fun book that we read to accompany this hunt called ‘Where is the green sheep’ by Mem Fox. After going on our hunt and reading the book we made our own sheep! We have learnt a little bit about the Luna New Year celebrations to gain an understanding that there are many different celebrations and festivals around the world. We watched some fabulous dragon and lion dancers and made our own lanterns. We have started learning our first phonics sounds and hope to be reading soon! In Maths we have been making and continuing patterns. There has been lots of smiles and a very successful first few weeks!
Class R1
The first week of school in R1 was all about getting to know each other and setting up for success. As a class, the students established classroom routines and expectations and how they can make the classroom safe and welcoming. The students also learnt about road safety.
We read the children’s storybook ‘Where is the green sheep?’ then the children set off on a scavenger hunt around the school to find the green sheep. The students looked for clues that lead to where the green sheep was.
The students start their day by unpacking their bags and signing in. They sign in by tracing/writing their name on a sheet, as well as writing their name in rice.
They then usually play outside under the COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area), with R5. By being in a shared and open space, both students from R1 and R5 have developed and established relationships with each other. They have also developed teamwork as they pack up the space together.
The students have started to learn 'beginning' sounds and complete relevant work based on those sounds. Everyday they revise what sounds they have learnt previously. In Maths, the students have started to learn about number sequences and patterns, using manipulatives to create patterns. They are also starting to learn about the weather in Science. Once a week, the students participate in an art activity where step-by-step instructions are given and the students have to follow them. This improves the students listening skills as well as their creativity and imagination.
It has been a great start to the term in R1. We are looking forward to what lies ahead for the rest of the term!