Stage 1

Stage 1 students have had a wonderful start to Term 4 and are continuing to show enthusiasm and effort in all areas of their learning.

English

After focusing on persuasive writing during Term 3, this term students have been learning about narrative writing using the Seven Steps to Writing Success model. They have been exploring how to create sizzling starts that immediately capture the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. Students are practising how to use backfill to introduce important background details and describe the characters and setting. They are learning how to plan the main events of a story using the pebble, rock, and boulder structure to build excitement and tension, before finishing with an exciting ending that wraps the story up in a satisfying way. Students have enjoyed sharing their creative ideas and experimenting with ways to make their writing more engaging and imaginative.

During InitialLit sessions, students are continuing to strengthen their phonics, spelling, handwriting, and reading fluency. Daily practice is helping them to confidently recognise sounds, blend words, and write using correct letter formation. Students are developing their comprehension skills through guided reading activities and are working towards becoming more independent, accurate, and expressive readers.

Mathematics

In mathematics, students continue to participate in targeted maths groups that support their individual learning needs. They have been practising number operations, problem-solving, and patterning through games, hands-on materials, and small-group discussions. Some groups have been learning about location and mapping skills, where they are exploring how to use simple maps, follow and give directions, and identify key landmarks and routes. Students are learning to describe the position of objects using language such as next to, behind, left, and right, and are beginning to interpret and create their own simple maps of familiar spaces.

Other KLAs

Stage 1 students also continue to enjoy their weekly music, sport, PE, library, and ICT lessons. Library lessons continue to foster a love of reading and teach students how to select and discuss books with confidence. In ICT, students are learning to use digital tools safely and effectively to support their learning across all subject areas.

It has been a busy and exciting term so far, and we are proud of the effort and progress students are showing each week.

In PE and sport, Stage 1 students are continuing to build their fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching through a variety of fun games and activities. They have been developing their coordination, balance, and fitness while learning the importance of fair play, cooperation, and following rules. Students are enjoying team games that promote inclusion and encourage them to demonstrate sportsmanship and positive attitudes.

Rebecca Bourke, Claudia Campbell, Nicole Frost, Kathy McMillan, Sjaan Mitchell, Shelli Morse & Jennine Wilson

Stage 1 Teachers