Welcome to our class page! Our class consists of reception, year 1 and year 2 children. The children in the Busy Bee class are taught in different ways throughout the day. We have a variety of approaches including focus group activities, whole class activities and self-initiated activities. Our 'play to learn' time allows children to explore and interact as they desire. At the beginning of each term we set off with a topic or theme in mind which we think will interest and motivate our eager learners. However, we are flexible in our approach and shape our planning to match the evolving interests of the children within our class.  

On a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon all the children in school are split into 2 groups, the 'Acorns' (R/1/2/3) and 'Oaks' (4/5/6). The children will access the lessons of PE, art and design technology, computing, music and PSHE whilst in these groups. Being taught by teachers within their specialism.

Summer 1

The following curriculum areas will be covered;

English: our core text this half term is 'The Storm Whale' by Benji Davies. We will be exploring this fantastic picture book through using a variety of drama, role play and writing activities to explore the book in detail.

Maths: in reception children will be consolidating their number knowledge and looking at mass and capacity. In year one children will be looking at place value and addition and subtraction. In year two  children will be looking at money and multiplication and division. The whole school uses White Rose Maths to teach mathematics to ensure progression and coverage for all year groups.

Science: we will be learning all about materials. We will focus upon recognising the difference between the name of an object and the material it is made from. We will identify a range of everyday materials and describe them using properties. We will also conduct a number of experiments to test different materials and consider, predict and then explore ways of speeding up or slowing down the melting of ice.

Design and Technology and Art: we will be looking at materials and textiles, exploring weaving and wax-resist dyeing. We will be looking at the works of Gunta Stolzl to help inspire us. 

Geography and History: our topic this half term is Oceans and Seas’. Through a series of lively and interesting activities the children will build their knowledge of oceans and seas around the world. They will begin to understand the different environments these represent and how they affect life on land as well as at sea. They will develop their geographical skills and build up their knowledge of food chains, exploration, and evolution.

PSHE: we will be learning using our new 'SCARF' scheme from Coram Life Education. This half term we are chatting about and understanding our rights and how to be respectful.

ICT: looking at grouping data and creating graphs. We will also be accessing Time Table Rockstars and Numbots using the Chromebooks and new iPads.

Music: Sing Up with Mrs Battersby, we will be looking at 'Five Fine Bumble Bees' and working on our Easter production.

PE: we will be working on a Wednesday afternoon with Mr Blair and Friday afternoon with Adam from Cumbria Cricket. Both of these coaches are offering free after school clubs, funded through our PE premium. Please ensure your child comes to school in their plain smart navy/black/white PE kit on these days. Outdoor and indoor kit is needed. 

RE: we will be learning all about Easter.

Phonics and Spellings Children in Reception and Year 1 have a daily phonics session each morning. Year 2 children have a mixture of phonics or spelling support. They practise sounds already taught and learn new phonemes and graphemes through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. Year 1 and 2 children have spellings that they practise each morning when entering school and Y2 are tested on a Friday. If you would like to support your child at home please click the link https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/ 

Reading 

Our reading books are organised to match the Little Wandle phonics scheme of learning. Children are also heard reading three times a week as part of a guided reading session in a small group. Each Busy Bee will have one phonetically matched reading book, a guided reading book and a book for pleasure (that they have chosen from the library themselves), that goes home each week. They also share their books with a book buddy in class two and three. Please can children try and read daily at home as this helps to improve blending, comprehension, grammar, spelling and most importantly helps to develop a life-long love of reading for pleasure! 

Homework 

As homework we would like your child to read daily and to practise their spellings (year one and two). We may set suggested activities intermittently throughout the school year and/or activities via SeeSaw if you wish to have a go at these. Children in class one will have no physical weekly homework to complete.

If you have any questions or queries please don't hesitate to contact us. You can do this via email on admin@cartmel.cumbria.sch.uk 

The Busy Bee Team  (:

Miss Taylor-Crozier, Mrs Bowden and Mrs Flaherty