Friars Weekly Newsletter friday 14TH mARCH 2025

In maths, we have focused on finding one more and one less than a given number and subitising (estimating) how many dots are in various patterns. Our phonics sessions have continued to focus on reading longer words. We encourage the children to ‘chunk’ the words (break them into two parts) to help with reading, our tricky words have been she, push, me and of.

Year 1

We have had another busy week in Year 1. In English, we have looked at alliteration and had a go at creating silly sentences like “Rocky the rhino ran round the racetrack”. At the end of the week we used the book “Oi Frog!” to create our own rhymes.

Measuring has been the focus of maths this week. We began by comparing things and people using the words taller, shorter or longer and shorter. Then we moved on to estimating and measuring items using cubes.

We have started our DT projects and have had a go at making moving pictures using sliders and split pins. It was a lot of fun.

REMINDER: Please remember to return the reading books on Thursdays so that they can be changed. Thanks.

Year 2

In English this week, we have been investigating the Titanic. We researched the disaster to create fact files and then we used our facts to write an informative text. We enjoyed learning facts and sharing our findings with other children in our class.

This week in maths, we have been measuring things in our classrooms. The children estimated what objects they thought were longer than a metre and which ones were shorter. We used metre rulers and worked with a partner to investigate whether our estimations were accurate. Some of the children in 2W had an incorrect estimation as they found out that Miss Williams was taller than the metre ruler and not shorter!

2S began their outdoor learning this week. The children studied different examples of maps and then created their own maps of the Environmental Garden. Using their maps and compasses, children navigated their way around the garden to find different features.

2W have also had an exciting week as on Wednesday the children had a class picnic. This was a reward for the children’s good attendance. We enjoyed our snacks and the chance to have extra time to spend with our friends! Hopefully, 2W can keep up the good attendance and spin the wheel again soon.

REMINDER: 2W outdoor learning will begin on Tuesday 18th March.

We look forward to seeing you next week at our learning conversation evenings on the 19th and 20th of March.

Year 3

Well the weather has started to look a little better as we move into spring!

We have started out NFER maths assessments this week. We have tried our best and really showed the teachers how well we have done in our maths learning, producing great results.

In English, we have carried on with our layered reading text – Tom's Sausage Lion and are really intrigued to know if Tom really did see a lion steal some sausages! We also revisited some previous grammar learning and this week it was possessive apostrophes.

In maths, we have been revisiting all previous learning centred around this such as fractions, timetables and division, measurement and addition and subtraction.

During our busy afternoons, we have completed an investigation on light sources and tested various items to see if they were reflective or non-reflective and then recorded out results in a table. We have learnt French for numbers 11-20 and the names of some pets. In geography, we looked at the effects of earthquakes on both land and people.

3B also celebrated getting their third spin of the wheel last week, where Miss Spooner managed to win us a half hour cartoon or film, we were also lucky enough to enjoy some popcorn with it too!

Year 4

On Thursday, Year 4 had the most amazing trip to the Imperial War Museum in London! We had to arrive at school much earlier than usual (so some of us felt quite tired on the coach) to make sure we arrived at the museum in good time. On the coach we saw all sorts of famous landmarks in London, including the Millennium Dome, The Gherkin, The Shard, The Tower of London and we even drove over Tower Bridge! After about two hours we knew we had arrived at the Imperial War Museum because we noticed GINORMOUS cannons just outside of the main entrance! After a quick group photo in front of the cannons we went inside the museum.

Upon entering the main foyer, we were blown away by the full sized V2 German rocket, Spitfire and Ohka planes as well as the numerous exhibits of tanks, motorcycles and ambulances! We were tasked to complete a scavenger hunt, finding out various facts around displays and models and to take group photos in front of each.

We really enjoyed looking at miniature models of houses from the 1940’s and discussing the differences between houses in the past and present. Further on we were able to sit inside an Anderson shelter and feel how cramped it would be spending night after night in the shelter during air raids. The under-table Morrison shelter was a real squeeze but all the children wanted to go in and experience how it felt. When entering the main World War II gallery, the sound of planes and the air raid siren helped to recreate the sounds of a typical day in 1940. Images of planes flying overhead gave a real sense of how it must have felt to be alive during this period of time, something that made us all feel very reflective.

The children’s behaviour was excellent throughout the trip and we received some lovely compliments from staff at the museum. Group leaders were very proud to be walking around the museum with such well-behaved and polite pupils. They were a credit to the school!

Year 5

This week in English, Year 5 have been working hard on their NFER English assessments. We started the week with the reading paper and then the children completed spelling and grammar and punctuation papers. A big well done to everyone for their superb efforts. Next week, we will complete the maths NFER assessments after ending this week with a little revision of key skills

In geography, the children explored the four layers of the rainforest. They enjoyed discussing the most fascinating fact they had found for each layer. Did you know, that when it rains, it takes 10 minutes for the droplets to travel from the top layer (emergent) to the bottom layer (forest floor).

The year group was very mature and sensible during RE when they considered charitable acts that we can do in everyday life. They particularly enjoyed finding out about the charitable acts of some famous footballers.

We have also finalised the parts for the upcoming Year 5 assembly. The children are excited to receive their lines and start rehearsals next week.

REMINDER: Year 5 Assembly to parents – Friday 4th April

Year 6

This week, in our writing, we have been developing our narrative skills. We have been working on a piece called ‘The worry Tree’. In maths, we have been multiplying and dividing decimals.

In geography, we learnt about topographical maps and looked at the heights above sea-level for parts of the UK and where the Mayan settlements were. We created our own topological designs.

In PE we have continued with handball; refining skills of the game and introducing new rules.

In science, we looked at what makes up the blood in our body and the purpose of the different parts. We even made our own representations.

Year 6 SATs / Ilam Hall Residential Meeting - Tuesday 22nd April at 3:30pm

You might have already seen in our diary dates that after Easter there is a meeting to discuss the Year 6 SATs and the Year 6 residential. Originally this was going to be on Thursday 24th April but this has now moved to Tuesday 22nd April at 3:30pm.

The first part of the meeting will be all about the SATs Week and everything it entails, and then we will switch our attentions to Ilam Hall. Of course, if your child is not attending the residential you will be free to leave at that point. We look forward to seeing you then.