Squirrels Class
Squirrels Class newsletter Term 1 2026/2027
Welcome back!
We are so excited to welcome our new Squirrel Class children and families. We have a fantastic year ahead filled with learning, laughter and lots of new experiences.
I am especially pleased to introduce Mrs Jackson, our teaching assistant and a familiar face to many of the children. We are very lucky to have her supporting us this year. Mrs Jackson knows the children well and will be a wonderful source of encouragement, care and support as they settle into class and grow in confidence.
We look forward to working together and making this a happy, successful and memorable year for every child in Squirrel Class.
Curriculum overview:
Enquiry title: “What is the difference between surviving and being healthy”.
As Authors we are will be exploring traditional tales and fairy tales, reading a range of familiar stories and identifying their key features. The children will have opportunities to write their own traditional tales and create a story with a clear moral or lesson.
We will also be developing our non-fiction writing by producing a report linked to our enquiry topic, investigating what makes the body healthy and how we can achieve this through healthy lifestyle choices.
In poetry, children in Year 2 will explore and write list poems, while children in Year 3 will be introduced to limericks. Both year groups will practise performing poetry and will learn to recite selected poems by heart, developing their confidence, expression and presentation skills.
As Mathematicians in Year 2 we will be building confidence and fluency in number through learning about place value within 100, exploring tens and ones, counting forwards and backwards, comparing and ordering numbers, and developing their understanding of number patterns. They will then move on to addition and subtraction within 100, using a range of practical and written methods to solve calculations and problems. Later in the term, children will apply their learning to money and begin to explore multiplication and division.
Year 3
Year 3 children will focus on place value within 1,000, representing, comparing and ordering numbers, partitioning numbers in different ways, and finding 1, 10 and 100 more or less. They will then develop their understanding of addition and subtraction, using increasingly efficient methods to calculate and solve problems involving two- and three-digit numbers. Towards the end of the term, children will begin learning about multiplication and division, building on their knowledge of times tables and number facts.
Throughout the term, children in both year groups will develop their fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through practical activities, investigations and mathematical discussion
As Scientists we are the children will become scientists as they investigate what our bodies need to stay healthy and thrive. We will explore the importance of a balanced diet, exercise, sleep and good hygiene, and learn how our choices can help us lead healthy lifestyles. As part of our learning, we will take part in a variety of food tasting sessions, encouraging children to try new foods and discuss healthy choices. We will also design and create healthy plates, learning about the different food groups and the role they play in keeping our bodies healthy. In Art, we will be inspired by an artist who creates artwork using food. Children will explore this unique style and create their own food-inspired pieces, combining creativity with their learning about healthy eating. Through practical investigations, discussion and creative activities, children will develop their scientific knowledge while learning how to make positive choices for their health and wellbeing
As Musicians we will enjoy a range of musical activities through the Charanga scheme. Children will develop their singing, listening and performance skills, explore pulse, rhythm and pitch, and learn how musicians work together. They will have opportunities to play instruments, improvise, compose and perform, while exploring a variety of musical styles and genres. Year 3 children will also be learning to play the ukulele this year. Through weekly lessons, they will develop their musical skills, learn to play simple tunes and perform with increasing confidence. We are looking forward to seeing their progress and enthusiasm as they begin their musical journey.
In PSHE this term we are being Philosophers and learning will focus on Being Me in My World. Children will reflect on their strengths and achievements, set personal goals, and learn how to make everyone feel welcome, valued and included. We will explore different emotions, including worries and fears, and discuss what makes our school a safe, happy and supportive place to learn. The children will develop their understanding of rights, responsibilities and the importance of rules, while recognising how their choices and behaviour can affect others. Through discussions and teamwork, we will create and follow our class Learning Charter, helping children to build positive relationships, work cooperatively and take responsibility for their actions.
In Re this term children will be learning about Teshuvah, which means repentance or making things right. They will explore why Jewish families think carefully about their actions during the Jewish New Year and how saying sorry, forgiving others and making positive changes can help strengthen relationships. Through stories, discussion and reflection, children will consider their own choices and learn about the importance of kindness, responsibility and new beginnings.
Timestable Rockstars:
Children are encouraged to practise their multiplication facts regularly using Times Tables Rock Stars each week. Frequent practice helps children develop confidence, speed and accuracy with their times tables, which supports many areas of maths learning. We will celebrate children’s effort and progress by awarding certificates in our weekly Celebration Assembly.
Purple Mash:
This year, we will be using Purple Mash to support learning both in school and at home. We encourage children to explore the Purple Mash library, educational games and creative activities, which provide fun opportunities to develop a range of skills across the curriculum.
Children will receive their login details shortly. From time to time, a ‘2Do’ may be set for the children to complete at home, and we will always let them know when this has been assigned. We hope the children enjoy exploring the many exciting learning opportunities that Purple Mash has to offer.
Spellings
Children have been sent home with the term's spelling lists for Years 2 and 3. Spelling tests will take place each Friday. Once our spelling books arrive, individual spelling lists will also be sent home to further support your child's learning.
We encourage children to practise their spellings regularly at home using the Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method. Other strategies, such as rainbow writing, word pyramids or any method that helps your child learn effectively, are also encouraged. Regular practice will help children become more confident and accurate spellers.
Reading:
Children will be sent home with a weekly reading book linked to the new Little Wandle reading scheme. These books are carefully matched to your child's phonics knowledge, helping them to build confidence, fluency and a love of reading.
Please try to read regularly with your child at home and record any reading in their reading record. We kindly ask that all reading books are returned promptly each week so that they can be changed and shared with other children. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child develop their reading skills.
PE days this term:
Our PE days are Tuesday and Friday. We will try to be outside for both sessions whenever possible, so please ensure your child comes to school wearing appropriate PE clothing and suitable footwear for the weather. As the seasons change, children may also need a warm jumper or tracksuit bottoms for outdoor activities. Thank you for your support in helping us keep the children active and ready to learn!
Diary dates this term:
School Individual Photos: Tue 22nd September
Harvest Festival: 13th October – 2.30pm
Christmas Service: 17th December – Morning Service
Family learning;
We are looking forward to welcoming families into school for our Family Learning session in Autumn 2. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to work alongside your child, experience some of the learning taking place in Squirrels Class and celebrate their achievements. Further details, including dates and times, will be shared closer to the event. We hope as many families as possible will be able to join us.