Year 1: Autumn Term Roundup

The Year 1 pupils at Windrush Valley Prep School have had an eventful and enriching first half-term this autumn. Packed with achievements and exciting activities, the children have excelled across all subjects, displaying impressive progress and enthusiasm for learning.

 

Memorable Performances: Assembly and Nativity

The highlight of the term was the Year 1 class assembly for Remembrance Day. The pupils spoke their lines with confidence and clarity, captivating the audience with their beautiful singing and heartfelt delivery. Later in the term, they showcased their theatrical talents once again during rehearsals for The Big Little Nativity. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the play were evident, and they can’t wait to take the stage for the final performance.

Maths: A Focus on Shapes and Numbers

In Mathematics, Year 1 pupils worked diligently on addition and subtraction up to 20, using strategies like counting, number lines, and the whole-part model. They also explored both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) shapes, focusing on identifying their names and properties. The children thoroughly enjoyed conducting experiments to test which shapes could stack or roll, fostering curiosity and hands-on learning in geometry.

 

English: Poetry and Creative Writing

English lessons this term introduced the children to the beauty of poetry. They learned about rhyming words and created their own acrostic poems with the theme of fire, showcasing their growing creativity. The class also worked on building their sentence-writing skills and embarked on independent story writing. Using The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg as inspiration, the children wrote imaginative stories that demonstrated their ability to craft sentences with growing confidence and structure.

History: Discovering the Gunpowder Plot

In History, the pupils explored the fascinating events of the Gunpowder Plot. They learned about Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators’ infamous plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament, engaging with the story through discussions and activities that brought this key historical event to life.

 

Science: Investigating Everyday Materials

Science lessons this term focused on everyday materials and their properties. The children explored how these materials are used in everyday life and conducted an exciting experiment to investigate which items from the classroom would float or sink. This hands-on activity encouraged critical thinking and curiosity about the physical world.

 

A Fantastic Start to Year 1

The first term in Year 1 has been a busy and rewarding time. From poetry writing and mathematical problem-solving to historical exploration and scientific investigations, the pupils have embraced every challenge with determination and enthusiasm. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, as they have made tremendous progress across the curriculum.

We are incredibly proud of the Year 1 pupils and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the coming terms!