Summer Term Learning Approach
As we approach the end of the academic year, our focus during the Summer Term is on encouraging independence, embracing challenges, and setting high expectations for every child while celebrating their unique strengths. We continue to nurture these vital skills as the children prepare for their transition into Year 2.
Throughout the week, pupils take on an increasing number of Branching Out Challenges independently, in addition to teacher-led tasks that now include more opportunities for self-directed learning. The six Areas of Learning and Experience remain central to our curriculum, delivered through carefully planned activities and challenges. These are grounded in Froebelian principles, promoting learning through play and meaningful experiences (Explore, Create and Respond).
Literacy, Languages and Communication:
Non-Chron (Fact Files) and Retell/Adapt -
Children adapt the story The Very Greedy Bee by making predictions, joining in shared reading, retelling the story, and planning and writing their own versions using creative language and sound words.
They also explore non-chronological texts by creating fact files about minibeasts. They learn the features of fact files, research a minibeast, draw and label it, and then make and share their own fact files during the Flourishing Finale day.
Spanish: The children learn to count to 20 through songs and fun activities like You Say, I Say and Fish and Chips. They also learn Spanish words for family members and practice role-playing by responding to questions like “Who do you live with?” using phrases such as “I live with…”
Welsh:
The children practice answering questions about colours, such as Pa liw ydy dy wallt di? (What colour is your hair?) and Pa liw ydy dy lygaid di? (What colour are your eyes?), using sentence scaffolds to help with writing.
They also respond to Pwy sy’ yn y teulu? (Who is in the family?) and learn to identify family members. The children are encouraged to use Welsh daily with resources like Welsh Fans, Helpwr Heddiw, and a Welsh placemat designed for Year 1.
British Sign Language: The children learn BSL through signing a Minibeast song and the Days of the Week song from Out of the Ark, helping them develop communication skills in a fun and engaging way.
Maths and Numeracy:
The children will develop place value skills, ordering numbers to 50 and understanding teen numbers. They explore addition and subtraction, including bonds of 10 and money tasks like paying and giving change within 20p.
They learn multiplication as making equal groups and practice counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s. Throughout the year, children tell time, measure capacity, describe temperature, explore 2D and 3D shapes, find halves in everyday activities, and interpret simple data from charts and pictograms.
Health and Wellbeing:
The children learn about relationships and growing up through the Jigsaw PSHE programme with Jigsaw Jack. They will also participate in Twinkl Moves activities and get ready for Sports Day, developing their fitness and teamwork skills.
Expressive Arts:
Drama: Three Billy Goats Gruff
The children use drama to explore the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff, expressing feelings and ideas through imagination and creativity. They try different materials and techniques, share their work safely, and learn to reflect on their own and others’ performances to build confidence and skills.
Film: Superworm
The children use film and creative arts to explore Superworm. They try different materials and techniques to share their ideas and feelings and will make a stop-motion film. They also learn to give and receive feedback, building confidence and creativity.
Science and Technology:
The children will investigate the world of minibeasts by observing them in the school garden and local environment. They learn about different types of minibeasts, where they live, what they eat, and their life cycles—like that of a bee or frog. Through hands-on activities such as building a minibeast habitat and recording real-life observations, children discover the important roles these tiny creatures play in nature.
They also explore pond life, learning about common pond animals and the life cycle of a frog. The topic includes discussions on water pollution, its impact on wildlife, and the importance of clean water. Pupils take part in practical activities to understand pollution and create posters to promote anti-littering and protecting our local environment.
Humanities:
Religious Education and Special Events
Pupils explore the Muslim understanding of God, developing respect for different beliefs and learning about Islamic teachings, values, and important religious occasions. During April to July, the school also celebrates Healthy School Week (including Walk to School and Financial Literacy), Careers Awareness, and LGBTQ+ Day.
Understanding Identity and Welcoming New Life
Pupils learn about what makes them unique, including their families, hobbies, and interests. They explore how people welcome new babies in Wales and around the world, looking at different traditions, ceremonies, music, food, and symbols. Children also learn about the importance of family, community, and culture in these special celebrations, and have the chance to create their own baby-welcoming artefact.
