This term, Beech Class will be studying the stories of 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson and 'Hansel and Gretel' by Anthony Browne. The children will first practise describing the setting and the characters, using adjectives to strengthen their descriptions. They will also look at the structure of the story and identify the opening, problem and resolution. Using this structure, the children will rewrite their own version of Hansel and Gretel. Our focus this term will be on spelling and sentence construction. The children will understand that simple sentences contain a subject and a verb. They will learn the importance of using capital letters and punctuation correctly, so that the reader can make sense of what they are being told. We will be taking the time to ensure our work is as accurate as possible, using our Phonics knowledge to sound out words and choose the best possible spelling choice. 

Later, we will be using the story of Hansel and Gretel to write instructions on how to escape the witch, looking at present tense, imperative verbs and sequencing. 

In Maths this term, we will begin by revisiting place value. Year 1 will focus on counting accurately between 0 and 20, both forwards and backwards. Year 2 will build on their previous learning by counting beyond 100, recognising both the number both in numerals and in words. Both years will discover different ways to represent numbers and look at partitioning numbers into tens and ones. Developing beyond this, we will then begin skip counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s from any number within 100, with Year 2 going further and learning to count in 3s. They will explore counting in these intervals both forwards and backwards. Using their knowledge of place value, children will then also compare numbers, looking at more, less and equal to. Once secure in place value, the children will begin adding and subtracting values up to 100. Year 1 will begin by adding 1 digit to 2 digits within 20, building up to adding 2-digit numbers. Year 2 will explore adding within 100 using concrete objects, pictorial representations and number lines. Throughout their learning, the children will apply their knowledge to solving problems. 

Our topic in Geography this term is Spatial Sense. The children will learn that cartographers create maps of areas, and that we can use maps or a globe to find out about different locations. We will recall our learning on aerial view and touch on using grid references to find features on a map. Once we are more comfortable using and reading maps, we will practise sketching our own maps of the school and the local area. The children will also develop their knowledge of compass points and the symbols used in keys so that they are able to use a map for navigation. 

In Science this term we will be looking at the human body. The children will look at some systems that operate within our bodies, including the skeletal system, the muscular system, the digestive system and the circulatory system. They will start to recognise that a system is a group of parts that work together. Children will learn that our skeletons give our body shape, protect vital organs and help us to move. They will look at the shape of different bones in our body and begin to recognise their function. Children will also recognise that muscles have many important roles within our body, helping us to move and holding our skeletons together.

In Art we will be looking and Colour and Shape, practising mixing colours by recalling our knowledge of the colour wheel, as well developing our brushwork. We will explore this through our studies of Kandinsky and Monet. We will then move on to looking at geometric and organic shapes through the work of artists such as Picasso and Calder.

In RE we are looking at the question: 'Who is God to Christians and Why Does God Matter to Them?' The children will be building on learning in EYFS by exploring ways in which Christians express their beliefs about God. We will be looking at the different forms of expression they might use, such as buildings and architecture, books such as the Bible, and what is written within them.