Year 1 Blog - 15.05.2026

15th May 2026

In the fortnight that David Attenborough turned 100, we have had a fun and creative time here in Class.  We are working extremely hard on our phonics and are enjoying reading and spelling words using the Set 2 and Set 3 phonemes.  In maths, we have had a great time exploring place value and are now investigating methods for addition and subtraction, with a big focus on using number bonds to do so.

We are thoroughly enjoying our science topic of ‘Materials’ and have had a great time investigating the properties of materials, including finding out which materials are reflective and whether materials float or sink.  We have recorded our observations and drawn conclusions from what we observed.  In our curriculum lessons, we found out about the conditions in the mines and the dangers the miners faced, including the children who worked there.  We decided we prefer coming to school!

In art lessons this term, we studied the work of Paul Klee and then had a go at producing our own watercolor paintings in his style.  We have developed the techniques needed to control the water on our brushes and colour mix effectively for the desired outcome.  

On Friday, Class 1 thoroughly enjoyed being zoologists as they brought animal toys and interesting facts with them to school to celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. We enjoyed facts about chameleons, axelotls, alpacas, cats and penguins to name a few!  Did you know, for example, that cheetahs use flexible spines to help them run at speeds up to around 70mph and for food, they hunt down gazelles, zebras and wildebeest?  The children spoke clearly and confidently as they read their facts to each other and we all decided our world is a very special place.  Great work, Year 1!