The children have had a great week of learning, showing excitement, focus, and curiosity across all learning.

In maths, the children have been developing their understanding of subtraction.

• Year 1 have been subtracting within 10 using a range of concrete resources, such as counters, cubes and tens frames. They practised taking objects away physically, showing each step clearly and talking through their thinking. This hands-on approach has helped build strong number sense and confidence.
• Year 2 have been working on subtracting two-digit numbers, using number lines, part–whole models and dienes to help them understand how numbers can be partitioned into tens and ones. They have been exploring different strategies, including counting back, using known facts and representing subtraction pictorially. The children have shown great perseverance and are beginning to choose efficient methods independently.

In topic, the children have continued their learning about World War I and Remembrance through our Memory Keeper’s mantle. They explored who the key people were during the war and how we preserve their memories today. They confidently used ambitious vocabulary such as ally, imperialism, and central powers, showing a growing understanding of the historical context.

The children also had many opportunities to step into the shoes of people from the past. They marched like soldiers, role-played receiving medals for bravery, tended to injured soldiers as nurses, and experienced what life might have been like for soldiers in the trenches. Throughout these activities, they demonstrated curiosity and asked thoughtful, inquiry-based questions. They examined artefacts, photographs, and letters to deepen their understanding of what life was like during WWI.

This week, the children also took part in a two-minute silence to remember those who died serving their country. They were incredibly respectful and showed deep maturity. Afterwards, we reflected together on why remembrance is important and how it links to our topic learning. The children spoke beautifully about gratitude, bravery, and honouring the memories of the people who fought in the war. This moment helped them appreciate the importance of Remembrance Day and their role as “Memory Keepers.”

We also enjoyed a wonderful week of music. Some children began learning Christmas songs and even had the opportunity to play the ukulele, exploring rhythm, chords, and performance. Across Islands, children have also started practising Christmas songs during praise gatherings to prepare for our upcoming Christmas Carol Concert. The excitement is already building, and the children are singing with great enthusiasm and joy.

Have a great Weekend.

Islands Team

Key notices:

Home Learning

Tahiti

White Rose sheet

Spelling

Handwriting sheet

Sumatra

White Rose sheet

Letter formation sheet

Oxford Owl Phonics