Tamworth Castle

Year 1 had a wonderful visit to Tamworth Castle; they were exceptional ambassadors for the school and had a lot of fun. They learnt all about the different pieces of armour in the Squire academy; they were able to hold each piece and feel how heavy it was, before reconstructing it and seeing what it would look like when all put together. They then had the opportunity to take part in a battle drill using a foam bill hook. They also met the lady of the castle who taught them how to properly set the table before a banquet. The children really enjoyed this hands-on experience and liked helping to set the table. The children were also given time to explore the castle and even go inside the dungeon!

Art- Flora and Fauna

This half term, we have been looking at creating images of minibeasts as part of our Flora and Fauna unit. The children were introduced to the idea that many artists use flora and fauna to inspire their work. We looked at different artists who used drawings to accurately capture the way plants and insects looked, and drew our own images based on these. We studied how minibeasts looked and moved, and created simple line drawings before moving on to exploring other materials such as oil pastels. For our final display piece, the children created a mini beast image using strips of paper to practice their cutting and collage skills by using shape and colour to create their final piece. Their artwork is amazing and very eye-catching!

Design Technology- Moving pictures
Our Design Technology unit this half term focused on making a moving picture. The children researched books with moving parts and used our History topic of Kings, Queens and Castles, to design and make their own moving picture. They learnt about sliders and levers and practised these before choosing which one they would like to use. The children were very imaginative in their designs and created some wonderful pictures.

Our Year 1 Diary - Autumn 2025

A Magnificent Autumn Term in Year 1

Transition & Discovery

Our Year 1 adventurers have embraced a vibrant Autumn term, seamlessly transitioning into Key Stage 1 through a clever blend of purposeful play and formal curriculum subjects. This balanced approach has allowed our pupils to build confidence while diving deep into their new learning journeys.

The Great Outdoors: Woodland Learning

The woodlands became our weekly classroom on a Tuesday afternoon, where nature provided endless inspiration for creativity and teamwork. From engineering stick towers to practicing outdoor yoga and crafting bird feeders, the children thrived in the fresh air and developed a profound connection with the natural world.

Well-being & Community Week

During Community Week, we focused on the heart of our school: well-being and gratitude. Pupils celebrated their reading journey by baking cupcakes for their mentors and explored mindfulness through still-life art in the style of David Hockney.

Curious Quests: English Innovation

Writing has been transformed into a thrilling adventure with the launch of "Curious Quests." The children have been captivated by Professor Klunk’s weekly quest codes, using their grammar skills to power the "Dream Machine" and bring a sense of wonder to their literacy work.

Artistic Expressions: Spirals & Pastel

Nature’s geometry took centre stage in our Art curriculum as children hunted for natural spirals to inspire their work. After refining their techniques in sketchbooks, the pupils produced stunning final pieces using vibrant chalks and oil pastels.

Christmas Celebrations & Traditions

The festive spirit was alive as Year 1 mastered an energetic dance routine for our Christmas production and enjoyed a visit from St. Mary’s Church. These immersive experiences brought the journey to Bethlehem to life, providing a meaningful and memorable end to a fantastic term.

Now we look forward to our new Spring term and all the exciting adventures we will have.