A new year brings with it some exciting new topics to explore in Year 1! This half term, our learning will take us on a creative and curious journey through History and Art.

In History, we are learning about significant figures from the past, with a special focus on Neil Armstrong and Mae Jemison and their crucial contributions to space exploration. The children have already shown great enthusiasm for this topic, launching straight into their learning by creating imaginative junk modelling spaceships and beginning to research the solar system. There has been lots of excitement, creativity, and some very thoughtful questions along the way!

In Art, Year 1 will be exploring collage. Inspired by the work of artists Eric Carle and Megan Coyle, the children will be investigating the best ways to stick different materials, as well as thinking carefully about how to cut, arrange, and layer paper to create impactful pictures. We are looking forward to seeing their artistic skills and confidence grow as the term progresses.

Please do chat with your children at home about these topics — it’s always wonderful when they bring their own ideas, questions, and thoughts into lessons. Hopefully, as the half term goes on, they’ll be able to impress you with some fascinating facts of their own!

As always, any donations of junk modelling or recycling materials from home are very gratefully received. They are incredibly helpful in keeping our creative areas well stocked.

Finally, last week we said a very sad farewell to the wonderful Mrs Urmston, who has worked at Coten End for a whopping 31 years! The children enjoyed celebrating her time here in a special assembly and we wish her so much relaxation and joy in her retirement. We will miss her very much!