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Maple 3

 
Welcome to Maple 3!
 
 
2024 - 2025
 
Mrs Clarke/Mrs Brelsford - Class Teachers
Mrs Cook/Mrs Barber/Miss Alders - Teaching Assistants
 
Spring 2
 
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
National Skipping Day 2025

On Friday 28th March 2025, the children joined in with other children across the CAT and country for an exciting session which celebrated jumping, skill and school spirit! The children enjoyed their skipping session with Mr Johnson whether that was demonstrating or practising existing skills or learning a new skill!
Maple 3 loved participating in their ‘Biggest Ever Football Session’ with Mr Johnson, our Aston Villa coach.

To celebrate World Book Day, we dressed up as our favourite book characters. We also enjoyed taking part in some ‘Buddy Reading’ with Hazel class, where we shared our books and recited the poem we had learned.

Year 3 had an exciting Now Press Play adventure when they travelled back in time to discover all about the destruction of the ancient Roman City of Pompeii. Pompeii was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 and the children had to help guide the people living there to safety before it was too late. They will be using the experience as inspiration for writing their own escape from Pompeii adventure stories.
 
Spring 2
 
Forces, Magnets and Metals
Maple 3 thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Polesworth Library on Tuesday afternoon. We found so many wonderful books and were spoilt for choice. From unicorns to footballers and dinosaurs to volcanoes there was something for everyone. We also enjoyed sharing a story together. It was well worth the short walk and lots of the children will be returning soon to exchange their books and find their next reads. On the walk back we stopped off to look at different human and physical features of the local area to support our Geography learning and plotted our route on a map.
Year 3 looked at how the Eatwell Plate can help us to select foods so that we have a healthy and balanced diet. We also learned about different types of cereals and where in the world some of the grains are grown. We discovered that many shop brought cereals can contain added sugar, so we created our own healthy breakfast pots by layering fruit, yoghurt and cereal. Delicious! 
Maple 3 had another fantastic Forest School session where we learned how to safely carry larger branches in pairs. We also learned how to use a bow saw in order to cut up branches to creature smaller pieces of wood.
In our science lessons this half term we have been learning about forces. We learned about friction and made predictions about which surfaces we thought had the most friction. We then conducted fair tests by rolling cars down ramps covered in different materials to see which surface allowed the car to travel the furthest. We knew the further the car travelled the less friction there must be.
Today, Year 3 read the story ‘The Great Pet Sale’ by Mike Inkpen. Then we got into role as the character in the book and bought our own pets. We looked at finding different possibilities to pay for the pets with coins, how much change we would get when buying 2 pets and when the ‘sale’ was over, we worked out the cost of buying 2 or more pets using decimalisation and column addition.
Ten gymnasts from Year 3 competed in the Warwickshire competition hosted by Hurley Primary School.  After completing 7 skills on a floor routine and a vault jump, our team came an amazing second in their heat. We are awaiting for all heats to be completed before finding out our final position. It was Birchwood’s first time entering this competition but you wouldn’t have known by the skills shown by the gymnasts. A particular mention should go to Grace who achieved the highest score on the vault, Eva who gained the most points her superb floor routine and Bella for gaining the outstanding participation award.  Well done team!
On Tuesday, Year 3 presented their class assemblies on the theme of staying safe online to the rest of the school. The children thought about our weekly theme of honesty and recognised that not everyone online is being honest. They looked at the SMART rules of staying safe online by not sharing personal information or meeting up with strangers, only accepting messages from people you know, checking if things are reliable and telling a trusted adult if you ever felt unsafe online. They hope they have made you stop and think about how to be safe online. On February 11th it is safer internet day, so look out for more top tips then! 
Maple 3 had a fantastic time in their forest school session this week. Learning new skills outside whilst having fun with their friends. Well done everyone.
 
Autumn 2
 
Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age
Calendars inspired by learning about Stonehenge. We applied our knowledge of tints and shades to create these.
Maple 3 were so excited to receive their Winter books today from Team Birchwood. They loved sharing them with their friends and can’t wait to start reading them and feeding back to their teachers too. 
Year 3 enjoyed taking part in a PSHE Now Press Play experience linked to friendships and feeling left out. We thought about how it would make us feel if we were in that situation and also solutions to help others who might be feeling excluded or lonely at times. 
Year 3 had a wonderful day at The Think Tank in Birmingham where they got the chance to explore all the wonderful interactive areas and exhibits. They enjoyed learning about technology in the past and then looking ahead to how technology might help us in the future. They also learned more about how the human body works. A favourite area was the outdoor science garden where they discovered how forces work and had lots of fun testing out things with their friends. 
Year 3 have been mixing tints and shades to create backgrounds for our cave paintings. We then experimented using different techniques to add texture to our work. We also used natural materials such as charcoal to create own designs showing what life was life for people in the Stone Age.
Year 3 made a wonderful start to their new theme by taking part in a Stone Age day. We went outside searching for things to help us survive, tried flint knapping (with soap), made Stone Age style pinch pots and even took part in a Now Press Play experience. 
 
Autumn 1
 
Road Trip USA!
Year 3 have been making American style burgers this week! First they learned about the protein beef and the importance of hygiene when preparing raw meat. They used the claw and bridge technique to carefully chop onion and parsley, which was then combined into the beef mince to make deliciously tasty burger patties. After cooking the patties in the oven, the children assembled their burgers with bread buns, lettuce and their choice of relish before eating them all up. The verdict - delicious! 
Year 3 have been busy making their bridges and testing them out. They discovered that triangle frameworks are stronger than other shapes so used triangulation within their designs to strengthen their bridges.
Year 3 had a wonderful time working in groups with artist Darrell Wakelam to create one of their favourite book characters. The children used a range of different techniques in order to bring Paddington Bear to life. Look out for Paddington Bear next time you are walking around school!
In our DT lessons Year 3 have been looking at ways to strengthen structures and frameworks. We investigated and discovered that triangular frameworks are the strongest. We are now planning to include triangular frameworks in our own bridge designs.
In PSHE we learned about the importance of road safety and how to cross the road correctly. We discussed the new zebra crossing outside our school and the different types of crossings. We also discussed why some places are unsafe places to cross. Then we had a go at crossing the road safely using the crossing marked out on the playground.
Year 3 have had an excellent start to their Key Stage 2 journey.

On Day 1 of Year 3, we took a Road Trip to USA and learned about the Geography of the USA including some states, the continent it belongs to and some of the major cities.

We read our new key text 'Snow White in New York' and compared it to the traditional tale. Children created freeze frames of the key points in the text and had great fun becoming the evil Queen of the Underworld, or the poor little rich girl, Snow White.
 
Welcome to Larch 2!
 
 
2023 - 2024
 
Mrs Stockton - Class Teacher

Mrs Calloway/Mrs S Spencer/Mrs Barber - Teaching Assistants

 
Summer 2
 
By the Seaside
Year 2 have been learning all about scales and arpeggios this half term during our music lessons.  We have had lots of fun learning the song 'Scales and Arpeggios' from the film 'The Aristocats'.  We then practised playing the glockenspiel to the musical piece 'Time'. Such talented musicians in the making!
It is fruit and it is a lolly … it’s a Frolly!!!  Year 2 have taste-tested a range of fruit, they have been learning where fruit comes from and today they have had fun making “frollies” ready for the Birchwood Farmers' Market. We have cut, using the bridge and claw technique, we have poured the yoghurt and mixed it together to create the most mouth-watering and healthy frolly snack! We can’t wait for you to taste them!
What an incredible day our Year 2 children had on their recent school trip to Weston-Super-Mare!  Their adventure began with an exciting coach ride, filled with laughter and chatter. After a quick pit stop at the services for a snack, we headed straight to the sandy shores. Our little explorers wasted no time and dived into building sandcastles and burying each other in the sand.  Of course, no trip to the seaside is complete without a classic serving of chips! The seagulls clearly agreed and made several attempts to snatch a chip or two.  To cool off, we treated ourselves to ice-lollies.  We also had the opportunity of taking a leisurely walk along the pier. The children were thrilled to explore the arcade and admire the beautiful views of the sea!  What a fantastic day to remember!
What a fantastic class assembly! Well done to all our year 2 children for their amazing performance you all rocked the stage and you should all be so proud! Thank you for the music! 
Wow, can ya believe it? Last week, Year 2 got the golden opportunity to hop on a Zoom call with the real stars of our class book, Jan and Sara - the brilliant authors of Sam Silver! They put our comprehension skills to the test, and we even got to fire away with our own treasure trove of questions. Jan and Sara were very impressed with our pirate tales that Mrs Stockton and Miss Houghton had emailed them.
In RE, this half term, we have started our learning by comparing Christianity and Islam.  We recalled our knowledge from our previous learning to identify similarities and differences. Our next lessons will be focusing on the Islamic belief of caring for all creatures no matter how big or small.  We will then discuss our own differences and how these should not impact treating others with kindness.
An exciting science update from Year 2! This half term, Year 2 is delving into the wonderful world of science, focusing on what plants need, to grow healthy. We kicked things off by comparing various seeds and creating our very own classifications. The next step? Planting our seeds and getting ready to make some fantastic scientific observations over the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more green-fingered fun.

What an exciting start to our final half term in Year 2! Year 2 have dived headfirst into their seaside theme, kicking it off with the fascinating book 'Flotsam'! We started our adventure by sifting through trays of flotsam, unravelling mysteries and deciding which treasures belong to whom.  Let's make learning about the seaside a tidal wave of fun and discovery!

 
Summer 1
 
Land Ahoy!

Well done, Year 2!  You rocked those Seaside Adventure Trails (SATs)!! and for working so hard, celebrated with a tea party!! Keep shining bright!

Using our keen pirate senses and our knowledge of maps, we plotted our course with care. We plotted our course to locate England and Jamaica and to find their capital cities; London and Kingston.
With cutlasses (pencil) in hand and curiosity in their hearts, these young Year 2 buccaneers delved into the depths of pirate history. Aye, they plundered through books, websites, and tales told by old salts to uncover the mysteries of these seafaring rogues. From the Caribbean to the seven seas, their quest for knowledge knows no bounds!
In Year 2, our minds have embarked on an exciting journey blending creativity with mechanics. We have dived into the captivating realm of crafting moving pictures using sliders and levers! Next we will be creating our own design that will link to our pirates story!
Arrr, matey! Welcome aboard the good ship Geography! Year 2 be on an excitin' voyage where ye start learnin' to read maps like a true swashbucklin' navigator. Ye'll be explorin' different lands (Jamaica) through the lens of maps and comparing it to our own port (England). So hoist the sails, sharpen yer compass, and let's set a course for adventure!
Ahoy, mateys! Arr, it be time to buckle down and hoist the sails of knowledge! Them young bucaneers be workin' hard preparin' for their Seaside Adventure Trails (SATs), just like ol' SpongeBob tackles the challenges of the Krusty Krab kitchen! Well done Year 2.
Year 2 have had to say goodbye to our butterflies.  We have cared for them since they were the tiniest caterpillars, and we have looked on with wonder as they have turned into butterflies.  We have learned so much along the way.  Although it was a little sad letting them go, we hope they will enjoy life in our kitchen garden. 

Ahoy, mateys! Avast ye, it be Year 2 Pirate Day, where landlubbers turned into scallywags, and desks became ships! Shiver me timbers, we plundered knowledge and set sail through our adventures together! 

This week, year 2 had a very exciting letter from ‘Sponge Bob SquarePants’ !!  The letter said that if we do our best when completing our Seaside Adventure Trails, then we would have a special treat when we go to the seaside next half term!  To help us prepare, Sponge Bob has sent us some practise Seaside Adventure Trails, which we have loved starting this week! 
Ahoy, me hearties! Listen up, ye brave sailors of the seven seas! We be settin' sail on a grand adventure into the land of pirates!  
 
Larch Class embarked on a thrilling quest to uncover the mysteries of the high seas. Armed with parchment and quills, (whiteboards and pens) they gathered 'round a sturdy table, their faces alight with excitement. With imaginations ablaze, they crafted questions fit for the most seasoned of pirates.  
 
On our grand Pirate Day and in the comin’ weeks, all our burning questions about the life of a swashbuckler shall be answered!
 
Spring 2
 
Under the Canopy
 

Plastic Pollution

As part of our learning and activities for our science day we explored how time impacts the quantity of plastic in our oceans.  We discovered that as plastic takes over a 1000 years (in some cases) to decompose.  More and more plastic pollutes our oceans because dropped litter makes its way into our rivers, streams and then our oceans.  Sea creatures can accidentally eat plastic which is harmful.  We explored how difficult it is for animals to separate plastic from food by conducting an experiment. First we placed cereal and cut up pieces of plastic bags into a bowl.  Then we had 30 seconds to move the ‘food’ into a separate bowl using a spoon.

This half term, Year 2 have been learning about the effects of deforestation on our planet’s wildlife.  We have been considering ways in which we can make a small contribution to saving our rainforests.  We discovered that one reason for the destruction of rainforests is to create space for palm oil plantations.  Therefore, in DT we made ‘palm oil free flapjacks’ to show that small changes can go a long way. 
What a memorable experience for Year 2 when we visited Lozell’s Mosque! We were given the opportunity to see everything we have been learning about during our RE lessons on Islam.  This included; the prayer room, the dome, prayer mats and the room where the washing ritual of Wudu is carried out.  We answered lots of the Imam’s questions and he was very impressed by our knowledge.  Well done Year 2.  
What a fun filled afternoon Year 2 had at the Botanical Gardens.  We explored the outside area … including the play park!! Then we were immersed into the rainforest when we visited the Glasshouses.  We also had time to meet a very friendly cockroach and snake and learn lots of facts about the rainforests.  
Last week, we walked around our school grounds looking for habitats.  We then discussed what we had found and shared any patterns we had spotted.
In music this half term, Year 2 have listened to and analysed music that describes different vehicles. They have discovered how composers use volume, speed, and rhythm in their music, exploring the key words 'crescendo, diminuendo, accelerando and ritenuto'. They then finished the topic by creating their own 'train composition', using a variety of percussion instruments. 
Year 2 have started learning about orang-utans.  We have read ‘There’s a Rang-Tan in my Bedroom’ and we are going to be writing a non-chronological report to help others learn about these wonderful, but sadly endangered creatures.
This half term year 2 will immerse themselves in all things 'Under the Canopy'. From making palm-oil free cereal bars, to visiting the botanical gardens, the children will learn all there is to know about Asian rainforests, the creatures that live there and the effects of deforestation.
 
Spring 1
 
Alive and Kicking
 
After being given a challenge to create our own 'David Attenborough' documentary, we learned all about the life cycle of a butterfly and what they needs to survive.  We then created our own documentary to show what we have learned.  We hope you like our documentary.  This half term we are going to be watching as real butterflies go through each stage of their life cycle.  Don't forget to look out for some photos!!
What fabulous artists we have in year 2! After learning about abstract artists Piet Mondrian and Mark Rothko, we created fact pages about each artist and created our own art inspired by them. We used water colours to paint our own colour fields inspired by different landscapes, and used shape, line and primary colours to create a composition using a range of media. It was fascinating to hear what the children felt when looking at the artwork and what they could see within the pictures.
'The children enjoyed playing in your beautiful garden, so open it back up!'
'If you don't knock down the wall, winter will never leave.'
'How selfish you are being!'
 
After reading 'The Selfish Giant',  we had to convince the giant to open his garden again, after he built a wall and put up a poster that said, 'Trespassers will be prosecuted'.
 
We will be writing a letter to persuade the giant to open his garden again!
As part of Year 2's healthy living topic, the children explored how germs spread and how we can prevent the spread of them by washing our hands and keeping clean. Our first activity demonstrated 'germs' (pepper) dispersing when they come into contact with soap. Our second activity showed how 'germs' (glitter) spread when we touch other objects.
On Wednesday, Year 2 took part in the Infant Agility competition at Polesworth High School. The team were FANTASTIC and they all tried their hardest, resulting in Birchwood placing first against 6 other teams.  
 
You should be so proud of your efforts Year 2, well done!
In music this half term, year 2 have been having lots of fun getting to know the words and actions to Grandma Rap. We have been exploring rhythm and beat using a clapping game and durations of a walk for crotchets.
What wonderful ‘master chefs’ you are Larch Class! Have you eaten your 5 a day? In DT we made a fantastic ‘Jumping Bean Salad’ which included lots of fruit and vegetables.  We used the claw and bridge cutting technique when preparing our salad and garnished it with parsley!
What super movers we are in year 2! This half term we are focusing on how dance can express our mood, such as, happiness, sadness, anger and fear.  We have also introduced the concept of considering a starting and ending position for our dance routines.
Year 2 have been putting their coding skills to the test in Computing lessons this week.  We have been exploring coding and creating programs using Purple Mash activities.  If the program did not run correctly, we debugged our program by finding the error in our code.  What cyber-tastic work Year 2!
"Do I look the sort of wolf who goes around eating Grandmas?"...  After reading the Wolf Story by Toby Forward, we had to decide if the wolf was telling the truth and if it was just a BIG misunderstanding.  So, with our partner we took turns to 'interview' the wolf!  Using our 'w question words', we asked questions like; 'Were you going to eat Little Red?' and 'What were you doing at Grandmas house?' The wolf insisted he was friends with Grandma and he did not want to eat Little Red because he was vegetarian!
Year 2 have started this half term with a challenge!  
 
Miss Haynes came to visit us on Tuesday morning and explained she had some animals which she would like us to take care of.  However, to be able to do this Miss Haynes asked us to find out everything we know about the animals to ensure we would be able to care for their basic needs of survival!  The animals that Miss Haynes wants us to care for are ... butterflies!! 
 
We are really excited but before we can meet the butterflies we have to complete Miss Haynes' challenge.  Not only do we need to find out lots of information about them but we are also going to be making a documentary - just like the incredible naturalist David Attenborough!!  We are going to post our documentary onto the Birchwood website!! So remember to look out for it here!!
 
Autumn 2
 
Significant People
What a lot of excitement in Larch Class today as we were presented with our Winter Book gifts! We would like to say a huge thank you to Team Birchwood who work hard to make this possible by organising many fundraising events through the year.
Larch Class took part in Forest Schools with Mrs Smith! First we collected sticks for the fire, then we peeled pears & dipped them into sugar mix ready to cook.  Finally we explored the wooded area.
What a wonderful nativity performance!  You were all stars!  Your acting was amazing, your singing was super and your smiles were beaming! Well done to you all.  
Year 2 followed the Birchwood poetry trail, which led us to many wonderful poems written by children in our school, which focused on our one school rule ‘Consideration and Respect’.
We had fun at the fair!! What a busy Friday we had! First Year 2 made their melted snowmen biscuits, then we made posters to advertise them and finally, of course, we got to buy one and eat it … deeee-licious!!! 
Well done to our Year 2 winners of our ‘house competition’.  Your Halloween stories were ‘spook-tacular’!  The children received a book token to use at our book vending machine. We hope you enjoy reading your chosen book!
Larch class enjoyed a trip to Polesworth Library. During our walk the children looked out for features of our village as part of our Geography learning. Whilst at the library we chose a book and listened to a story. What a lovely afternoon!
As part of our learning about significant people in history, Year 2 enjoyed a visit from a Peeler!  He told us many facts about Sir Robert Peel, including that Sir Robert Peel had a country home at Drayton Manor!
This week, in Larch,  we have been learning the difference between an emergency and what is not an emergency.  We have been learning when the right time is to call the emergency services and we role played what we might need to say. 
Year 2 have had a visitor from the past.  Florence Nightingale came in to school to share lots of facts with us and explain why she is a significant person in history.  
Year 2 have enjoyed Maths Week this week! We completed many investigations, explored why 3 is the magic number and made tetrahedrons!
Larch 2 loved taking part in Forest Schools today! We created tree boggarts, whittled wood with peelers, and explored new areas of our forest area such as the mud kitchen! 
After receiving a postcard from Paddington asking what the recent vibrant lights in the sky were, Larch begin their learning about our theme of ‘Significant People’.  We took part in a Now Press Play all about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.

'At the Duck and Drake Inn you serve a man called Guy Fawkes who is kicked out for being catholic. This doesn't sound fair, so you join his and Robert Catesby's gang. You realise the plot has gone too far when you see the gunpowder in the Houses of Parliament. You have to prevent it from happening!
 
Autumn 1
 
Bright Lights, Big City
Year 2 have enjoyed learning the lyrics and actions to the tune “Tony Chestnut”.  We have explored “call and response” patterns, our voices and the glockenspiel. 
After baking our very own bread rolls, Year 2 celebrated the end of our London topic with a Paddington style tea party! Well done for a wonderful first half term in Year 2!
Year 2 have had fun designing and making a vehicle for Paddington.  We prepared the chassis by cutting and taping boxes.  Then we painted and decorated the boxes.  We practised measuring and sawing dowel which we used as our axle.  We attached the axle to our chassis and then attached the wheels to the axles.
 
We were so please with our vehicles, we hope Paddington likes them too.
Today, we have been exploring the different strategies we have learnt over the last couple of weeks which help us to add and subtract 2 digit numbers.  We used a variety of resources which included dienes, bead strings and part whole models.  We used whiteboards and pens to practise our written method.

Year 2 visited Selly Manor to learn about ‘The Great Fire of London’.  They all had an amazing time and they were immersed into the past as their learning was brought to life through role play, playing with toys from the past and visiting Selly Manor which is furnished as it would have been in the past.  Selly Manor dates back as far as 1476.  It was bought in 1907 by the Cadbury family who later turned it into a museum.  Children enjoyed learning facts about The Great Fire of London from our very knowledgeable tour guide. By visiting the Manor children understood how the fire spread so quickly as the materials it was built from originally were mainly wood for the beams and held together with a straw cow dung mix! 

Lucie from Larch said it was the ,best trip ever'.

Larch 2 have loved celebrating National Poetry Day. Our costumes were fantastic, we learned a poem which we shared with Chestnut Class and then we wrote our own poems.

This week Larch have been learning about the importance of information technology in supermarkets.  We learned that when a shop assistant scans a bar code the information is sent to the supermarket’s computer.  The computer then identifies the bar code/product and retrieves the matching price which is then sent back from the computer to the till.  We took turns to choose items we wanted to buy, then our partner had to match the bar code to find the item name and price.  We all agreed that the supermarket’s computer could probably do it quicker than we could!

This week in science Larch have been investigating materials.  We have recalled our previous learning from year 1 and created  a ‘what I know’ page all about materials.
On Friday we discussed safe and unsafe secrets in our PSHE lesson.  We discussed how to identify a safe or unsafe secret by thinking about how it makes us feel (for example, do we get our early warning signs by keeping the secret), also considering if it was a nice or sad outcome and the length of time the secret had to be kept.  We then sorted different scenarios into safe and unsafe secrets.
Today, Year 2 have enjoyed a practical maths lesson, using their learning from the last two weeks.  The challenge was to make a  specific 2-digit number.  It included the greatest and smallest odd/even number.  Well done Year 2, you did a super job!
On a school trip to Buckingham Palace, you meet the King, but he is behaving strangely! When you discover the real King locked in the basement you must go on a mission across The UK to foil her imposter, the evil Dr Disguise - and free the King!
Year 2 were in a sticky marmalade situation this morning when they received a message from Paddington asking for help! We started the day by working out where Paddington's tea party will be. After discovering it will be in London, we located the city on a map of the UK.
 
We will be exploring our capital city, looking at human and physical features, famous landmarks and comparing modern London to how it was in the 17th century.
 
Welcome to Elm 1!
 
 
2022 - 2023
 
Miss Aston - Class Teacher
Mrs Mills/Mrs Cook - Teaching Assistants
 
 
Summer 2
 
Enchanted Woodland
 
Breaking News! During today’s science enquiry lesson we made an interesting discovery about the shape of bubbles
 
Summer 1
 
Rio de Vida
 
Today we have made a delicious pasta salad with roasted vegetables. We carefully chopped the vegetables using the bridge and claw technique then mixed all the ingredients together. We all wanted second helpings!
 
'I didn’t think I would like the vegetables but when I tasted it, it was the best thing in the whole wide world!' Dominic.
In today’s science lesson we identified the different trees growing in our school grounds. We took some leaves back to the classroom and sorted them into two groups - deciduous and evergreen. Finally we described the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees.
We used the world map to locate the seven continents. We then used simple compass directions - North, South, East and West to describe their location.  Scan our QR code to find out more.
To celebrate King Charles IIIs coronation we had a fun packed day which started off with a forest schools session where we made coronation flower bombs and ended with a tea party fit for a king!
Happy panda day! As Birchwood has decided to sponsor the panda this year as our chosen animal from WWF, we enjoyed dressing up in black and white and finding out all about this giant animal.
Today we have been mixing primary colours to create secondary colours and exploring whether it is easier to paint geometric shapes with thick or thin brushes in preparation for creating our own Castle and Sun masterpieces in the style of Paul Klee. Scan the QR code to find out which paint brush we liked the best.
Today in maths we showed our understanding of tens and ones by finding the number line and part whole model that represented each number. We also had to explain how we knew that we were correct.  Scan the QR code to see our learning in action.
 
 
Spring 2
 
Monarchs
 
 
Today we used the Bee-Bots to program a route from a start point to an end point. We discussed how a right/left turn corresponds to a quarter turn clockwise/anti-clockwise.
 
 
Year 1's Lords and Ladies of Birchwood had a great day at Tamworth castle helping the Lady of the castle to dress the table for their evening banquet and learning about what it took to be a squire or knight during medieval times. The bill drill was great fun!
 
 
Today, Year 1 had a visit from GXO and had fun exploring their truck.  We found out that the trucks wheels are nearly as tall we are, it costs £600 to fill the tank with petrol and when we went into the cab we realised the driver can only see some places on the road around them so we have to be very careful. 
 
 
Happy World book day 2023! What a fun day we have had dressing up as our favourite book characters, listening to stories, creating reading rivers and completing activities based upon this week’s book ‘The Invisible’ by Tom Percival.
 
 
Spring 1
 
No Place Like Home
 
 
What an exciting morning Elm 1 had when we met some very special visitors!
 
Today Elm 1 have enjoyed number day. We started off the day by listening to the book ‘The Jolly Postman’ then completed lots of activities based upon the story. This included sorting his post and looking at the numbers on his letters and ordering them from the  smallest number to the greatest.
 
 
We have been using our sorting and grouping skills in science to explore similarities and differences between common animals.
 
 
Creating our plans in preparation for writing our own versions of ‘The Enormous Turnip’ next week.
 
'My story is going to be called ‘The Enormous Potato’ and I’m going to pull it up with a pig and a rabbit.'
 
 
'It must have been Goldilocks that left the note! The chairs and bowls are the three bears!'
 
We wrote a set of instructions to let Goldilocks know how to make porridge.
 

Today, we had a mysterious visitor in school.  The visitor had eaten a bowl of porridge and had left year one a note asking for instructions of how to make it because it was so tasty.  Our only clue was an initial G at the end of the letter. 

 

 
Autumn 2
 
School Days
 
 
Year 1 spent an enjoyable morning at Polesworth Abbey. After paying our taxes we received a special badge. We followed the signs to Bethlehem and met Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus
 
 
Today we travelled back in time to the Victorian era. After paying our school pence we sat in rows to complete the 3Rs. We also completed drill exercises and learned about Victorian punishments. The teachers were very strict. We had to stand when they entered the room. We had our hands checked to make sure that they were clean and we were not allowed to speak unless spoken to!
 
'Schools were very different in Victorian times,' Jacob.
 
The Fire Service visited Elm class today and taught us how to prevent a fire from starting and what to do if we should ever be caught in a fire.
 
As part of ‘Maths Week,’ we became detectives and had to crack the codes to find a number of words relating to our theme ‘School Days.’ Mission accomplished!
 
As part of anti-bullying week our Now Press Play experience allowed us to think about bullying and what can be done to overcome it so that we can all work together and be friends.
 
This half term Year 1 are looking into the past.  We are on an adventure back to the Victorian times.  This week we were sent a memory box that had been dug up near Polesworth Abbey and we have been asked to investigate what was found inside. 
 
 
Autumn 1
 
Space
 
In todays Science lesson we explored which materials floated and which sank. We came to the conclusion that the ones which did not soak up water floated.
 
'All the ones that have soaked up the water have sunk to the bottom,' Oliver.
 
After using the iPads to take a picture of our chosen characters, we drew a line to make the mouth then recorded our voices. We then shared our ChatterPix. We enjoyed watching them talk!
 
This week we have made pitta breads. We weighed the ingredients then used our hands to mix them together and make a dough. After rolling the dough into a ball we used a rolling pin to make a flat shape. Again using our hands we kneaded the shape to form a pitta. Finally we cooked them in the oven.
 
We had so much fun participating in Forest School this afternoon. After playing a game of trust we went into the wooded area and found out how to light a fire safely. We then explored the area and who should we find hiding there? Stick Man! We enjoyed listening to the story whilst sitting around the fire. Finally we helped to put the fire out.
 
Arriving at school on Wednesday morning we discovered that a UFO had crash landed outside the classroom. After further investigation we also discovered a passport in a nearby bush! It appears that the UFO belongs to an alien called Beegu. We have written letters to her to find out more information.
 
 
Welcome to Acorn and Chestnut!
 
 
2021 - 2022
 
Mrs Smith/Miss Lowe - Class Teachers
Mrs Spong/Mrs Tweed - Teaching Assistants
 
 
Summer 2
 
Mad About Minibeasts

When we visited Ash End Farm, we explored the creepy critters and held snakes, lizards and a tortoise. Then we went to see goats, alpacas and cows grazing in the fields. We met Steve the man who looks after the birds of prey and learned all about owls. Did you know owls have no noses?!

After lunch we fed a whole range of goats, cows, sheep and even held some baby chicks and ducks. Some lucky children had a special treat because it was their birthday and had a special "happy chick day" song sung to them with chicks that hatched that morning!

The first Sports Day we have been able to have for reception children in 2 years! Every child in reception took part in every event and we were cheered on by so many parents, grandparents and carers. Every single child managed to get at least one 1st, 2nd or 3rd place sticker over the course of the afternoon, which is an amazing success for not just their house teams but for them personally. Well done Reception!!
This half term we came off of our LTP and engaged with a week full of Platinum Jubilee celebrations with the children. It was such an important part of their history we wanted to make a big event of it. The week consisted of following a book called The Queens Hat, where we got to use a lot of prediction and inference skills to try and guess where the hat might be. It was an amazing text which allowed the children to discover areas of London and use their imagination. Over the course of the week we designed new hats for Her Majesty the Queen, made drawings of the crown jewels and painted portraits of her, as well as many more other royal activities. On Thursday all the children in the school dressed in red, white, and blue and we had a tea party on the upper school playground. Here are some of the wonderful photos of that week.
 
Summer 1
 
The Sights and Sounds of Africa
 
This half term we have been learning traditional African dances. One from Ethiopia, Kenya and finally Nigeria. We have been creating sequences of movements and moving to music. 
 
On Fridays we have been learning all about being an athlete. Looking at different ways to move, negotiate space, throw and work as a team. We play a lot of games and have practiced our new skills outside. 
We were so lucky to have a drumming expert to come and visit us this half term. We got to sing traditional African songs and play African instruments. It was so magnificent, so much learned.
Acorn class participated in some Census fun. We took a traffic survey from the top of the school drive. First we made predictions on what would be the most popular mode of transport moving past our school gates. Then the children were on the look out for cars, vans, lorries and motorcycles. They worked in pairs and completed a tally. The result was confirmed, the road outside Birchwood Primary School has far more cars passing it than vans, lorries or motorcycles. 
Outdoor learning is essential for EYFS, where we build our understanding of the world and physical coordination and strength. Look at all the fun we have had!

Summer 1 has enraptured the children in the diversity of Africa! The children will look at the continent and visit particular countries within it such as Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia. They will be immersed in the vivid colours of artists, traditional food and even regional African dances. Learning to play real African drums in a special drumming session will help with their rhythm and composing skills.

With beautifully rich literacy texts such as Anna Hibiscus' story and Handa's Suprise. The children will get to compare their own daily life to that of children across the world.

Animals and all their wonder will also be explored, allowing the children to become familiar with animals we may only see on TV and in books.

The sights and sounds of Africa really will be the most amazing adventure for all our reception children!

 
Spring 2
 
 Dinosaur Stomp
 
Reception have had a very exciting couple of weeks as we received a special parcel. In line with our learning about Spring and new life, we have had the exciting experience of watching chick's hatch. We have since enjoyed learning about caring for chicks, watching and observing their behaviour and most importantly, having a little cuddle.
Children were greeted this morning with some mysterious footprints leading out to our outdoor area and an egg in a nest. We are going to be keeping a close eye out to see if anything happens to the egg over the next few days.
 
Spring 1
 
Winter Wonderland
When we arrived back to school after our Christmas break, we were excited to see lots of changes both outside and within the classroom. We began our learning by discussing what we already know about Winter and ice. This involved making our very own ice lollies, "they were so yummy!" The children then enjoyed exploring our first key text 'Snowflakes by Cerrie Burnell' where we were able to show our learning around ice, snowflakes and seasonal changes in a variety of ways. To finish our work on this text we made our very own tree decorations just like those in the book and went to hang them on the trees around the school grounds. 
 
Autumn 2
 
Why do squirrels hide their nuts?
 
 
Autumn 1
 
 We all belong here!
 
To celebrate European day of languages we played French games, ate French food and learnt about the French culture. We discussed how we could get the France from Birchwood school and even got a French lesson from our bilingual classmate. It was a wonderful day.
 
We all belong here! 
 
Our first theme is all about celebrating each other, our similarities and differences. We have spent the first few weeks looking at the routines of school and how to do our Birchwood best.  Last week we investigated how to be a good friend, what ingredients make the best friends and which ingredients we try to avoid.  The children have engaged in some amazing learning and formed wonderful relationships with their teachers and each other.