Blog
Friday 11th September 2026
It’s been a great 1st full week back.
In maths, we have been learning different strategies for adding and subtracting mentally. We also applied these strategies to word problems.
In English, we have begun to look at the skills and elements needed for a non-chronological report. We have been reading numerous mythical creatures non-chronological reports and looking at the features that make them a good piece of work. We are especially thinking about how these skills and features affect the reader. This week we focused on cohesive devices, subordinate clauses and adverbials.
During our project lessons, we learnt about Jacobean style – lots of gold, draped curtains, pillars, painted ceilings. Also, we looked at the style on soft furnishings such as cushions and curtains. This style can be identified by its natural, floral patterns with curved lines and soft colours – quite a busy pattern. Finally, we ended these sessions by beginning to learn a sewing stitch. We can now complete a running stitch, next week on to satin stitch!
Science is all about the rocks. Our first lesson was about the layers of the Earth. Did you know that there are 4 layers and the layer that we stand on – the crust – is actually the thinnest? We created detailed diagrams of this and labelled with our knowledge of each layer.
Continuing with a form of rock, music focused on a song that we’re sure you know… Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer. This week we listened to the song and tried to work out what instruments were being used.
Can’t wait for what next week will bring – Cuffley for some of us!
Miss McLoughlin and Miss Franklin
Friday 4th September 2026
What a fantastic first week back!
The children have settled in extremely well, and it has been a pleasure getting to know them. We have spent time practising both new and familiar routines to ensure our ready, respectful, safe and consistent behaviours are being followed around the school.
In Maths, we have been learning about place value. We have explored reading and writing 5-digit numbers, ordering and comparing numbers, counting forwards and backwards in 10s, 100s and 1,000s, and rounding to the nearest 10, 100 and 1,000. Next week, we will be moving on to addition and subtraction.
In English, we completed reading comprehension activities based on two mythical creatures, Ymir and the Dirawong. These were fascinating texts that sparked lots of discussion. This work is preparing us for our new writing unit, where we will be creating and describing our own mythical beasts and fictional creatures over the coming weeks.
We have also begun learning about our exciting new topic, Hatfield House. Did you know that Henry VIII's daughter, Elizabeth I, discovered that she would become Queen while in the grounds of Hatfield House? We started by using compass directions to explore maps of the estate. In our second lesson, we learned about King James I and why he is remembered in history. He commissioned a new English translation of the Bible, making it more accessible to many people. However, his reign was not without controversy, and he was the target of the infamous Gunpowder Plot, led by Guy Fawkes. These have been two very interesting lessons to begin our project for the half term.
In PE, the Kestrels were busy becoming champion gymnasts as they practised and demonstrated counterbalances. Meanwhile, the Falcons were developing their dodgeball skills by learning how to block effectively during their outdoor PE lesson.
Finally, in Spanish, we learned the personal pronouns. Did you know that there are three different ways to say "you all" in Spanish? Vosotros, vosotras and ustedes!
We are incredibly proud of how well the children have started the new school year. Their enthusiasm, positive attitudes and excellent effort have made for a brilliant first week.
We wish you all a restful and wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing everyone again on Monday!
Miss McLoughlin and Miss Franklin