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Ducklings

Welcome to Ducklings Class (Year R)

KIC Theatre

During this week all the classes participated in KIC theatre drama workshops. The topics covered were Sound, Shadow and Light, Journeys, Where the Wild Things Are, Transition, Secret Agents and Our Local Area. KIC Theatre is always a popular activity with all the classes and Ian is brilliant with the children.

Term 6 Journeys with the Ducklings

Last week, our Ducklings began their learning about journeys and the different ways people travel. Through a range of exciting activities, the children have explored transport past and present, comparing old and new cars and discussing how these vehicles have changed over time. The children enjoyed designing and drawing their own vehicles before bringing their ideas to life by building cardboard cars. They also used Lego to construct imaginative cars, developing their creativ

Sewing

Last term, our Ducklings were very busy creating their own colourful bookmarks using needles, embroidery thread and binca. This activity gave the children the opportunity to practise and apply threading skills while developing their fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. With some help, the children carefully threaded their needles and explored different colours and patterns as they stitched their bookmarks. They showed great concentration, perseverance and pride in th

Confetti & Congratulations!

It was raining confetti in Assembly today as we all gathered together for our last PSHE assembly of the academic year. Together we celebrated our individual achievements! A few brave individuals walked our red carpet and shared their success stories with the whole school - We had proud moments such as Leap of Faith from our Residential trip, to being good friends, to wonderful art work. After this, it was time for the teachers to celebrate all of the pupils at St Eanswythe's

French Club

The children in French Club were enjoying learning some French whilst doing some fun activities.

Mini Movers Club

Lots of fun has been had this term in James' Mini Movers - with two older children assistants. They have spent some time working on interacting with props to enhance their movements. The children have used a clear plastic ball to represent a floating bubble.

Joe Wicks

We joined hundreds of other schools in a high-energy workout to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week. We discovered how moving our bodies can boost our mood, build resilience and support our mental wellbeing. Both staff and children enjoyed fifteen minutes of exercises in the hall - what a great end to our school day!

Sacconi Quartet

What a special treat we had today! The incredible Sacconi Quartet delivered a phenomenal performance and workshop with us in the school hall and what an amazing privilege it was. We were so lucky to experience such a special performance from this world famous classical music string quartet. We learnt that the Sacconi Quartet was founded in 2001 by four graduates of the Royal College of Music, Ben, Hannah, Robin and Cara. We also learnt some Italian words about the way the mus

COOL Time

This week in Ducklings Class, our COOL time has been full of exciting seaside adventures and hands-on learning! The children loved our fishing game, where they 'caught' fish and read the numbers they found, helping to build confidence in early maths skills and number recognition through playful learning. In the sandpit, the children enjoyed making sandcastles and designing their very own flags. This was a hugely popular activity that encouraged imagination, fine motor develop

Ducklings’ Trip to Beach School

Ducklings have been for another fantastic Beach School session. With the tide lower than usual, we were able to take a different route, walking through the boat docking bay and around to Sunny Sands, which created lots of excitement and curiosity. Along the way, we talked about beach safety, including the warning signs for soft mud, and how to keep ourselves safe in this environment. When we reached the rocky area, the children explored seaweed attached to the rocks and were

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Ducklings Class latest blogs

Term 6 - Journeys

Welcome to Term 6, our final term for the year! Wow that has gone fast! Our theme this term is Journeys, and we are excited to take the children on an adventure exploring different types of transport and the many journeys we make throughout our lives. Throughout the term, we will encourage curiosity, creativity, and learning across all areas of the EYFS framework as the children investigate cars, boats, planes, trains, and buses, compare transport from the past and present, and reflect on their own special journey as they prepare for the transition from Reception to Year 1.

Below, we have highlighted what the children will be exploring and learning over the term.

We are always happy to hear from you, no matter how small your question or concern may seem. You can call the school or send an email at any time and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We will also be at the door during drop-off and pick-up. These are busy times as our focus is on ensuring every child is safe and settled, and we appreciate your patience. Please know we are always here to support both you and your child.

Early Years Curriculum Overview for Term 6 ‘Journeys’

The Early Years curriculum is organised into several key areas. Below, you will find an overview of what your child will be learning in each area during the term. You can use this as a way to talk with them at home and share in their experiences. It’s perfectly normal if their answer to “What did you do at school today?” is “I can’t remember!” We will also aim to post a weekly blog so you can see some of the exciting activities and learning your child has been enjoying.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

This term, children will develop their personal, social and emotional skills as they explore different types of journeys and transport. Through collaborative play and practical activities, they will learn to share ideas, solve problems together, and work as part of a team. As the children begin preparing for their transition to Year 1, we will focus on building confidence, resilience, and independence. They will have opportunities to talk about their feelings and any questions they may have about moving into a new class, helping them to approach this important milestone with excitement and positivity.

Communication and Language

This term, children will develop their communication and language skills through discussions, storytelling, and role-play linked to our Journeys theme. We will share the story The Naughty Bus and use it as a stimulus for conversations about adventures, journeys, and transport. Children will learn and use new vocabulary related to different forms of transport and will be encouraged to compare old and new vehicles. Through role-play opportunities such as airports, train stations, garages, and bus depots, children will develop their speaking and listening skills, express their ideas clearly, and build confidence when communicating with adults and their peers.

Physical Development

This term, the children will develop their physical skills through a range of active and practical learning experiences. They will take part in activities that involve balancing, moving, transporting objects, and navigating obstacle courses linked to different journeys and modes of transport. Fine motor skills will continue to be strengthened through cutting, joining, designing, and constructing during our Design and Technology project. As children design, build, test, and improve their own boats, they will develop increasing control, coordination, and confidence in using a range of tools and materials safely.

Literacy

This term, children will continue developing their phonics skills by recapping known sounds, learning new ones, and practising segmenting and blending CVC words, as well as recognising tricky/red words. They will bring home targeted phonics sheets, RWI ditties or books, and will also choose a new reading-for-pleasure book each week to share at home.

We will continue sharing our book reviews in class, building on the enthusiasm shown throughout the year. The children have become increasingly confident at recommending books to their friends and explaining their favourite parts.

In writing, our focus this term will be on developing the children's creativity and imagination through storytelling. Using themes linked to journeys and transport, children will learn about the key elements of a story, including characters, settings, problems, and solutions. They will be encouraged to invent their own stories, share ideas with others, and begin recording their thoughts through drawing and writing. We will continue to support children in using their phonics knowledge to write independently while developing confidence, stamina, and enjoyment in the writing process.

Mathematics

This term, children will revisit and consolidate the mathematical learning they have developed throughout the year. A key focus will be ensuring a deep understanding of numbers to 10, including counting, recognising numerals, comparing quantities, and understanding the composition of each number. Children will explore different ways numbers can be made and develop confidence in explaining their mathematical thinking.

Alongside number work, we will revisit shape, space, and measure through practical investigations and play-based activities. Children will explore the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, compare length, height, weight, and capacity, and use mathematical language to describe and solve problems.

At home, you can support your child by practising counting, recognising numbers in the environment, discussing different ways to make numbers to 10, and encouraging mathematical language during everyday activities. Looking for shapes around the home, comparing sizes, and talking about measures such as full, empty, heavier, lighter, longer, and shorter are also excellent ways to reinforce learning.

Understanding the World

This term, children will develop their understanding of the world by exploring transport past and present. They will investigate how journeys have changed over time and compare old forms of transport with those we use today. Through discussions, photographs, stories, and practical activities, children will begin to understand that life in the past was different from life today.

As part of our Design and Technology project, children will investigate floating and sinking and explore the properties of waterproof materials. They will design, build, test, and evaluate their own boats, developing their scientific thinking through observation, prediction, and investigation. We will also spend time exploring the exciting transition from Reception to Year 1, helping children understand what changes they can expect and celebrating how much they have grown throughout the year.

Expressive Arts and Design

This term, children will explore Expressive Arts and Design through a variety of creative and imaginative activities linked to transport and journeys. They will use a range of materials to create vehicles, maps, and travel-inspired artwork while developing their skills in drawing, painting, collage, and model making. Through role-play, children will act out journeys and adventures, taking on different roles and creating their own stories. They will also explore music, movement, and rhythm, responding creatively to different themes and experiences while expressing their own ideas and imagination.

Reading

Please enjoy the books your child brings home and share them together. The more children are encouraged to read and be read to, the more confident and enthusiastic they will become.

Reading is an essential life skill.
Listening to stories brings comfort and helps children focus.
It gives them knowledge and language to talk about the world.
Understanding stories helps them see how words and sentences fit together.
Exploring fiction, non-fiction, poems, rhymes, and songs builds their vocabulary and love of language.

Important Reminders

Please label everything your child brings to school (stamp, sticker, or pen) so lost items can be returned. Please check that the labels you have put in are still attached and not faded.
PE is every Friday and children will come to school in their full PE kit.
If someone different is collecting your child, let us know at drop-off, by email, or by phoning the school office.

Thank you for your continued support, it really is appreciated. Please feel free to ask us about anything at all. We are so excited to begin this final term in Reception and cannot wait to see the children flourish as they prepare for their next exciting journey into Year 1.

The Ducklings Team