One person can make a big difference in the world.

This week has been an exciting one in Beech Class, filled with reasoning challenges, storytelling, science projects, and historical discoveries. Here’s a look at what we’ve been learning across our subjects:

Both Year 1 and Year 2 have been sharpening their reasoning skills through a variety of problem-solving activities. In year 1 the children have been learning to explain their thinking when solving simple number problems, using pictures and objects to support their reasoning. They have also been practising spotting patterns and using logical steps to find answers. Whilst in year 2 the focus has been on justifying their answers by explaining how they reached a conclusion. They have been using number sentences, diagrams, and practical methods to support their problem-solving skills. Through these activities, they are developing confidence in explaining their mathematical thinking.

In English year 1 – The Three Billy Goats Gruff: The children have enjoyed listening to and retelling this classic tale. They have been working on sequencing the story, describing the characters, and exploring how to use adjectives to make their writing more interesting. They have also had a go at writing their own versions of the story with different animals and settings! Year 2 – The Children of Lir: The children have been introduced to this beautiful yet tragic Irish folktale. They have explored the themes of transformation and resilience, discussing how the characters’ emotions change throughout the story. They have also been working on using descriptive language to paint a picture of the magical setting and writing their own retellings of key parts of the tale.

Our big project for Science Week has been building our very own bug hotel! The children have learned about the importance of biodiversity and how providing shelter for insects can help local ecosystems. They have investigated the types of materials different bugs prefer and worked together to create a welcoming space for them. This hands-on activity has taught teamwork, problem-solving, and respect for nature. We have also started replanting our raised beds with a variety of vegetables. This has been a great opportunity for the children to learn about plant life cycles, what plants need to grow, and where our food comes from. They have also been discussing sustainability and how growing our own food can help reduce waste and benefit the environment.

In history, we have been learning about the brave woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus – Rosa Parks. The children have explored why she was an important figure in history and how her actions helped change laws and inspire the fight for equality. We have discussed the importance of standing up for what is right and how one person can make a big difference in the world.

14.3.2025 British Science Week: Exploring Change, Adaptation and Responsibility

This week, we celebrated British Science Week. The theme this year is Change and Adaptation—a fascinating focus that highlights how change is all around us and influences every area of STEM. On Monday, our Year 5 children took part in an exciting workshop led by staff and students from our local secondary school, TBSHS. Linking with the theme, the children explored our forest area to search for bugs and insects. Using a pictorial key, they identified the woodland minibeasts they discovered. Needless to say, the children were fully engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the activity!

As part of our cross-curricular learning for British Science Week, the children also explored electrical circuits in Design and Technology. Working in pairs, they followed instructions and diagrams to build a simple circuit. They were then challenged to apply their understanding of materials and conductivity to discuss about how a working switch could be created using split pins, a paperclip or a small piece of cardboard.

In English, we linked our learning to British Science Week by exploring the question: Should science be taught in primary schools? The children identified the key features of a balanced argument and took part in thoughtful discussions, considering both sides of the debate. They came up with a range of interesting and well-reasoned points, showcasing their ability to think critically and express their ideas clearly.

As a Rights Respecting School, we also explored the concept of rights and responsibilities in PSHE. The children looked at a series of statements and discussed whether each one represented a right—something to which every human is entitled—or not. They gained a deeper understanding that while all humans have rights, these come with responsibilities too. Together, they identified examples of both and reflected on how our actions can affect others and the world around us.

Poetry, pirates, plastic and the past.

The children in early years have been so excited to start learning our poem for the upcoming Poetry by Heart assembly! We were introduced to story maps as a way to help us recall elements of the story, and the children really enjoyed this way of learning. During choosing time, many children decided to challenge themselves by completing story maps of their own, using their phonic knowledge to label the missing story sections!

The outside area has been well used once again this week, as the children have continued to enjoy different play themes together. We have seen everything, from pirates searching for treasure, whilst making people walk the plank (whilst balancing very carefully!), to roadworks, bug spotting and den building! It has been lovely to see how the children’s narratives are progressing, along with their ability to work together and negotiate.

We have also been thinking about how to look after our planet once again, with a particular focus on looking after our oceans. The children were presented with a sad picture of plastic littering the sea bed. This acted as a powerful stimulus for conversation, as the children recalled previous learning that had led them to conclude that it was the responsibility of people to make things right. This time we focused on proactive ways we could help, thinking about recycling “so things get turned into something new”, reusing and reducing our plastic waste, “because we could use our brains to think of using things like lids again, or buying different pots that don’t have plastic on them, couldn’t we?”. The children enjoyed creating posters to spread the word about looking after our world.

The children continue to enjoy our Tales Toolkit sessions, where we all work together to create a story using visual prompts. This week involved a hedgehog called snuffles helping a magical bowl understand how to be a good friend! These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for the children to develop their imagination and story-telling ideas.

The children have had the opportunity to look at photos from the past and compare them to present day photos. They noticed how different the children’s clothes were and their toys, in comparison to what they play with today. They were able to sort objects into past and present groups. There were some super observations and explanations of why objects were from the past.

During our Forest School session, the children eagerly searched for the last signs of winter before we head into Spring. Lichen and moss were amongst some of the signs found hiding in the woods.

Finally thank you very much for all the generous donations towards the food bank.

‘Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much’

From thrilling explorations of the natural world to insightful discussions surrounding community support, we have been busy learning and growing in so many ways!

As part of Science Week, themed ‘Change and Adapt’, we had the pleasure of welcoming staff and students from The Bishop’s Stortford High School on Monday. Together, we embarked on an exciting challenge to search for various mini beasts in our school forest area. Armed with magnifying glasses and ‘pooters’—a fun little device used to gently suck up mini beasts into examination jars—we eagerly identified and examined each creature we found. This hands-on experience allowed us to truly appreciate the remarkable adaptations that enable these creatures to thrive in their habitats. Centipedes, worms, slugs and snails, woodlice were just some of the bugs we had fun studying. A huge thank you to the staff and students of The Bishop’s Stortford High School for joining us in this activity and helping us learn more about habitats and adaptations.

In our assembly this week, we welcomed a dedicated volunteer from the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank. We were reminded of the importance of community and how our contributions support those in need. The volunteer expressed her gratitude for our donations so far and explained the operations of the Food Bank, shedding light on who benefits from its services. It was particularly interesting to learn about the significant increase in need due to the current cost of living crisis. Our weekly food collections, known as ‘Food Bank Fridays’, show our commitment to becoming a Silver accredited Rights Respecting School. We are certainly proud to see our community work in action, demonstrating how we can support local families in need. The next ‘Food Bank Friday’ for Willow Class is Friday 21st March when we will be collecting dried goods e.g. cereals, rice, pasta, noodles.

In our English lessons, we dived into the intriguing world of the subjunctive form. We had fun listening to songs by popular artists such as Beyoncé and Justin Bieber. We giggled as we noted the differences in usage; for instance, in Beyoncé’s song “If I Were a Boy”, she correctly makes use of the subjunctive with “if I were”, while Justin Bieber’s use of “If I was your…” prompted lively discussion. We then wrote letters to Justin Bieber, explaining the value of correctly using the subjunctive form. We are now on the lookout for examples of this grammatical structure in everyday language, eager to understand its role in expressing formality, advice and aspirations.

In our maths sessions, we tackled an assessment that truly tested our problem-solving skills. One particularly tricky question had us all in deep thought. It was time for break, yet a determined group of us remained in the classroom, refusing to give up until we found the solution. This determination highlights the resilience we foster here; it’s this perseverance that will undoubtedly serve us well in the future!

In PSHE, our discussions revolved around the value of items and their pricing. We explored the dilemma of what to do with £5—should we spend it or save it? This led to a rich conversation about various saving methods, from traditional piggy banks to modern savings accounts, and the advantages each option holds. Understanding money management is a vital skill, and it was fantastic to see the children engaging thoughtfully with this topic.

As we approach our upcoming cross-country tournament, Ms. Connolly has been dutifully training us, and it’s safe to say we’ve felt the effort! There were one or two sore limbs the following day, but we take our fitness seriously at Little Hadham Primary. From dragging tyres to engaging in aerobic exercises, we are certainly honing our skills to become impressive runners. A big thank you to Ms. Connolly for leading the way and setting the pace—training with you is always a pleasure!

Next Wednesday is our Learning Together Morning when we will share information about the upcoming SATs assessments for Year 6. We look forward to seeing you then.

Have a lovely weekend.

Maths Champions, here we go, here we go…

Last week, eight VERY enthusiastic Year 5 pupils took on the HFL Education Annual Year 5 Mathematics Challenge Competition—an exciting event that brings together schools from across Hertfordshire and beyond to put their problem-solving skills to the test!

The competition, which includes both state and independent schools, is designed to stretch mathematical thinking while encouraging teamwork. And what a team effort it was! Our pupils tackled each challenge with determination, enthusiasm, and plenty of smiles along the way.

Mrs. Afenti-Sassis, our Maths Coordinator, was full of praise, saying, “Once again, our children showcased fantastic teamwork and mathematical skills. They tackled each challenge with determination, all while smiling and enjoying the experience!”

And the best part? Team A has made it through to the next round! What an incredible achievement for such a small school—proof that big things really do come in small packages. A huge congratulations to all the pupils who took part, and good luck to Team A in the next stage of the competition!

A huge shout out to Mrs Campbell for coming in to support too- thank you so much, we truly appreciate it.

World Book Day

LIME

Lime were very pleased to be out in the sun for the first time in 2025! They were spread out in lots of little groups keeping very busy. A team were playing an imagination-based game where they were being chased by gummy bears…they hid in the tree mostly. At the foot of the tree, children were throwing themselves in circles on the rope swing and giggling an awful lot. While a trio were collecting as many logs as possible to have their very own secret base. There was also a team playing grandma’s footsteps.

 

WILLOW

Willow were extremely excited about pancake day still and lots of them spent the session trying to create the perfect pancake batter in some pans. There was a shortage of water in the forest but they managed to find enough even if they did end up making more mud castles than pancakes! The digging zone was very busy and helped provide pancake mix, while finding stones. The bar from last week was recreated too and a couple of them were also pleased to rearrange the clean and shiny new waterproofs!

 

EYFS

World Book Day excitement was still rife and some of our young explorers made photo frames to put scenes from books (the Hungry Caterpillar was particularly fun!).  Some artists used water and sticks to paint stories on bark too. A bumble bee was sitting at the entrance of a birdhouse, which was very interesting to watch, they thought he might have visited because the sun was out. The forest then finished with a couple of games of hide and seek, which seems to be a returning theme at the moment.

 

BEECH

A hive of activity was taking place in the digging zone and they managed to share the cramped zone very well considering. One group were investigating a rabbit hole and adding more mud around the edges to protect them from predators, one group were trying to cover up some lava and another group were finding mud to make a birthday cake. There was a lot of tree climbing and even more hanging around in the hammock. A couple of them made themselves a little chillout spot and just sat watching the world go by!

 

MAPLE

The stories of Willow class inventing their own country in the forest had spread to Maple class! They decided to join the country (albeit on a different day of the week) and create their own civilisation. They mainly spent their time building up the den, setting traps and being baptised with some questionable looking water! Elsewhere, a pancake shop opened with fresh mud, delivered straight from the digging zone. While a group were hitting a log with small sticks and using the wood chips as currency in their new country.

Foodbank Friday – A Huge Success!

Our Foodbank Friday has been a heartwarming triumph, thanks to our wonderful children and families! The generosity and enthusiasm from our school community have been truly inspiring.

The best part? This has been completely driven by the children! Our School Council wrote a heartfelt letter to the local foodbank, sharing why this matters to us, and they were absolutely thrilled to receive it. So thrilled, in fact, that they’re coming in soon to lead an assembly!

Our council has been thinking carefully about how we move forward. They are determined to continue supporting the foodbank but also understand that we must be mindful of our own families. So, the message is simple: Give if you can – every little bit helps.

The children have loved sorting the donations, seeing the boxes fill up, and knowing that they are making a real difference. One pupil summed it up perfectly:

“It feels good to help. Even just one tin of beans could mean someone has dinner tonight!”

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far – your kindness is making a real impact.

Romans and rocks!

This week in Lime Class has been full of exciting learning experiences and new discoveries!

In Maths, we explored the concept of mass, working with grams and kilograms. We compared the weights of different objects and practiced converting between the two units.

In English, we focused on descriptive writing and dialogue, inspired by the beautifully animated short film La Luna. We discussed the characters’ emotions and actions, using rich vocabulary to describe the magical setting. We also wrote our own conversations between the characters, thinking carefully about punctuation and how to make the dialogue sound natural.

Our History lessons marked the beginning of an exciting new topic: How did the Romans change Britain? We learned who the Romans were ( carefully linking our learning to last terms Geography topic about modern day Italy) and thought about the reasons why they came to Britain.  We also discussed the difference between invaders and settlers, learning that these are groups of people who  reoccur throughout the world’s history right up to the modern day.

Science in year 3 was all about rocks! We learned about different types of rocks and how they are formed. To help us understand sedimentary rock, we used plasticine, pulling it into tiny pieces and then pressing it together to mimic how layers of rock build up over time. It was a fun and hands-on way to explore geological processes. The year 4 children got eco-friendly and learned about renewable and non renewable sources of energy.

In PE, we continued to develop our strength and balance through yoga. This week, we focused on stretching our back muscles and challenged ourselves by beginning on all fours and then balancing on one hand and one leg. It was tricky, but we showed great perseverance and learned to be mindful in our movements.

During our Computing lessons, we thought about what we see and read on the internet, linking this to what we learned on Safer Internet Day. We discussed how to decide what to trust online and the importance of checking reliable sources.

In DT, we began exploring levers and linkages by evaluating books with moving parts. We looked at different types of mechanisms and thought about how they worked, preparing us to design our own moving story books in the coming weeks. We are very excited for this topic as we remember some of the older children sharing their books with us when we were in Beech class.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone for their incredible generosity on Food Bank Friday. Lime Class contributed an amazing number of donations, showing great kindness and community spirit. Well done, everyone!

We’re looking forward to another fantastic week of learning ahead!

 

28.2.2025 From Cosmic Adventures to Colourful Connections!

Welcome back!

This week in English, we explored the features of descriptive writing and focused on using precise vocabulary to describe a setting in space. We learnt that carefully chosen synonyms can help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. However, we also discussed the importance of selecting the most appropriate word to match the image and atmosphere we want to create. The children then had the opportunity to apply this skill in their own narratives, drawing inspiration from a carefully chosen picture prompt.

Linking with our space theme, we began reading our new class book, Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. We examined how the author’s strategies and techniques make the main character likeable and add humour to his storytelling.

Excitingly, we also received letters from our Greek penpals! They described their homes, their favourite rooms, and what they love most about them. It was wonderful to compare their experiences with our own and continue building our connections. In response, we wrote our own letters, making them colourful and informative—just like theirs!

In Geography, we revised the countries of the UK, their capital cities, and identified and described key geographical features of the United Kingdom. Working in pairs or small groups, the children researched information about the four countries, deepening their understanding of their unique characteristics.

In PE, we explored different traveling actions using canon to create movement sequences. The children worked in small groups, experimented with different speeds, levels, and directions. We also used the ropes to develop upper body strength and coordination, practicing different ways of swinging, climbing, and balancing. Additionally, we used the apparatus to explore controlled movements, focusing on balance.

 

 

Pancake fun!

 

LIME

The forest had given some more sticks and branches for everyone to play with over the half term, mixed in with the bamboo, there’s so much to do! One group decided to make a shelter, as they were certain that Bigfoot was in the forest and they tried their best to survive. A group decided to try and replant one of the branches. They didn’t have much success at the beginning but kept going and eventually made a hole big enough for it to fit in. There was also a very fun game of Minecraft!

 

WILLOW

Oh boy did it rain! The drizzle that was coming down in the morning had turned into a full-on shower by the time Willow were outside but it didn’t dampen their spirits at all! A few did their best Peppa Pig impressions and were excited about the muddy puddles but the main fun came from den building. They deconstructed their old shelter and moved house near what forest dwellers call ‘the cave’, which was a great success. Another group were still making the new country and came up with a very repetitive national anthem, while the Red Robin pub carried on being built.

 

EYFS

The littlest members of the school had the most peaceful session ever! In class they noticed that some blue tits were flying in and out of the bird house, so they watched some videos of the chicks from last year and decided to find some soft things for them to build their nests out of. They found leaves and a few feathers which they hoped would help. They also made an excellent pancake shop and used some pots and pans to make delicious mud pancakes! The trees were also very popular, while another group found a mysterious message on a stick…

 

BEECH

Beech class were impressed with the new bird houses too and spotted some small birds in the tree and hoped that they’d find a space in the bird house. A group became obsessed with worms and went worm hunting and another group used some bamboo as an instrument, scraping it across different trees to see what sounds would be made. Another pancake factory appeared but they didn’t want to sell any pancakes to anyone. Crying could be heard from the hammock but it was just a couple of babies who needed to be rocked back to sleep!

 

MAPLE

Pancakes were on maple classes mind too and they even had a go at flipping them! They had varying degrees of success and had to work on the consistency of their batter, which always ended up being too runny. Elsewhere, the bamboo was used to try and rebuild a den (which also ended up turning into a pancake shop) and the digging zone was swept to try and make the slabs clean. The hammock was constantly in action and a walking/rock paper scissors game of ‘capture the flag’ was invented too.

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