Oak Class

TERM 1 AND 2 PROJECT 

SCHOOL DAYS 

 

 

In the School Days project, your child will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Victorian class and will learn about the differences between schooling in the Victorian era and schooling today. They will learn about objects found in a Victorian classroom and how they were used. They will research Samuel Wilderspin, an important figure in the development of schooling for young children in the Victorian era, whose ideals are reflected in schooling today. They will learn to describe the passage of time through study of past, present and future tense vocabulary.

Project Focus	History
English	Narrative: Pinocchio, Poetry: Firework Night, Narrative: My Christmas Star
Maths	Place Value within 20, Addition and Subtraction to 20, Place Value within 100, Shape
History	Historical vocabulary; Historical artefacts; Timelines; Present day schools; Our school; Victorian era; Victorian schools; Significant people – Samuel Wilderspin
Geography	Fieldwork; Human and physical features; Maps; Local environment; Changes over time
PSHE	Special people; Positive contributions
Science	Wild and garden plants; Seasonal changes; Plant parts; Seeds and bulbs; Investigating leaves; Importance of plants; Working scientifically – Identifying and classifying, Observing changes over time, Pattern seeking, Research, Comparative test Animals' body parts; Animal groups – amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles; Carroll and Venn diagrams; Pets; Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores; Earthworms; Working scientifically – Identifying and classifying, Comparative test, Pattern seeking, Research
Art and Design	3-D murals; Buildings; Significant people – James Rizzi
Design Technology	Sources of food; Food preparation techniques; Hygiene rules; Designing and making salads and sandwiches
Religious Education	Christianity: Who made the world, Why does Christmas matter to Christians?
Computing	We are TV Chefs
Music	Unpitched Percussions

 

Our PE days this term are: Tuesday (Outdoor) and Thursday (Indoor)

Forest School will take place on Friday. 

 

Home learning

Homework will be set on a Friday. Home learning journals will be sent home to be returned by the following Thursday. Activities and reading logs can be accessed via our online learning platform, Learning with Parents. 

Log on to TTRS or Numbots to practice your times tables and number bonds. Try to do this 5 minutes a day - it really makes a difference! Log in details can be found in your home learning journal. 

Reading Books

We hope that you will be able to read with your child for at least 10 minutes per day. Children in Green phonics group onwards will have 2 phonic books we are currently reading in class in their bags to read each night. Please ensure these are in your child's bag each day so they can be changed when we begin the next text.

Every Friday we will have a library session during which your child will choose a new reading book to take home or continue with one they are already reading. Books cannot be changed for a new text unless the previous one is returned.

 

Christianity & Creation: Who Made the World?

This term in RE, our children have been exploring one of the most fundamental questions in Christianity: Who made the world? Through the lens of the Book of Genesis, they have learned about the Christian creation story and reflected on its meaning and significance.

Learning the Story of Creation Children discovered how Christians believe that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. They explored each stage of creation—from light and sky to animals and humans—and considered what this story teaches about the nature of God and the world He made.

Thankfulness and Reflection As part of their learning, the children took time to express what they are thankful for in their own lives. From family and friends to the beauty of nature, they shared heartfelt reflections and created artwork and prayers to celebrate the gifts they see around them.

 Harvest and Caring for Creation Linking their learning to the season of harvest, pupils explored how Christians give thanks for the food they receive and the importance of sharing with others. They also discussed how God would want people to look after the world—thinking about kindness, stewardship, and responsibility. This led to thoughtful conversations about recycling, protecting wildlife, and making choices that help rather than harm the planet.

 Living Out the Message Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, our children have begun to understand how Christian beliefs about creation can shape the way people live. They’ve considered how they themselves can care for the world and show gratitude for all that they have

 

Collective Worship: Exploring the Value of Generosity

This half term, our Collective Worship has centred around the Christian value of Generosity—giving freely, joyfully, and with love.

Scripture Focus: “God loves a cheerful giver” We began by exploring the Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 9:7, which reminds us that generosity is not just about giving, but about how we give. Children reflected on what it means to be a cheerful giver and how generosity can bring joy to both the giver and the receiver.

The Story of Johnny Appleseed We linked our learning to the story of Johnny Appleseed, a man known for planting apple trees and sharing nature’s gifts with others. His kindness and selflessness inspired the children to think about how small acts of giving can grow into something much bigger. Pupils created beautiful artwork to celebrate the story and its message.

The Generous Widow We also listened to stories from the Gospels, including the tale of the Generous Widow who gave all she had, even though it was very little. This powerful story helped children understand that generosity isn’t about how much you give, but the heart behind it.

Good Deeds and Selflessness Through discussion and reflection, children shared examples of good deeds they’ve seen or done themselves—from helping a friend to donating to charity. We talked about selflessness and how giving without expecting anything in return is one of the most meaningful ways to live out our values.

 Living Generously Every Day Our worship has encouraged children to think about how they can be generous in their daily lives—with their time, their words, and their actions. Whether it’s sharing a smile, helping at home, or being kind to someone in need, we’ve celebrated the many ways generosity can shine through

 

 Prayer Space: A Place for Peace, Reflection, and Mindfulness

Our Prayer Space is a calm and welcoming environment where children are invited to pause, reflect, and connect with their thoughts, feelings, and spirituality. It’s a special place designed to nurture wellbeing, encourage mindfulness, and explore Christian values in a gentle and meaningful way.

 Mindfulness and Calming Techniques Children have had the opportunity to practise a range of calming methods that help them feel centred and relaxed. These include:

• Bubble Breathing – imagining worries floating away like bubbles.
• Rainbow Breathing – breathing in colours to match emotions.
• Finger Breathing – tracing fingers while breathing deeply.
• Star Breathing – following the points of a star to guide slow, steady breaths.

 

New Beginnings and Uniqueness We’ve explored the theme of new beginnings, encouraging children to think about fresh starts and the beauty of being themselves. Through creative activities, they discovered that each person is unique—just like a fingerprint—and celebrated the differences that make us special.

Jesus as the Light of the World In our reflections, we’ve looked at how Jesus is described as the light of the world in Christian teaching. Children considered what this means and how light can bring hope, guidance, and comfort during difficult times.

What to Do When We Feel Worried Prayer Space has also been a safe space to talk about worries. Children discussed what they can do when they feel anxious or upset—whether it’s talking to someone they trust, using breathing techniques, or finding peace through prayer and quiet reflection.

Our Prayer Space continues to be a cherished part of school life, helping children grow in self-awareness, compassion, and spiritual understanding.

 

Memorable Experience

We’re delighted to share a truly memorable experience from our recent School Days project! Last week, we welcomed Sonia from The Oxford Museum, who brought Victorian school life vividly to life for our children.

From the moment Sonia arrived, the classroom was transformed into a scene from the past. The children were captivated as they explored what life was like for pupils in Victorian times. They loved dressing up in period clothing, trying their hand at writing on slates, and even using ink pens—quite a change from our usual pencils and whiteboards!

There were plenty of giggles (and a few gasps!) as they learned about the dunce hat and the cane—thankfully just for show! It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to reflect on how education has changed and to appreciate the comforts of modern schooling.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to FoFS for their kind and generous donation, which made this enriching experience possible. Your support continues to bring history to life in the most engaging ways