Half-termly topics
We have welcomed a new school year with an exciting whole school theme, ‘Exploring a World of Patterns’. Our Autumn 1 focus, ‘Patterns in me’, encouraged children to explore the patterns, qualities and characteristics that make each of us different and special in our own way.
In literacy, children enjoyed reading A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon and Pattern Fish by Trudy Harris. These stories encouraged the students to explore emotions, identity, difference and self-expression. Through role play, sensory activities, sequencing, vocabulary work and creative writing, children described colours and patterns, explored characters’ feelings and reflected on what makes them unique.
Mathematics was brought to life through colourful and practical pattern activities. Children counted stripes and spots, explored addition, subtraction, grouping and sharing, and investigated measurement, shapes, symmetry and positions. They also collected information about favourite colours and patterns and represented their findings using simple charts and pictograms.
In science, children explored living things, materials and the world around them. They observed plants and animals, compared their features and explored what living things need to survive. They also investigated different materials and their properties, making predictions, sorting materials and observing changes through practical experiments.
In PSHE, children focused on emotions, friendships and celebrating individuality. Using the Zones of Regulation, role play and creative activities, they developed ways to communicate their feelings, practise kindness and turn-taking, and recognise the qualities that make each person special.
In art, children explored colour, texture and repeating patterns through mediums including painting, printing, collage and natural materials. They created patterned fish, colourful artwork, self-portraits and imaginative characters, developing their creativity and confidence in expressing their own ideas.
Geography introduced children to oceans, seaside environments and different places around the world. They explored land and sea, compared environments and created simple maps, while discovering patterns in countries, colours and flags.
In music, students explored patterns through rhythm, movement and sound. They created and repeated musical patterns using instruments and body percussion, experimented with ocean sounds and enjoyed songs inspired by the theme.
Throughout the half-term, ‘Patterns in Me’ gave children opportunities to explore patterns in numbers, stories, nature, art, music and the wider world, while celebrating the unique qualities that make each of us who we are. Most importantly, it has been a wonderful first half-term of settling into the school routine, building relationships and growing together.
This half term, the children took part in a variety of celebrations and awareness days that supported their understanding of themselves, others and the wider world. Through discussions, creative activities, practical experiences and sensory exploration, children were able to engage with each theme in ways that suited their individual interests, communication styles and learning needs.
We began with getting to know you week, helping children settle into their new classes and build positive relationships with their peers, teachers and the school community. Children shared their interests, favourite things and preferences through conversations, games, self-portraits, photographs and symbol-supported activities. They also enjoyed turn-taking games and activities designed to help everyone feel comfortable and welcomed in their new class.
For World First Aid Day, children explored the importance of helping others and keeping ourselves safe. They learned about first aid equipment, practised simple bandaging and explored who they can go to for help. Through role play, discussion, visuals and practical activities, children developed their understanding of how to respond when someone is hurt or needs support.
During National Inclusion Week, we explored what it means to make everyone feel welcome, valued and included. Children discussed similarities and differences, shared their ideas about friendship and kindness, and took part in collaborative art and group activities. Through stories, sensory experiences and communication activities, children explored how we can include and support one another in and outside of school.
Recycling Week encouraged children to take practical steps to take care of our environment. We sorted recyclable materials, explored different textures and properties of these materials, and learned about reducing waste. Children also created artwork from recycled materials, combining creativity with an understanding of how our everyday choices can help protect the planet.
For International Day of Sign Languages, children explored the many different ways people communicate. They learned and practised simple Makaton signs, explored facial expressions and gestures, and used signs alongside speech, symbols and other communication methods. Children also enjoyed songs, movement and interactive games that encouraged them to communicate with one another.
We celebrated National Teaching Assistants’ Day by recognising the important role our teaching assistants play in school. Children created cards, drawings and messages of thanks and shared what they enjoy about the adults who support them. This was a lovely opportunity to recognise the positive relationships that help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
During Black History Month, children explored the achievements, contributions and experiences of the Black community through stories, music, art and creative activities. They learned about inspiring individuals, explored different cultural traditions and listened to music from around the world. Children also created artwork inspired by Black artists and explored colours, patterns and imagery through a range of practical activities.
World Space Week sparked curiosity about the universe and what lies beyond our planet. Children learned about planets, stars, rockets and astronauts through stories, videos, sensory activities and creative projects. They designed and built rockets, created space artwork and took part in imaginative role play, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them.
For World Mental Health Day, the focus was on emotional wellbeing and ways we can look after ourselves and others. Children explored different emotions through the Zones of Regulation, alongside stories, discussions and creative activities focused on wellbeing. They also practised regulation strategies that incorporated breathing, movement and sensory play.
Finally, World Food Day provided an opportunity to explore food, culture and healthy choices. Children discovered foods from different cultures through stories, photographs, cooking and sensory activities. They explored different tastes, smells, colours and textures, while developing independence, communication and choice-making skills and learning about the importance of food in communities around the world.
This half term, the children have broadened their experiences beyond the classroom through a range of trips, visits and special workshops. These opportunities supported the development of confidence, independence, communication and life skills, while giving children the chance to explore new environments and experiences.
Mosaic class enjoyed weekly swimming sessions, developing their confidence and independence in the water while working on their physical skills, coordination and water safety. The children also had opportunities to celebrate their progress and enjoy being active together.
We continued with our weekly visits to Earlsfield Library, giving children regular opportunities to explore books and stories, make choices about what they would like to read and develop their interest in reading. The visits also support communication, independence and confidence in using a community space, while encouraging children to practise appropriate behaviours and consideration for others.
All classes took part in a special musical workshop, ‘patterns of me’, led by Luke Crookes, which connected directly with our half-term theme. Children explored patterns through music, movement, sound, texture, drawing and mark-making. Using instruments, voice, body percussion and sensory materials, they created their own musical ideas and worked together to develop shared soundscapes.
The children also began their weekly visits to Lady Allen Adventure Playground, where they have enjoyed a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. From swings, climbing frames, treehouses, bikes and trailers to soft play, zip wires and sensory spaces, the students have been able to choose activities that interest them and explore at their own pace. These child-led experiences have encouraged decision-making, turn-taking, physical development, independence and social interaction, while providing plenty of opportunities for fun, exploration and building friendships.
Our trips and visits this half term have provided valuable opportunities for children to learn beyond the classroom, try new experiences and develop confidence in themselves and their surroundings.
This half term, the children had the opportunity to take part in the Young Writers ‘This Is Me Acrostics’ competition. This encouraged children to explore and express what makes them special through poetry.
Children began by thinking about themselves, including their names, favourite things, people they care about, interests and things they are good at. They then chose a word to create their own acrostic poem, using each letter as the starting point for a new line. With a clear and accessible structure, children were able to develop vocabulary, make word choices and build their poems step by step.
The activity provided an opportunity for every child to participate at their own level, using writing, typing, symbols, pictures or adult support where appropriate. Most importantly, it encouraged self-expression and gave children a sense of achievement as they created a poem that was personal to them. Children were able to enter their poems into the competition, with all participants receiving a bookmark and sticker and the opportunity for their writing to be published in a book!
As we begin our next exciting half term, we will continue our whole-school theme of exploring a world of patterns with a new focus: ‘Wild Patterns: Patterns in Nature’. The children will explore the wonderful patterns found in the natural world, discovering patterns in plants, animals, weather, landscapes and the environment around us. Through a range of creative, practical and sensory activities, we will encourage children to observe, explore and celebrate the patterns they discover.
We are also looking forward to preparing for our CHS Holiday Village, which will be a special opportunity to bring our school community together. The children will be involved in creating and preparing for this festive celebration, and we look forward to welcoming our families to join us as we begin the journey towards Christmas together.
There will be lots of exciting opportunities for learning, creativity, celebration and togetherness as we move into the next half term!