Half-termly topics
During our final half-term of the school year, CHS students immersed themselves in an inspiring theme: ‘Exploring imagination through colours’. This topic encouraged them to think creatively and express themselves in and outside of the classroom, as we explored how colour, creativity, and imagination can shape the way we understand and represent the world around us.
In literacy, we were inspired by Mix It Up! by Hervé Tullet and Art & Max by David Wiesner. These texts sparked thoughtful discussions about artistic style and visual storytelling, helping the children compare illustrations and recognise how colour and form can communicate ideas. They also developed their understanding of artistic vocabulary through engaging activities and used creative writing frames to describe colours, textures, and emotions, while deepening their knowledge of primary and secondary colours.
Mathematics had a creative angle this half-term, as we focused on the ways numbers and patterns appear in artistic expression. Students explored pointillism by carefully counting and recording paint drops, and investigated lines, angles, and symmetry through their own artwork, including beautifully balanced butterfly designs. We also estimated proportions of colour within paintings and explored grouping and pattern-making through printmaking activities, discovering how mathematical thinking supports artistic composition.
Science lessons provided further opportunities for exploration and discovery. The children studied animal coats and plumage, carefully observing and drawing fur, scales, and feathers. They investigated symmetry through butterfly artwork while learning about insect anatomy, and built detailed 3D habitat models using natural materials. This curiosity extended into practical experiments, including testing the absorbency of different materials such as fabric, paper, cardboard, and tissue paper. They also explored the principles of light and shadow through shadow puppetry and created inventive magnetic artwork using everyday materials.
In PSHE, the focus was on emotions, wellbeing, and personal growth. We explored feelings through colour using the ‘Zones of Regulation’ framework and celebrated their individual strengths. They reflected on healthy habits, designed kindness and friendship “recipes,” and learned about online safety through discussions about digital footprints. Creativity was also used as a tool for reflection and confidence-building, as students engaged in storytelling, role-play, and vision board activities to imagine their hopes and ambitions for the future.
In art, the students explored a wide range of techniques inspired by artists such as M.C. Escher, from detailed still-life drawings and masterpiece recreations such as Sunflowers, to experimental methods like printmaking, pointillism, tape resist painting, clay sculpting, and paper mâché mask making. They also designed imaginative costumes and masks, created dreamcatchers, and developed vision boards, all of which allowed them to express their ideas in increasingly personal and creative ways.
History lessons took us on a journey through time, exploring how imagination and creativity have shaped human culture. They compared artistic styles from different eras, from Victorian street scenes to modern graffiti, and explored music and dance across history. They also recreated ancient art forms such as hieroglyphics using papyrus-style materials and delved into myths, legends, and fairy tales from different cultures. We examined historical inventions, created storytelling timelines, and designed costumes and settings inspired by different periods, discovering how imagination has always played a role in human achievement.
In RE, we explored the role of imagination in understanding faith and belief. They matched symbols to different religions, created storyboards based on religious narratives, and studied religious art and architecture through both discussion and hands-on construction activities. They acted out stories, reflected on parables, and considered how visions, dreams, and symbolism are used to convey meaning. Through these activities, the children developed respect and understanding for different beliefs while expressing ideas creatively.
Computing provided a modern creative outlet, as students used digital tools to bring their ideas to life. They experimented with digital finger painting, online drawing platforms, pixel art, and creative coding activities. Using programs such as Busy Things, they explored interactive stories and games and designed their own interactive presentations.
This half term we marked a range of cultural, social, and religious celebrations, alongside important awareness days. These experiences help to deepen students’ understanding of the wider world and develop key social, emotional, and creative skills.
We began by celebrating World Environment Day, where we learned about the importance of caring for our planet. Students took part in discussions about recycling, reducing waste, and protecting natural spaces, and created powerful posters to share environmental messages and encourage others to take action.
For Pride Month, the focus was on celebrating individuality, kindness, and respect. The children reflected on what it means to feel proud of who you are and the people you love. They explored themes of diversity and acceptance through creative rainbow-inspired crafts and artwork, using colour as a way to express identity, belonging, and joy.
On World Ocean Day, the children explored the importance of our oceans and water in all its forms. Through engaging water play activities in the garden, they learned how water can change and move, and discussed the different creatures that live in the sea. We also discussed the importance of keeping oceans clean and safe, linking their learning to the themes from World Environment Day.
This learning was further developed during Water Safety Week, where we focused on how to stay safe in and around water. Students looked at different safety signs and flags, and discussed how to make sensible choices when swimming or near water. This focus helped build an awareness of key safety skills and confidence around water.
To celebrate Music Day, we explored a wide variety of instruments from around the world. They listened to different genres of music and discussed how music can make us feel, recognising how it can express a wide range of emotions. They experimented with rhythm and sound by creating their own beats using body percussion and everyday objects, discovering that music can be made anywhere and with anything.
Finally, we marked the NHS’ birthday, taking time to say thank you to the people who care for and support us every day. They created thoughtful cards and posters to show their appreciation and extended their learning into imaginative play, making pretend cakes and celebrating together using playdough and role-play activities. This helped them to understand the importance of gratitude and the many roles people play in helping our communities.
This half term, student continued to broaden their experiences through a range of activities beyond the classroom, helping them develop confidence, independence, and important life skills.
Our visits to Earlsfield Library remained an important part of the children's learning. Exploring a variety of books and stories encouraged curiosity and a growing enthusiasm for reading. We also learned how to use community spaces responsibly, demonstrating respect for their surroundings and consideration for others while enjoying quiet reading time.
Viridian class took part in swimming sessions this half-term, where they had the opportunity to develop their water skills in a safe and supportive setting. As the weeks progressed, they became increasingly confident in the pool, learning how to move safely in the water while improving their balance, coordination, and physical strength. The sessions also encouraged perseverance and a positive attitude towards new challenges.
Our visit to the London Docklands Museum gave us the opportunity to explore London's rich history through an engaging interactive gallery session. We took part in a creative arts and crafts workshop, making their own finger puppets and using them to tell stories. The children also enjoyed a special music session with Luke Crookes, where they listened to the unique sounds of the bassoon and worked together to create a musical journey through London's past, using imagination and storytelling to bring history to life.
We also visited the National Gallery, where they explored a range of famous paintings and discovered how artists use colour, perspective, and detail to tell stories. They investigated concepts such as foreground and background, learned about primary and secondary colours, and used puppets and small-world figures to recreate scenes inspired by the artwork. The visit also included a sensory workshop, where the children experimented with light, sound, textures, and artistic materials, encouraging them to engage with art in a creative and meaningful way.
This half term, we were excited to welcome Safari Pete to school for a fascinating animal encounter. During this interactive session, we learned about and met a variety of animals, including snakes, owls, lizards and more, discovering about their habitats, diets, body features, and how they survive in the wild.
Students had the opportunity to observe the animals up close, ask questions, and learn interesting facts about their anatomy and behaviours. For many, the highlight of the experience was being able to gently touch or hold some of the animals, helping to build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
This half term, students took part in a variety of exciting competitions that encouraged them to use their imagination, creativity, and communication skills.
As part of the Young Writers' "Ridiculous Writers" competition, we got creative with weird and wonderful short stories centred around fun characters. Students planned and wrote their own silly "mini sagas" where they focused on describing a wacky character and their antics in under 100 words.
Students also participated in the "Super Me" competition, where they designed and created their very own superheroes. They thought carefully about their superhero's name, appearance, special powers, and personality, before presenting their ideas through artwork and creative projects. Using a range of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media, the children produced imaginative and colourful entries that showcased their creativity and individuality.
As we come to the end of another fantastic school year, we can reflect on a year filled with colour, creativity, exploration, and achievement. Through our final topic, Exploring Imagination Through Colours, the children have enjoyed many opportunities to express themselves, build new skills, and grow in confidence across all areas of learning.
This half term ended in a very special way with our Festival of Arts Day, a joyful celebration of creativity in all its forms. Students took the lead throughout the day, guiding us through performances and activities that showcased their imagination, confidence, and talent. With music, movement, and singing, the whole school came together to celebrate and share in a vibrant, creative atmosphere.
In preparation for transition, we have been exploring stories about change and taking part in activities to help them feel excited and confident about moving into their new classrooms. These experiences have supported them in reflecting on their progress and looking forward to what comes next.
We are incredibly proud of everything that we’ve achieved together this year and the enthusiasm and curiosity students have shown throughout their learning. As we head into the summer break, we would like to thank our families for their continued support and wish everyone a happy, restful holiday.
We are also looking forward to the new academic year and our exciting whole school theme, which will bring fresh opportunities for learning, creativity, and discovery!