Foundation

Apple

In Maths, we have been exploring money and time. We have been learning to recognise different coins and have enjoyed practising making amounts using a variety of coins. We have also introduced the concept of time by looking at the days of the week, different times of the day, and discussing our daily routines, such as when we wake up, go to school, eat meals, and go to bed.

In English, we have been developing our sentence writing and building on our sentence structures through the use of non-fiction texts. The children have explored the features of non-fiction writing, learning how it differs from fiction by using headings, subheadings, labels, and factual information. They have used these skills to create their own animal fact files, researching different animals and presenting their findings in a clear and organised way. We have also explored the difference between facts and opinions, helping the children to identify whether a statement can be proven or is based on someone's thoughts or feelings.

Alongside this, we have continued to develop our grammar knowledge by learning about compound words, nouns, adjectives, verbs, and singular and plural nouns. The children have practised identifying these word types in their reading before applying them to their own writing. There has been a strong focus on writing in full sentences, using capital letters and full stops accurately, and adding adjectives to make descriptions more detailed and interesting. It has been fantastic to see the children's confidence grow as they apply these skills independently across a range of writing activities.

In Science, we have been learning about animals and their habitats. The children have explored a range of habitats, including woodlands, oceans, deserts, and polar regions, and discovered how animals are suited to the environments they live in. We have discussed what animals need to survive, including food, water, shelter, and space, and how habitats provide these essentials. We have also explored different animal diets, comparing the differences between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, and identifying examples of each. A highlight of our learning was caring for our duckling eggs, watching them hatch, and looking after the ducklings for a week. The children loved observing their development and learning about the care and needs of living things, we even took them outside to let them have a swim!

  

In PSHE, we have been focusing on understanding our emotions and recognising the difference between things we can control and things that are outside of our control. The children have explored how different situations can affect how we feel and have discussed ways to manage their emotions positively. Using ideas such as our “bucket” and interoception, the children have developed their awareness of their feelings, how emotions can feel in their bodies, and strategies they can use to help them feel calm and in control.

Cherry

Cherry Class has had a wonderful end to the school year with our exciting seaside topic, Oh I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside. The children have been enthusiastic learners, embracing every opportunity to explore, create and discover.

We started our topic by finding out about holidays in Victorian times and comparing them with seaside trips today. The children were intrigued by how families travelled to the coast and enjoyed learning about Victorian bathing machines and seaside traditions.

Our literacy learning was inspired by a range of engaging stories, including Spot Goes to the Beach, The Rainbow Fish, Pirates Love Underpants and The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch. These books inspired lots of speaking, listening and writing opportunities. The children retold pirate adventures, designed "Wanted" posters for the mischievous seagulls who stole Mr Grinling's lunch and learnt a wide range of new vocabulary linked to pirates and the seaside.

There were plenty of opportunities to get creative too. Cherry Class produced beautiful Rainbow Fish artwork, designed pirate-themed crafts and explored a variety of seaside art activities. The classroom was full of imaginative play as the children transformed themselves into pirates, created adventures in our small world areas and worked together to invent their own seaside stories.

    

A real highlight of the term was our visit to West Wittering Beach. The children had a fantastic day paddling in the sea, building sandcastles and enjoying time together in the sunshine. It was a wonderful way to bring our learning to life and create lasting memories.We are incredibly proud of everything the children have achieved this year. They have shown kindness, resilience, enthusiasm and a real love of learning, making this a truly special final term. Well done, Cherry Class. We hope you all have a fantastic summer!

Primary

Pine

Pine class has had a great term - we watched our Butterflies hatch and then we released them - it was amazing watching them change and grow. We also really enjoyed Sports Day and did a fantastic job at supporting each other and cheering each other on! We also took part in Glide to Ride sessions, which were brilliant - we showed great resilience and determination.

Willow

In Willow for English, we have been exploring The Day the Crayons Quit, using the story to inspire our own creative writing. The children designed their own crayon characters before writing imaginative stories, bringing their colourful personalities to life.

    

Elm

Elm Class had a fantastic trip to Reading, where they visited the Apple Store for an exciting GarageBand workshop. The children practised important life skills throughout the day, including travelling safely by train, buying their own train tickets and behaving responsibly in public places.

At the Apple Store, the class took part in a hands-on workshop where they explored how to create their own music using GarageBand. Everyone enjoyed experimenting with different sounds and instruments while developing their creativity and digital skills.

It was a brilliant day that combined independence, confidence building and technology in a fun and engaging way. Well done, Elm Class!

Beech

Beech class has been learning about scientists and inventors in Science and the students gave an engaging presentation of an animal of their choice.

The class had an exciting trip to Chobham Adventure Farm where they met and fed animals, then enjoyed using the slides and soft play.

    

Oak

Oak class took part in a Glide to Ride session. They all really enjoyed learning how to ride a bike or practising the skills they already have.  The class learnt how to balance in a fun and safe way and showed great enthusiasm and engagement with the session.

Drama

Foundation have been learning how to evaluate their performance this term whilst acting out classic fairytales each week, a highlight of which was dancing at Cinderella’s Royal Ball, whilst both Pine and Oak have been working on learning stage directions and understanding scripts in both the Jungle and Under the Sea.

Willow have been on an adventure with none other than Phileas Fogg, travelling around the world in 80 days and learning about team work, improvisation, problem solving and different cultures, whilst Elm have been racing across 1920s England on an Old Steam train and exploring different characters through physicality.

Beech have explored Theatre Design this term learning about technical elements such as Lighting, Sound, Costume, Props and Set. They have created some sensational designs and really had fun dressing up! 

Art

You can find more regular updates on Instagram @heathermount_art.

We have been busy completing some fantastic art projects before the end of the school year. Following their colourful 2D gecko paintings, Willow, Pine and Oak classes have created impressive 3D clay geckos. Pupils learnt how to shape clay and build up layers of paint to create bold, distinctive patterns.

  

Cherry class  have created a hanging mobile based on Summer.  Every week they completed a new item to hang.  Apple class have completed their superhero project where they have a photo of themselves dressed as a superhero flying over a landscape they have produced. 

Horticulture and Forest School

Students have been watching their vegetables grow an have enjoyed watering, weeding and harvesting them.

PE

This term, our Foundation and Primary students have been working hard to develop their athletics skills in preparation for Sports Day. Throughout their PE lessons, the children demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and resilience as they practised a variety of events.

They thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a range of races on Sports Day, including the egg and spoon race, hurdles, sprinting, and relay events. It was wonderful to see their confidence and skills grow each week as they prepared for the big day.

Sports Day was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and achievement. Both our Foundation and Primary students showed exceptional sportsmanship, encouraging one another and giving their best effort in every event. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitudes, enthusiasm, and engagement they displayed, making the day an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Well done to all our amazing pupils for making Sports Day such a success!