In topic, the children began their new Mantle of the Expert unit — Memory Keepers — where they are exploring Remembrance and the important role of different people during World War I. We travelled back in time to 1914, where the children received a special letter asking for their help as historical investigators. Together, we imagined what life was like over 100 years ago and began asking questions about the past — Who were the people involved? What did they do? Why do we remember them? The children examined images, artefacts, and letters from the time and began to understand the significance of remembrance and how we honour those who served. This immersive start really captured their curiosity and empathy, setting a wonderful foundation for the rest of the unit.

In English, Tahiti started their new text The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers. The children have been looking closely at sentence structure, learning how to build more interesting sentences and use English techniques such as adjectives and conjunctions to add detail and flow. They have been practising writing sentences about the story and discussing the characters’ emotions and decisions.

Meanwhile, in Sumatra, the children have been diving into their new English scheme, Curious Quests, with lots of excitement and imagination! They began their adventure by receiving mysterious codes to send through a secret portal to Professor Klunk, who will be sending them on new writing missions. The children were fully engaged, decoding messages, writing their own secret notes, and working together to complete their first challenges. This creative approach has really sparked their love of writing and storytelling.

In PE, the children have been working hard in their gymnastics lessons, focusing on balance and control. They learned how to balance using different parts of their bodies — hands, feet, knees, and even elbows! The children showed great concentration and teamwork as they created sequences and explored how to hold their bodies steady and strong. It was wonderful to see their growing confidence and enjoyment in movement.

It has been a week full of energy, creativity, and curiosity — a brilliant start to our new half-term of learning!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Islands team

Key information

Home learning

Tahiti:

• Big Maths
• White Rose sheet
• Spellings

Sumatra

• Letter formation sheet
• White Rose sheet
• Writing sheet
• Oxford Owl/ Phonics books

Thank you for the families that bought in their recycling for junk modelling, it has been put into great use! We would appreciate some more, so if you have any that you would like to donate, we would be very grateful!