Friday 8th November

We have had a wonderful first week back and the children have come back to school full of positive energy after their half term rest.

This week has been a busy week exploring and learning about special celebrations such as Diwali and Firework Night.

On Tuesday we had a fire work celebration day. The children explored why we celebrate firework night. All of our learning tasks were based on fireworks. In outdoor learning ,Mrs Gregory and Janet made a bonfire for the children to explore. The children used a steel to start a spark and then sat around a perimeter and watched the fire that Mrs Gregory started. The children loved this experience and were using such brilliant vocabulary.

Today we had Diwali day. Maya from our local shop sent us some beautiful pictures of her Diwali outfit. She looked beautiful. The children explored what Diwali is and how Hindu people celebrate. All of our activities today were all about Diwali and the children learnt so much and achieved some great work tasks.

In phonics, the foundation children have started level from the beginning, with a strong focus on writing the letters using the correct formation. Writing the letters using correct formation benefits the children as they enter into year 1 and beyond as when they begin to join letters the letter formation makes a big difference.

The children have been writing s/a/t/ and p this week. Lots of practice would be great at home. Writing in shaving foam, sand, salt or using water on paint brushes is a great way to practice letter formation at home in a fun way. Please refer to the phonics sheets previously sent for the correct letter formation.

In maths the children have worked hard at representing numbers 1, 2 and 3. They have used many different ways to represent the numbers and have progressed so well.

Our BIG question this half term is: What shall I play with today?

Therefore, the children have also been exploring toys from the past and making pictures of toys they would lie to play with. They have been drawing their most favourite toys from home, been practicing writing their name and so much more!  

Have a lovely weekend 

The Foundation Team 

Welcome back

It has been lovely to see everyone back after the half term and to welcome some new faces to nursery. This week we have been exploring colour and answering our enquiry question "How does colour make us feel?". The children have been using different coloured paint to create firework pictures and have been discussing bonfire night and all of the colours that they create.
On Friday, the children decorate poppy biscuits and made poppies using apples to mark remembrance.

At storytime, the children have enjoyed looking at "The colour monster". They have been talkinig about how they feel and which colours make them happy, sad, scared or angry.

In phonics,  we have used musical instruments to create sounds. They have explored them to see if they make different sounds or if they sound similar. The children have performed different actions to songs they have heard and been exploring the initial sounds in words.

In maths, we are naming and ordering number to three and beyond, we have been exploring numbers on the maths table and practicing counting using different objects.

On Monday it is the start of Anti- bullying week. Children are invited to wear their odd socks to nursery.

Have a lovely weekend

The nursery team

**Welcome Back After the Break!**

We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break and are ready for another busy and exciting term at school!

This week has been full of engaging events and opportunities for both pupils and parents alike, and we’re thrilled to share some highlights.

We kicked things off with a fantastic Parent Phonics Workshop, where families were able to learn new strategies to support their children's literacy development. In addition, our Anton Home Learning Workshops gave parents and children alike a chance to explore ways to make home learning even more effective and enjoyable.

We’re also excited to announce the opening of our brand new Sensory Room, which will provide a calm and welcoming space for pupils to relax and refocus throughout the school day. It’s been wonderful to see how this space has already begun to benefit our children.

This week, our STEM Workshops have been a big hit with the children, allowing them to dive into hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities. We're so proud to see the curiosity and creativity our Year 5 children have shown in these sessions. In two weeks time, the whole school will be engaging in further STEM workshops. 

 Additionally, we welcomed the School Improvement Team for a visit, and we look forward to their continued support as we work together to make our school an even better place for all of our children.

Today, our BFA (Brunel Friends Association) has hosted two fantastic events: the **Dress Bright for Bonfire Night** and the **Family Quiz Night**. A huge thank you to the BFA for all their hard work in organising these events, as well as for their ongoing efforts to raise money for our school. Their support truly makes a difference, and we appreciate everything they do to enhance our school community.

Looking ahead, we have some important events next week.

On Monday, we’ll be holding our Remembrance Service on the school playground. The gate by the library will be open at 10:40am for parents to join us for this poignant occasion as we remember and honour those who have served in our country’s armed forces. We hope you will be able to join us for this very special moment.

Next week is also Anti-Bullying Week, with activities throughout the week to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion. On Tuesday, the children are invited to wear odd socks to celebrate individuality, and on Friday, we will be hosting **Brunel Against Bullying Blue Day**, where the children can wear blue to show their support for the anti-bullying message. This year, we are not asking for donations for Children in Need, but children are welcome to accessorise their blue outfits with **Pudsey ears** or other fun items.

As always, we thank you for your continued support. It’s been a busy week, and we’re excited for all the activities coming up. Wishing you all a very happy weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next week!  In the meantime, please sit back and enjoy the Brunel Bulletin. 

Swimming, STEM and more...

This week has seen a super busy week for Talland! The class demonstrated excellent resilience, determination and enthusiasm during their swimming sessions at Saltash Leisure Centre. Huge progress was made by all children - whether this was honing their technique, learning a new stroke or even overcoming their fears to get in the water and simply float. Thank you to all the staff at Saltash Leisure Centre in providing this excellent tuition for our children.

We also were really lucky to have Jorden and Sean from SDS Sustainability and Engineering Consultants visit us on Thursday for a workshop. We learned about the role of an engineer and how their company designs buildings and building solutions which are more energy efficient and 'green'. The children then had a go at trying to solve an engineering problem: creating a ductwork system in a house, using the least possible pieces of pipes. It was an inspiring session, with lots of children showing an interest in an engineering career by the end.

Marazion class have settled back into school so well after half term. 
We have enjoyed progressing with our learning about non-chronological reports, addition and subtraction and our topic 'How active is our planet?'. We have started to look at earthquakes and how they are formed.
In PE, we have enjoyed our first session in gymnastics looking at using symmetrical shapes. 

Today, we finished our RE topic of Hinduism and the children  had fun with colour learning about 'How vibrant is Hindu life in Britain?' by using bright colours.


Next week is Anti-bullying week and maths week.

This week we welcomed Mrs Harris to the team. The children enjoyed their first singing assembly with her and she was very impressed by their musical talents. Year 1 and Year 2 enjoyed exploring wind instruments in their music lesson with her too.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Maths Roundup

Next week (Mon 11^th  - Fri 15^th Nov), sees the return of Maths Week England! As such, children will be taking part in lots of fun maths puzzles and games in lessons, as well as finding out about maths in real life careers during a Newsday Tuesday special.

To celebrate, we also have some school-wide events taking place:

• Thursday 14^th November - Family Games Night: Maths Escape Room Edition! 

There'll be lots of online and paper-based maths escape rooms to try as families. All are welcome. For every escape room completed, you will gain an entry to a prize draw! As usual, this half term's KIRFs and resources will be available to take away too.

• Crazy KIRFs photo competition!

Open to all ages. Take a photo of your child learning their KIRFs in an unusual way or place and submit them to Mrs Swabey by Fri 15^th Nov. There are some fabulous prizes to be won! Please print and hand in to your child's teacher or email them to lswabey@brunelprimary.co.uk

Please find this half term's KIRFs attached to this blog post.

Hello Everyone!

We a really lovely week we have to end this first half term!

Maths Update
In maths this week, our Reception children have been continuing to focus on the numbers 1, 2, and 3. The children have been listening to stories and exploring the concepts of 1 more and 1 less, using the stories as a tool for number work. Meanwhile, our Year 1 and 2 children have been continuing to develop their understanding of addition and subtraction, using and recognising what the different symbols mean. 

English Learning
In English, we have completed our unit of work based on recount writing.  The children used their filmed interviews with Rachel the nurse to recount their questions and the answers Rachel gave.  This took a lot of effort and everyone was determined to get all of their information onto the page.  we found out so much about Rachel and her job.

Music time
This week we had our weekly session with Mrs Butlin, but with a twist.  The children enjoyed singing the songs and rhymes with everyone giving there all.  Then we were lucky enough to all get a go at playing the flute.  Mrs Butlin is a beautiful player and the children love listening to her.  We got the chance to try and make some sounds using just the mouth piece and then put the flutes together so we could feel what it is like to hold the instruments.  It was not as easy as we all thought but we definitely have some potential flute players in Canute. 

We hope you all enjoy a well deserved break over the half term holidays and we look forward to seeing you all on Monday 4th November.

Mrs Andrew, Mrs Fernie, Mrs Hicks, Miss Talbot

Welcome back Foundation and Year 1!

Welcome back! We have had a lovely start to this half term in Foundation / Year 1.

We have started our new big question for this half term which is ‘What can I play with today?’ and it is a history question, focusing on toys from the past and present. We have started a discussion about how we think toys have changed and we will think more about this in the following weeks.

We had a really fun day on Tuesday all about Bonfire Night! We made sparklers out of tissue paper and sticks, used playdough to make bonfires and sparklers, used chalk to draw fireworks as well as talking about what happens on Bonfire Night. Foundation even made a bonfire in their outdoor learning! They loved talking about the how they made the fire and how they worked together.

In Maths, Year 1 are continuing their work writing number sentences. They have been working super hard and have been using numicon to help them find the numbers. We have been choosing a number, and then finding how many number sentences we can make with that number.

The children have come back settled really well and I look forward to all the fun events happening this half term!

Thank you.

Foundation / Year 1 Team

I hope you all had a wonderful half term.

It has been lovely to be back in school today with the children finishing their Victorian Workhouse descriptions.

Please see some of their fantastic pieces of writing. I am sure you will see how much effort has gone into them.

In geography, we have been learning about volcanoes and their impact on people and the environment.

We have designed and made paper mache models of volcanoes during our Design Technology lessons, paying careful attention to the way that they are formed.

Finally, we conducted a scientific experiment to make our volcanoes 'erupt'. 

I'm sure you can tell by the photos that we have made a lot of effort to ensure that our volcanoes looked magnificent and that we had lots of fun in the process.