: Blog items
Date: 5th Nov 2025 @ 4:03pm
What a lovely week we have had in year 2.
In Maths, the children have been working on addition and subtraction representing their questions using base 10 and also as numbers. The children have worked on exchanging ten ones for a ten and how to represent this. They have enjoyed learning a new method which we will continue to practise next week.
In English, we have started our new book called The Great Fire of London. The children looked at different pieces of art and talked about what they could see in the pictures. We discussed what they would like to know about the Great Fire of London and what they already knew. The children were asking great questions that they would like to know the answers to. The Great Fire of London will be a focus in English, History and Music which I know that the children will really enjoy this half term.
In RE, we started our new topic about good news. The children shared their good news during circle time and listened well to other children's news. We then watched Newsround and talked about the news from today which included information about Bonfire Night. The children then wrote down their good news to share with others.
In Design and Technology, the children have started their new topic to create a suitable chair for Baby Bear. We looked at different types of chairs and how suitable they were. The children particularly enjoyed talking about the inflatable chair and the wobble throne and could explain why they would not be a suitable chair.
In Science, we started our new topic on materials. We recapped different types of materials from year 1, discussed key vocabulary including transparent and opaque and then sorted materials into strong and fragile materials.
Have a lovely weekend,
The Year 2 Team
Reminders:
- Kindness Week video filming will take place next week!
Date: 5th Nov 2025 @ 2:12pm
Welcome back after what we are sure was a busy but well-deserved break!
In phonics, the children have been revisiting previously learned sounds and continuing to practise blending using Fred Talk. Many enjoyed using magnetic letters to build CVC words — a fun and interactive way to reinforce their learning. A big thank you for all the support over the half-term break — it’s clear that lots of hard work has gone on at home, and we can really see the progress in the classroom.
In maths, we’ve been exploring the numbers 1, 2 and 3. The children have been learning to subitise — recognising small quantities without counting — and have matched different representations of numbers to the correct numeral cards. We’ve also discussed how counting involves adding one more each time, helping to build a strong foundation for number sense.
We also spent time learning about All Saints’ Day, following on from All Hallows’ Day. The children took part in a fun activity where they were presented with two identical-looking bowls and tasted what was inside — some were pleasantly surprised, while others got a not-so-nice surprise! This led to a lovely discussion about how, just like everyone else, we experience both good and bad things in life, and how God guides us through them all.
To end the week, we learned about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children shared their own experiences of watching fireworks and talked about family traditions, such as eating toffee apples. We also discussed the importance of firework safety when attending displays. The children created beautiful firework paintings and enjoyed making a tasty firework-themed breadstick sparkler treat!
What a very busy and excitable week we have had in Reception! Have a lovely weekend and we can’t wait to see what adventures take place next week.
Mrs Molloy, Mrs Bevin and the Reception team
Date: 5th Nov 2025 @ 1:57pm
Welcome back!
After a well-deserved half-term break, Year 4 returned full of energy, ready to start the new term.
We began our week with RE, where we reflected on the belief that Jesus is the light of the world. Through thoughtful discussion, the children explored what this symbol means to Christians and how light can represent hope, guidance, and love. Each child then created a symbolic candle, expressing their personal reflections and beliefs through art and words.
In English, we delved into the captivating picture book Gorilla by Anthony Browne. We focused on using expanded noun phrases to describe the illustrations and characters, enhancing our descriptive writing skills. From “a lonely little girl with curious eyes” to “a mysterious gorilla in a smart red bow tie,” the children’s writing was vivid and imaginative.
Maths saw us revisiting column addition, ensuring we’re confident with carrying over digits before moving on to column subtraction. We practised borrowing from the next column to help us subtract accurately.
Our Art lessons were especially meaningful this week. We created stunning poppy mosaics using WW2-inspired newspaper backgrounds to mark Remembrance Sunday. The children showed great respect and care in their work, honouring those who have served and sacrificed.
We also enjoyed a return trip to Laurel’s Wood, where we continued developing our forestry skills. The children worked together to build shelters, identify plants, and explore nature—all part of our journey toward achieving the Young Forester Award.
A huge thank you to Team TSP for putting on a spectacular firework showcase at our school. Many of us attended and were dazzled by the firework display and stalls.
And of course, the highlight of the week was Golden Time! We celebrated completing our Secret Student Chart with games, laughter, and shared toys from home.
Reminders:
- Kindness Week video filming will take place next week!
- Thursday: We will be visiting Barnardo’s Children’s Charity to drop off our donations in support of Children in Need.
- Wednesday 12th November: Children will need a packed lunch to enjoy after our cinema trip.
- Friday: Please bringoutdoor learning clothes for our forest activities.
- Friday is also Children in Need Day – we’ll be celebrating with activities to support this important cause.
Date: 24th Oct 2025 @ 9:59am
What a lovely half term we have had!
In Maths, we have continued working on different addition and subtraction methods. The children have practised different ways to support them adding and subtracting. After half term we will be continuing with the addition and subtraction topic focussing on adding and subtracting two digit numbers and practising the methods that we have already learnt.
In English, we finished reading the story Look Up. This week the children imagined that they were on their own rocket journey and have imagined what it would be like focussing on their 5 senses and using a variety of vocabulary to improve their writing.
In Geography, we looked at human and physical features in different places. The children then worked on spotting different human and physical features in a variety of places.
In Computing, this half term we have worked on online safety. The children have enjoyed learning about internet safety and also understand that they should not share any personal information online and always tell an adult if they are unsure.
This week in Science, we learnt about the importance of hygiene. We discussed when we should wash our hands and how we can be hygienic. The children enjoyed an activity based around the transfer of germs where they had to shake hands with each other to show the transfer of germs, which highlighted how important it is to wash our hands. In the outdoor classroom, the children used their reef knot knowledge from last week and were also shown how to tie a clove hitch knot.
On Friday, the children came to school in their pyjamas to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. It was a fun and meaningful way to support a great cause. We were also treated to a magical pantomime of 'Sleeping Beauty.' They all enjoyed joining in and it was a wonderful shared experience that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
We hope you all have a lovely half term.
Happy Half Term, from the Year 2 Team
Reminders for next half term
- Our PE days will be Tuesday and Friday starting on the first week back.
- Please continue to bring in wellies for our outdoor classroom sessions on Wednesdays.
Date: 23rd Oct 2025 @ 9:31pm
What an amazing week we’ve had in Year 5!
In English, we proudly published our diaries in our Author Books. The children worked so hard to produce beautiful handwriting and stunning illustrations – they look fantastic!
In Maths, we continued developing our skills in column subtraction and used reasoning to identify and explain mistakes. Learning didn’t stop in the classroom – we took it outside for a fun Place Value Race with Mr McPhee! On Thursday, we joined a numeracy workshop where we explored how maths is part of everyday life and how it can open doors to exciting future careers.
As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, we reflected on how we can celebrate our uniqueness at TSP. We thought about the ways each of us shines in our own special way.
Our Science lessons were out of this world! We explored why we experience day and night by learning about the Earth’s rotation on its axis and how this creates the cycle of daylight and darkness. We also investigated the phases of the moon, discovering how the moon’s position relative to the Earth and Sun changes what we see in the night sky. To make it fun and memorable, we used Oreos to model the different phases – from new moon to full moon! The children loved creating their edible diagrams and could clearly explain why the moon appears to change shape over time.
We ended the week in style, wearing our pyjamas to support Alder Hey. It was a day full of laughter and joy as we watched the panto together.
We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest over half term. We can’t wait to see you all back, ready for more learning adventures!
Happy Half Term, from the Year 5 Team
Date: 23rd Oct 2025 @ 1:37pm
Well done on another brilliant week, Year 1!
We’ve had a fantastic time continuing our work in Maths, focusing on addition within 10. The children have been working so hard to solve number sentences and use different strategies to find the answers. We’re becoming experts at spotting number bonds to 10, and our favourite way to remember them is by singing songs! Over half term, it would be wonderful if you could test us on our number bonds – singing, chanting, or even using objects at home to practise will help keep our skills sharp!
In Geography, we wrapped up our exciting journey around the world by revisiting the seven continents. We loved recalling all the amazing facts we’ve learned and creating famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Mount Rushmore, and the Great Wall of China. It’s been such a joy to see the children’s creativity and curiosity shine through in every lesson.
Wednesday brought another energetic and joyful session with Mrs Whitehead, where we continued rehearsing our High School Musical dance routine. We added some fabulous solos and showed brilliant teamwork and listening skills. I was so proud of everyone’s confidence and enthusiasm – you’re all stars!
As we come to the end of our first term in Year 1, we’ve taken time to reflect on some of our favourite moments:
- Learning about all kinds of animals and discovering weird and wonderful facts
- Exploring our new classroom and challenging ourselves through building, making, role play, singing, and playing music outside
- Tackling new concepts in Maths and bravely taking on trickier questions
- Celebrating Hello Yellow Day, where we had thoughtful conversations about happiness and positivity
- Enjoying Pyjama Day, snuggling up in our comfiest clothes and watching a brilliant pantomime as a special treat
Most of all, we’ve loved making new memories, building friendships, and embracing the challenges of a new school year. We are incredibly proud of how well everyone has settled into Year 1 – your resilience, kindness, and hard work have been truly inspiring.
Have a restful and fun half term!
Date: 23rd Oct 2025 @ 7:57am
A Week of Hedgehogs, Happy Potions, and Shining Celebrations!
What a wonderful way to end our first half term together! This week has been full of spiky surprises, magical moments, and celebrations of both light and love.
We began the week with ‘Moving Monday’, jumping straight into action in our PE session. The children had so much fun hopping, skipping, jumping and galloping their way through energetic games, including a fun twist on ‘Follow the Leader’. These sessions continue to support the children’s physical development, coordination and listening skills – all while burning off plenty of autumn energy!
Our learning took a ‘spiky’ turn as we explored the world of hedgehogs. We were amazed to learn that these little creatures are nocturnal and hibernate in the winter—two new vocabulary words that the children used confidently in their conversations. We got creative, crafting hedgehogs from cut leaves and making mud hedgehogs in Forest School using twigs for their spikes. It was lovely to see the children so engaged and curious about these fascinating garden visitors.
Inspired by the season (and a touch of magic), we transformed our home corner into the witch’s cottage from ‘Room on the Broom’. With a bubbling cauldron, mysterious ingredients, and a brand-new wand to create, the children’s imaginations soared. Water play became a potion-making laboratory, where love potions and flying potions were brewed with great care and plenty of giggles!
We also acknowledged the start of Diwali on Tuesday 21st October – a celebration of light, love and new beginnings. The children explored the meaning behind this beautiful festival, made their own diva lamps, and created colourful Rangoli patterns. We talked about how Diwali is called the ‘Festival of Light’, and how light is always stronger than darkness – a message that resonated with the children and linked beautifully to the values we explore in our daily reflections.
This week also marked our final Stay and Play sessions. It has truly been a privilege to welcome you into our setting and share a little window into your children’s learning. The children have absolutely loved having you here – and we agree, the only thing missing was maybe a nice cup of tea and a bit of baking on the side!
We ended the week in the comfiest way possible with Alder Hey PJ Day, a wonderful charity that supports Alder Hey Children's Hospital by raising funds to provide comfort, care, and life-changing equipment for young patients and their families. The children were over the moon to bring in their teddies from home. It’s safe to say those teddies had a wild day—bouncing on beds, joining in playtime, and getting up to all sorts of cheeky mischief!
As we head into a well-earned break, we can’t quite believe how quickly the last eight weeks have flown by. It’s been an absolute joy getting to know your wonderful children. Thank you for your support, your smiles at the gate, and for being part of this very special first half term.
Wishing you all a restful, family-fuelled week. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back, refreshed and ready for more fun next term!
Warm wishes,
Mrs Grayson and the Nursery Team
Please see our updated virtual classroom attached to this blog if you would like to explore any of the themes we will be exploring after the half term.
Dates for the diary: -
Monday 3rd November - Return to School
Wed 5th November - Team TSP Community Firework Display
Wed 12th November – Remembrance WOW service 2pm @St Peter’s Church
Friday 14th November - Children in Need
Date: 22nd Oct 2025 @ 7:15pm
As we wrap up a fantastic first half term in Year 3, we’re proud to share some of our exciting learning moments from this week.
Inspired by our focus text 'Seal Surfer', the children immersed themselves in the story’s themes of adventure, resilience, and friendship. In English, they wrote heartfelt letters in the first person to Grandad, a key character in the story, describing their own imagined experiences of surfing with the seal. They applied their learning about expanded noun phrases, sentence structure, and emotive language to bring their writing to life. To complement their letters, the children created lovely watercolour scenes in their Author Books.
In Maths, we’ve been strengthening our skills in addition and subtraction using the column method. The children have worked hard to master adding and subtracting across tens and hundreds. We also enjoyed a special Maths Assembly, where we explored how maths is used in real-world jobs and everyday life.
Our Dance sessions have had a 'High School Musical' theme that’s got everyone moving! The children have been learning choreography, expressing themselves through movement, and building teamwork as they rehearse their routine.
As a well-earned class treat, the children brought in their favourite teddies for a joyful afternoon of games, creativity, and fun. They designed accessories for them, played games and enjoyed a class picnic. What fun we had!
We had a fantastic Computing Day, where the children explored 'Book Creator' to design their own digital books. Alongside this, we focused on the important topic of online safety, learning how to stay safe and respectful in the digital world.
Year 3 have been learning about Black History Month, and we were especially inspired by the story of Mary Seacole. Mary Seacole showed us the importance of kindness, courage, and determination. We are proud to celebrate her amazing achievements!
On Friday, the children came to school in their pyjamas to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. It was a fun and meaningful way to support a great cause.
We were treated to a magical performance of 'Sleeping Beauty' when the pantomime came to school! The hall was filled with laughter and cheers which was a wonderful shared experience that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Reminders:
- Team TSP Firework Event – Wednesday 5th November
- Year 3 PE Days – Monday and Wednesday
Date: 22nd Oct 2025 @ 2:55pm
It’s hard to believe just how much we’ve packed into this half term! From residentials to pantomimes and everything in between, Year 6 have been working hard, learning lots and having fun along the way!
In RE this half term, our topic has been Life as a Journey. We explored the different journeys people make through life and what they mean to individuals and communities. To finish the unit, we took part in a multi-faith exploration of pilgrimages, learning about why people travel to special places for spiritual reasons. We looked closely at the Western Wall and discovered its importance to people of the Jewish faith. It was a thoughtful and fascinating way to end our topic, helping us understand how faith can guide people on their life journeys.
In Maths, we have been celebrating an incredible achievement…our Year 6 class were crowned as North-West Sumdog Contest Champions! The children showed amazing focus, teamwork and determination, fending off tough competition from schools all across the region as well as other classes within TSP. Their effort and enthusiasm were fantastic throughout the contest, with every question answered helping to push us further up the leaderboard. A huge well done to everyone who took part. What an amazing achievement to finish the half term on!
In English, we’ve been developing our reading skills by exploring a wide range of genres, from fiction and poetry to song lyrics! One of the highlights was our music comprehension based on Taylor Swift’s ‘The Fate of Ophelia’. The children loved analysing the lyrics, spotting figurative language and linking the song’s themes to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It was a brilliant way to see how storytelling, emotion and meaning can be expressed in different forms of writing and Year 6 showed fantastic insight and enthusiasm throughout.
To finish off a fantastic half term, Year 6 enjoyed a brilliant performance of Sleeping Beauty! The panto was full of laughter, music and plenty of audience participation, with lots of cheering, booing and a few surprises along the way. The children (and staff) had a great time joining in with the fun and it was the perfect way to end a busy and exciting few weeks.
Year 6 also joined the whole school in supporting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital by taking part in Pyjama Day. Everyone loved wearing their pyjamas to school while helping to raise money for children in need of care.
What a fantastic half term it’s been! We hope you have a restful and enjoyable break before we begin another exciting half term ahead.
Reminders:
-Maths and English homework HAS been set as normal, and the deadline for completing it will be the first Wednesday following the half term break (5th November).
- No new spellings will be set during the half term break. If the children would still like to practise, I’ve attached the Year 5/6 Statutory Spellings lists to Google Classroom. These are key words that we’ll all be working on throughout Year 6, with the aim of spelling as many as possible with confidence by the end of the year. The children could pick a few tricky ones, test themselves, or try writing them in sentences.
-The Team TSP Firework Event will take place on Wednesday 5th November.
Date: 21st Oct 2025 @ 5:41pm
We can hardly believe that our first eight weeks of Reception have flown by already! What a fun-filled and exciting start to the school year it has been. The children have settled in beautifully, and we’ve loved watching them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Following our recent phonics assessments, this week we’ve been revisiting the sounds we’ve already learned. The children have done a fantastic job remembering and using these sounds in their reading and writing. Over the half term break, you’ll receive a Tapestry Memo of Sounds and Blending to practise with your child. We encourage you to continue using Fred Fingers and practising segmenting and blending—your support at home makes a huge difference and is truly appreciated.
In Maths, we’ve been diving into the world of numbers! This week, we focused on recognising and representing the numbers one, two, and three. Through hands-on activities, the children were encouraged to explain how they knew they had found a certain number—developing their reasoning and communication skills along the way. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they explore numbers in meaningful ways.
Our theme this half term has been Owl Babies, and the children have absolutely loved it. They’ve learned fascinating facts about owls, including that they are nocturnal and sleep during the day. We’ve had thoughtful discussions about the importance of sleep and what makes a good bedtime routine. To bring our learning to life, the children created their own owls using pine cones and cotton wool—such creative little artists!
On Friday, we celebrated Alder Hey Pyjama Day, a special event that gave us the opportunity to talk about hospitals and the important work they do. The children shared their own experiences of visiting hospitals and showed great empathy and understanding. It was a lovely way to end the half term, all cosy in our pyjamas and full of kindness.
Thank you for a truly wonderful start to the year. Your continued support, enthusiasm, and involvement mean the world to us and have helped make this half term so special. We hope you have a restful and joyful break with your children—and we can’t wait to see what the next half term brings!
Please see our updated virtual classroom attached to this blog if you would like to explore any of the themes we will be exploring after the half term.
Enjoy the holidays!
Mrs Molloy, Mrs Bevin and the Reception team
Reminders for next half term:
· Monday 3rd November return to school
· Wed 5th November Team TSP Firework display
· Wed 12th November WOW service 2pm at St Peter’s Church
· Friday 14th November Children in Need
Date: 20th Oct 2025 @ 6:36pm
We’ve had a fantastic first term in Year 4!
This week, Collective Worship focused on generosity, inspired by the story of The Rainbow Fish. We discussed how sharing and kindness can make a difference and reflected on how we can be generous in our own lives.
In RE, we explored the values that help us follow in Jesus’ footsteps. We identified qualities such as kindness, honesty, and compassion—not only those that shine outwardly, but also those we carry quietly within ourselves. The children reflected thoughtfully on how these values guide their actions and relationships.
Maths lessons continued with column addition, focusing on place value and carrying digits correctly. We’ve also started tackling a times table each week through games and songs, helping to build fluency and confidence. The children also took part in the Sumdog competition, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork.
In English, we completed our Author Books, using a tent canopy to illustrate diary entries. We also reviewed grammar skills, including capital letters for proper nouns and coordinating conjunctions.
Friday was full of fun! We celebrated Alder Hey Pyjama Day wearing our pyjamas to school and enjoyed a performance of Sleeping Beauty to get us into the pantomime spirit. We also completed our Computing Day, learning important lessons about online safety and how to stay safe online.
Wishing you all a safe and restful October holiday!
Reminders:
- Team TSP Firework Event – Wednesday 5th November
- Year 4 PE Days – Wednesday (Swimming) and Friday (PE)
- Second Laurel’s Wood Visit – Friday 7th November
- Barnardo’s Donations – Please bring in unwanted toys, books, or cuddly toys by Wednesday 12th November
Date: 16th Oct 2025 @ 11:10pm
What a lovely week we have had in year 2!
In Maths, we have continued with our addition and subtraction topic. The children have practised adding and subtracting numbers by bridging over the next or previous 10. The children have worked hard to partition numbers and used resources to help. Next week we will be working on adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers using the methods that we have practised so far.
In English, we have continued to work on the book Look Up, some of our writing tasks have included writing a set of instructions to create our own rocket, creating a fact file about Mae Jemison and designing a delicious menu for an astronaut returning home from space with a focus on using expanded noun phrases to make it sound delicious. Next week we will be writing a recount about Rocket's (the main character) day and writing a diary based on the story so far.
In RE, we welcomed Reverend Lilly into our class to talk about the Bible. Reverend Lilly brought in different types of Bibles for the children to look at and they were able to ask questions about the Bible. The miniature Bible was very popular and the children were fascinated to see how small the words were on the page. We all found it very interesting and it helped us to link our learning together from our previous lessons.
In Science, we looked at eating a balanced diet and focussed on the different food groups. The children then designed a meal that included the food groups to create a healthy and balanced meal. In the outdoor classroom this week the children created dens for themselves. They were shown how to tie a reef knot and create a tripod shape with sticks to support with their den building. The children enjoyed working together and testing out their dens at the end!
Reminders
- Parent–Teacher Meetings will take place in the hall next week.
Date: 16th Oct 2025 @ 5:31pm
This week in English, our focus has been letter writing. We’ve learned how to structure our letters using paragraphs and have been using prepositions, expanded noun phrases, and descriptive language to make our writing really come alive
Our RE lesson gave us a chance to reflect. We thought about what our message to the world would be if we were called upon by God. The ideas shared were thoughtful, kind, and full of hope..
In Maths, we’ve started exploring the column method for addition and subtraction. It’s been exciting to see how this method helps us solve problems more clearly and confidently. We’ve been practising lining up our digits and carrying over numbers like true mathematicians!
In science, we’ve been learning about nutrition and the importance of all the different food groups. We discussed how each one helps our bodies stay strong and healthy.
We’ve also been learning how to use a compass in geography. It was fun discovering how the compass points help us find direction and how explorers use them to navigate the world.
In PE, we’ve been developing our netball skills, focusing on passing and defending. Everyone has shown great teamwork and determination on the court. It’s been wonderful to see how much progress we’ve made already!
Our art lesson took us outdoors this week, where we practised observational drawings in nature. Using our outdoor learning environment as inspiration, we focused on looking closely at details and capturing what we saw with care and creativity.
We’re so proud of all the effort and enthusiasm Year 3 has shown this week. Keep up the amazing work, everyone!
Reminders:
- Parent–Teacher Meetings will take place in the hall next week.
- Friday 24th October is Alder Hey Pyjama Day
Date: 16th Oct 2025 @ 4:19pm
What a fabulous week! Each day this week has brought something special – whether through play, reflection, or family!
This week our learning has been rich with stories of inspiration, invention, and imagination as we joined in with Black History Month.
We began learning about Garrett Morgan, an incredible inventor whose ideas helped make the world a safer place. We read the book, ‘Saving the Day’, that told the story of how Garrett created one of the first traffic lights. The children were fascinated to discover how he gained this inspiration and how his invention helped keep people safe on the roads.
This sparked some wonderful play and creative thinking. The children used traffic lights in their small world play, practising road safety. Outside we took a step further by making a large-scale traffic light, which became a key feature in our outdoor space. It was fantastic to see the children using it to ensure our traffic (ride-on vehicles) moved around safely and followed the coloured signals – just like real traffic lights!
We even brought our traffic light learning into PE, where the children played the Traffic Light Game – listening and looking for red, yellow, or green commands and moving accordingly. This was not only great fun but also supported their co-ordination, reaction time and listening skills.
We have also learned about Baroness Floella Benjamin, and read her powerful story ‘Coming to England’. This thoughtful book opened up conversations about kindness, fairness, family, and the experience of moving to a new place; together with how we can help others feel welcome, included, and loved.
In Maths, we continued to explore grouping objects to match a set ‘rule’ – developing our thinking further by creating our own rules! This encourages the children to notice patterns, apply logical thinking, and deepen early understanding of sorting and classifying.
In our Early Listening work, we identified sounds and paused to ponder what they might mean – a lovely way to develop both listening and thinking skills in a playful and reflective way.
As Autumn continues to unfold, we have added many of our treasures from home into our classroom learning, from using them in Maths, to completing observational drawings. This week, we also used apples to make apple crumble balls – a delicious hands-on experience where the children showed great focus and care as they peeled and cut. These types of activities not only build fine motor skills but also promote independence, confidence and responsibility.
Thursday, we welcomed Caroline from St Peter's Church for this year’s first Godly Play where the children enjoyed an enlivened story of ‘The Creation’.
We’ve continued to celebrate the growing friendships and independence developing across the class. It’s been such a joy to see the children supporting each other, trying new things, and growing in confidence.
Our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions have also been a highlight – and we hope you’ve enjoyed them just as much as we’ve loved welcoming you! It’s always a pleasure to share our space and learning with you and we look forward to welcoming more families next week!
Thank you, as always, for your support and for sharing in these special moments. Wishing you all a restful and happy weekend – maybe with a little apple crumble on the side!
Warm wishes,
Mrs Grayson and the Nursery Team.
Dates for the diary: -
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st October – Nursery Stay and Play Sessions
Friday 24th October – Alder Hey PJ Day
Friday 24th October – Finish for Half-Term
Wednesday 5th November – Team TSP Community Firework Display
Date: 16th Oct 2025 @ 4:11pm
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Welcome back to our weekly Year 6 blog! Here’s what we’ve been up to this week…
This week in Maths, Year 6 have been mastering the tricky topic of multiplying and dividing fractions and they’ve done brilliantly! We used our KFC method (Keep, Flip, Change) to help remember the steps for dividing fractions, and the class loved applying it through lots of fun, hands-on practice. From simplifying to problem solving, pupils showed great confidence using both multiplication and division with fractions. It’s been fantastic to see their understanding grow and of course, our KFC theme helped everyone remember the golden rule for success!
This week, we’ve really broadened our reading horizons by exploring a range of different texts and genres. From discovering a range of facts about blue whales to learning how artists use patterns and colours found in nature, the children have shown great curiosity and enthusiasm. We also looked at persuasive leaflets advertising visits to beautiful country manors, identifying how language and layout are used to capture the reader’s attention. Through these varied texts, pupils have strengthened their comprehension skills, expanded their vocabulary and learned how different forms of writing can inform, inspire and persuade.
In History, we continued to explore World War 1. We got creative by designing our own WW1-style propaganda posters, learning how powerful images and slogans were used to inspire people. We also researched the incredible roles animals played during the war, from horses carrying supplies to dogs delivering messages, and created informative sheets to share these amazing facts. It was great to see history come alive through art and research!
Excitement is running high in Year 6 as our Sumdog Maths Contest is officially underway! Each pupil has been challenged to answer 1,000 questions to test their speed, accuracy, and determination — and they’re already showing fantastic effort. The contest closes next Thursday, so every question counts as we race to climb the leaderboard! It’s been brilliant to see such enthusiasm, teamwork, and perseverance as everyone works hard to improve their scores and show off their maths skills.
Have a great weekend!
Reminders:
-Spellings have been shared on Google Classroom and the children will be tested next Friday (24th).
-Maths and English homework has been set via the SATs Companion platform and is due to be completed on or before next Wednesday (22nd).
Date: 15th Oct 2025 @ 10:07pm
What a fantastic and busy week it’s been in Year 5!
In English, our young authors have been hard at work completing their diary entries. After pouring their creativity onto the page, they’ve been busy editing and redrafting their work, getting it ready for publishing in their very own Author Books next week. We can’t wait to see the final results and celebrate their achievements!
In Maths, we’ve been sharpening our mental maths skills by practising strategies for adding and subtracting large numbers. The children explored techniques such as partitioning and working with numbers close to 100s and 1000s. Alongside these mental strategies, we also introduced formal written methods for both addition and subtraction, helping to build accuracy and confidence. A range of fluency and reasoning activities kept everyone engaged—some even took place outside the classroom, bringing maths to life in fun and practical ways!
In RE, we’ve taken time to reflect on the importance of the Bible. The children thought deeply about how its teachings can guide us in today’s world, especially in situations where kindness, forgiveness, and courage are needed.
In Science we explored the fascinating relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. Using different sized balls, the children modelled how they orbit and interact. It was a hands-on and engaging way to bring space science to life!
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In PE, we’ve continued to focus on fitness, with a special emphasis on improving coordination. Through a variety of fun and energetic activities, the children have been developing their agility and teamwork skills.
Team work really did make the dream work in our outdoor learning this week. Year 5 worked well together to build a base for our new shed and reading hut.
Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome Mr McPhee to our Year 5 team! He’s joining us from Edge Hill University as a student teacher for the next six weeks. It’s wonderful to have him on board, and the children are already enjoying working with him.
Well done to all our Year 5s for another week of fantastic learning and teamwork. We’re so proud of everything you’re achieving!
Have a lovely weekend!
— The Year 5 Team
Reminders:
- Parents evening is on Wednesday and Thursday in the school hall. Appointments can be booked up until 6pm on Friday 17th.
- Bikeability is rescheduled for after Christmas. Reminders will be sent nearer the time.
- Friday 24th October is Alder Hey pyjama day.
Date: 15th Oct 2025 @ 4:57pm
Well done on another wonderful week Year 1.
We kicked off our week in Maths by exploring number bonds to 10. The children used songs, ten frames, counters, and part-whole models to help visualise all the different ways to make 10. It was wonderful to see everyone so focused and enthusiastic! We’d love it if you could continue this learning at home - singing number bond songs or chanting them together is a great way to reinforce understanding. Later in the week, we challenged ourselves by creating number sentences using the plus and equals symbols. These were a little tricky at first, but by Friday, we were confidently writing lots of different number sentences to show our number bonds - brilliant work, everyone!
In English, we began planning and writing our very own stories! The children were bursting with imaginative ideas and couldn’t wait to put their skills into action. We started by thinking carefully about the beginning, middle and end of our stories and used our plans to help us write full sentences. It’s been so exciting to see these stories come to life, we’re incredibly proud of what’s been written so far and can’t wait to continue next week.
In Geography, we continued our exciting trip around the world - this week’s stop: South America! We were fascinated by the vibrant colours and energy of the Rio Carnival and had so much fun designing and creating our own carnival face masks.
RE was extra special this week as we built our very own class Sukkah to celebrate the Jewish festival of Sukkot. We recapped how Jewish people build these huts to mark the harvest and sometimes even sleep in them! It was a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in the traditions and reflect on the importance of gratitude and community.
We were lucky enough to have a martial arts workshop on Friday! Practicing kicks and refining our form brought out everyone's focus and energy, and I was genuinely amazed by the confidence and skill on display. It was inspiring to see everyone push themselves.
What a fantastic week of learning, creativity, and celebration. Well done, Year 1!
Date: 15th Oct 2025 @ 4:44pm
We’ve had a wonderfully busy and exciting week in Reception!
The children have now completed learning all their single letter sounds—what an achievement! Next week, we will now be assessing how many sounds they’ve retained, and after half term, they’ll be grouped to best support their learning journey. Please continue to practise at home and encourage your child to show you how they use their Fred Fingers to help with blending—it’s a brilliant strategy that really boosts confidence!
This week in maths, we’ve been exploring repeating patterns. The children loved spotting patterns in the environment and creating their own using cubes. We even challenged them to find and fix mistakes in patterns—such clever thinking! To finish the week, we used our bodies to make patterns like clap, stamp, clap, stamp—the children came up with some fantastic ideas and had so much fun!
Our theme this week was all about owls! We began by reading the beautiful story Owl Babies and used our story sack to create our very own owl-themed small world. The children explored what it means to be nocturnal, made owl pictures, and even painted their own owls. Ask your child what owl facts they can share with you—we’re sure you’ll be impressed!
We’ve also been busy cooking this week—peeling, chopping, and stewing apples to make a delicious apple crumble. The children loved getting involved in the process and are excited to try their homemade treat during snack time. It’s a wonderful way to explore seasonal produce and build life skills through hands-on learning!
Thank you for your continued support. Have a fabulous weekend, and we look forward to seeing you all on Monday!
Mrs Molloy, Mrs Bevin and the Reception team
Reminders for this half term:
· 21st, 22nd and 23rd October – Parent Teacher Meetings
· 24th October – Alder Hey Pyjama Day
· 24th October – Finish for Half Term
Date: 13th Oct 2025 @ 3:27pm
It’s been another exciting week in Year 4, filled with creativity!
Our week began with RE, where we explored the Christian values found in Psalms. We looked closely at verses such as “The Lord is our shepherd”, thinking deeply about the underlying meanings and how these words offer comfort, guidance, and strength in our lives.
English took us on a magical journey as we wrote diary entries from the perspective of Leon, who visited a circus with his brothers and sisters. Each child added their own twist to the story, imagining Leon stepping into a magical place in between. The writing was full of emotion, creativity, and vivid description.
To support our understanding of place value, we practised rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100, and 1,000 during our Maths lessons.
During Science, we discussed the environmental impact on living things, thinking about how changes in habitats and climate can affect animals and plants. The children shared thoughtful ideas about how we can help protect the natural world.
Using a Double Bubble map in Geography, we compared the capital of the UK with the capital of America. It was fascinating to explore the similarities and differences between London and Washington, D.C., and to see how geography helps us understand different cultures and places.
Our Art lessons were full of pattern and precision as we created tessellation designs. The children enjoyed experimenting with shapes and colours to produce beautiful, repeating patterns.
To mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, we created a powerful handprint art piece inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. – “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Each handprint represented the idea that love comes in different colours, and together they formed a beautiful message of unity and kindness.
Reminders:
- Parent - Teacher Meetings will take place in the hall next week.
- Friday 24th October is Alder Hey Pyjama Day
Date: 9th Oct 2025 @ 11:16pm
In Maths, we have continued with our addition and subtraction topic. The children started off using number bonds to work out related number bonds. We then answered number bond questions that were around the room and worked together to answer them correctly. It has been lovely to see that the children have continued working on their number bonds independently both in the classroom and outside at play time. Next week we will be working on adding and subtracting across the next 10.
In English, we have made predictions about the story 'Look Up' based on the blurb and front cover. The children enjoyed designing their own rockets based on the story and using technical and adventurous vocabulary to describe their rockets. Next week we will continue working on the story with a focus on using expanded noun phrases and conjunctions correctly.
In RE, we looked at the story of Mary Jones and how she saved money to buy her own Bible. We talked about our own treasured possessions and discussed why they were treasured. Next week we will be welcoming a special visitor into our class to talk about their Bible and why it is their most treasured possession.
In Science, we discussed how exercise keeps us healthy. The children enjoyed checking their heart rate before activities then checking it after different activities. In our outdoor classroom, the children used natural resources to create their own small dens.
Reminders:
-
Parent–Teacher Meetings go live on Monday 13th October at 6pm and will close on Friday 17th October.
Date: 9th Oct 2025 @ 6:45pm
What a fun week we have had in Year 3!
In Maths, we’ve been getting stuck into addition and subtraction. We’ve been learning how to add and subtract ones and tens from three-digit numbers and we’re becoming really confident with it! We’ve used number lines, base ten blocks and even challenged ourselves with word problems.
In English, we have been planning and writing recounts in the first person. We’ve been learning how to structure our writing into paragraphs and make sure our events are in the right order. The children have written some fantastic pieces, full of great detail.
In Science, we carried out a fun investigation to find out if there’s a relationship between leg length and how far you can jump. There were lots of predictions and careful measuring, we felt just like real scientists!
In Geography, we’ve been using our research skills to learn about the human features of different European countries. The children loved discovering how places can be so different from each other, and we had some great discussions about what makes a place unique.
We also had a visit from Mr Mannings in Music, where we’ve been learning new musical vocabulary like crescendo and staccato. We’ve had lots of fun putting these into practice through singing.
A big celebration this week...Year 3 won the church scarecrow competition! We are all incredibly proud of our creation and how well we worked together to make it happen. Well done, Year 3!
In RE, we were lucky enough to have a visit from Reverend Lily from St Peter’s Church. She spoke to us about what it means to be called by God today, and the children asked some thoughtful questions.
In Art, we’ve been inspired by the amazing artist Dale Chihuly. The children used coloured clay to replicate his famous Sun Sculpture, the results were fantastic.
Finally, we ended the week by celebrating Hello Yellow Day to support children’s mental health. The classroom was a sea of yellow, and we spent time thinking about how we can look after our minds and support our friends.
Reminders:
-
Parent–Teacher Meetings go live on Monday 13th October at 6pm and will close on Friday 17th October.
- PE days will continue to be Monday and Tuesday with the addition of dance on a Wednesday.
Date: 9th Oct 2025 @ 3:59pm
A Week of Autumn Adventures, Active Learning and Happy Hearts!
We’ve had another rich and joyful week, filled with seasonal exploration, creative learning, and moments of reflection.
We began with a lively PE session, where the children played an autumn-themed movement game. They needed to navigate their vehicles whilst practising safe movement and controlled stopping as they encountered seasonal obstacles such as conkers and hedgehogs. These playful challenges support the development of co-ordination, spatial awareness, control and listening skills while embracing the spirit of the season.
Our Autumn learning continued with a special focus on conkers! The children were fascinated to discover that conkers can be used to make soap. Using a pestle and mortar, they pounded the conkers and helped create our very own conker soap. It was wonderfully tactile and exciting experience that sparked lots of curiosity.
In Forest School, we played “1, 2, 3, Where Are You?” — a forest-style twist on hide and seek that brought laughter and excitement. The children loved exploring the outdoor space, calling out to their friends, and practicing their listening and teamwork skills in nature.
In Maths, we’ve been exploring the concept of groups. The children have been sorting objects and looked closely to spot ‘the rule’, as well as recognising when something does not belong. These early sorting activities build the foundation for logical thinking, problem solving and developing their early reasoning and classification skills in a fun and interactive way.
In our Early Listening and Sound Work, the children have been showing great awareness of sound. They’ve enjoyed games such as 'Mrs Grayson Has a Box', 'Describe It and Find It', and a seasonal twist on I Spy, where they used descriptive clues to identify objects. These activities have helped tune their ears to the world around them and build important listening and language skills.
Our focus book this week was ‘Farmer Duck’ by Martin Waddell. Through this story, we explored the actions and feelings of both the duck and the farmer, and the importance of kindness and caring for others. Just like Jesus helped those who were tired or treated unfairly, the animals in the story came together to support the hardworking duck. We can follow Jesus’s example by being thoughtful and helping those in need – just like our SHINE friend, Cuddles.
We also had a delicious treat — we made our very own apple juice using apples from my garden! The children noticed the red skins and described it as “Autumn juice” — and it certainly was very tasty!
We continue to take part in our weekly classroom chores, and this week during playdough making, the children chose yellow as our colour — inspired by the Yellow Colour Monster, which represents happiness.
To end our week, we celebrated 'Hello Yellow Day'. As a whole school we created cheerful bunting filled with pictures and patterns that make us feel happy, with the hope of brightening someone else’s day. In class, we made a large-scale smiley face using items from our outdoor environment and shared things that make us feel happy — a beautiful way to celebrate positivity and emotional wellbeing.
Thank you for your continued support and for sharing in these special moments with us. Wishing you a bright and happy weekend — and maybe a glass of “Autumn juice” to go with it!
Warm wishes,
Mrs Grayson and the Nursery team
Dates for the diary: -
Monday 13th – Tuesday 21st October – Nursery Stay and Play Sessions
Friday 24th October – Alder Hey PJ Day
Friday 24th October – Finish for Half-Term
Reminders for this half term: -
Please could you support your child at home in being independent when putting on their coat, shoes and wellies.
Date: 8th Oct 2025 @ 1:49pm
We kicked off our week in Maths by diving into addition and subtraction. The children explored the concept of part-part-whole using practical resources and even took their learning outdoors for some exciting activities! It was brilliant to see everyone so engaged and enthusiastic. Later in the week, we moved on to pictorial representations in our books, helping us visualise number stories and strengthen our understanding.
In English, we focused on sequencing events using the words first, now, then, and next. We applied this to the story Lost and Found, thinking carefully about the order of key moments. One of our favourite activities was hot seating: everyone had a turn stepping into the role of the penguin and answering questions about how he felt during different parts of the story. The children showed such empathy and imagination!
Music was all about pulse and rhythm this week. We practised keeping a steady beat together as a class, concentrating on staying in time with one another. Then we got creative and used the names of our favourite drinks to invent our own rhythms.
PE was extra special this week, as we had a dance workshop with Mrs Whitehead from Formby High! We were filled with excitement as we transformed into basketball players and cheerleaders, dancing to a High School Musical song. Everyone listened so well and gave it their all, we can’t wait to show you our moves at home!
In RE, we learned about the Jewish festival of Sukkot and how Jewish people celebrate the harvest. We were fascinated by the traditions, especially the sukkah huts and the idea of celebrating outdoors. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures and ways of life.
What a brilliant week of learning, creativity, and fun. Well done, Year 1!
Date: 8th Oct 2025 @ 12:47pm
This week, our Reception children have been exploring the wonders of Autumn! We joined Nursery for a visit to Forest School, where we revisited our forest rules and practiced our special calling sound. The children loved playing our favourite game, “1, 2, 3, where are you?” – why not ask them to teach you how it works at home?
In Phonics, we continued learning new sounds – these have been sent home for you to practice together. The children are really enjoying using Fred Talk and Fred Fingers to help with their spelling.
In Maths, we’ve been busy comparing items by height, using cubes to build towers and then comparing them with friends. We talked about the importance of measuring on the same surface and even introduced rulers! We also explored comparing sets of objects by more or fewer, and looked at length too.
As part of our Autumn theme, we read the story “Leaf Thief” and discussed seasonal changes like leaves changing colour and cooler temperatures. In our creative area, the children had fun making leaf pictures and paintings.
Friday was Hello Yellow Day, where we celebrated happiness and wellbeing. The children took part in lots of yellow-themed activities and we talked about how yellow is often seen as a happy colour. We also linked this to the ‘Colour Monster’, and a story called ‘In My Heart’ helping the children express their feelings in a fun and creative way.
Mrs Molloy, Mrs Bevin and the Reception team
Reminders for this half term:
· 21st, 22nd and 23rd October – Parent Teacher Meetings
· 24th October – Alder Hey Pyjama Day
· 24th October – Finish for Half Term
Date: 8th Oct 2025 @ 12:03pm
Another excellent, busy and fun week in Year 6!
This week in Maths, Year 6 have been mastering long division. We’ve been learning how to break calculations down step by step, using clear methods to make tricky problems easier to solve. The children have shown great perseverance and growing confidence as they worked through increasingly challenging questions. It’s been brilliant to see them supporting one another, checking their answers carefully, and celebrating those “lightbulb moments” when everything clicks into place!
In English this week, Year 6 have been working hard on their reading skills. We’ve practised finding and copying information from the text carefully and answering questions about closest meaning to key words and phrases. The children have shown great focus when looking for clues in the text and justifying their answers too. We’ve also talked about the importance of reading stamina - remaining focused and persevering even when a text feels long or challenging. The children continue to build their confidence as readers, taking their time to look carefully for clues and think about the best answers. These skills will help them become even stronger, independent readers that are ready for anything!
Our Year 6 pupils also enjoyed a very special Afternoon Tea alongside their Reception buddies. Reception parents were invited to join us as the oldest and youngest children in the school came together to share a heartwarming song as well as a chance to meet their buddy’s family. It was a lovely opportunity for Year 6 to show their kindness and responsibility as role models, while Reception children loved spending time with their “big friends.” The atmosphere was full of smiles, chatter and plenty of biscuits - a wonderful celebration of our school community.
Reminders:
-Spellings have been shared on Google Classroom and the children will be tested next Friday (17th).
-Maths and English homework has been set via the SATs Companion platform and is due to be completed on or before next Wednesday (15th).