Growing
This term, the children have thoroughly enjoyed watching our sweet peas, beans and sunflowers grow, observing the changes that have taken place over time
Caring for our plants has provided wonderful opportunities to learn about the needs of living things, with the children taking great responsibility for watering them each day and helping them to thrive. Our House Team Sunflower Challenge has been particularly exciting as we eagerly watch to see which sunflower will grow the tallest! These daily experiences have encouraged the children to notice, observe and talk about what they can see, helping to develop their vocabulary and oracy skills in a meaningful way. A special mention goes to some of our ASC children, who have shown great care and commitment by helping to water the plants throughout the week. We are so proud of the kindness, responsibility and curiosity they have demonstrated.
Summer Smoothies
Explorers became foodie detectives this week as they took on a top‑secret challenge.
First, they put their detective skills to the test by listening carefully to clues to identify a range of fruits and vegetables. They also learnt how to make smart choices to help our planet by wasting less and saving more. To become true food‑waste fighters, the children explored ideas such as only buying what we need, using leftover fruit and vegetables, enjoying ‘wonky’ or overripe produce, and composting the rest.
The highlight of the week was completing their secret mission: designing and making a super‑healthy smoothie — with a twist! The children had to ‘smuggle’ in a secret ingredient… spinach. They discovered that this is a brilliant way to give our bodies extra nutrients. We were so impressed with their super‑safe cutting skills and careful preparation. The best part, of course, was enjoying their creations — the perfect way to quench our thirst and hydrate our bodies during this hot, sticky weather.
EYFS and KS1 Sports Day
We were so proud of our Explorers as they took part in their first Sports Day. They showed great resilience while taking part in 6 different activities and a fun run!
The children were fantastic at working as a team to earn house points and they showed great enthusiasm for each activity even when they began to get tired. Thank you to to all those who came to support and to FOBS for the cooling ice poles afterwards!
All Aboard!
This half term our learning focus is all about our community and environment, and this week we have been thinking about going on a journey — all the way to the beach.
We began with our first text of the term, The Train Ride. The children loved creating their own train in the classroom — they climbed into the carriage, waited for the conductor and proudly had their tickets clipped as they watched a real train journey from Newton Abbot to Dawlish, spotting key features along the route and talking about what we could see. To finish the morning, we enjoyed a musical version of the story.
During continuous provision, the children explored a range of themed activities. They made their own flags, wrote train tickets and compared photographs of old and new trains. Creating their own station role play was definitely a highlight.
Have you been on a train journey? What did you see?
Target Games
Over the past few weeks, our PE focus has been on developing the children’s throwing techniques.
We have explored a variety of equipment to practise accurate underarm throws.
The Explorers have learnt to face their target, swing their dominant arm down and back, then stepping forward with their opposite foot before releasing the ball or beanbag at chest height. Super skills!
It has been wonderful to see the children confidently apply these new skills during continuous provision, creating their own target games and playing them with such enthusiasm.
Strong bodies help build strong learners!
Minibeast Hunt!
The children were so curious during our minibeast hunt and were super at ‘noticing’ living things!
We talked about insects having six legs and used the word ‘habitat’ to identify different homes. We have been creating minibeasts in class using paint, play dough and collage materials so it was great to go outside and find some real minibeasts!
Brilliant Bounce Off!
The Explorers had a great time today taking part in The Great Bishop Forest School Bounce off!
A big thank you to FOBS for organising the event to raise money for our school and also thank you to all those who sponsored our children!
Shaldon Zoo Encounter
The Explorers were excited to have some visitors from Shaldon Zoo today!
We were so impressed with the children's listening skills during the Zoo visit. Lots of them were happy to hold a cockroach, giant snail and stick insect and were fantastic at guessing what all the artefacts from the zoo were.
We learnt lots of interesting facts.... which creatures have an 'exoskeleton'? What noise do cockroaches make? What do snails use their antenna for?
A huge thank you to FOBS for fundraising to make the visit possible.
Visiting our Local Church
The Explorers were great at walking to the church and back and listened carefully to the adults to stay safe.
We have been finding out about features of a church such as a font, cross, candle and lectern and so the children were brilliant at spotting them during our visit.
Highlights of the visit included Rev Dave's story, followed by a sheep hunt; a lively song 'This Little Light of Mine' and a pretend wedding ceremony! Thank you to Rev Dave for making it such a memorable morning!
There’s a tiny caterpillar on a leaf……
The Explorers were excited to receive a surprise parcel. Inside were some very tiny caterpillars. Their arrival prompted lots of discussion and curiosity about living things and what might happen next.
We introduced our new scientific word metamorphosis, which describes the amazing changes the caterpillars will go through. We are looking forward to observing their life cycle over the next few weeks.
Odd or Even?
The children had great fun drawing and making their own odd and even monsters. We thought carefully about how many eyes an odd monster would have and how many mouths an even monster might have. We also enjoyed reading the story 'One Odd Day' by Dani Sneed and Doris Fisher and spotting all the odd things in the pictures!
Interhouse Competition
The children demonstrated great skills and teamwork to earn points for their house teams while taking part in a range of fun activities. A big thank you to the Year 6 house captains for all their help with each station and for supporting the younger children!
British Science Week!
We placed eggs in cups of coke, juice, vinegar and water. We then introduced the new word 'predict' and the children predicted what they thought would happen to each egg over night. The next day the children were excited to see if their predictions were correct. We used a toothbrush and toothpaste to see if we could clean the eggs. It was a great experiment to highlight the importance of brushing your teeth and avoiding sugary drinks.
A Superhero Like You!
This week, we have been exploring the book ‘A Superhero Like You’. The children have been discovering the real superheroes in our community and learning that not all heroes wear capes - many of them help us every single day in all sorts of amazing ways.
During independent learning time, some of the children decided to make their own superhero masks. Building on their developing technology skills, they learned how to safely make holes in paper so they could cut out the eye shapes. They then used these skills to create their own hats, masks and shields. It was fantastic to see their resilience, problem solving and team work skills shine.
World Book Day 2026!
The Explorers had great fun sharing their favourite books and dressing up as space themed or book characters! They particularly enjoyed turning the book corner into a rocket!
Tap and shake
The Explorers could hardly contain their excitement as they began their first specialist music session this year.
From the moment they each picked up their tambourine or bongo drum, the room buzzed with energy and curiosity. Mrs Wall showed them how to tap, shake and beat in time, and soon the Explorers were creating bold sound patterns and lively rhythms together. Everyone was fully engaged, watching and listening carefully. Well done Explorers.
Aspirations Day
We have been exploring big dreams and bright futures!
This term we are finding out about people in our community and how they help to keep us safe, happy and healthy.
Through play and discussion, the children are developing teamwork, communication and problem solving skills - the very skills they’ll use as they grow and think about their own futures.
The children have had a brilliant day and are excited about their new learning this half term.
A special mention to our parents and careers for supporting us by providing costumes and resources, making it a memorable day.
This porridge is just right!
Making porridge was certainly a highlight of the week for the children, sparking both excitement and a great deal of curiosity. As we worked together to read our instructions, the children quickly discovered that following a set of instructions is like solving a problem and that the order of the steps is crucial. Finding our way to the staffroom to locate the microwave was a great opportunity to hone our language of direction.
Back in the classroom, we observed how the microwave changed the texture of the oats from dry to creamy.
We finished our session by enjoying a bowl of yummy porridge with the addition of a few different toppings.
How do you make your porridge? What is your favourite topping?
Safer Internet Day
The Explorers were brilliant at sharing their knowledge about AI. We discussed how we use AI to help us search for our favourite songs, to ask questions and even to control our hoovers!
Through the use of Alexa, we have been comparing the differences between humans and AI.
Much fun was had sorting different everyday activities and tasks. The Explorers had to think carefully about how to give Alexa clear instructions. We found out that Alexa can play our favourite songs, give instructions for how to brush your teeth, but they don’t have feelings and show kindness.
We also agreed that as children, we would always ask an adult before using the Internet and that if we saw or heard anything that made us sad we would tell a trusted grown up.
Bears
The children loved bringing their teddies to school to share in their learning. During the day the children showed great enthusiasm when talking about their special friends. There were lots of opportunities to sort, count and measure their bears during learning time too.
Lots of amazing Explorasaurs in action as the children used the charcoal sticks to draw their bears. Exploring with charcoal is great to support fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and to understand tone and pressure. Let’s just say there were lots of dirty paws after the children explored the skills of smudging and blending. Such a valuable experience. Well done Explorers!
6,7,8!
The Explorers have been great at representing each number through practical activities and we have enjoyed meeting the Numberblock characters for each of the numbers! Can you find representations of 6,7 and 8 around your home?
The Creation Story
This week we learnt about Adam naming all the animals and the children went onto create their own Garden of Eden using the small world resources! They also drew their favourite animal and used their phonic skills to write it It's name.
Persevering
During our Jigsaw time we have been developing our learning skill of persevering. Stickatops, one of our Achievosaurs, has been supporting us to to think about the skills that might be needed to complete our daily learning challenges. We discussed that everyone finds different things tricky, it is often difficult when we are learning to do something for the first time. Throughout our day, we have reflected on our challenges, agreeing that it may have been difficult to start with but with practice and never giving up, we can achieve new things. Lots of the children agreed that working with a friend, sharing ideas and developing our independence skills really helped us to achieve. Well done Explorers! Are you a Stickatops in your learning?
Frozen!
We discovered some of our penguins had become trapped in ice and we had great fun problem solving to try and release them! "Put it in hot water", "crush it with a knife", "use the radiator" and "leave it in the sun to melt" were just some of the ideas the children came up with to try and set the penguins free!
Festive Fun!
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Christmas Craft Morning! ☃️
The children had a great time with their adults, making a range of crafts such as reindeer hats and paper chain snowmen and they were super stars when singing their Christmas songs with actions!
Peace at Last!
An unusual snoring sound could be heard from across the classroom. The Explorers investigated to find an exhausted Mr Bear, deep in sleep!
After several attempts, the Explorers managed to stir Mr Bear and explained that the construction area was not a comfy, ‘peaceful’ place to rest.
During our Drawing Club, the children immersed themselves in the story of Peace at Last! They were great at using their imaginations and drawing skills to create and label characters and new adventures.
Developing oracy and learning new vocabulary underpins our literacy learning. It has been so lovely to hear the children confidently use our new vocabulary during play and interactions.
Through construction and small world activities, there were lots of Solveadactyls, designing and adapting new beds and comfy places to rest.
This week, the children have been learning to orally retell the story through repetitive phrases and actions. We have been impressed with their expression when changing their voices to become an exhausted Mr Bear.
Our First Inter-House Competition
The Explorers certainly had lots of fun competing in their first Inter House competition this week.
During the session, the children took part in a range of activities: including crazy throws and super sprints!
They showed great resilience when presented with new skills and challenges, and collaborated as a team to earn lots of house points.
Special mention to our wonderful House Captains who demonstrated strong leadership skills and a positive commitment to the well being and success of each team.
Singing
Much fun was had during our first music session.
In small groups, the children joined in with action rhymes and songs as well as exploring a selection of percussion instruments.
We really value the role singing can play in boosting language development, recognising sounds, improving vocabulary, and understanding rhythm.
Super Explorasaurs in action! Do you have a favourite action rhyme?
Happy Diwali!
The children were great at making masks to act out the story of Rama and Sita and created Rangoli patterns using a variety of resources.
In RE (Religious Education) as part of our focus on 'Being Special; where do we belong' we also learnt about how Hindu brothers and sisters show their love for each other at a festival by exchanging Rakhis. The children used strips of paper to decorate and make a Rakhi (bracelet) for a friend!
Phonics
The Explorers have been working hard to blend and read the sounds in simple words with a focus on saying the phonemes (sounds) correctly.
Through a range of mediums we have enjoyed learning to form the graphemes (letter shapes) by using our handwriting phrases. Well done to all the Explorers for being such Tryatops!
Patterns Everywhere!
The children were great at noticing patterns in our environment and making their own repeating patterns using a variety of resources!
Fun Phonics!
Through our daily phonic sessions we have been learning the phonemes (sounds) s,a, t and p. We have been playing games with objects to tune into words to hear the initial sound. We have been using a variety of ways to practice forming the graphemes (letter shapes) such as writing them in the air, in sand, in paint and on whiteboards. Can you go on a hunt around your house to find objects beginning with this week's sounds?
Forest School Fun!
The children were amazing at exploring the forest school areas and making potions, waterways and bird feeders. Some children cut open the apples they found and planted the seeds while others had fun hunting for bugs. The session ended with a hot chocolate and biscuit!
First Forest School!
Our Forest school leaders, Ruth and Clare, provided a range of exciting activities including apple bobbing, bug hunting, a mud kitchen, potion making and the opportunity to make bird feeders! Another popular activity was scaling a steep slope to explore the wooded area. We can't wait for next week's session with our second group of Explorers!
Excellent Explorers!
The children have continued to be super stars at following new routines and taking part in their first PE lessons!
Explorer parents can find all this week's class information and photos on our weekly blog on Tapestry.
Starting School!
The children have been busy exploring their new classroom and learning new routines. They were very excited to go out for their first playtime and to stay for their first lunchtime this week. We are really looking forward to a fun filled year ahead!
Pirate Day! ☠️
The Explorers looked amazing in their pirate costumes and had a fun filled day of activities including a Shipshape fitness challenge and a Treasure hunt to find the hidden ice lollies! We danced to sea shanties and learnt to talk like a pirate, shiver me timbers!
Computing
They listened to a variety of pieces of music and thought about how it made them feel. They then experimented with making their own music digitally. Once they had finished their creation they shared it with the class!
Our Community and Religion
The children enjoyed a singing session, a role play Wedding and Baptism and a parachute game!
A big thank you to Rev Dave for his time and for making the visit so fun and interactive.
Village Festival
Garden Club, Flower Club, Craft activities and Pom Poms are just some of the brilliant activities that the Explorers have been enjoying at the Village Festival.
A massive thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of these activities which the children have loved taking part in!
Patterns!
The children were great at identifying pattern rules in repeating units of 3 (blue/red/green/blue/red/ green...) and extended their learning by creating their own patterns according to colour, shape or size for a friend to continue!
Sunny Sports Day!
The children worked hard to earn house points for their teams throughout the 6 activity stations and were great at cheering each other on. The Y1 children acted as brilliant mentors when demonstrating skills and the Y6 House Captain's help was invaluable. Thank you to all the parents who were able to come along and support and to FOBS for the much needed ice lollies afterwards!
Messy Play!
This exploratory play has numeracy benefits, including the development of fine and gross motor skills, sensory exploration and language development. It's also lots of fun!
Our Community; Our Environment
Jacks Patch kindly donated several packs of wild flower seeds which we used to create a pollination station for our outdoor area. The children then made posters to raise awareness of the importance of bees and thee need to protect them.
Mini Beasts!
After our hunt the children painted their own pictures of a favourite mini beast and then chose a photograph of a habitat to mount their painting on. We're looking forward to them being shown at the community centre during the village show this year!
Y1 Weaving!
The children drew a sea creature onto fabric and used wet coloured chalk to 'dye' their fabric. They then used their weaving skills to weave different materials through a mesh and placed it over their fabric to represent the polluted sea, as described in the story.
The children should be really proud of their hard work and fantastic results!
Church Visit
As part of our RE topic about Special Places we visited St John's church to find out more about what happens in a church and why they are special places for Christians. We have been finding out about features of a church such as a font, cross, candle and lectern and so the children were great at spotting them during our visit! A big thank you to Rev Dave for making the morning such a fun and memorable experience.
Planting!
We planted our sunflower seeds individually and in house teams to see which team can grow the tallest flower! We read the book from 'Seed to Sunflower' and thought about how to care for the seeds to help them to grow. We also planted cress seeds in teams and the children were excited to see the seeds growing after a couple of days!
Bee Keeping Experience
The children had great fun finding out about bees and their behaviour, trying on bee suits and looking at a real hive (a display one - the bees could not get out!)