Wider Curriculum at Pine Ridge and Lorraine Infant Schools
Nursery: The children at Pine Ridge Nursery have been thinking about building structures. We are becoming expert builders and can create some amazing structures using a range of resources. We particularly like to make structures that we can get into and feel nice and cosy. The weather has been very changeable and we have been exploring all the different elements of the winter months. We went on a walk to post our letters to Father Christmas, we hope they make it all the way to the North Pole!
This term at Lorraine Nursery, the children had the opportunity to look around a fire engine as part of ‘people who help us’. The children engaged in role play including vets, shops and firemen to expand on their knowledge of people who help us. They also enjoyed listening to ‘The three little pigs’ and exploring sticks, straw and bricks in the tuff tray. We had fun posting our letters to Santa on our walk to the post box and we discussed what postmen do and how our letters arrive.
Reception: The children in Robins and Holly Class have been looking at people who help us this half term. The children enjoyed taking on different roles from vet nurses to post officers to fire fighters; we’ve had it all! The children have then been using different construction kits to make their own building for ‘someone who helps us’ to work in. The children have been very creative and shown great resilience!
Year 1: This term, our Year 1 learners have engaged in a cross-curricular project to investigate the significance of local structures and their impact on our lives. Through hands-on exploration and creative projects, they have developed an understanding of how buildings and landmarks influence our daily lives and connect us to our community’s past.
Highlights of Our Learning
Local Walk: Children explored the neighborhood, observing significant structures. They investigated how our area and its landmarks have evolved over time, comparing historical photos with present-day views.
This multidisciplinary approach has allowed children to apply their learning in meaningful ways, culminating in a showcase of creative models inspired by historically significant local landmarks. Through this project, students have not only developed a deeper understanding of the world around them but also honed valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and design.
Year 2: This half term, Year 2 have focused on their enquiry question ‘How have structures influenced our lives?’ and in particular they have been learning about what impact the Great Fire of London had on the structures in modern day London. The children took part in a brilliant Great Fire of London workshop where they had a fantastic time doing hands-on, practical activities to further their understanding of London in 1666. The children have developed a great understanding of how the fire started and why it spread so quickly and now they know how and why London has changed since 1666.
Year 2 designed their own buildings and then measured and carefully cut wood to form the structure of their buildings. They then used a glue gun to join the wood together and used card to make the sides of the buildings. We absolutely love the final products and the detail on the buildings! Well done on an amazing half term Year 2, we are very proud of you!
