EYFS & Lower School – Summer Newsletter 2025
Introduction
As we reach the end of another rewarding academic year, we’re delighted to reflect on the exciting developments and inspiring learning that have taken place across EYFS and Lower School. One of the highlights this term has been the successful introduction of the “I am a Clever Writer” approach in Years 1 and 2.
Throughout the summer term, pupils across all year groups have shown great enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience in their learning. From imaginative storytelling and scientific exploration to historical investigations and outdoor adventures, our children have embraced every opportunity with curiosity and joy.
This newsletter captures just a snapshot of the many achievements, special moments, and progress made across the school. We are incredibly proud of every pupil and grateful to our dedicated staff for making learning both meaningful and memorable.
We wish all our families a restful, happy summer break and look forward to another exciting year ahead.
Mrs Gibson and Mrs Wright
I am a Clever Writer
We are delighted to share some exciting news about our English Curriculum.
Recently, the Lower School staff received specialised training in the “I am a Clever Writer” approach to teaching writing. This method is already used successfully in many schools, helping to boost children’s confidence, enjoyment, and progress in independent writing.
This term, the approach was trialled in Years 1 and 2. Teachers have noticed a positive impact on children’s attitudes towards writing. The approach features structured daily writing lessons where Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling are taught together, rather than in separate lessons. This helps children regularly revisit, strengthen, and build on their understanding and use of age-appropriate skills.
Each unit is planned around a story, text, film clip, or other engaging content to inspire children and give purpose to their writing. Each week, the unit also focuses on a specific skill or technique in Grammar, Punctuation, or Spelling. As children move through the units, they build a checklist of new skills and techniques. They refer to this weekly to help them consistently use what they’ve learned in their independent writing.
Using carefully planned model texts, children gain a better understanding of what makes a strong piece of writing. Teachers also model the writing process to help children gain confidence in how to start writing and how to include the rich vocabulary and techniques they’ve learned.
Each unit ends with an independent “Star Write,” where children demonstrate their understanding and skills as a “Clever Writer.”
Year 1 and 2 pupils have been excitedly sharing their knowledge of what it means to be a clever writer, showing great enthusiasm for writing. We are thrilled to be introducing this approach across all Lower School classes in September and look forward to celebrating our pupils’ amazing writing with you next year.
Pre-School
Our Summer term has been a whirlwind of fun activities and exciting discoveries!
In Maths, the Pre-School children explored 2D and 3D shapes. They enjoyed spotting shapes around them and making their own with different materials. The children have also been working hard on sounding out and blending CVC words using their robot arms. This hands-on approach has made phonics exciting, and their progress has been impressive.
Sports Day was a major highlight, full of energy and teamwork. The children demonstrated their skills in fun races and games. The cheering from parents made the day extra special and memorable.
We also went on a fantastic trip to Farmer Ted’s, where the children learned about farm animals and enjoyed nature up close. They watched a sheep show and even rode on a tractor!
To celebrate the end of a great term, we held a Teddy Bears Picnic. Everyone brought their favourite cuddly toy for a fun afternoon of stories and snacks on the school grounds.
I am very much looking forward to supporting the children again next year during their Reception year!
Have a wonderful summer!
Mrs Davies
Reception
What a wonderful year it has been in Reception! The children have had a year full of fun, learning, and growth—and this term was no exception. Reception has been working incredibly hard as they get ready for the exciting move into Year 1.
In Maths, the children built on their understanding of numbers up to 20. They explored addition, subtraction, sharing, and grouping through hands-on activities and problem-solving games. These experiences have helped lay strong foundations for future learning.
In Phonics, we focused on Phase 4 while also reviewing all the sounds and tricky words we’ve learned so far. The children have made great progress and shown real determination. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow in both reading and writing.
One of the highlights of this term was diving into the world of fantasy. From magical potions to brave superheroes, the children let their imaginations shine. Their creativity came alive through storytelling, role play, and themed activities, making the classroom a truly magical place. As one child put it, “I loved making potions! Mine could make you fly to the moon!” Moments like these truly brought the topic to life.
To celebrate a fantastic year, we took a special trip to Farmer Ted’s, where the children learned about farm animals and nature. We also ended the year with a cheerful teddy bears’ picnic—full of smiles, laughter, and great memories.
We’re incredibly proud of everything the children have achieved and how much they’ve grown. Well done, Reception! You’re more than ready for the adventures of Year 1.
Have a wonderful summer!
Miss Hines and Miss Gannon
Reception Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term has been fantastic for our Reception pupils, with many exciting outdoor learning activities. We began by sowing wildflower seeds, which have transformed parts of the Tower College grounds into a colourful display, attracting a variety of wildlife, especially pollinating insects.
The children were excited to observe moth caterpillars making their home in one of the playground trees. We compared these to the painted lady butterfly caterpillars we had in class, noting the differences and encouraging thoughtful discussion.
Alongside our nature studies, the children also participated in team-building challenges. They enjoyed creating shady shelters to escape the sunshine, working together and using their imaginations.
Overall, the outdoor lessons have been both educational and enjoyable, helping the children build stronger connections with nature and each other.
Year 1
What an exciting year it’s been! This term has been full of learning, fun, and achievements we’ll always remember.
In our topic lessons, we explored the seaside town of Lyme Regis and learned about the amazing Mary Anning. Our excitement grew when we took a virtual trip to Lyme Regis, where we enjoyed views of the beach and learned about the history of fossils.
In English, we read fun and imaginative books like How to Grow a Dinosaur and Billy’s Bucket. These stories helped us write our own diary entries and instructions.
Maths was hands-on and tasty! We learned about fractions by cutting fruit and drawing halves on crackers. Snack time also became a money lesson as we “paid” for our snacks using coins we had practiced with.
In phonics, we finished learning Phase 5 sounds and played fun games to review everything we’ve learned. These activities helped us grow more confident in reading and writing.
It’s been a fantastic term. Year 1, you’re more than ready for Year 2. Good luck—you’re going to be amazing!
Miss Porter and Miss Connolly
Year 1 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term, we had so much fun learning outside! We started our own dinosaur dig, where everyone became a mini paleontologist. Using tools, we carefully uncovered small model dinosaur bones. We even made our own fossils from clay and built landscapes for our dinosaurs to live in.
We also planted wildflower seeds and helped care for our vegetable garden by weeding and watering. One of the most exciting moments was finding two bird nests in surprising places, which made us very curious and excited.
It’s been a wonderful term filled with outdoor fun, teamwork, and nature discoveries!
Year 2
What an amazing year it has been! It’s been such a joy to be part of the children’s learning journey and to watch them grow in knowledge, confidence, and character.
This term, the children worked hard to improve their writing. They created some fantastic pieces, including recounts and letters inspired by our class texts Dear Earth, The Day the Crayons Quit, and Meerkat Mail.
In our Maths lessons, we learned to describe the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, tell the time, draw graphs and interpret data, understand position and direction, and measure length, height, capacity, volume, and temperature.
In Geography, we explored Africa. The children learned about safaris and even designed their own national parks, choosing which animals they might see on a real safari adventure. In History, we learned about the British Monarchy. We studied the life of Richard III and finished the topic with a Medieval Banquet, dressing up as Princes, Princesses, Kings, Queens, Jesters, and more! In Science, we had lots of fun with our Minibeasts topic. The students created amazing projects—well done to everyone! In Computing, we made music using Google Chrome Music Lab and revisited our ScratchJR skills.
It’s been a wonderful term, and we’re so excited to see Year 2 shine as they move into Year 3!
Mrs Gibson,. Mrs Wright and Miss Connolly
Year 2 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term, our Year 2 class has truly embraced outdoor learning. It’s been a joy to witness their curiosity and excitement in every lesson. The pupils have flourished while working in groups, developing new Gardening and Craft skills.
They planted seed potatoes, which sparked their interest in how plants grow, and also planted herbs and flowers. They cared for the raised vegetable beds by regularly weeding and watering them.
We also built hedgehog homes, and the children were thrilled when a family of hedgehogs was later spotted on the school grounds. There were exciting bug hunts in the trees and underground, and the children observed the fascinating transformation from caterpillar to chrysalis, which ended with the emergence of several beautiful painted lady butterflies.
Each activity not only deepened the pupils’ love for nature but also strengthened their teamwork and collaboration skills. It’s been a fantastic term, and every child in Year 2 has played a part in making our outdoor learning journey truly memorable!
Year 3
We’ve had an exciting summer term!
This term in Maths, the children explored Statistics, Time, and Money. Their English work focused on creative writing, inspired by our class book, Romans on the Rampage. They investigated the natural world in Science, learning about Plants, Biodiversity, and the vital role Scientists play in our lives.
History lessons were filled with fascinating facts about the Romans, including life in Roman Britain, the story of Boudicca, and the construction of Roman Roads. Geography brought powerful topics like Extreme Weather to life. The children discovered how tsunamis cause destruction, how volcanoes erupt, and how human actions can lead to natural disasters.
We also had a fantastic Disney Day, complete with Disney bingo, thrilling rides, and a dazzling fireworks display.
It has been a joy to watch you all grow and learn this year. I’ll miss you so much. Good luck in Year 4!
Have a wonderful summer break—relax, have fun, and keep exploring!
Mrs Traverse
Year 3 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term, Year 3 pupils embraced the great outdoors through a series of lessons that combined exploration with hands-on learning. The children became young explorers, searching the school grounds for a variety of creatures, which sparked their curiosity and appreciation for wildlife.
Our new pond area was a fantastic place for observing nature. The children watched tadpoles and explored the life cycle of frogs, as well as spotted insects such as lacewings and water boatmen. Their knowledge of Science and biodiversity helped them understand and talk about what they observed.
Alongside their wildlife discoveries, the pupils learned how to prune shrubs and took cuttings to grow new plants. Gardening activities continued with planting vegetables and weeding the raised beds, helping them connect with nature and apply what they know about what plants need to grow well.
To finish off their outdoor learning, the children practiced whittling different types of wood. They used tools safely to create their own unique pieces. It was a term full of discovery, creativity, and fun lessons.
Year 4
We’ve had a fabulous Summer Term in Year 4, and it’s been heartwarming to see the children’s enthusiasm shine through in everything they’ve done.
In History, we travelled back to Ancient Greece, where the children took part in all sorts of creative projects. They wrote character descriptions of Medusa and designed amazing labyrinth marble runs to retell the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. They also researched the Ancient Greek Olympics and made brilliant tinfoil models of athletes in action. The highlight was our Greek-themed day, where everyone dressed up and even held a vote—though I must admit, I was a bit surprised to find myself ‘ostracised’ from the classroom! (Don’t worry, it was all part of the fun and learning.)
In Geography, we explored the topic of ‘Extreme Earth’. The children used Oreo Cookies (yes, really!) to model Tectonic Plate Boundaries and designed adventurous vehicles for an imaginary trip to the centre of the Earth. We also learned about the layers of the ocean and the incredible creatures that live there. One child said, “I didn’t know the ocean could be so deep – it’s like a whole other world!”
In Science, we explored habitats and the impact of deforestation. The children wrote powerful letters to Palm Oil companies, asking them to make more sustainable choices. It was lovely to see how much they care about the planet. They also created colourful toucan illustrations using oil pastels, and their Rainforest Projects were a real highlight of the term.
Mrs Miles and Mrs Thorold-Smith
Year 4 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer has been a wonderful time for Outdoor Learning. The children enjoyed being outside, soaking up the sunshine and exploring the world around them.
They’ve been incredibly observant—spotting buzzing insects, naming different types of plants, herbs, and vegetables in our garden beds, and asking thoughtful questions about what they found.
One of the stand-out moments was our wildflower planting project near the car park. The goal was to help local wildlife and attract more pollinators—and it was amazing to see how well the children worked together to bring this to life.
These outdoor sessions sparked some great conversations and gave the children a chance to connect their Science learning with real-life experiences. They remembered facts from past lessons and showed how much they’re growing in both knowledge and confidence.
All in all, it’s been a term full of creativity, teamwork, and a real appreciation for the great outdoors!
Year 5
What a fantastic final term we’ve had in Year 5! The children have worked incredibly hard across all subjects and made us very proud.
In Maths, they built strong skills in decimals, confidently using place value charts to represent tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. We also practised measuring angles with protractors—lots of fun and focus!
In English, the class created fantastic information texts about imaginary creatures, using checklists to make sure their writing was the best it could be. They also enjoyed fun boxing and singing activities to boost their recall of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG).
In Science, we explored changes in materials, investigating which changes are reversible or irreversible. The children tested solubility, and used sieving and filtering to separate substances. They also drew imaginative pictures of what they might look like as teenagers or seniors!
History took us to the time of the Mayans, where the children became archaeologists, digging through sand to discover ancient artefacts. In Geography, we travelled to Australia, where we learned about the country’s incredible physical features. We even “met” Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo and helped tackle bushfires with the Fire Department!
We ended the year with joy and celebration—cheering on our friends at the “Tower’s Got Talent” show and sharing a heartfelt goodbye during our Year 5 Graduation Ceremony.
Year 5, you have been an amazing class to teach—your energy, curiosity and kindness made this a term to remember!
Miss Midgley and Miss Gannon
Year 5 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term was packed with adventure in our Outdoor Learning sessions.
One highlight was observing the life cycle of insects. We watched caterpillars transform into painted lady butterflies and compared them with moth caterpillars nesting in the playground, which was teeming with life! We also spotted ladybirds in different stages of metamorphosis, sparking so much excitement—some pupils even wanted to keep them as pets!
Linking with our RE topic on worship, we crafted our own musical instruments using recycled materials. Everyone collaborated brilliantly and enjoyed getting creative.
In our garden area, the children sowed and cared for vegetables and herbs. It was so rewarding to see their patience and teamwork result in real growth.
After our learning sessions, we wrapped up with team challenges and outdoor games, often ending in a joyful scramble on the climbing frame. This term has been full of laughter, learning, and wonderful memories.
Year 6
The children have worked incredibly hard this term, and it’s clear in the progress everyone has made!
In Maths, we’ve been reviewing our understanding of fractions, which have been a big part of this year’s learning. We also looked at different angle rules to help us find missing angles on straight lines and around circles. To finish the term, we tackled algebra, and the children picked it up brilliantly.
In English, we’ve been sharpening our descriptive writing skills using abstract nouns and detailed place descriptions. We created our own poems using powerful adjectives and fun features like alliteration. The children especially enjoyed playing the role of teacher and voting for their favourites. We also spent time reading and discussing poetry, sharing our thoughts and ideas.
In Science, we explored how plants and animals differ, focusing on what makes each species unique. Our learning included looking at adaptation and evolution, and we even learned about Charles Darwin and how he developed his theory of natural selection.
In History, we compared crime and punishment through the ages. The children were surprised at how harsh and cruel some punishments were in the past, and we had thoughtful discussions about which laws and ideas are still important today.
Geography lessons introduced key terms like import, export, distribution, and retailer. The children had great fun tracing where some everyday products come from—chocolate and bananas were big favourites!
In Computing, we used Tinkercad to create and edit digital 3D shapes, and in R.E., we reflected on the theme of eternity.
It’s been a real joy teaching Year 6 this year. We’ve shared lots of highs—and worked through a few challenges too—but everyone has shown resilience and a positive attitude.
Always remember: stay positive, work hard, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Mr Sweeney and Miss Gannon
Year 6 Outdoor Learning with Mrs Boyd
This summer term, Year 6 pupils had a fantastic time learning outside the classroom, deepening their creativity and connection to nature.
Early in the term, we designed and built an outdoor adventure scramble area for younger pupils. Using logs and stumps, the children crafted a fun and safe trail for others to enjoy.
As part of our ongoing Dig for Victory campaign, the children harvested garlic they planted last autumn—and even discovered a few surprise potatoes! This hands-on project was a definite highlight.
We also joined a national initiative to map habitats around Tower College. The children helped identify areas where we could boost wildlife, including planting colourful wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies.
To round off the term, our transition day offered exciting choices like building shelters or trying hapa zome—a Japanese technique that uses natural materials and hammers to make beautiful nature prints.
All in all, it’s been a wonderful term packed with learning, laughter, and lots of fresh air!
