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Alder 2025 - 2026

Mrs Joanne McComb

Mrs Joanne McComb

Welcome to Alder Class 

Autumn Term

This half-term our topic is Clothes, which we’ll be exploring right across the curriculum. In Maths, History, and Art we’ll be weaving, counting, and learning about clothing through the ages. In Science, we’ll be investigating materials, and in Reading we’ll enjoy The Smartest Giant in Town. 

We’ll also be finding out what a computer is, learning about Christianity in RE, and developing our skills in PE with basketball. An exciting highlight will be our visit to OJ's charity shop. 

This year, we are focusing on building independence both in and out of school, as well as developing problem-solving, attention and awareness (AA), phonics, and sensory learning. Most importantly, we’ll be having lots of fun together while we learn! 

Spring Term

This half-term, our topic is Spain, which we will be exploring across the curriculum. In Maths, Geography and Art, we will be creating mosaics, developing counting skills, learning about time and discovering where Spain is located in the world, alongside exploring Spanish culture and traditions. In Science, we will be learning about the different seasons of the year, and in Reading, we will enjoy Ferdinand the Bull as well as some Spanish poetry. We will also be developing body awareness and beginning the core word programme, focusing on key words to support communication.
 
In RE, we will explore the story of The Crying Camel, and in PE at AllThrive, children will develop movement and sensory skills. Our Computing lessons will focus on learning about sound.
This term, we are also placing a strong emphasis on self-care and personal hygiene, alongside developing problem-solving skills, attention and awareness (AA) and sensory learning. Most importantly, we will be having lots of fun learning together!
 
Summer Term
 
Across the Summer term, Alder Class will explore two engaging themes: “Water, Water Everywhere” in Summer 1 and “The UK” in Summer 2. 

🌧️ Summer 1 – Water, Water Everywhere  

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In Summer 1, our literacy focus will be poetry inspired by rain, helping pupils explore sounds, rhythm, and sensory experiences. Communication will focus on core words such as “want” “yes” and “no” supported by ongoing phonics and Attention Autism sessions. In maths, we will develop understanding of capacity and number through hands-on, practical activities. Our RE learning will centre around the story of 'Noah’s Ark', while in computing we will explore media and film. In geography, we will discover our place in the world, and in art we will use our senses to create imaginative pieces. PSHE and science will link through learning about the environment and how to care for it, alongside continued opportunities to build independence through community outings and personal care. 

Summer 2 – The UK 

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In Summer 2, we will explore the theme of the UK through a mix of fiction and non-fiction, including 'The Queen’s Hat' by Steve Antony. Communication skills will continue to develop with the addition of “I/me/my” to our core words, alongside phonics and Attention Autism. In maths, we will focus on money and number through real-life contexts. Our RE learning will introduce Hinduism through the story of Ganesh, and in computing we will explore using photos. In history, we will learn about where we live, while music will involve listening to and performing UK songs. PSHE will focus on keeping safe, and science will continue exploring the environment. Alongside this, we will enjoy a range of exciting activities including Sports Day, National Picnic Week, den building, and campfire cooking, while continuing to grow our independence and community skills. 

Key information:  

  • Please make sure wellies and waterproofs are in school, so we are always prepared for whatever the weather brings us. A spare set of clothes, including underwear and socks is also really useful. 
  • Snacks and/or lunch – Please make sure you have ordered a school lunch if appropriate. 
  • Please let us know if there are any issues or useful information that will help us to care for your child via email or a phone call. 

All the staff in Alder class are happy to answer any questions or queries you may have and will support you as best we can. Thank you!   

Jo and the team. 

 

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Contact Us

Hillside Specialist School and College

Ribchester Road, Longridge,
Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3XB

T| 01772 782205

E| hillside@hillside.lancs.sch.uk

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