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Spruce 2025 - 2026

Miss Roxanne Lundbeck

Miss Roxanne Lundbeck

Autumn 1 Term

This half term our topic is “Me and My Friends.”

English and Communication

In our daily English and Communication sessions, we will be exploring two wonderful stories:

  • Pip and Posy: The New Friend by Axel Scheffler
  • Jimmy the Cat by Katty Melnichenko

The children will take part in a range of fun and engaging activities linked to each story.

Maths

In our daily Maths sessions, we will be learning all about time. The children will:

  • Sequence pictures of daily events
  • Explore the concepts of fast and slow, day and night
  • Learn about the purpose of a clock
  • Read the time in hours on an analogue clock
  • Read hours and half hours on a digital clock

PSHE

In PSHE, we will be learning about friendship and celebrating what makes each child unique. We will focus on:

  • Our favourite things
  • What makes us happy
  • Who we like to play with

Science

Our Science topic this term is Evolution and Inheritance.

RE

In RE, we will be learning the story of Jonah and the Whale.

Computing

In Computing, the children will be exploring What is a Computer?

Autumn Term 2

Our Topic: Traditional Tales

Welcome to our new topic — Traditional Tales!

This half term, we are stepping into the world of stories we all know and love, including 'The Three Little Pigs' and 'The Gingerbread Man'. The children will explore characters, settings, and story structures through play, writing, and creative activities.

English

In English, we’ll be retelling and acting out our favourite traditional tales. Children will use story maps, puppets, and role play to bring the stories to life.

Maths

Our maths focus this term is addition and subtraction, as well as position and direction. We’ll use practical activities, games, and outdoor learning to solve problems and describe where objects are — using words like above, next to, behind and in front of.

PSHE – Changing and Growing

In PSHE, our topic Changing and Growing helps us understand how we change as we grow from babies to adults. We’ll think about our bodies, how to keep ourselves healthy and what makes each of us unique and special.

Science – Everyday Materials

In Science, we’ll explore everyday materials and their properties. Children will test which materials are hard, soft, stretchy or waterproof — just like the Three Little Pigs discovering which house is the strongest! We’ll also explore how materials can change when we mix, heat or bake during our cooking activities.

RE – Christianity (place): The Church

In RE, we’ll learn about Christianity and why the church is a special place for Christians. We’ll find out what happens inside a church, who works there and how people celebrate and reflect.

DT – Baking and Following Instructions

We’ll be following recipes and step-by-step instructions to bake biscuits, including our very own gingerbread men! Through these activities, the children will practice sequencing, teamwork and see how ingredients change as they’re mixed, melted and baked.

History – Through Traditional Tales

In History, we’ll look at life in the past through the lens of traditional stories. We’ll compare how people lived 'once upon a time' to how we live today — looking at old houses, clothes and tools. This helps children begin to understand how things have changed over time.

We can’t wait to see the children’s creativity and confidence grow as they explore stories, materials and the world around them. It’s going to be a magical half term full of imagination, learning and fun!

Spring Term 1
 
Welcome to our new topic — Out of this World!

Get ready to blast off on an exciting adventure beyond our planet! We will be exploring space, travelling to the moon and discovering stars, planets, rockets and astronauts. Along the way, we’ll imagine what it’s like to float in space, learn new space words, create amazing cosmic art and work together like a real space crew. There will be lots of opportunities to ask questions, use our imaginations and explore the universe through play.
 
English
 
This half term, our learning will be Out of This World! as we explore space through exciting stories and hands-on activities. Our main stories will be Solar System by Jill McDonald and Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram, which will help us learn about the sun, moon, stars and planets. Children will develop new vocabulary, ask questions and begin to understand simple facts about space through engaging illustrations and discussions.
 
Maths
 
Our maths focus this half term is money. Children will learn the names of coins, sort them into silver and copper and make different amounts using a range of coins.
We will also visit Aldi every Thursday, giving children the chance to use their learning in real-life situations by recognising coins, paying for items and making choices.
 
PSHE – Managing feelings
 
In PSHE, our focus is managing feelings. Children will learn to recognise and name different emotions, understand that all feelings are normal and begin to talk about how they feel. Through stories, role play, circle time and calm-down activities, children will explore strategies to manage big emotions, such as taking turns, using words to express feelings and finding ways to calm themselves. This will help support their emotional wellbeing, confidence and positive relationships with others.
Science and drama – exploring space
 
In Science, children will be exploring space through hands-on learning and drama. They will learn about the sun, moon, stars and planets and use role play to act out being astronauts, rockets and planets. Through drama, storytelling, movement and imaginative play, children will explore ideas such as travelling through space, floating in zero gravity and landing on the moon, helping to build curiosity, language and understanding of the world beyond our planet.
 
RE – Festivals – Chinese New Year
 
In RE, we will be learning about Chinese New Year. Children will explore how and why Chinese New Year is celebrated, including traditions such as family gatherings, special foods, decorations, dragons and fireworks. Through stories, music, role play and creative activities, children will learn about the importance of celebration, new beginnings and respect for different cultures and beliefs.
Key Information
  • PE – Friday morning with Super Ball Paul
  • Please bring a spare set of clothes and a waterproof coat/wellies, so we are ready for any weather.
  • Don’t forget snacks and/or lunch each day.
  • Please check Dojo announcements regularly for updates and messages.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Spruce team. We are always happy to help in any way we can.

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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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