Year 1 Summer 1 2026
The first week of this half term is Shakespeare week at Hempshill. The children will be focusing on the play ‘Macbeth’. We will all work with a specialist dance artist to take part in a highly creative dance and movement workshop. The workshop will explore the characteristics and magic of the witches. At the end of the week we will write our own witches spells using Shakespearian language!
Our topic this half term is ‘Catastrophies at Sea’. The children will be reading The Lighthouse Keepers Lunch by Ronda and David Armitage. we will re-write the narrative focusing on the structure of the story, using actions to help us recall each part of the story. We will also use this text to create our own set of instructions on how to make a healthy lunch for the lighthouse keeper.
Save the Date! Spring Lakes
On Friday 15th May 2026 we will be taking a trip to Spring Lakes in Long Eaton. Where children will explore the manmade ‘beach’. We will use information about the experience to write a re-count of our visit.
In Maths, we will be focusing on measurement (mass, and volume). We will then be moving into division and multiplication. We will learn to read, write and understand mathematical ideas using multiplication (x), division (÷), and equals (=) signs. The children will start to use arrays and will use grouping and sharing to divide.
As a part of our topic in History we will be learning about two important people; Grace Darling and Florence Nightingale. We will gather information about their lives and compare them. We’ll also compare the seaside from 100 years ago to the seaside now. In Geography we will be identifying human and physical features this time with a seaside focus!
Stay for Tea at school
As part of our ‘Fifty Things to Do in Year 1’, we are arranging a lovely event for the children to stay for tea. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy tea together with their friends in a relaxed and social setting. More details and date to follow!
Thank you for your continued support to help your child read at home. Remember the school expectation is for you to read at least 4 times a week with your child. In Phonics, we will revisit all the sounds taught to prepare children for the phonics screening check in June 2026. More information on the phonics screening check can be found on the Hempshill Hall School website.
Please continue to use the home/school diaries to make comments about your child’s reading, these are checked. They are especially important so that reading at home can be counted, noted and rewarded!