"Do everything in love” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Learning to love, loving to learn

Welcome to Reception

Summer Term 2026

Welcome back Reception.

Mrs Whittall and Mrs Robertson are excited to welcome you back to St Mary’s. This term we have some exciting topics and experiences in store. We look forward to a fantastic term. The following information tells you a little more about the coming term in Reception.

General information

• Please tie up long hair.
• Please have a bottle of water at school everyday. This can be refilled as necessary.
• Reading diaries will be checked on a Friday. Please ensure your child has read at least 3 times.
• All school uniform should be named.
• A full PE kit should be in school at all times.

PE will be outside whenever possible so please account for this when sending in your child's PE kit.

 Our Aims

We offer a curriculum rich in wonder and memorable experiences. We provide a stimulating environment that provides exciting opportunities, promotes challenge, exploration, adventure and a real love of learning.
It is our intent that all children develop physically, verbally, cognitively and emotionally in an environment which values all cultures, communities and people. We aim for our children to be confident and independent, to believe in themselves and interact positively with others.
Play is an integral part of learning. A mix of adult directed and uninterrupted child-initiated play ensures the best outcomes for pupils.

Warm and positive relationships between staff and children, consistent routines and strong relationships with parents are key.

Our Christian Values

During the spring term, our Christian values are 'Honesty' and 'Determination'.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

 

Reading

This half term we will begin phase 4 of the Little Wandle scheme.

We will use the Little Wandle scheme of work for our Phonics lessons and to develop reading and spelling strategies. Our we daily routine will include phonics and reading sessions.

Your child will bring home a ‘Phonics Reader’ and a ‘Love of Reading’ book. Regular reading at home is essential and we ask that you read the ‘Phonics Reader’ book with your child, at least 3 times per week. We suggest that you question your child regularly about the book they are reading to develop a deeper understanding of a range of texts, to develop new vocabulary and to strengthen writing skills.

Our class books for this half-term include 'Gigantosaurus.' and 'The Sea Saw'

             

             

Writing

We will continue developing our fine motor skills in order to support our writing skills and pencil control. We will continue to utilise our phonics skills to write captions and simplke sentences and continue to focus on our letter formation and presentation.

 

Maths

As mathematicians, the children will learn through concrete experiences moving onto pictorial and abstract methods as their confidence builds. They will also be expected to use their learning to reason about maths and solve problems. 

During the summer term pupils will build on previous learning and  further develop their mathematical reasoning skills. Pupils will explore, compare, compose and represent numbers upto 20. They will
begin to explore doubling, odd and even numbers and sharing. They will begin to connect larger quantities to numerals and look in detail at simple addition and subtration skills and develop theior inderstanding of numberbonds. . We will continue to look at shape, space and measure including exploring maps and mazes and developing our understanding of numerical pattern.

 

Understanding of the World

 

The Natural World 

Exploring the environment, how it changes through the seasons and how this affects what we wear and do.
Looking at things that are alive and not alive.
Growing plants and observing the changes that occur. Learning about different habitats and environments and observing the similarities and differences.
Exploring the characteristics of summer. Comparing life in this country to life in other countries or places.
Exploring life cycles
Exploring how we can stay healthy including healthy food, teeth brushing and other things to keep us healthy

Past and Present 

Comparing characters from stories including figures from the past. 
Investigating how things grow/evolve over time 

Technology 
Continuing to use computers and iPads to play games and access the internet to find out information.
Using cameras and iPads to take photographs and videos.
Using simple drawing programs to enable your child to develop their mouse control.

RE

For RE we will use the Questful RE planning. 

This term we will explore Special Times and Special People.

 

Justice and Responsibility

As we continue to live our lives and act out the teachings of Jesus, we will continue to focus on justice and responsibility and will challenge big questions.

 

PE

Our PE will continue to develop fundamental skills and preparing for Sports Day. We will take part in the following topics:

Fun with quoits and cones (Athletics)

Turn taking on Holidays (Strike and Field)

 

Art and DT

Using previous experience and knowledge to develop observational skills to create detailed representations of events, people and objects.
Creating art work using natural objects
Using a wide range of techniques to represent their ideas and feelings through art, music, dance and role-play. Using construction materials to follow instructions that are more complex and to encourage imagination and creativity.
Using self-expression and interpretation of ideas through dance, music and role-play.

As artists, we will be influenced by the work of famous artists to inspire our creativity.

                                  

PSHE

In PSHE, we will follow the Heartsmart scheme and introducing the Heartsmart principles of 'Fake is a mistake' and 'No way through isn't true!''. We will be guided by Boris, the Heartsmart mascot and learning about the importance of loving ourselves and thinking of others.

Music

As musicians, we will be using Charanga to explore different music genres and new terminology. We will be using instruments to express ideas and feelings and developing understanding of pulse and rhythm

We will also be learning lots of new songs and rhymes .

 

Visits

Trip to the library and trip to the farm

 

 

Here are some links and videos to support your child's learning .