Withyham - St Michael's Primary School

We follow the White Rose Maths Scheme which begins in Reception and carries on through the school,. This scheme supports children to develop early maths skills using a range of practical experiences that can then be used and applied across the curriculum. Children use a range of manipulatives to support their learning including Numicon.

Children have the opportunity to develop as mathematicians using both the indoor and outdoor environment.  This might be through playing board games, role play and making ptterns.  

Each child in Reception is paired with a child in Year 6, who becomes their 'buddy'. Before children start school their buddies send them a welcome pack which includes a letter and drawings. The buddies also read a favourite story to the reception child and this can be viewed and enjoyed at home by the help of a QR code! 

The role of the buddy plays a key part in helping the children settle into school and roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the need of each child.  This can include su[pprt in the playground or dinner hall, spending time in the classroom together.

In Acorn Class we learn through play and high quality books focussed around the interests of the class. 

In the autumn term we are focusing on the topic What Makes Me Special?  We will also be exploring farming and Harvest as these are key themes in the Autumn. Our topic provides opprtunities for us to get to know one another and our school community. We will find out about our likes and dislikes and our similarites and differences and explore our new school environment.

Children's learning and development is supported by familar stories and by introducing the class to a wealth of inclusive, diverse and high quality core texts.

Once settled the children are introduced to our phonics scheme. We use the Little Wandle phonics scheme which is taught daily in reception and into key Stage 1. When children have the right phonic knowledge; usually four weeks onwards into starting school we begin to send home books matched to the phonic knowledge the children have. 

Useful links for Families -  Litte Wandle Phonics

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

Phase 2 sounds - Reception Autumn 1 

https://youtu.be/-ZtjFIvA_fs

Phase 2 sounds - Reception Autumn 2

https://youtu.be/qDu3JAjf-U0

Phase 3 - Reception Spring 1

https://youtu.be/DvOuc7cWXxc

Phase 5 sounds

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/