Christmas week in Hornbeam Class was a joyful and memorable way to end what has been a truly wonderful first term together. The classroom was filled with excitement, laughter and festive cheer as the children enjoyed a well-earned week of celebration while also taking time to reflect on everything they have achieved since September.

Throughout the week, the children took part in a wide range of Christmas activities that brought learning and enjoyment together. They created festive crafts with care and creativity, producing work they were proud to take home and share. Christmas quizzes added an extra buzz to the classroom, encouraging teamwork, friendly competition and lots of smiles. We also enjoyed watching the pantomime together, which the children engaged with enthusiastically and thoroughly enjoyed.

A particularly special highlight of the week was the visit from Santa, who made a dramatic arrival by helicopter. This unforgettable moment filled the playground with excitement and amazement and will certainly be a lasting memory for the children.

Christmas week also included meaningful opportunities for reflection and worship. Hornbeam Class enjoyed attending our Christmas service with Reverend David, where the children listened thoughtfully and reflected on the Christian message of Christmas. We also took part in an online Christmas collective worship led by the Bishop, helping pupils feel connected to the wider church community. Throughout the week, the classroom was filled with the sound of Christmas carols, with the children singing together with enthusiasm. These shared moments encouraged reflection on kindness, hope and community, supporting our school motto to Let Your Light Shine.

Beyond the Christmas celebrations, this first term has been packed with exciting and enriching learning experiences. Hornbeam Class visited Ashford Water Works, where pupils learnt about how water is treated and supplied, linking their visit to both science and geography. In science lessons, the children investigated the properties of materials, planned tests, made predictions and explained results using scientific vocabulary.

In history, pupils explored life in Ancient Greece, learning about daily life, beliefs and the lasting impact of Greek civilisation. Our geography learning focused on rivers, helping children understand key features and processes, while science lessons also took us into space, where pupils developed their knowledge of the solar system. Alongside classroom learning, Hornbeam Class also took part in swimming lessons this term, showing resilience, confidence and determination as they developed their skills in the water.

Overall, we have had a wonderful first term together, filled with interesting learning, memorable experiences and many achievements to celebrate. The children have worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of everything they have accomplished so far.

Both Mrs Newton and I are extremely proud of Hornbeam Class and very much look forward to continuing our journey together in the spring term, building on this strong start and enjoying many more exciting learning opportunities together.