Our Learning

Maths

March 2026

This half term in maths, the children have been learning all about time and number patterns. We started by talking about how time passes during the day and how we can measure it. The children practised reading clocks that have hands (analogue clocks) and clocks that use numbers only (digital clocks). They learned how both types of clocks help us keep track of seconds, minutes and hours, and they enjoyed comparing the differences between them.

We also looked at calendars and talked about how they help us know what day it is, what week we are in, and how many months are in a year. The children explored how calendars are used to plan events, remember special days, and understand how time moves through weeks and months.

Alongside our work on time, we have also been practising spotting number patterns. The children looked at different sequences and worked out which numbers were missing. They had fun exploring patterns that counted in 2s, 5s and 10s, and used this to help them predict what number should come next. This has really helped build their confidence with counting and recognising patterns.

The children have been enthusiastic throughout all our activities, and it has been lovely to see them using their new knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.

Spring Term

January 2026

In Science this half term we will be looking at the solar system learning about the planets, the moon and how astronauts survive on the moon (gravity) and what they do up there.

We have started to learn about the sun and facts about the sun which we found pretty amazing. We dropped different sized spheres into flour to explore gravity and how big the meteorites were depending on the size and height at which we dropped the different sized sphere balls.

We also enjoyed looking at and naming the different planets that orbit around the sun on their axis. We used our bodies to demonstrate how the planets spin around the sun. It did make us a little dizzy!

We thought of an acronym/ mnemonic to help us learn the order of the planets nearest to the sun.

(My (Mercury) Very (Venus) Educated (Earth) Mother (Mars) Just (Jupiter) Served (Saturn) Us (Uranus) Nachos (Neptune)

We enjoyed exploring putting the planets onto the solar system model in order too. We are looking forward to learning more about each of the planets and the different phases of the moon.

Autumn Term

November 2025

As the new teacher in Silver Birch the pupils and staff have made me very welcome. They have shown me how hard they have been working in English, maths, science and foundation subjects.

On Remembrance Day we went to the Salvation Army in Rochdale and visited the Cenotaph. We found the poppies that the school had made which were displayed at the Riverside Retail area.

The class has been having swimming lessons at the Middleton Arena on Wednesday mornings.

A big thank you to the pupils and staff in Silver Birch, as well as the parents for making me feel welcome!

Settling in

September 2025

What a great start to the new school year! Silver Birch class have been settling back into school with big smiles and lots of energy. Everyone has been busy learning and having fun together.

In Geography, we have begun to look at the countries of the United Kingdom. The children enjoyed looking at maps, and globes, and discovering interesting facts about England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In Science, we have been asking the big question: “Is it living or is it dead?” The children had fun sorting different objects and pictures, talking about what makes something alive, and sharing their ideas.

We are really proud of how curious and enthusiastic the children have been—it’s been wonderful to see them getting stuck into their learning!

Take a look at the photos to see Silver Birch hard at work and enjoying their learning adventures.