Reception
Science Week March (2026)
This week in Science week we have been focusing on Curiosity: “What is your question?”
In class, the children carried out a range of science experiments, making predictions and talking about what they thought might happen.
One of our favourite investigations was based on the story The Gingerbread Man. The children were set a challenge: How can we make a waterproof umbrella for the Gingerbread Man? ☔ They explored different materials such as paper, fabric, card and plastic and tested them to see which materials were waterproof.
During Forest School, the children enjoyed collecting natural materials and creating magical potions, they then used their potions to send the rocket up into space. We whittled some sticks to make a wand, we also went on a scavenger hunt.
We were also lucky to experience a visit from a space planetarium, where the children learned about planets, stars and outer space.
By the end of the week we explored our senses, learning how we use sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch to understand the world around us.
It has been wonderful to see the children developing their curiosity, asking questions and thinking like young scientists. Well done Reception!
Focus Texts: Spring 2
World Book day 2026
The Reception class has been absolutely delighted to celebrate World Book Day, participating in a variety of enjoyable and enriching activities. A special highlight was the Gingerbread Man workshop with Big Foot Education, where the children took on the role of "story detectives", embarking on a fun-filled quest to find the elusive Gingerbread Man.
Additionally, the children expressed their creativity by dressing up as their favourite literary characters, bringing stories to life with their imaginative costumes. As part of our exploration of the Colour Monster story, students also dressed to represent different emotions, which helped deepen their understanding of feelings and expression. These wonderful activities have nurtured a love for reading and storytelling among our young learners. Well done Reception!
We are now reading digraphs in Reception!
Geography - Mapping Skills February (2026)
In Reception, the children have been exploring the concept of maps through the engaging text “Martha Maps It Out.” This learning experience has allowed them to understand the various maps that are integral to our daily lives.
Initially, the children created a map of our school, focusing on key features such as our classroom, the hall, and Miss Leonard’s office. This activity encouraged them to observe and represent their immediate environment accurately.
In the following week, the focus shifted to the area surrounding their homes. The children designed a map of their street, identifying and illustrating essential features, including buildings, roads, trees, and shops. This exercise not only enhanced their mapping skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of their local community and the significance of maps in navigating their world.
Initially, the children created a map of our school, focusing on key features such as our classroom, the hall, and Miss Leonard’s office. This activity encouraged them to observe and represent their immediate environment accurately.
In the following week, the focus shifted to the area surrounding their homes. The children designed a map of their street, identifying and illustrating essential features, including buildings, roads, trees, and shops. This exercise not only enhanced their mapping skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of their local community and the significance of maps in navigating their world.
Literacy- The Three Little Pigs February (2026)
The children in Reception have been exploring the story of The Three Little Pigs. They creatively constructed their own houses, which the wolf attempted to blow down. Utilising various materials, including different types of bricks, magnetic tiles, and their own artwork, the children demonstrated impressive creativity. Well done, Reception!
Science - Winter- Snow and ice exploration (January 2026)
The reception children enjoyed exploring the winter environment, discovering ice and snow through hands-on play and observation. They touched, watched, and talked about how the ice felt cold and slippery and how the snow changed when it melted. Through these experiences, children were introduced to new vocabulary such as freezing, melting, cold, smooth, and crunchy, supporting their language development and curiosity about the world around them.
Our focus text Spring one
Reception are all angels!
Our Christmas Nativity - RE
Reception class have been working so hard to retell one of the most important stories in The Bible, The story of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. What a wonderful performance Reception. We are so proud of you all.
Reception are busy telling the story of Christmas!
Advent 2025
Reception class were very busy making their own Advent wreaths in our Advent Creation Day. They thought about the evergreens representing God's everlasting love for us. They placed the four Advent candles to represent the four weeks of Advent. They worked with their Year 6 Mini-Vinnies to make their beautiful Advent wreath. Each morning they are using their wreath to begin their Celebration of The Word. God bless you all Reception.
Focus texts for Reception during Autumn 2
Heritage and Culture Week October 2025
Reception had an amazing week at our heritage and culture week.
We started by looking at our town; we learnt that we live in Beeston or surrounding areas of Leeds. We located St Anthony’s School and Beeston on Google Earth.
Next, we explored the country we live in, England. The children learnt about London being the capital of England. We then focused on King Charles and Queen Camilla. We now know that if you were invited to Buckingham Palace, you would be given cheese and cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam. We then practised our fine motor skills; we used knives to spread the butter on our bread, and then we added cheese and cut up and added the cucumber. We really enjoyed our cheese and cucumber sandwiches. Hopefully we will be invited to the palace one day!
On Wednesday we explored each child’s heritage with a special heritage dress day, and some children made some information to share with the class.
The rest of the week we enjoyed learning about Diwali; the children made rangoli patterns and diva lights and had some food tasting.
All children enjoyed learning a little more about each other and how unique and special we all are in our reception family, school, community, country and the world. Well done, Reception. I am proud of every one of you!
We started by looking at our town; we learnt that we live in Beeston or surrounding areas of Leeds. We located St Anthony’s School and Beeston on Google Earth.
Next, we explored the country we live in, England. The children learnt about London being the capital of England. We then focused on King Charles and Queen Camilla. We now know that if you were invited to Buckingham Palace, you would be given cheese and cucumber sandwiches and scones with jam. We then practised our fine motor skills; we used knives to spread the butter on our bread, and then we added cheese and cut up and added the cucumber. We really enjoyed our cheese and cucumber sandwiches. Hopefully we will be invited to the palace one day!
On Wednesday we explored each child’s heritage with a special heritage dress day, and some children made some information to share with the class.
The rest of the week we enjoyed learning about Diwali; the children made rangoli patterns and diva lights and had some food tasting.
All children enjoyed learning a little more about each other and how unique and special we all are in our reception family, school, community, country and the world. Well done, Reception. I am proud of every one of you!
Focus Texts for Reception during Autumn 1
Exploring and using our senses in the forest!
Reception visit This Green Moon: Our Reception class had their very first school trip to “This Green Moon” in Swillington. During the day, they explored an Autumn woodland and used their senses to explore! What an incredible first hand learning experience for our youngest learners. I am so proud of you Reception! |
Come and watch our exploration in the forest as we used our senses to explore! What a fantastic trip we have had!
This Green Moon 2025
Reception have had their first school trip in Reception today. All of the children have been learning about Autumn and how we look after our environment. Each of the children had the opportunity to make a clay woodland animal using the treasures from the forest. The children used leaves, acorns, and sticks to make their woodland creations.
We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch together and then journeyed into the wood on a mysterious hunt looking for "Swelligogs!" The children had to make a special bracelet and woodland wand to find the "Swelligogs". We followed a magical path of the enchanted wood to find the "Swelligogs" town, who had kindly left us some marshmallows. We took the marshmallows back to the fire pit, and we toasted them carefully on the fire with long sticks. We then boarded the bus to come back to school. All of the adults were really proud of the Reception children and are looking forward to learning more about Autumn in the next few weeks.
We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch together and then journeyed into the wood on a mysterious hunt looking for "Swelligogs!" The children had to make a special bracelet and woodland wand to find the "Swelligogs". We followed a magical path of the enchanted wood to find the "Swelligogs" town, who had kindly left us some marshmallows. We took the marshmallows back to the fire pit, and we toasted them carefully on the fire with long sticks. We then boarded the bus to come back to school. All of the adults were really proud of the Reception children and are looking forward to learning more about Autumn in the next few weeks.
Little Minds Learning at St Anthony's - Autumn 1 2025-2026
The children have been busy this week learning about the concept of matching. They are beginning to understand the phrases "same" and "different" when exploring challenges in provision. In their Personal and Social Development, Reception have been learning explicitly how to be a good friend and how to share in different scenarios of play. Well done, Reception. You are all superstars!
Our phonic and reading scheme is Little Wandle. Please watch our two supporting videos to see how you can assist us in making every child a reader!
Our busy first week in Reception
Our Reception pupils have begun their journey at St Anthony's with huge smiles and lots of enthusiasm for learning. Look at their very first week at school and the happy children we are blessed with in our Reception class. May their journey continue to be special and successful.
Reception Classroom September 2025
Welcome to Reception
Welcome to our Reception class — the exciting beginning of your child’s school journey at St. Anthony’s catholic school!
In Reception, children learn through play, exploration and hands-on experiences in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. We believe every child is unique, and our aim is to nurture curiosity, creativity and a love of learning from the very start.
What Reception Offers
A balance of structured learning and child-led exploration
Early development of reading, writing and number skills
Creative opportunities through art, music and imaginative play
Outdoor learning to encourage discovery and independence
Strong partnerships with families to support each child’s progress
Our dedicated team is here to help your child settle happily into school life, build confidence, and develop positive friendships.
All of our plans are on the website for you to access. We will be adding to tapestry with updates for reading every single week. These tasks are to support your child. I will be checking in with you every week if there is any support needed or information regarding your child’s reading.
We have termly newsletters to keep you informed of what happens in each term. Miss Leonard also sends out a weekly newsletter so please read these as they do have important dates and information which can apply to all of the children throughout school. We cannot wait for this journey to start! Our door is always open please come and speak to us if you have any worries or need any information.
Miss Duffy, Mrs Shelton and the Reception team.