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.