Turtle
Welcome to Turtle Class
In Turtle class we are following the Discoverer Pathway. Where we focus on developing confident and happy learners who are equipped with independence and skills needed to make the most of their learning to each individual need. We learn best through our play-based learning tasks and encourage learners to develop their social interaction skills with their peers in class. As a team we are always looking to provide the very best learning experiences for our learners through fun, laughter and nurture.
Turtle Makaton Sign
Turtle Class Timetable
Learning Showcase
Exciting moments from Turtle will appear in this space, including any pictures or videos we take. Please keep checking in, in order to see what the learners have been up to!
Autumn 1 Curriculum Map
Autumn 1 2024
Turtle Class explored the text Here We Are using the PICC a text approach, developing their understanding of planet Earth and its features. They sequenced the story, described different settings, and created their own postcards using colourful semantics. In Geography, learners studied islands such as Britain, Australia and Greenland, labelled maps, and took part in cultural afternoons to explore different ways of life. In Maths, they practised counting and developed their understanding of ‘one more’ and ‘one less’ through practical, play-based activities. Our Art lessons focused on drawing skills using texture, shading and shape, with experimentation in light and dark through frottage. In Science, learners explored sensory habitats, made predictions about animal environments, created mini-habitats, and learnt about food chains by identifying producers, predators and prey. Daily Phonics sessions followed the Bug Club scheme, supporting reading. In Computing, learners developed their mouse control skills using Sketchpad to create digital art inspired by Kandinsky and self-portraits. In PSHE our lessons supported emotional understanding, turn-taking and social interaction through games and discussions. In RE, learners explored the concept of sacred stories, discussed their own special books, and retold a range of religious texts.
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Autumn 2 Curriculum Map
Autumn 2 2024
Turtle Class explored The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson using the PICC a text approach, deepening their understanding of emotions such as fear. They discussed the purpose of recounts and instructions, focusing on the importance of clarity and chronological order. Learners wrote diary entries and a newspaper article based on events leading up to Christmas. In History, they studied the Tudors, comparing the lives of the rich and poor through clothing, food, housing and music. They experienced life as Tudor servants by engaging in activities like writing with quills, soap making and sewing. In Maths, learners explored money through practical role play, identifying and adding coins, and used positional language to describe where Baby Bear and his rocket were. In Design and Technology, learners tested different cushions for support, developing fine motor skills through threading, cross-stitching and appliqué to design and make their own cushions. In Science, they investigated forces such as gravity, friction, and resistance, and experimented with pulleys, levers and gears. Learners took part in hands-on investigations, including sinking and floating tests and the egg drop challenge. Daily Phonics sessions followed the Bug Club scheme, reinforcing reading through structured routines. In Computing, learners sorted and categorised objects and wrote simple algorithms by breaking tasks into steps, including designing robots using 2D shapes. In PSHE, they learned about healthy foods, hygiene and caring for their bodies, and developed independence through self-care activities. In Religion and Worldviews, learners explored why stories about Jesus are important to Christians, focusing on the festivals of Christmas and Easter.
Spring 1 Curriculum Map
Spring 1 2025
Turtle Class explored the text When a Dragon Goes to School by Caryl Hart using the PICC a text approach. Learners created their own dragon characters, predicted the storyline using visual clues, and identified key characters. They used colourful semantics to describe images, wrote diary entries using time conjunctions, and recounted the dragon’s school adventures. Learners engaged in sensory fantasy activities including crafting wands and shields, building castles, and exploring monster slime. They created their own fantasy stories and performed a fantasy adventure incorporating props, music, and dance. In Geography, learners investigated life in Australia, tasting native fruits, learning about Aboriginal beliefs, creating rainmakers with traditional symbols, and exploring Aboriginal Dot Painting. They studied the Australian Wattle and explored wildlife and habitats unique to the country. In Maths, learners developed their understanding of measurement, geometry, and addition through hands-on activities, including comparing length and height, creating patterns, and combining groups to find totals. In Art, they experimented with charcoal mark-making, observational drawing, and emotional expressions in characters, eventually creating a concertina book to illustrate a story. In Science, learners studied body parts and the five senses through interactive activities and simple tests, improving their observation and language skills. Daily Phonics sessions followed the Bug Club scheme, reinforcing reading skills. In Computing, they explored online safety, learning about trusted adults, safe online behaviour, and the SMART rules, culminating in poster creation. In PSHE, they focused on family relationships, body awareness, and personal growth through portrait-making, role-play, and discussions about privacy and keeping belongings safe. In Religion and Worldviews, learners explored how stories can teach values such as kindness and respect through Bible stories, Aesop’s Fables, and Islamic teachings. They reflected on joy and happiness, supported by practical activities like building, creating a kindness tree, and a hands-on Zoolab experience.
Spring 2 Curriculum Map
Spring 2 2025
Turtle Class explored Caring for Your Lion by Tammi Sauer through interactive and sensory activities, enhancing their comprehension, sequencing, and creative writing skills. Learners created their own “How to” guides for lion care and wrote Diamanté poems inspired by the story. In History, they studied the impact of famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong. They created timelines, compared exploration methods across time, identified explorers' journeys on world maps, designed monuments, and role-played expeditions. In Maths, learners developed their understanding of addition, subtraction, and geometry using hands-on resources such as number blocks. They explored number bonds, subtraction with one and two, and spatial awareness using directional language. Geometry lessons also included identifying shapes and experimenting with patterns. In Design Technology, learners explored the mechanics of Ferris wheels by investigating toys with wheels, analysing small-scale models, and constructing their own functioning Ferris wheels using axles and suitable materials, which they tested with practical applications. In Science, they examined animal features, diets, and habitats using images, sensory experiences, and a zoo visit. They classified animals and collected data on pets to better understand biodiversity. Daily Phonics sessions followed the Bug Club scheme to support literacy development. In Computing, learners used Bee-Bots to practise sequencing, debugging, and programming, working in teams to record and reflect on their progress. In PSHE, learners focused on self-care, safety, and trust. Learners practised communication strategies, identified trusted adults, and discussed online safety through role-play and discussion. In Religion and Worldviews, learners explored sacred stories from Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, learning about the importance of making good choices. Through sensory activities and role-play, they reflected on the values in these stories and created their own sacred symbols to represent kindness, honesty, and respect.
Summer 1 Curriculum Map
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