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Mars Class
(Reception and Year 1)

Who we are

  • Mrs Collins — class teacher (Mondays)

  • Mrs Reynolds — class teacher (Tuesday to Friday)

  • Mrs Allen — teaching assistant (Monday, Tuesday AM, Wednesday AM and Thursday)

  • Mrs Kay - volunteer (Tuesday PM)

  • Mrs Alderman - teaching assistant (Wednesday PM)

  • Ms Richardson - teaching assistant (Friday AM)

  • Mrs Bidwell - teaching assistant (Friday PM)

  • Mrs Reynecke-Raybould, our Headteacher, also teaches in Mars from time to time.

Our class

Mars is our Reception and Year 1 class. Children in Mars follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and the Year 1 National Curriculum, with plenty of learning through play, exploration and talk. Being a mixed-age class means children work at the level that is right for them, whatever their year group.

What we learn this year

To see what your child will be learning this year, please look at the Whole School Curriculum Map for 2026-2027 by clicking on the link. 

If you would like more detail you can look at the subject pages and the curriculum maps for every subject - these are available on the Curriculum page of this website.

Our week

  • PE days are on Tuesdays and Fridays: Please make sure that your child brings their full PE kit to school at the beginning of the term. Make sure that each item is clearly labelled. Relabel items after washing the kit as these fade etc. 

  • Reading: Books and reading records go home regularly. Please read with your child as often as you can and sign the reading record — it makes an enormous difference at this age. They will have a phonics book, a scheme book (e.g. Big Cat Collins) and a book of their choice. 

  • Phonics: We follow Monster Phonics, and children bring home books matched to the sounds they are learning. 

  • Homework: Children take home their weekend diaries every Monday and this needs to be completed and returned the following Monday (you will have a detailed letter in the front of your child's weekend diary with clear instructions).

  • Safari: Please check the school calendar on the website, as well as the weekly newsletter to see when children are going on a safari. They must have a pair of wellies for this. Volunteers that want to accompany the class are more than welcome - contact the office or Mrs Reynolds to inform them that you would like to volunteer. 

  • Library Bus: Please check the school calendar on the website, as well as the weekly newsletter to see when children are going on to exchange books at the library bus. They must have their library card for this. Volunteers that want to accompany the class are more than welcome - contact the office or Mrs Reynolds to inform them that you would like to volunteer. 

  • Snack: Children in Early Years and KS1 are provided with a snack by the government. This is usually a fruit/vegetable. You are welcome to also send your child a small snack to have at break. No nuts please. No chocolate and no crisps allowed. Only healthy snacks allowed. 

  • Friday Assembly: Every Friday the whole school comes together for Celebration Assembly, where children show off what they have learned, receive 'star of the week' certificates, 'pawsome reader' certificates, house points for Elm, Oak and Ash are announced as well as attendance winners of the week. 

Getting in touch

The quickest way to reach us is through the school office, who will pass your message straight to the class teacher.

We always want to hear from you. At both ends of the day, though, our first responsibility is to the children — from 8.50am teachers are on duty welcoming and settling the class, and at home time they must see every child safely dismissed. A quick word in passing is always welcome, but if there is something you would like to talk through properly, do let the office or the class teacher know and we will arrange a time when you can have our full attention. If it is really urgent, please speak to/contact Mrs Reynecke-Raybould immediately.​

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