This half term we will focus on the the history and geography of the UK.  

English

Our English work will form a major part of the school day. The children will study stories from other cultures and legends. This links to the work we completed last half term on the Amazon rainforest. We will study books including:

-The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

-The Vanishing Rainforest by Richard Platt.

-The Shaman’s Apprentice by Lynne Cherry and Mark Plotkin.

We will complete work on report writing including writing about the ancient Anglo-Saxon burial site of Sutton Hoo.

Finally, we will explore a variety of haiku poetry linked to the seasons.

As always, reading will be a huge focus. We will continue to develop comprehension skills using a variety of texts including the completion of 'There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom.' Please continue to support your child through promoting reading at least three times per week and record this in their books.

In grammar, we will focus on relative clauses, modal verbs and adverbs. The children will also develop a wide variety of punctuation within their writing.

Weekly spelling lessons and tests will continue. All the words will be added to Seesaw.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, we will focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The children will also work on area and perimeter with Mrs Donnelly.

The children will develop written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and apply their knowledge and understanding to a variety of problems. We will focus on the importance of mathematical dialogue ensuring that the children gain a deep understanding of the concepts being taught. It is important that the children can use reasoning in Mathematics when explaining their learning.   

The children will learn how to calculate the area and perimeter of a variety of shapes in Mrs Donnelly's lessons.

R.E

In our RE work we will continue to follow the scheme "The Way, The Truth and The Life." Our second topic is entitled God's Covenants. We will reflect upon God's covenant with Noah, Abraham and the Israelites. We will also study various prophets and think carefully about the importance of their messages. The term will end with studying and exploring the Christmas story.

The pupils will continue to prepare their own prayer and liturgy, as well as saying more formal prayers.

Science

In Science,

the children will be taught to:

• explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object
• identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces
• recognise that some mechanisms including levers, pulleys and gears allow a smaller force to have a greater effect

The children will continue to work scientifically by planning their own investigations, controlling variables and drawing conclusions from their results. 

History

In History, the focus will be on the Anglo Saxons. We will find out about their lives and the impact and influence they have and continue to have upon the UK. We will read and discuss the Story of Beowulf and learn about the exciting discoveries at Sutton Hoo. The children will also consider historical evidence to consider who was the greatest Anglo-Saxon King.

Geography

In Geography, the children will use a variety of maps including Google Earth to find out about the unique physical and human features across the UK. This aspect of our learning will be explored through the Computing curriculum outlined below.

The children's learning logs this term also link to this area.

For the second half term the task is to find out about a famous landmark in the UK e.g. Ben Nevis, The Giant's Causeway, Blackpool Tower, The London Eye. The children can use their creativity when deciding how to present their findings.

Please hand this in during by Friday 15th December.

Latin

The children will continue to learn Latin with Mrs Donnelly following the Minimus scheme.

Computing

In Computing, we will use Google Maps and Earth to explore the geography of the British Isles. 

We will complete a unit of learning around Computer systems and networks and learn about video production.

Art

We will study and create artwork in the style of Georgia O'Keefe this term.

Design and Technology

The children will design and make a Christmas bauble using various stitching techniques in time for the festive period.

Music

We will study the history of music and complete a research task. We will listen and appraise a variety of genres during our weekly lessons.

On a Thursday, the Big Band will continue to rehearse and there will be a performance in church during Advent. 

P.E

We will continue to swim on a Thursday morning.

On a Tuesday we will complete gymnastics. They will develop key skills and perform individually and collaboratively.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or queries.

Many thanks

Mr P. McGrath

p.mcgrath@poulton-st-johns.lancs.sch.uk