Clovers - Miss Brown

Overview for Term Two

English

This term, we shall be reading ‘A Mummy who ate my homework’ by Thiago De Moraes. As we step into a world of wonder, and embark on a historical adventure (of a young boy who ends up in Egypt) we will further deepen our VIPERS reading skills of retrieval of key information, and inferences, as well as the valuable skill of explanation - whether it is their views on how and why authors have selected particular vocabulary, and structured their writing in a particular way or their predictions and own opinions about what they have read.

In our writing lessons, we will be focusing on developing the skills needed for writing for different purposes. We will be writing a wide range of genres, and learning various writing skills, with a focus on writing to entertain, inform, persuade and discuss. This term children in year four will focus on selecting appropriate nouns, using a range of verb types, using fronted adverbials and the use of expanded noun phrases when describing. Children in year five will expand on these skills by learning how to use commas with relative clauses, commas and dashes to indicate parenthesis and the use of a thesaurus to describe. As a class we will have a focus on editing, handwriting, redrafting and using poetic devices.

Mathematics

In Clover class this term we will be learning the following mathematical topics: Addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and the start of fractions. Year five will also learn about negative numbers.

During Addition and subtraction children will learn how to add and subtract up to four digit numbers , whilst year five will focus with numbers up to six digits using knowledge of place value and discovering efficient methods when adding and subtracting. Within the topic of multiplication and division in mathematics, children in year four will learn how to divide and multiply numbers by 1000, 10,000 and year five will go further to 100,000. These skills will be important when we revisit this topic later in the year. Within the topic of fractions, both year groups will expand their knowledge of halves,quarters and thirds. Children in year four will learn to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator, whilst children in year five will expand this by working and solving with fractions of different denominators using their knowledge of factors.

These topics will include variations of fluency, problem solving and reasoning. During our maths learning we link our mathematical discussions to real life scenarios, and how we utilise those skills learned in the real world. We also have a 15 minute focus on mental maths with topics that link to our mathematics lesson to help us be prepared, and recap prior knowledge.

On Friday mornings, as part of the whole school approach to learning number bonds and times tables, the children will continue to participate in the Luckwell Maths Challenge; this is explained in further detail on the school’s Maths curriculum webpage.

Science

This term, we have a Science focus on light and space. Throughout this science inquiry, children will build on their knowledge of the spectrum of light, how it is possible for us to see, how shadows are formed and comparing distance to shadows formed. We will also look closely at how light reflects differently depending on the surface and how mirrors are able to reflect light. This will be carried out through thorough research, investigation, diagrams and practical activities.

History

In History this term we will be going back to around 3100 BC to learn, investigate and experience what life was like for Egyptians during Ancient Egypt. Children will learn about the social hierarchy in Egypt, the importance of the Nile, burial tombs and why these were important, Ancient Egyptian Gods and the process of mummification. We will also explore the life of Pharaohs, especially Tutankhamun. As part of Clover's inquiry into Ancient Egyptian life, we will link our writing closely to that of our English and explore artefacts throughout our art this term. We will conduct research, examine various sources and take out practical activities.

PSHE

The whole school approach to PSHE will continue to be supported by the Jigsaw Programme of work. This term, we shall be exploring “Being me in my world”, through which children will be encouraged to think about what makes them unique, what goals children would like to set themselves and thinking about what they’d like to achieve.

PE

All children are expected to participate in PE and be appropriately dressed in a PE kit (red top and black shorts). School asks that children come to school wearing their kit for the day.

P.E will take place on Mondays and Friday afternoons this term.

RE

In R.E this term we will be learning about the religion of Christianity and their beliefs. Clovers will be focusing on the question of: ‘Is the Christmas story true?’ We will be learning about and thinking about: different accounts of the Christmas story and understand that stories can be true in different ways. We will explore different accounts through art, nativity and the Bible.

Art/D.T

In art this term, Clover class will be looking closely at Ancient Egyptian artefacts and exploring these as sources of information too. Throughout this, the key things we will be thinking about is what can the art and artefacts lead us to know about life in Ancient Egypt. We will be using different art materials to create art based on artefacts. We will be expanding on Ancient Egyptian artwork through practical art and research. Furthermore, in D.T this term Clovers (in forest school) will learn how to make some egyptian bread through cooking and following recipes!

French

This term in Clover class French will consist of learning how to write and pronounce the Seasons and different weathers, through listening and being involved in class conversation.

Additional information:

PE - Monday and Friday Afternoons.

No school bags - only lunch boxes and water bottles please.

Forest school - Thursday afternoons.

Reading Records to be brought to school. The expectation is that the children read at home at least 4 times per week and record this in their Record. Children have been shown how they should complete their reading. The records will be ‘spot checked' on a regular basis by adults in the class.

I look forward to working with you and your child over the next term to make sure they achieve their best!

Summary of Term One

Clovers have had an absolutely amazing start to the new academic year. Clovers have been dedicated to their learning across all subjects, producing some wonderful work! In maths, we have covered place value and the topic of addition and subtraction, with Clovers showing fabulous workings out and reasoning skills. Clovers have loved reading Leon and the place between, whilst also producing beautiful setting descriptions based on the book as well as some drama performances during forest school. Forest school has been a great way for Clovers to discover more about forces and the powers of magnets, which has linked to our science topic. I cannot wait for term two to engage in more exciting learning with Clovers! Thank you all for your support this term, and I wish you all an amazing break.

Overview of Term One

English

This term, we shall be reading ‘Leon and the place between’ by Angela McAllister. As we step into a world of wonder, and embark on a magical adventure (of a young boy who visits a rather strange circus) we will further deepen our VIPERS reading skills of retrieval of key information, and inferences, as well as the valuable skill of explanation - whether it is their views on how and why authors have selected particular vocabulary, and structured their writing in a particular way or their predictions and own opinions about what they have read.

In our writing lessons, we will be focusing on developing the skills needed for writing for different purposes. We will be writing a wide range of genres, and learning various writing skills, with a focus on writing to entertain, inform, persuade and discuss. This term children in year four will focus on using commas in a list, using fronted adverbials and the use of expanded noun phrases when describing. children in year five will expand on these skills by learning how to use commas with relative clauses, brackets to indicate parenthesis and the use of a thesaurus to describe.

Maths

In Clover class this term we will be learning the following mathematical topics: Place value, addition and subtraction, the beginning of multiplication and division. Year five will also learn about negative numbers.

During place value children will learn how to round numbers to the nearest 100,1,000 and 10,000 (100,000 year five) whilst also being able to identify the place value of digits in a range of questions. Furthermore, in addition and subtraction children will learn how to add and subtract up to four digit numbers , whilst year five will focus with numbers up to six digits using knowledge of place value and discovering efficient methods when adding and subtracting. Within the topic of multiplication and division in mathematics, children in year four will learn how to divide and multiply numbers by 1000, 10,000 and year five will go further to 100,000. These skills will be important when we revisit this topic later in the year.

Science

This term, we have a Science focus on forces and magnets. Throughout this science enquiry, children will build on their knowledge of various forces, materials that are magnetic, magnetic fields and how strength of magnets and forces vary. We will also look closely at pull and push forces and whether they are starting or stopping. This will be carried out through thorough research, investigation, diagrams and practical activities.

Geography

In Geography this term we will be focusing on mountain ranges and Mt Snowdon in particular. Children will learn about tectonic plates and how mountains are formed in various ways. Clovers will also map read and be able to identify a key, higher ground and how different areas of higher ground are shown on a map. As part of our enquiry, Clovers will draw mountain ranges and identify the different parts of a mountain and realise that not all mountain ranges are the same. We will also consider the positive and negative aspects of tourism in regard to Mt Snowdon and the impact this has on the local area and people.

PSHE

This term, as part of the Real PE programme, children will continue to develop social team working skills with a particular focus on motivation and collaboration in order to execute different ball skills and apply this to games in PE. This term Clover class will also have the opportunity to experience new sporting activities when taught by the Robins foundation on Wednesday afternoons.

All children are expected to participate in PE and be appropriately dressed in a PE kit (red top and black shorts). School asks that children come to school wearing their kit for the day.

P.E will take place on Mondays and Wednesday afternoons this term.

In R.E this term we will be learning about the religion of Hinduism and their beliefs. Clovers will be focusing on the question of: ‘What is the best way for a Hindu to show commitment to God?’ We will be learning about and thinking about: Do religious people lead better lives? Do all religious beliefs influence people to behave well towards others?

Art/D.T

In art this term, Clover class will be looking closely at using different art materials to create self portraits and portraits of others. Our art will be inspired by Frida Kahlo who was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artefacts of Mexico. We will be expanding on her artwork through practical art and research. Furthermore, in D.T this term Clovers will use their knowledge of mountains in our Enquiry learning to create 3D contour lines based on our map reading!

French

This term in Clover class French will consist of learning how to write and pronounce 2D and 3D shapes in French, through listening and being involved in class conversation.

Additional information

PE - Monday and Wednesday Afternoons.

No school bags - only lunch boxes and water bottles please.

Forest school - Thursday afternoons.

I look forward to working with you and your child over the next term to make sure they achieve their best!