English

The children will be writing a persuasive travel brochure about their class country. They will then explore autobiographies.

Maths

Our lessons will be starting with place value and then move onto the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).

Science

This half term, we will be learning about electricity. The children will use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram. They will also compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on/off position of switches.

History

We will be learning about the Maya civilisation. We will develop our knowledge of the customs, religious beliefs, the structure of the society, agriculture (including maize and chocolate), Maya language, art, cities and architecture. We will also learn about the calendar and links to mathematics.

Geography

We will be learning about energy and climate change. We will gain knowledge of the causes, consequences and possible solutions to climate change. The children will learn about different energy sources, and which are renewable and which are not. The pros and cons of these will be studied as well as how they are used on different scales. The children will be exploring the following question: ‘In what ways can our actions locally benefit people globally?’

RE

We will explore the big question, ‘What does it mean to belong to a religion?’ where the children will be developing their knowledge of Islam. As part of this learning, we will be visiting Wightman Road Mosque later in the term. More information will follow in due course.

Computing

To start the term, we will learn about keeping ourselves safe online and making healthy social media choices. We will then understand how to use a search engine.

Art

This half term, we will be learning about the artist Henry Moore and exploring figure sketching. We will study his unique style and techniques, then practise sketching human figures, focusing on shape, movement and form.

PSHCE

We will be exploring belonging to communities and how to contribute to them.

PE

The children will be developing their dance and tennis skills. On their PE days, children come to school in appropriate PE kits (see the timetable below). It should consist of a top, shorts and trainers. If the weather is cold, jogging bottoms or leggings and a long-sleeved top should be worn.

Suggestions for parents/

carers

Reading – Please support your child to develop good reading for pleasure habits by listening to them read every day and discussing their book with them. Don’t forget to include reading of non-fiction and information texts e.g., signs, maps, catalogues and cereal packets.

Geography (linked to our English topic) – Looking at maps, flags or information about ‘the Americas’ will help children learn about their class country and the surrounding area.

Maths – Support your child with practising times tables regularly to develop accuracy and fluency. We encourage daily practise of times tables both in school and at home. Useful websites are:

–       Times Table Rockstars

–       Hit the Button – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

Online safety – Discuss online safety with your child to reinforce the safety messages we give at school. Remember to regularly monitor your child whenever they are online.

Art – You might want to encourage your child to practise drawing human figures to develop their sketching skills. They can pay attention to shapes, proportions and how the body moves — just like Henry Moore did in his artwork!