English

This term we are reading the exciting novel ‘Room 13’ written by Robert Swindells. 

The book tells the story of Fliss and her friends' school trip to the Crow's Nest Hotel where there is no Room 13. Or is there? For at the stroke of midnight, something peculiar happens to the door of the linen cupboard next to room twelve. 

All of our reading and writing this term will be based around this gripping page-turner. We will be writing 1st person narratives and informal and formal letters. 

Maths

This term, we are covering a range of skills in our Maths lessons including: rounding, estimating, square and cube numbers, number sequences, algebra, 2D shapes, area and perimeter. We will also be revising all areas of Maths as we prepare for our upcoming SAT tests.

Here are some websites that might help:

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/mental-maths

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/maths

***Our Maths Booster classes will begin on 18th January and will run every Monday and Thursday (until 4.00pm) until our SAT week in May. ***

Times tables

Remember to practise your times tables at home using TTRockstars to help! On a Friday we have a times tables test with 100 questions up to 12 x 12. The idea is to beat your score from the previous week!

Theme

Our Theme this term is ‘North America: The USA’

Our key knowledge for this Geography based unit is:

• I can say how many countries make up North America and name and locate some of them.
• I know how many states there are in the USA and can name and locate some of them.
• I can identify some of the geographical key features of the USA, including rivers and mountains.
• I can describe the distribution of population across the USA and the factors which affect this.
• I can describe the climate of the USA.
• I can name the crops that are grown in the USA and factors that affect farming.
• I can compare a US State with a region in the UK.

Science

We will begin our term with the topic of ‘Light’.

During this topic, we will:

• recognise that light appears to travel in straight lines
• use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain that objects are seen because they give out or reflect light into the eye
•  explain that we see things because light travels from light sources to our eyes or from light sources to objects and then to our eyes
•  use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them.

Art and Design/Design Technology

Our Design Technology this term  focuses on Food Technology. We will be exploring the nutritious values of burgers from fast food restaurants and comparing these to alternatives that can be made at home. We will follow recipes carefully to prepare and cook burger patties and a range of sauces, ensuring hygiene and safety rules are fully in place. We will evaluate the suitability of burger buns and look at alternatives for those with allergies. Our topic will culminate in planning, cooking and evaluating a whole burger of our choice.  Yum!

French

This term, our French theme is ‘Numbers to 100’. We will revise the French vocabulary for numbers to 60 covered in previous years, and learn numbers 60-100 by parroting phrases and playing a range of games. We will use our language skills to build phrases and write short paragraphs. We will use numbers in real life contexts, such as shopping and banking with euros. 

R.E

Our topics in R.E this term are ‘Symbols of Faith – Why are they important to believers?’ and ‘Salvation – What difference does the resurrection make for Christians?’. Children will explore different symbols in different religions and the meaning behind them. They will then explore the film ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ and find links between the film and the Easter Story.

Music

Our Music this term is focused around the musical style of 'Jazz'. We will be using our key musical skills of listening and appraising, performing, composing and improvising; with a focus on jazz and Bossa Nova!

P.E

During our P.E lessons this term with Mrs Barker and Miss Bishop, we will be doing dodgeball, netball and gymnastics. We will practise strategy tactics for attack and defence and sequencing and linking movements together.

Computing

In our computing sessions this term, we will be learning how to use ‘Spreadsheets’ and will cover the following objectives:

• Children can create a spreadsheet to answer a
  mathematical question relating to probability.
• Children can take copy and paste shortcuts
• Children can problem solve using the count tool.
• Children can create a machine to help work out the
  price of different items in a sale.
•  Children can use the formula wizard to create
  formulae.
• Children can use a spreadsheet to solve a problem.
• Children can use a spreadsheet to model a real-life
  situation and come up with solutions.
• Children can make practical use of a spreadsheet to
  help plan actions.
• Children can use a spreadsheet to model a real-life
  situation and come up with solutions that can be
  applied to real life.

PSHE

Our topic this half term is ‘One World’. This unit is based on the concept that we all have a responsibility to live as global citizens. It is inspired by the idea that we all have a responsibility to help the environment and all living things throughout the world through the choices we make. It aims to enable the children to explore the ideas of sustainability, the use of the earth’s natural resources and the harmful effects of global warming. In this unit, children also learn about the steps they can take to reduce these harmful effects. They will also learn about biodiversity and its importance and explore what they would like to do to make the world a better place.