Class 4’s Spring Term.
We are so excited to be back for a new term, packed with exciting new topics to get our teeth stuck into. There will be something interesting and inspiring to capture the curiosity of every child, and I can’t wait to see them fully engaged and enjoying their learning.
RE
We continue to follow our new RE scheme, The Vine and the Branches.
In Branch 3 – Galilee to Jerusalem, pupils will develop their understanding of the miracles of Jesus, exploring both the miracles He performed and their deeper purpose. They will learn about the lives of John the Baptist and Peter, examining the relationships each had with Jesus and the roles they played in His ministry.
Pupils will then deepen their knowledge of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Sick, understanding their significance within the life of the Church and how they support healing, forgiveness and compassion.
This branch will conclude with learning about St Damien of Molokai, reflecting on his life of service and how his faith inspired him to care for others.
Maths
Over the next term, pupils will continue to further develop their understanding of multiplication and division. They will learn to multiply and divide by 1 and 0, and understand the law of commutativity. Pupils will build on their knowledge of multiplication tables to multiply three numbers together.
Using their understanding of place value and known times tables, pupils will multiply multiples of 10, progressing to the multiplication of two-digit numbers using short multiplication. This understanding will then be extended to multiplying multiples of 100, leading to the multiplication of three-digit numbers using short multiplication.
Pupils will also deepen their understanding of division by dividing two-digit numbers using two different methods, including calculations with remainders. They will apply their knowledge to solve a range of multiplication and division problems, using bar models to visualise and interpret what each problem is asking them to do.
Pupils will then move on to Graphs, where they will learn how to interpret picture graphs and bar graphs. They will be introduced to line graphs and understand how they are used to show change over time.
Pupils will interpret line graphs and use data presented in tables to draw their own line graphs. They will also develop their ability to make predictions based on trends and patterns identified within data.
English
Our texts for the Spring term are Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit and The Wisp by Zana Fraillon. Through Escape from Pompeii, pupils will learn about the historical events surrounding the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, using factual knowledge to support the retelling of the story and the events of that tragic day.
The Wisp will be used to explore the themes of home and belonging. Pupils will develop an understanding that every child has the right to a home and will learn about the Rights of the Child, as well as the challenges faced by refugees living in refugee camps. The text also offers opportunities to explore themes of hope and belief in a brighter future.
Throughout the term, pupils will develop their writing skills by practising planning for writing, discussing and analysing the structure, vocabulary and grammar of model texts. They will generate, record and share ideas with their peers, and propose changes to grammar and vocabulary to improve clarity and consistency. Pupils will proof-read their work for spelling and punctuation errors and develop their ability to read aloud their own writing using appropriate intonation, tone and volume to ensure meaning is clear.
Science
This term, pupils will learn about Sound and Electricity. In Sound, they will explore how sounds are made and investigate how sound travels through different materials. Pupils will carry out practical investigations to observe vibrations and understand how pitch and volume can change.
In Electricity, pupils will identify common electrical components and construct simple, working circuits. They will learn how to recognise whether a circuit is complete and investigate how different components affect the performance of a circuit, applying their understanding through hands-on practical work.
Geography
This term, pupils will learn about rainforests, including what they are and where they are located around the world. They will explore the different layers of a rainforest and learn about its key features and wildlife.
Children will focus on the Congo Rainforest, developing an understanding of its main characteristics, and will learn about the impact of deforestation. They will also discover why the Amazon Rainforest is so important to the world, particularly its role in supporting wildlife and the global climate.
History
This term, our History topic is The Anglo-Saxons. Pupils will use secondary sources to answer questions such as, “How hard was it to invade and settle in Britain?” They will learn about the Anglo-Saxon way of life, including their homes, settlements, and daily activities.
Children will develop their historical skills by describing changes and continuities over time, comparing the Anglo-Saxon period with earlier periods in British history. They will also begin to understand how historical evidence is used to build a picture of the past and to support their own explanations.
French
We continue to follow the Kapow French scheme this term. Pupils will learn to use French numbers and talk about calendars and birthdays, developing their confidence in speaking and understanding simple French vocabulary and phrases.
Later in the term, we will explore vocabulary related to the weather and the water cycle, helping pupils to describe conditions and explain natural processes in French. This will support their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a fun and practical way.
Art
We continue to follow the Access Art scheme for our Art lessons. This term, pupils will explore Still Life and the Art of Display, developing their observational drawing skills and learning how to arrange and present their artwork effectively. They will experiment with different media, techniques, and compositions to express their ideas creatively.
Design and Technology
This term we will be learning about the Digital World through designing a ‘Mindful Moments Timer.’ We will also be cooking and learning about nutrition and why it is important for our bodies. We have the opportunity to adapt a recipe.
Computing
We continue to use the Purple Mash scheme for computing. This term we will be learning about Spreadsheets and writing for different audiences.
Music
We are lucky to have Mr Conway from Tameside Music Service to help us play our brass instruments.
PE
This term’s focus in PE will be on Gymnastics and Basket Ball.
PHSE
In PSHE, we will continue to follow the My Happy Mind scheme. Pupils will learn more about how their brains work and how their thoughts and emotions are connected. They will develop strategies to recognise and regulate their emotions, building resilience, self-awareness, and the skills to manage challenges positively.