Welcome back after the Easter break - we hope you enjoyed the sunshine.

Term 5 is going to be a busy term - there is so much to look forward to! 

This term in English, we will be reading the poem, The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes.  The children will be using this powerful poem to write a setting description, as well as a play script.  They will take inspiration from the language and structure of the poem to write their own poem, in the style of The Highwayman. In reading practice sessions, the children will be reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth. Both texts will be studied using the reading VIPERS. 

This term in Maths there is a shape focus. The children will begin the 'geometry' unit, in which they will measure angles with a protractor and learn how to calculate missing angles around a point.  They will learn how to read and plot co-ordinates as well as investigating lines of symmetry.

Science this term is about living things - we will be looking at animal life cycles, thinking about the behaviours shown at different stages throughout the life cycle, before looking at a mammal, bird, insect and amphibian life cycle in more detail. 

Our Topic lessons have a History focus this term as we will be continuing our Viking topic. They will look at key leaders during the Angoo-Saxon / Viking struggle, such as King Alfred the Great and how peace was eventually brought about. They will also learn about the events of 1066.

In R.E, the children will be concluding looking at places of worship - the key question this term is: If God is everywhere why go to a place of worship? The children will be looking at  Christian, Hindu and Jewish places of worship and looking why they are so important to Christians, Hindus and Jews. They will also think about the key question: What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain today? They think about the key beliefs of Muslims and why prayer matters.

Our PE days are Tuesday (rounders) and Friday (Athletics). We are hopeful for sunny weather so we can get out on the field during our PE lessons. Please make sure all kit is labelled - we always seem to find some items of clothing discarded in the classroom without a name on it!

Homework:

Each week we will be asking children to complete a range of pieces of homework which will cover maths, reading, spellings and topic.

Maths - Every week, MyMaths is updated with activities that are relevant to the topics taught in class. Before completing these activities, the children should read through the teaching slides to remind and support them in their learning.  The children should also be regularly logging on to Mathletics to retain speedy recall of all the times tables up to 12x12. 

Reading - We expect the children to be reading for at least 20minutes a day.  It is very good practice for the children to be reading with an adult so that discussions and questioning can clarify meaning and spark further interest. We ask that when reading (whether your child reads independently or with someone) you sign their reading records. This shows us that the children are completing their learning and indicates to us who needs further support or encouragement to read in school. Reading Record Books are reviewed every Friday. 

Spellings - Each week, we will have three spelling lessons, including phonics, common exception words and a spelling rule. Have a go at learning and practising each week’s words ahead of the lesson. Spellings will be checked on Wednesday.

Topic - Every term, the children will receive a topic grid with provides them with a range of activities relating to that term's topic.  The children are welcome to complete as many as they wish!

Reading Comprehension - We will send out a VIPERS style reading comprehension every other week, followed by the answers on the following week. The children can bring their work in on a Wednesday.

As always, please check the website and Class Dojo regularly for updates.

Many thanks,

Mrs Williams, Mrs Lloyd, Miss Llewellyn and Mr Sanchez.