Term 3 & 4 Newsletter – Class 5

Dear Parents/Carers,

Happy New Year and welcome to Term 3 and 4, the Spring Term.

The children have settled into their studies well and have certainly embraced our new unit of work, Extreme Earth! This predominately Geography and Science based topic looks at Natural Disasters. It is an exciting theme where we will be learning more about the wider world around us, giving children the chance to gain a better understanding of how people can be affected by their environment. We also have an exciting trip to look forward to as part of our topic this term.

We will be learning all about the different natural disasters that take place around the world, discussing where they can mostly be found and why they happen, including looking at the structure of the Earth and plate tectonics. We will also be studying past disasters throughout history.

I would also like to say a big thank you for the kind gifts that I received at the end of last term; they were all much appreciated!

Maths

At the start of term, we will be continuing our learning about fractions before moving on to decimals and percentages. We will also be learning about algebra, before looking at perimeter, area and volume. After half term we will also be learning about units of measurement and statistics.

Art

We will be improving our painting skills using mixed media to create artwork inspired by Houkasai’s “The Great Wave.”

DT

Our design and technology project for the term is all about pulleys; we will be creating something that is powered by a motor and pulley.

PSHE

This term we will be discussing children’s dreams and goals, and how they can work towards reaching them. Then we will be learning about how to keep ourselves healthy, both in body and mind.

Computing

In computing lessons we will be learning about how data is collected and used. We will then be learning how to use computers to create different products.

Music

In music we will be studying the piece ‘Storm’ by Benjamin Britten using the BBC Ten Pieces resources.

English

To start the term, we will be studying the book ‘Escape from Pompeii’ by Christina Balit, which adds an interesting and exciting historical element to our learning. After half term, we will be looking at the book ‘Survivors’ by David Long, which is full of real life stories about people who have survived extreme situations. In whole class reading, we will be reading ‘Skellig’ by David Almond.

Spellings

There is a spelling session each day Monday – Friday, where children in Key Stage 2 are split into their year groups in order to cover the year group objectives using Superhero Spelling. Children will also be given a list of words each term from their year group’s statutory spelling list. These lists will be need to be learned over the whole term, and we will be doing dictation sentences using the words each Friday. Each term’s list will be added to the class page on the school website.

Science

This term we will looking at the different stages of human development. After half term we will be studying the life cycles of plants and animals.

RE

In RE, we will be focusing on two questions about Christianity – ‘What is the Trinity?’ and ‘Why do Christians call the day Jesus died Good Friday?’

PE

This term, our Tuesday sessions will be run by Zara Breeze who will be teaching gymnastics. On a Monday we will be learning about volleyball.

French, recorders and singing will continue to take place through the term.

Homework

Homework will be set each week on a Wednesday. A homework menu will be given out which will feature tasks involving writing, reading, spelling and grammar.

Please ensure that children do still get the chance to read at home with an adult – it is important that they get the chance to discuss their reading as much as possible outside of school as well as in class.

Monday: Homework handed in. PE with Mr Boorman

Tuesday: PE with Zara

Wednesday: Homework handed out

Friday: Spelling dictation sentences

Key Dates

Friday 23rd January – Numbots/TT Rock Stars day

Thursday 29th January – Class 5 assembly

Monday 9th February – Parent consultation evening

Wednesday 11th February – Parent consultation evening

Friday 27th February – Year 6 Houses of Parliament trip

Thursday 5th March – World Book Day (including bedtime at Blackboys)

Wednesday 18th March – Class 4/5 trip to the Natural History Museum

Friday 20th March – Comic/Sport Relief (including staff vs pupils netball match), PTA Quiz Night

Tuesday 24th March – Whole school Easter service and KS2 hike

Friday 27th March – Cup assembly. Last day of term.