Spring 1

Our Learning in Spring 1 

Reading into Writing –  We will continue reading and studying the book ‘A Christmas Carol’.  Children will look at the themes and characters of the book and answer questions based on these. We will be using our ‘VIPERS’ scheme and look at questions based on retrieval, inference, prediction and vocabulary. Children will build up their comprehension, retrieval and inference skills in these lessons

Writing – In English this term, we are studying 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. We will be focusing on writing a biography of Charles Dickens Life and his achievements.

In English this term, we are also studying a media unit called ‘Francis’. The children will study how to write a suspense extract and apply this to their own writing, writing a diary entry as the main character.

Maths – In Maths we are focusing on decimals. Later we will be looking at measurement word problems and percentages.  Children will also continue to practise their arithmetic skills by using 'Fluent in 5' in every maths lesson, with a focus on times tables, addition and subtraction, etc. It is important that the children know all of their times tables as this will help them in all lessons.  

Mental Maths -  Mental maths will be taught through the use of mental maths sessions, daily use of Fluent in 5 and LBQ sessions where the children will focus on arithmetic style questions.

Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar -

Spellings

We will have a spelling test on a Friday.

The spellings for each week will be glued in your child’s planner.

Religious Education (R.E.) – In RE this term, we are looking at:

Christmas – We will be looking at the different Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus, the meaning behind the 3 gifts and focusing on the prologue to St John’s Gospel.

Baptism & Confirmation Celebrations of the Holy Spirit. We will be focusing on the different parts of the act of Confirmation and Baptism, with the children acting out each Sacrament. Children will look at the signs and symbols for each sacrament and be able to discuss why these are important to Catholics.

History - In History this term, we will start to look at the Industrial Revolution and the Victorians. The children will learn about how the Industrial Revolution helped Britain and also the start of Queen Victoria's reign. The children will learn about the life of Queen Victoria, the differences between classes in Victorian Britain, jobs and food in the Victorian times and what schools were like for Victorian children.

Science – In Science, we are looking at ‘Particles in physical and chemical changes’. We will be focusing on particles in solids, liquids and gases, particles in pure substances and mixtures, how mixtures can be separated, how we know a chemical reaction has taken place and what happens to particles during burning.

Computing – In Computing this term, we will be focusing on Programming A – Variables in games

This unit explores the concept of variables in programming through games in Scratch.

First, learners find out what variables are and relate them to real-world examples of values that can be set and changed. Then they use variables to create a simulation of a scoreboard.

In Lessons 2, 3, and 5, which follow the Use-Modify-Create model, learners experiment with variables in an existing project, then modify them, before they create their own project.

In Lesson 4, learners focus on design.

 Finally, in Lesson 6, learners apply their knowledge of variables and design to improve their games in Scratch.

• LTTF: Body Image

• LTTF: Peculiar Feelings

• LTTF: Emotional Changes

• LTTF: Seeing Stuff online

• British Values – Rule of Law

• CST: Solidarity & the Common Good – Poverty

Art / DT – In Art this half term, the children will be looking at Activism.

In this project, children are introduced to the idea that they can use art as a way of sharing their passions and interests with their peers and community. We start by introducing pupils to artists who are activists, and then we go on to help pupils identify and voice the things they care about as individuals.

There is then a choice of projects: the class can either make posters using collage, print and drawing.

Physical Education (P.E.) – In PE this half term, the children will be focusing on Dance, Multi skills, Tennis and Badminton.

Music – In Music this half term, the children will be focusing on Traditional notation. This will be used for most pieces. Graphic scores will be made too and the difference/ applications discussed