English
The children will be reading texts from a wide range of fiction genres – from adventure to science fiction . Through close, shared reading and analysis of these books, the children will identify the purpose, features and themes that define the stories and will discuss the techniques that authors employ to engage, entertain and intrigue readers. They will create their own independent pieces of writing including a mixed genre story, an evaluative paragraph, character and setting descriptions, action sequences, selecting language and style to fit audience and purpose. The SPaG focus will be use of complex sentences.
Maths
We shall be reading, interpreting and drawing line graphs to analysis data and statistics. The children will illustrate and name parts of circles, using the words radius, diameter, centre and circumference confidently. They will then calculate fractions and percentages of amounts to interpret and draw simple pie charts. The children will apply their addition and division skills to calculate the mean average in a variety of contexts. We shall investigate the properties of shapes in detail, with a particular focus on angles. Word problems will be used to deepen understanding.
RE
The children will be considering the key questions: what are the beliefs in Buddhism? and what does it mean to be a good Buddhist? They will learn who the Buddha was, exploring the events of the Buddha’s life, his teachings and their significance for Buddhists. They will discuss the principles that define the Four Noble Truths and the guidelines that form the Noble Eightfold Path. They will examine the symbolism in the image of Buddha and will learn about Buddhist scriptures and places of worship. Finally, they will reflect on their own behaviour.
Science
The children will focus on the topic of evolution and inheritance. We shall explore how living things have changed over time and how fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. We shall investigate how living things produce offspring of the same kind, but normally offspring vary and are not identical to their parents. We shall identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution. We shall research the work of Charles Darwin and discussing why he is still a controversial figure.
PE
The children will be playing cricket. Their learning will include mastering over arm bowling towards a target as well as throwing towards a target, defending and striking at the wicket, fielding as a team and the rules of quick cricket.
Art
The children will explore portraits by various artists, creating images of themselves and members of their families in a range of media. As part of our topic, evolution and inheritance, we shall also focus on pictures of monkeys, chimps and apes.
PSHE
The children’s learning will be linked to a Safety Context topic. The children will consider the new skills they will need to learn to keep themselves safe on the roads – whilst cycling and as a pedestrian. They will develop understanding of how they can take more responsibility for keeping themselves safe in the sun. They will consider the dangers of electricity in the home and of railways and learn basic techniques for keeping safe. They will then reflect on how safety is maintained in the school environment and how they can take more responsibility, at home and at school, to reduce the risk of accidents.
Music
Our ‘Music and me’ topic will enable us to explore the concept of identity and what shapes us, focusing on the work of four British female contemporary artists: Shiva Feshareki, Eska Mtungwazi, Afrodeutsche and Anna Meredith, and creating our own music.
French
The children will continue to learn how to describe themselves: asking and answering questions about appearance, families and the route to school. They will also develop vocabulary linked to colours and parts of the body.