Kestrel
In English, our writing this term will be inspired by two engaging and thought-provoking texts: The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan and High-Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson. Through these books, pupils will explore themes such as belonging, identity, and mystery. They will develop their narrative writing skills, focusing on character development, setting, and plot structure. In addition, children will be encouraged to express their own ideas creatively through descriptive and persuasive writing, drawing on the language and techniques used by these authors. Opportunities for discussion, drama, and debate will also form an important part of our literacy work, helping pupils to articulate their thoughts with confidence and clarity.
In Maths, we will be continuing our work on decimals, consolidating pupils’ understanding of place value and operations involving decimal numbers. We will then move on to exploring negative numbers, learning how to interpret and use them in real-life contexts such as temperature and money. Following this, we will study converting between different units of measurement, including time, length, and mass, which will deepen pupils’ practical mathematical skills. We will conclude the term by investigating volume, helping children to understand and calculate the space occupied by 3D objects. Throughout, there will be a strong emphasis on reasoning, problem-solving, and applying mathematical knowledge with accuracy and confidence.
This term in Science, we will be revisiting key topics from Years 4 and 5, including the importance of biodiversity and the structure of food chains. This will help reinforce pupils' understanding of how living things are connected within ecosystems and why it is vital to protect natural habitats.
In Geography, we will begin an exciting unit on rivers. We will explore the physical processes that shape rivers and the surrounding landscapes, such as erosion, transportation, and deposition. We will also investigate the impact of human activity on rivers over time, including how they have been altered for various uses. To support this learning, we are looking forward to our trip to the Blackwater River, where pupils will have the opportunity to observe these features in a real-world context.
In Design and Technology, our focus will be on bridge-building. Pupils will be challenged to design and construct bridges with a specific purpose in mind, developing their problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills along the way.
Through our Rocksteady Feelgood Friday sessions, children will be exploring important musical elements, learning how to identify and appreciate aspects such as rhythm, pitch, and dynamics. These sessions are designed to build confidence, creativity, and enjoyment through music.
In Computing, we will be designing, writing, and debugging programs with a view to achieving specific outcomes. This will include controlling or simulating physical systems, enabling pupils to understand how digital tools interact with the real world.
Our Religious Education this term will focus on Christianity, with an emphasis on the charitable work Christians undertake to support others in need. We will also be learning about a variety of religious creation stories, gaining insight into different worldviews and beliefs.
In Physical Education, we will be starting our athletics unit in preparation for Sports Day. Pupils will develop skills in running, jumping, and throwing, with an emphasis on personal bests and healthy competition.
In PSHE, we will be learning about changes. This unit will help pupils understand how people grow and change over time, both physically and emotionally. We will also discuss the upcoming transition to Year 6 and how to manage change in a positive and confident way.
Finally, in Spanish, we will be learning about the Romans. This topic will introduce relevant vocabulary and cultural insights, enriching pupils' understanding of both language and history.
Spellings will be sent out every Friday, with an assessment on the following Friday. Please continue to encourage the children to practise their spellings using their word lists and to read as frequently as possible.
MyMaths homework is also set every Friday and is due the following Friday.
PE is scheduled for every Monday, so children should come dressed appropriately.
Children are recommended to have applied suncream before school as the weather becomes hotter.