Our Learning

 

Topic

 

Our general topic this term is the science and history led ‘Rock Stars’ (focusing in particular in the first half term on geology, including volcanoes and fossils, and in the second half term on the history of the Stone Age). This will include a class trip to Leeds Discovery Centre. Later this half term, we will also be investigating what Christians believe about a good life and then we will then concentrate on the Easter story in the second half term as we prepare for the Year 3 and 4 Easter performance.

 

In Computing, we will be investigating how to use software to create and analyse surveys and to present information and ideas in an entertaining and informative way. In Art, we will be exploring texture and printing and in PSHE, we will be thinking about different types of relationships, about personal identity and about economic wellbeing.

 

 

Maths

 

In Maths we are initially focusing on multiplying and dividing with bigger numbers and continually revising and regularly practising the other two operations (addition and subtraction). This term, we will also be revising the 4 times table and learning the 3 and 8 times tables. Extra practice of this  helps consolidate the learning in school.

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English

 

This term we will be reading a range of texts as a whole class, in small groups and individually. We are reading ‘Escape from Pompeii’ by Ben Richmond together to start our English work this term. Later this year we will also be studying other books by Dick King-Smith, by Roald Dahl, by Garry Kilworth and by other authors. Children will continue to be given reading books and reading records, which should be brought into school every day. As children reach the end of the school reading scheme, they will be given a library book to replace the school reading book. We will have a weekly library session in which all children will be able to choose a book from the school library. To continue to develop their reading children should read at home with an adult for about ten minutes 3-4 times per week. Writing skills will be applied to a variety of text types. This term our writing will include adventure stories, letters, recounts and explanation texts. Spellings will be set weekly, your child will bring these home in their spelling book and should practise them at least 3 times per week. The weekly spelling test will usually be on a Friday.

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P.E.

 

Our P.E. day in school this year is Wednesday for which your child will need a plain white T-shirt, dark shorts and trainers. Please send these into school at the start of term and they can stay in school until the end of term. In colder, wetter weather we will aim to still enjoy P.E. outdoors where possible and so children will be able to wear tracksuits as necessary. Everything should be clearly marked with your child’s name and kept in a bag in your child’s locker throughout the half-term.

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On Friday afternoons all children will be swimming at Scott Hall Leisure Centre. As in Year 2, your child will need to come to school already wearing swimming costume under their school clothes and with a change of underwear and a towel in a large plastic bag. Please ensure for both P.E. and swimming that hair is tied back and earrings are removed before school.

 

 

Forest School

 

Our weekly forest school sessions will take place on a Tuesday. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills as well as applying knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom to an outdoor context. We make the most of the local environment by eventually visiting Woodhouse Ridge for forest school sessions. Initially sessions will take place in the school grounds. Forest school will take place in all weathers so your child will need to bring a forest school kit on a Tuesday consisting of:

 

Clothes to stay warm and dry which can get muddy (eg old trousers and t-shirt/jumper)

 

Sturdy shoes with a good grip eg trainers, wellies, walking boots.  

 

A coat

 

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