Welcome to a new school year in Oak Class! We have an exciting term ahead with lots of opportunities for pupils to explore new topics, develop their skills and build on their previous learning.

English

The Three Little Pigs Project – The Guardian

This term in English, we will be using The Three Little Pigs Project from The Guardian as a stimulus for our writing. Pupils will explore the familiar story from a different perspective, using the project to inspire discussion and a range of writing opportunities. Throughout the unit, children will continue to develop their vocabulary, sentence structure and ability to write effectively for different purposes and audiences.

Guided Reading

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

In Guided Reading, we will be reading Cosmic by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Pupils will follow the adventures of Liam, an unusually tall twelve-year-old who finds himself on an unexpected journey into space! Through the text, children will develop their comprehension skills, including retrieval, inference, prediction, summarising and exploring vocabulary in context.

Children will be encouraged to discuss their ideas, listen to others and support their opinions with evidence from the text.

Maths

Place Value

In Maths, we will begin the year by developing and consolidating our understanding of place value. Pupils will explore the value of digits in larger numbers, compare and order numbers, round numbers and solve a range of reasoning and problem-solving questions. This important unit will provide a strong foundation for our mathematical learning throughout the year.

Science

Living Things: Life Cycles and Reproduction

In Science, pupils will explore the life cycles of different living things, including plants and animals. They will learn about how living things grow, change and reproduce, comparing the life cycles of different species and developing their understanding of reproduction in plants and animals. Pupils will have opportunities to work scientifically by observing, comparing and recording their findings.

Geography

Why does population change?

In Geography, pupils will investigate the enquiry question “Why does population change?” They will explore how and why populations vary between different places and consider some of the factors that cause populations to grow, decline or move. Pupils will develop their geographical skills while considering the impact population change can have on people and places.

RE

How do people know who or what to believe?

In RE, pupils will explore the question “How do people know who or what to believe?” They will consider where people get their beliefs and ideas from and explore the different sources of authority and guidance that can influence people's lives. Pupils will have opportunities to discuss different perspectives and reflect on their own ideas about trust, belief and influence.

Computing

Online Safety and Data Handling: Big Data 1

We will begin the term by revisiting online safety, helping pupils to understand how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully.

We will then move on to our Data Handling unit, Big Data 1, where pupils will explore how data is collected, stored and used. They will learn about barcodes, QR codes and RFID and consider how large amounts of data can be used in the world around us.

DT

Textiles: Waistcoats

In DT, pupils will develop their textiles skills as they design and make their own waistcoats. They will explore existing products, create a design to meet a set brief and learn how to use templates, join fabric and add decorative features. Pupils will then evaluate their finished products and consider how successfully they have met their design criteria.

Spanish

Do You Have a Pet?

In Spanish, pupils will learn how to talk about pets. They will develop vocabulary for different animals and learn how to say which pets they have or do not have. Pupils will continue to develop their pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through a range of activities.

PSHE

My Healthy Self

In PSHE, our focus will be My Healthy Self. Pupils will explore different aspects of keeping themselves physically and emotionally healthy. They will consider how the choices they make can affect their wellbeing and develop strategies to help them make healthy, responsible choices.

PE – Tuesdays and Thursdays

Oak Class will have PE on a Tuesday and Thursday this term.

• Tuesday – Outdoor Adventurous Activities with our JB Sports coach.
• Thursday – Athletics.

Through Outdoor Adventurous Activities, pupils will develop their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills by completing a range of physical challenges.

In Athletics, pupils will develop their running, jumping and throwing skills, focusing on improving their technique and personal performance.

Please ensure children come to school in their PE kit on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Points to note

Reading

In Oak Class, we continue to place great importance on reading, both in and out of school. Regular reading helps children build confidence, deepen understanding and develop a love of stories and learning.

Children read regularly in school through guided reading, whole-class reading and independent reading time. We encourage pupils to read at home as often as possible, and our school library offers a wide range of fantastic books. Children are also welcome to bring a favourite book from home to enjoy.

Water

To help children stay focused and healthy, please ensure your child brings a clearly named water bottle to school each day containing only water. Children are encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with me about your child’s learning, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Many thanks for your continued support,

Miss Dunning