Autumn Term 2011
Class Two: Spring
It is Mr Wellsteed’s opportunity to teach a different age range, at a different school for the first half of this spring term; we look forward to welcoming him back into the class, during the second part of the term.
Literacy:
Following the Framework for Literacy, Class two will be looking at Stories from other cultures (NLS Fiction Unit3) and Explanation texts (NLS Non fiction unit3). Both of these units of work will be linked to our topic of Aztecs and Mexico.
After half term, we shall cover a literacy unit about Persuasive texts (Non Fiction unit4) where the children will explore persuasive features in a text, as well as creating their own persuasive presentation. I hope to use the fair-trade fortnight from 27 February – 11 March 2012 as a stimulus for this work. In addition to this, and as it is class two’s turn to put one on, we shall also be covering Narrative Unit 5 – Plays.
Literacy homework (consisting of spelling activities, sentence construction and word work) will be set on a Friday and should be handed in by the following Thursday.
Numeracy:
We will continue to follow the National framework for teaching Mathematics. Block A: Counting, partitioning and calculating; Block B: Securing number facts and understanding shape; Block C: Handling data and measures; Block D: Calculating, measuring and understanding shape; Block E: Securing number facts, relationships and calculating.
These blocks are repeated on a termly basis and will be reinforced by homework activities, set on a Friday and handed in the following Thursday.
MFL:
Years 3 and 4 will continue to learn French. As well as revisiting topics covered during the autumn term, we shall also be covering days of the week, months of the year and what we like to do in our spare time. Children shall be encouraged to listen and respond appropriately, improving their accent, fluency and confidence. Children will learn through stories, songs, games and repetition, rather than writing. Through our French programme, children will also learn about what life is like for children in France. Children will also learn a small amount of Spanish as part of our work on the Aztec region of Mexico and when finding out about the Spanish conquest.
Science and Technology:
Linking to our topic work on the Aztecs and their worship of the sun, Science will cover physical processes of light and shadows as well as changing materials and keeping warm. Towards the latter part of the spring term we shall also be learning about the importance of the sun in helping plants to grow well, as well as learning about other requirements for growth. We shall also explore how the sun is the centre of our solar system and how it affects seasons, day and night as well as the length of a year. We shall link this work to explore the Aztec’s perception of the universe and how this is represented by their calendar stone. We shall learn how they were able to calculate the length of a year, with a remarkable degree of accuracy.
ICT will cover two topics of internet use and creating pictures. The internet will also be a valuable curriculum tool, enhancing the children’s learning in other curriculum areas.
In DT, children will have the opportunity to complete a design and make assignment, using stiff and flexible sheet materials. We hope to make photograph frames that will be decorated using Aztec style mosaics.
Understanding the Arts:
Art will involve looking at different work inspired by the Aztec culture. We shall be exploring 3D art and constructing sculptures and models using different media types, such as clay and card. We shall also be creating Aztec inspired mosaics and portraits in the style of Aztec masks.
Children in years 3 and 4 will also have the opportunity to continue with the recorder on a Wednesday afternoon – developing their understanding of rhythm, musical notation and timing. We will explore music from other cultures and explore music inspired by the planets and space. Children will have the opportunity to compose their own pieces of music, using the sun as a theme.
Historical, Geographical, Social and RE:
Our Aztec theme will continue through our humanities work, Children will learn about when, where and how the Aztec community arose. They will explore the roles and responsibilities of different members of the community and compare this to the children’s own community (both school and home). We will explore the rules and laws by which the Aztecs lived, identifying similarities and differences with our own rules and laws. The locality of Mexico will be researched, looking at terrain, climate and social aspects of their economy. Tying in with this, the children shall explore the concept of ‘Fairtrade’ products, particularly of chocolate (an Aztec delicacy!). RE will cover an introduction to the religion of Islam; exploring how Muslims worship and live their life according to the laws of Mohammad.
Physical Education.
The children will be taught their 2 hours of PE, under the instruction of ‘Sportscene’ PE coaches. They will develop the children’s skills in various areas of the PE curriculum. Please ensure that children have their PE kits in school at all times and is checked regularly for when it needs to be washed/replaced. At this time of year the field does have a tendency to be very wet, and therefore muddy (spare pairs of socks are essential for the comfort of your child). May I also remind parents of the importance of having suitable, well-fitting footwear for PE? Inappropriate footwear is dangerous for use, whether we are working indoors or out. Thank you for your help in this matter.
