English

This half term, we immersed ourselves in the story Stone Girl Bone Girl by Laurence Anholt, exploring the fascinating life of Mary Anning. Through this text, children developed skills in character inference and empathy, using evidence from the story to understand thoughts, feelings, and motivations. We focused on vocabulary development, identifying ambitious words and phrases to enhance writing. Children wrote in role as Mary Anning, imagining her experiences and challenges. The children then created persuasive posters to sell the curiosities.

Building on these skills, we watched the short film Treasure and used it as inspiration for creative writing. Children wrote vivid descriptions of a character and setting, applying figurative language such as similes and metaphors to bring their ideas to life. Finally, they planned and wrote a diary entry from the perspective of the main character, demonstrating empathy and narrative voice while maintaining accurate punctuation and sentence fluency. This half term has been rich in opportunities to combine reading, writing, and grammar in meaningful contexts.

Geography

This half term, we investigated the enquiry question: Why are jungles so wet and deserts so dry? Children compared the Amazon Rainforest and the Atacama Desert, exploring how climate and location influence weather patterns. They learned about convectional rainfall, extreme dryness, and the role of mountains in shaping climate. Using maps, aerial images, and keys, children identified biomes and climate zones, practiced using compass directions, and constructed climate graphs to represent data visually.

To deepen understanding, children described key aspects of physical geography, including biome characteristics and climate zones. A highlight of the unit was creating a “biome in a box” to represent the Amazon Rainforest, combining creativity with geographical knowledge. This hands-on project allowed children to showcase features such as dense vegetation, layers of the rainforest, and the impact of heavy rainfall. Through these activities, children developed map skills, data interpretation, and a strong understanding of how geography affects ecosystems around the world.

Maths

This term we have been focusing a lot on column addition. We have used base ten as well as number squares and whiteboard to help us embed how to add and subtract using the column methos and what to do if exchanging is need.

DT

In DT we have been creating cushions. We started off by learning how to do a running stitch and cross stitch and practicing these skills. We then learnt what applique is and used this knowledge to practice attaching patches to pieces of fabric. Finally, we took all of these skills to create our Christmas themed cushions.

Science

This term we have been looking at rocks. We learnt about the 3 different types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic and how they are created. We investigated which rocks were the most porous. Finally, we looked at what soil is made up of and its different layers.

Spanish

In Spanish this term we have recapped how to great people, ask and say our name and ask and say how we are feeling. We then focused on how to say numbers 1-10.

Computing

This term we have been learning how to use CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software to design furniture and build a house. We learnt what different tools do and how to use then effectively to edit and improve our designs.

RE

In RE we have been looking at Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We looked at the story of Muhammad (pbuh) where he was visited by the Angel Jibril and received the revelation of the Qur’an. We then talked about why Muslims follow Muhammad (pbuh) and his teachings. We also looked Zakat the third pillar of Islam which talks about giving to charity and the different ways Muslims may do this.

PSHCE

This term in PSHCE we have been focusing on how people can be different to each other. We talked about the different types of families people may have and how they may come from different countries and cultures. Finally, we looked at how some people can be prejudiced against these differences and bully others.

PE

This term we have been working on our ball skills. We have learnt how to do a chest and bounce pass with a netball. We then played some different games using defence and attacking skills. We have also been working on our team building skills and have had to complete different challenges using team-work.

Music

This term we have been looking at the meaning of different song lyrics and learning different parts of a song and how the tune changes. We have also been practicing our song for our carol and Christingle services and performed them with other classes in church.