English

We will write a range of fiction and non-fiction genres this half term, some of which will link to our history topic – Vikings and Anglo Saxons. This will include writing a character description of Viking Gods and Goddesses, a newspaper report about a Viking invasion and an advert to persuade.  

Making writing lively and interesting is key so the children are always encouraged to use carefully chosen adjectives, verbs, adverbs and similes to bring their writing to life. During written tasks, children are asked to proofread their writing, independently or with a partner, not only to check for spelling and punctuations errors but to identify whether words need to be added, removed, moved or substituted.    

It is important that the children apply what they have learnt in their daily spelling lessons so please don’t forget to keep practising the spelling rules identified within their logbooks each week.   

Maths

The children will continue to use mental arithmetic, structural apparatus, jottings and column method to calculate mathematical statements for multiplication and division. Throughout, they will be encouraged to use the inverse to recall related number facts and to check their answers are correct. Year 3 will then move on to adding, subtracting and comparing the length of objects in m, cm and mm. Year 4 will practice drawing and interpreting graphs before beginning our learning on fractions.

During their fluency lessons, the children will revisit a range of strategies they can use to solve mixed calculations with speed, efficiency and accuracy.   

We are keen for the children to become fluent with all their times tables so extra practise at home is essential.     

Science

This half term, we are going to be learning about Forces and Magnets. Children will work scientifically to investigate friction, comparing how a range of objects move on different surfaces. They will observe how magnets attract or repel each other and group materials that are attracted to a magnet. They will also identify that a magnet has two poles and investigate whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.   

History

We’re going back to the middle Ages, when the Vikings and Anglo Saxons invaded Britain. The children will identify who they were, explore why they invaded, discuss what life was like during their invasion and discover what they left behind.   

Design and Technology

We are really excited about our Design and Technology project this half term because the children are going to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) to create a name plaque using Runes and Viking symbols. Once they have finished, the children will evaluate their product; reflecting on what they like and areas they could improve before they design and make the other side.  

PE

We are thrilled to welcome Elite Coaches back to teach the children how to play tennis. They will use their expertise to enhance the children’s agility and co-ordination to hit and serve a ball from a range of distances. The children will also apply what they learnt last half term to improvise, create and perform a Viking dance. Throughout, they will be given opportunities to assess their own and their peers’ movements, techniques and control.   

ICT

The children will learn about spreadsheets this half term. They will begin by understanding the purpose of spreadsheets and explore how the numbers entered into cells can be set to either currency, decimals or fractions. The children will also work in pairs to identify how tools can be combined to make number games and interpret a line graph to estimate values between data readings.  

Spanish

The children always look forwards to our weekly Spanish lessons. This half term, they are going to learn the names of different foods, talk about the foods they like and dislike and describe the colour of an object. It would be great for the children to practise their Spanish when they visit a shop or supermarket.  

RE

The children will explore ‘What Christians believe about a good life.’ They will learn about the importance of the Bible and explore Jesus’ teachings about rules and behaviour. Throughout, they will be encouraged to discuss the stories they have listened to, reflect upon their own beliefs and share what is important to them.  

Music

The children are going to complete two units this half term. During the first unit, they will learn how to read and follow simple pitch notation to sing different songs, play musical instruments and prepare a performance. Our second unit is about recycling. This unit will enable the children to think creatively to make their own musical instruments and to improvise and compose jazz music in a variety of ways.    

Oulton Primary School

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