We have had an exciting Spring 2 term, jam-packed with a Y4 trip to Whitby, a Roman visitor, World Book Day, a Minitour performance and a Spring celebration!
Whitby
At the start of the term, Y4 children had the opportunity to take part in their first school residential to YHA Whitby. Even the coach journey over had the children excited as they were astonished driving over the North York Moors! During the residential, the children took part in wide range of activities.
Day 1: On the first day in Whitby, they were taken on a walking our around Whitby town, they were able to see some exciting places such as: Dracula’s grave, Humpty Dumpty’s grave (where they found out he wasn’t actually an egg, but a canon!), the screaming tunnel and a whale jaw bone arch. In the evening, the children took part in a lighthouse challenge, their structure was tested against, height, wind and ice.
Day 2: After a yummy breakfast, our second day was spent split between the beach and the lobster hatchery. On the beach, although slightly windy, the children enjoyed digging in the sand, building sandcastles and looking for fossils! The lobster hatchery was fascinating, the children were able to see some different ocean creatures, how lobsters are important to Whitby and how they help them. After lunch, the children were taught by the YHA staff about Whitby jet and even got their own piece to polish. There was no rest in the evening, the children dressed up and the YHA hosted a fantastic pirate party with lots of fun party games.
Day 3: On the last day in Whitby, we explored the amazing Whitby Abbey in the glorious sunshine and found out lots of facts about it’s past. After lunch it was time to head back home on the coach and return to school.
Roman Day
While some of the Y4s were away at Whitby, the children in school enjoyed a Roman day. They were invited to come to school dressed as a Roman or in red, and they were joined by a special visitor. During the day, they took part in many activities such as: writing in Latin, playing Roman games and handling artefacts.
English
This term LKS2 have been using their creative skills to create some Spring poetry. After looking at different poetic devices, similes, onomatopoeia, rhyming, alliteration, the children had a choice of creating a rhyming or a narrative poem all about their Spring symbol. Some children will be reading their poems aloud at our Spring Sing on Friday 4th April.
At the end of the term, they started writing a narrative piece – writing for suspense. The children were introduced to the short film ‘Alma’ which follows a little girl who finds a doll of herself in a shop and gets trapped into a nightmare. They were able to bring their imagination to life retelling this spooky story using suspense writing techniques they have learnt such as: show not tell, short sentences, adverbial phrases and similes.
Making writing lively and interesting is key. Therefore, the children are always encouraged to use carefully chosen fronted adverbials, adjectives, verbs, adverbs and nouns to bring their writing to life. Throughout, the children are encouraged to use ARMS and COGS to edit their work.
It is important that the children apply what they have learnt in their daily spelling lessons, so please don’t forget to keep practicing the spelling rules identified within their logbooks each week.
Children can also access extra practice on the Oxford Owl website, you can find the login for this in their planner, as well as a guide to which spelling tasks they should be accessing each week.
Maths
Y3 have been looking at the topic of measurement throughout the term, looking at length, mass and volume, before completing a mid-year revision of the topics learnt so far. The children were able to apply their basic understanding of the four operations (add, subtract, multiply and divide) to answer questions, as well as challenging themselves through worded problems. The children then moved on to look at the topic of money, a recap on identifying the different coins and notes, adding coins together, subtracting money and calculating change.
Y4
At the start of the half term, Year 4 were introduced to a range of graphs including bar charts and line graphs. They have learnt how read and plot data accurately on graphs as well as making comparisons between tables and different graphs. As the term continued, Year 4 have began learning about fractions. We built on our understanding of equivalent fractions, simplifying fractions as well as mixed number fractions. We then used our skills and knowledge to add and subtract fractions. Our problem solving skills helped us to solve word problems related to fractions.
We are keen for the children to become fluent with all their times tables, so extra practise at home is essential. Children should be accessing their Times Tables Rock Star account at home to build up their fluency.
Science
Our science topic this term was all about sound. The children learnt how sound travels around us, how it travels in our ear and how we can change sound through volume and pitch.
The children had lots of fun taking part in practical activates and experimenting with different instruments. They had a go at making a string telephone, investigating which length of string would allow them to hear their partner the best, they also experimented making their own string instrument using a cardboard box and elastic bands.
Geography
In our Geography lessons, we’ve been exploring the UK and its counties. The children learnt to identify and locate the unique geographical features and their cultural significance within the UK. We examined how these counties contribute to the overall diversity of the nation and why they are important in the context of national identity. Through interactive maps, topographical skills, and engaging activities, our students gained a deeper appreciation of the distinct characteristics of the UKs counties.
PSHE
This term we have looked at 2 areas of PSHE, democracy and keeping safe. In our democracy topic, the children learnt how a government is created and how they make new laws and what impact we have on this. In our keeping safe topic, children looked at age ratings on video games and why these are important. The children also had a lesson with the BBFC (British Board of Film Classifications) on film age-ratings and how they decide on the appropriateness of a film.
The children have also learnt about what they should do if they were feeling pressured to do something by friends or family and how to stay safe near roads, rail and water.
Art
This half term, LKS2 have been studying the artist Joan Miro. We had thoughtful discussions based on his art work and drawing in the style of Miro. Through completing a colour wheel, the children explored complimentary and contrasting colours ahead of designing and creating their own 3D sculpture in the style of Joan Miro.
Spanish
Y3/4 have continued their learning from Spring 1, looking at ‘Let’s Go’ topic. This topic looks at transport: el coche (car), el autobus (bus), as well as directions: a la izquierda (to the left), a la derecha (to the right), todo recto (straight on).
PE
This term the coaches and teachers have taught the children tennis skills – how to hold a racket, rallying the ball to their partner and hitting the ball over the net. They have also been taught tag rugby where they have looked at the basic rules in rugby, how to move with the ball and how to pass.
Music
This term we have been busy practicing songs for our Spring assembly on Friday 4th April 2025. During these sessions, the children have learnt how to use their voices effectively to sing in harmony, parts and rounds!
Stingrays have also been taking part in weekly music sessions with Leeds Education, learning different percussion instruments.
