What we are learning about this term in Peckforton Class.

English

To start the term, we will begin with a poetry focus where children will be using a range of expressive language and will enhance their use of figurative language. In Reading lessons, pupils will study a range of poems, identifying the language chosen by poets and their poetic intent.
Every Wednesday, we will have an Extended Writing lesson where we will start with writing diary entries, before moving onto extended narrative writing later in the term. Pupils will be given the opportunity to write at length, whilst using a range of different sentence structures to maintain pace and to keep their writing interesting and exciting.
Spellings will be practised each week. We will be looking at a range of different spelling rules and discuss these in detail in class. These should be practised at home as well as in school, in preparation for the spelling test on Thursday. Some of the spellings will be shared over two weeks, allowing plenty of time for pupils to practise these.

Mathematics

We will be following the Maths-No Problem! scheme and Maths will begin with a focus on numbers to 1,000,000 and recapping mental strategies for the four operations of calculations. They will continue to use their knowledge of written methods for addition and subtraction where needed. Children will then move onto Fractions, Decimals and Percentages and will be working to solve a range of word problems surrounding these.

Science

In Science, the children will begin by looking at Living things. This will involve studying plants and animals and what they need to survive. Children will develop their knowledge of scientific enquiry and will complete a series of investigations in small groups.

We will then be learning about Forces, developing knowledge of gravity, motion and friction, including the use of pulleys and gears to bring about movement. Again, children will create their own investigations and will aim to lead these more independently as the year progresses.

Wider Curriculum – History and Geography

Our Geography focus for the half term is ‘Ben Nevis V The Alps’. Children will be looking at topographical maps, identifying human and physical features and considering the effect that mountain ranges have on tourism. Children will look at times zones and the countries that are in these different time zones.

Wider Curriculum -Physical Education

In PE, the children will begin taking part and developing their skills in Athletics. They will be developing their throwing, catching, running and jumping skills and increasing the accuracy involved in each. They will then be looking at Outdoor and adventurous activity and orienteering. They will be navigating the school grounds and following a range of maps to complete a range of challenging activities! 

Wider Curriculum - Art & Design Technology

In art lessons, children will be learning about drawing techniques and will begin with a focus on artist Dominic Virtosu. They will study a range of his pieces as inspiration for their own work linking with their Geographical work on Climate change.

In DT, children will be celebrating culture and seasonality through food. They will be creating their own foods and looking at existing recipes, as well as considering how to adapt these to suit their own and others’ tastes.

Wider Curriculum - Music

Mrs Shakspeare will teach music on a Friday. Pupils will enjoy singins lessons and learning new music as well as playing many musical instruments. They will be looking at different classical and contemporary composers and comparing music from different countries and eras.

Wider Curriculum - PSHE

PSHE lessons will continue to be taught through assemblies and class discussions. The children will be focusing on setting their classroom rules and learning about the values for out school, which can be found on our school website . For the first term, they will be looking at relationships with themselves and others.

Wider Curriculum - RE

During RE lessons this term, children will be studying Christianity and God. They will be learning about sin, temptation and forgiveness and what Christians belief God’s teaching are about each of these.

Wider Curriculum - Computing

During Computing lessons, children will learn about keeping themselves safe online and the importance of this in the day and age they live in. Children will also learn about databases and how to use these to store, search and use data effectively.

Wider Curriculum - Spanish

During Spanish lessons, children will continue to broaden their knowledge of Spanish vocabulary including the phonetic sounds of the alphabet and learning members of the family.

General Class Reminders

• Full school P.E. kit is needed on Tuesday for (PE lessons).

• READING BOOKS need to be brought into school Children will change their home reader and Library book in school as and when they need to. Reading with your child is extremely important and we will provide reading records for you and your child to note their reading at home.

• HOMEWORK will be set every Friday and will be due back in school the following Pupils will also be given spellings to learn and times tables to practise. Both of these will be tested on Thursday.

Throughout the term work completed by the children will be put on to our blog.

Please look at our work by visiting our class page - www.castleviewprimaryschool.co.uk

Twitter/X - @CastleView_PS

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/639210016975323/  - Search Castle View Primary School and join our group.

Instagram - @castle_viewps

Your child’s attendance in school is extremely important.  Time missed is learning that can’t always be made up.

Please ensure your child attends school for 8:40am each day unless there is a very good reason for them to be absent. School will end at 3:10pm.

If you have any concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to speak to me. Thank you.

Miss Sheady