Autumn term 1

Reading

This half-term, we will be reading Hansel and Gretel by Michael Morpurgo. Through our reading lessons, we will use a strategy called echo reading, where children listen to and repeat sections of text to help develop fluency, expression and confidence when reading aloud. We will also focus on retrieval skills, encouraging children to find and explain information directly from the text, as well as exploring how characters develop throughout the story. Later in the term, we will study a non-fiction text and continue to practise key comprehension skills, including retrieval and understanding factual information.

To support your child at home, please continue to encourage them to read daily and record their reading in their planner so that teachers can monitor their progress.

Writing

During each half-term, children will produce one piece of fiction and one piece of non-fiction writing. Throughout these learning journeys, they will learn new writing skills, practise applying them independently and develop extended pieces of writing.

Following the half-term break, children will explore Hansel and Gretel and learn how to use expanded noun phrases, co-ordinating conjunctions and contrasting positive and negative language. They will apply these skills to write a descriptive paragraph about Hansel and Gretel's journey through the forest.

Later in the half-term, children will learn to write a diary entry linked to their learning. They will focus on writing in the past tense, constructing sentences correctly using a subject, verb and object, and including descriptive detail to bring their writing to life.

Maths

This half-term, children will continue to develop their understanding of number and place value. They will explore numbers in a range of practical and problem-solving contexts, building confidence with representing, comparing and ordering numbers. Children will also continue to develop their arithmetic skills and mathematical reasoning through daily practice and investigations.

Science

This half-term, children will be studying a biology unit all about the human body. They will learn about the nutrients needed for growth and healthy body function and explore how a balanced diet and exercise help us stay healthy. Children will identify and label the major bones within the human skeleton and understand how skeletons and muscles work together to support, protect and move the body.

As part of their learning, children will compare the skeletons of different groups of animals, including birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles. They will identify similarities, such as backbones, ribs and skulls, as well as recognising key differences between animal skeletons.

History

In History, we will be learning about the Stone Age. Children will begin by revisiting how timelines can be used to show the chronology of historical events. They will then explore what life was like during the Stone Age, learning about settlements, society and how people lived during this important period of prehistory.

Geography

In Geography, children will learn to name and locate counties and cities within the United Kingdom. They will also explore the local area through the enquiry question: "How has Southampton changed over the last 50 years?" Children will investigate changes in the city and consider how places can develop over time.

Languages

This half-term in Spanish, children will be learning the unit Hola, Me Llamo ("Hello, My Name Is..."). They will learn how to greet others, introduce themselves and begin to develop confidence using simple spoken Spanish phrases.

Computing

In Computing, children will learn about online safety and understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be. They will explore some of the risks involved in communicating with strangers online and learn strategies to help keep themselves safe.

Children will also experiment with different forms of digital media while creating their own animated flip books, developing their creativity and understanding of animation techniques.

RSHE

This half-term, children will be learning about relationships, safety and making positive choices. They will explore the importance of rules in helping everyone stay safe, both in school and online, and discuss the role of important people in their lives, including family members and trusted adults.

Children will learn how to build and maintain positive relationships, work collaboratively with others and resolve conflicts respectfully. They will explore the meaning of friendship, recognise how friends care for one another and understand the difference between isolated unkind behaviour and bullying. They will learn about different types of bullying, why bullying is unacceptable and strategies for seeking help when needed.

The children will also be encouraged to express and justify their opinions respectfully, listen to the views of others and understand that they have the right to refuse a dare or any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable.

RE

In Religious Education, children will be learning about creation stories from both Christianity and Hinduism. They will explore similarities and differences between these beliefs and consider what these stories teach followers about the world and their faith.

Music

This half-term, children will continue learning to play the recorder. They will develop their skills by learning pieces of music using the notes B, A and G, while also beginning to learn formal musical notation. Children will have opportunities to compose their own simple pieces of music using these notes.

PE

In PE, children will work with our new sports coaches and take part in a variety of sporting activities. They will develop fundamental movement skills, teamwork, coordination and confidence while enjoying a range of different sports and physical challenges.