What we’re learning about in Autumn 2

As we move into the second half of the autumn term, our learning takes us on an exciting journey around the world as we explore biomes and discover how living things survive in different environments. From the freezing tundra to the lush rainforests and scorching deserts, children will investigate how plants, animals and people adapt to their surroundings. We’ll also consider the importance of protecting our planet and using its resources sustainably. Alongside our Geography topic, we’ll be developing our skills across the curriculum through creative projects, practical investigations and exciting learning opportunities. Here’s an overview of what we’ll be studying this half term.

English

Our class reading will include Holes by Louis Sachar and The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. This half term, children will develop their writing skills by exploring two key genres: flashback narratives and informal letters. They’ll immerse themselves in example texts, plan and write their own narratives, and edit and publish their finished work. Later in the term, they’ll learn about the features of informal letters and use their writing to communicate ideas effectively. We’ll also continue to develop reading fluency and revisit these genres to strengthen children’s confidence and understanding.

Maths

We’ll continue following our learning programme, focusing on multiplication and division, fractions, and revising key mathematical skills. Children will have opportunities to practise their methods, deepen their understanding and apply their knowledge to a range of mathematical challenges.

Science – Properties of Materials

Children will explore the properties of everyday materials, learning how to compare and group materials according to their characteristics. They’ll investigate which materials dissolve in liquids to form solutions and discover how mixtures can be separated using their knowledge of solids, liquids and gases. Through practical investigations and comparative tests, pupils will explore why materials such as metals, wood and plastic are suitable for particular purposes. They’ll also investigate reversible changes, including dissolving, mixing and changes of state, and learn how some changes produce new materials that cannot usually be reversed.

Geography – What on Earth are Biomes?

Our topic question is: What on Earth are biomes? Children will discover what a biome is and locate the major biomes of the world using maps and colour keys. They’ll compare climates and conditions and explore how these affect the plants, animals and people living in different environments.

We’ll take a closer look at the unique features of the tundra, investigating how living things survive in its extreme conditions and how climate change is affecting this environment. We’ll then explore why rainforests are vital to life on Earth before discovering how plants, animals and humans adapt to the challenges of desert life. As our learning progresses, children will investigate how different biomes provide natural resources and support livelihoods through activities such as farming, tourism, mining and forestry. Finally, we’ll consider environmental threats, including deforestation, pollution and climate change, and suggest ways we can protect and conserve our planet’s precious biomes.

Computing – Systems and Searching

Children will develop their understanding of computer systems and searching. They’ll explore this area of computing as part of their wider digital learning, building their knowledge of how information and computer systems can be used. Further specific learning objectives are not detailed in the medium-term plan.

Design and Technology – Wobble Bots

In Design and Technology, pupils will explore the exciting world of wobble bots. They’ll have opportunities to develop their design and making skills through this practical project, applying creativity and problem-solving as they work towards creating their own outcomes.

Music – Composition and Notation

Children will develop their musical skills through singing, performing and composing. They’ll practise singing with accuracy, fluency, control and expression, explore different forms of musical notation and learn about note lengths and simple pitch notation. Pupils will also use hieroglyphs and stave notation to represent their musical ideas and create their own pieces.

PSHE – Valuing Differences

This unit focuses on friendship, respect, inclusion and celebrating diversity. Children will identify the qualities of positive friendships and practise responding to others with kindness and respect. They’ll explore discrimination and why it is unjust, consider the different groups that make up their school and wider community, and learn that information and images shared online are not always accurate. We’ll also discuss stereotypes and recognise how differences in the way people express themselves can sometimes lead to bullying. Throughout the unit, pupils will be encouraged to value others and contribute to a kind, respectful and inclusive community.

Religious Education (RE) – What Does It Mean to Be a Muslim in Britain Today?

Children will explore what it means to be a Muslim living in Britain today. They’ll learn about the Muslim community and mosques in Britain and consider how the Five Pillars of Islam influence Muslims’ daily lives. We’ll explore the importance of zakah (charity), discuss why Muslims undertake pilgrimage, and reflect on the role of charity in our own lives. This unit will encourage pupils to develop their understanding of Muslim beliefs and practices while reflecting on how people express and live out their beliefs in different ways.

Physical Education (PE)

• Indoor PE – Gymnastics: Pupils will develop their gymnastic skills by linking at least three movements into a sequence. They’ll practise combining rolls, balances and jumps, working to improve the quality of their performances. Children will also evaluate their own work and that of their peers, identifying ways to make improvements.
• Outdoor PE – Invasion Games: Children will develop their understanding of attacking and defending principles through conditioned, small-sided games. They’ll practise applying tactics, working effectively as part of a team and evaluating how they and others can improve their performance.

We’re looking forward to another exciting half term filled with discovery, creativity and new challenges. We can’t wait to see the children build their knowledge, develop their skills and grow in confidence as they explore the world around them!