Summer 2

We hope everyone had a wonderful break and feels refreshed. We have lots of exciting learning lined up for Summer term, here is a summary of what we’ll get up to:

Geography: Why does Guatemala’s rainforest matter to the world?

In this geography topic, children will learn about Guatemala and where it is in the world, comparing it to the UK and looking at its position near the Equator and the Tropics. They’ll find out what a rainforest is, explore where they are found—including in Guatemala—and learn about their climate and different layers. The children will discover the amazing variety of plants and animals that live in rainforests and how they are specially adapted to survive. They’ll also learn about the lives of indigenous people in the Guatemalan rainforest and how they live closely with nature. Finally, the children will explore how products from rainforests, like coffee and chocolate, are used in the UK and think about how our choices can help protect rainforests around the world.

English:

This term, we are reading the BFG and focusing our learning around this book. Children will build their reading and writing skills by making predictions and using clues from texts to understand characters and events. They’ll write detailed character descriptions, practise using speech in their stories, and have a go at writing a dream recount and a diary entry. Along the way, they’ll work on improving their sentences by using fronted adverbials and exploring characters' thoughts and feelings. Children will plan and write their own stories, focusing on keeping the plot clear and using dialogue and description to bring their characters to life. They’ll also spend time editing and improving their work, as well as completing regular spelling, punctuation, grammar, and reading comprehension activities.

Science – Plants:

For this topic, we will identify and describe the functions of the different parts of a flowering plant. This will involve investigating what plants need to grow and thrive, and studying how water is transported within plants. We will explore the role of flowers in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation, and seed dispersal.

Computing – Events and actions:

This topic, we will explain how a sprite moves in an existing digital project, create a program that allows a sprite to move in four directions and adapt an existing program for use in a different context. We will further develop our program by adding new features, learn how to identify and fix bugs in code and will also design and build a maze-based coding challenge.

PE:

In OAA, children will develop their ability to trust and cooperate with others through simple teamwork exercises. They will increase their awareness of the natural environment through trail-based activities. We will practise using simple maps to navigate through outdoor settings and will also learn how to use compass points to assist with navigation.

In Athletics, we will practise running for speed with a focus on fluency and coordination. We will also learn and develop different combinations of jumps through structured activities.

Music - Communication and Ancient Worlds:

In composing, pupils will create music that incorporates aspects of technology. In terms of musical structure, they will perform in rounds and cycles, and compose their own pieces reflecting these forms.

Maths:

For our final term we will learn to read and interpret bar charts, explore the concept of measuring the duration of events and will also revise key topics covered in previous terms to consolidate understanding, ready for Year 4!

RE – British Values:

We will describe what it is like to live in the British Isles, considering culture, diversity, and daily life. Lessons will involve discussions on the concept of democracy and will develop an understanding of why it is important in society. We will explore the purpose of rules and laws, identifying how these help maintain order and fairness. Children will explain what liberty means and identify the fundamental rights of British citizens. They will also describe the diversity within British society and explain why such diversity is valuable and significant.

PSHE – Growing and Changing:

This half term we will describe the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur throughout people's lives. Children will identify different types of relationships, including friendships and family connections. They will understand the concept of personal space, often referred to as ‘body space’. We will learn the difference between secrets and surprises, and will recognise the difference between safe and unsafe secrets. As well as this, children will understand that marriage is a commitment that should be entered into freely and never under pressure. They will also learn the basic principles of first aid, including techniques for dealing with common injuries.

Art – Sculpture and 3D: Abstract Shape and Space:

Pupils will explore the world of sculpture by experimenting with different ways to make card shapes three-dimensional. They will design and create abstract, free-standing structures while learning to explain the differences between 2D and 3D art in simple terms.

Spanish:

Children will learn to introduce themselves in Spanish, using appropriate greetings and phrases. They will also learn and practise key Spanish phrases that are useful for everyday conversation.

Design Technology – Mini Greenhouses:

In DT, children will investigate real greenhouses, explore stable structures and suitable materials, and then design and build their very own mini greenhouses. They’ll take pride in evaluating their creations and understanding how design meets function in the real world.