What we're learning about in Spring 1

This half term, our learning takes us back in time to explore Victorian Britain and the huge changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Through History, English, Science and the wider curriculum, children will learn about life for rich and poor, key inventions, working conditions and how this period shaped modern Britain. Alongside this, pupils will enjoy creative opportunities in Art, Music and Computing, while continuing to develop key skills across all subjects.

English

English lessons are closely linked to our Victorian topic. Children will write vivid character and setting descriptions, using figurative language to bring Victorian streets to life. Later in the term, they will research and write biographies of significant historical figures such as Charles Dickens, Florence Nightingale or Lord Shaftesbury. Reading fluency is developed through extracts from Street Child, and the half term concludes with Wilmot’s Wordsmith Week, celebrating vocabulary and creativity.

Maths
We will continue following the White Rose scheme, focusing on multiplication and division, fractions, and decimals and percentages. Children will build confidence in applying these skills to problem-solving and real-life contexts.

Science – Space

In Science, pupils will explore the solar system, learning about the movement of the Earth, Moon and other planets. They will understand how day and night occur and describe the Sun, Earth and Moon as spherical bodies.

History- Victorian Industry

Our key question is: Who were the Victorians and how did industrialisation change Britain?
Children will learn about Queen Victoria, the Industrial Revolution, major inventions, and how life differed between rich and poor. They will explore working conditions, child labour and the reforms that helped improve people’s lives.

Computing – Physical Computing
Children will design and control simple circuits connected to a computer. They will write programs using loops and selection, learning how physical systems can be controlled using code.

Art - Painting and Mixed Media: Portraits

Pupils will explore self-portraits, developing drawings into mixed-media artwork. They will experiment with materials and techniques and apply their skills to create a final expressive portrait.

Design and Technology- Next Half Term

Music – Blues

Children will learn about the key features of blues music, perform a 12-bar blues, play the blues scale, and improvise melodies. Singing and instrumental work will help build confidence and musical expression.

Spanish (MfL)- Presenting Myself 

In Spanish, pupils will learn to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, use numbers to 20, and talk about nationality with correct pronunciation.

PSHE – Keeping Safe

This unit focuses on personal safety, including online safety, bullying, peer pressure and understanding risk. Children will learn strategies to keep themselves safe and make informed choices.

Religious Education (RE)- Jewish Worship and Community

Children will explore key aspects of Judaism, including worship, prayer, rituals and belonging to a faith community. They will consider how faith influences actions and daily life.

Physical Education (PE)

• Outdoor PE – Hockey: Developing control, passing, movement and safe tackling.
• Indoor PE – Gymnastics: Creating and refining complex sequences using equipment, working collaboratively with partners.