What we're learning about in Autumn 1

We’re starting the new school year with an exciting topic all about the Tudors. From learning about monarchs who changed the course of history to exploring forces in Science and building creative skills in Art, the children have a busy and engaging half term ahead. Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up across the curriculum.

English
This term, children will develop their creative writing skills through the study and creation of figurative poetry and ghost narratives. They will explore how writers use figurative language, descriptive vocabulary and poetic techniques to create vivid imagery and evoke emotions. Children will then apply these skills to write their own figurative poems before developing their narrative writing through the creation of atmospheric ghost stories. 

Maths
We’ll be following the White Rose scheme, focusing on place value, addition and subtraction, and the first stages of multiplication and division. Problem solving and reasoning will help children deepen their understanding.

Science – Forces
Children will explore gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction, as well as how mechanisms such as pulleys, gears and levers allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.

History – The Tudors
Our topic question is: How did the Tudor Monarchs shape England? Pupils will study key figures including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, exploring their impact on religion, politics and society, and learn about events such as the Spanish Armada.

Computing –Internet Safety
Children will learn the importance of staying safe online. They will explore a range of techniques that they can apply in every day scenarios and give them strategies to stay safe.

Art – I Need Space
This unit develops skills in sketching and printmaking. Pupils will experiment with imagery, explore decision-making in creative processes, and revisit ideas to improve their work.

Design and Technology
Linked later in the year – this half term focuses more on Art.

Music – Kapow
Children will sing in time and in tune, play melodies with accuracy, compose short pieces using notation, and perform confidently as part of a group.

Spanish (MfL)
We’ll learn how to talk about pets by asking and answering “Do you have a pet?” Children will learn and practise 10 animal names, building their confidence in both spoken and written Spanish while developing their ability to understand and respond to simple questions.

PSHE – Me and My Relationships
This unit focuses on friendships and teamwork. Children will learn about negotiation, compromise, healthy and unhealthy relationships, emotional needs, and how to respond to feelings in themselves and others.

Religious Education (RE)
pupils will learn about what Christians believe God is like, exploring key texts from the Bible, using ways of knowing that theologians use. They will study passages from the book of Isaiah and Psalm 103 (Old Testament) and the book of 1 John (New Testament) to work out some ways the Bible says that God is both holy and loving.

Physical Education (PE)

• Outdoor PE – Invasion Games: Skills include travelling with the ball, throwing and catching under pressure, and shooting with accuracy.
• Indoor PE – Dance (Tudors) & Boccia: Pupils will build and perform a Tudor-themed dance and develop control, accuracy, and strategy through Boccia.