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
Our class text this term is My Friend Walter by Michael Morpurgo. Using this, children will develop their narrative writing skills by planning, drafting, and publishing their own stories. They’ll explore characterisation, suspense, dialogue, and relative clauses, as well as redrafting and editing to improve their writing.

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 – Systems and Searching
Children will learn how computers form systems, how search engines select and rank results, and why this matters in everyday life.

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 be extending phonics knowledge, learning numbers to 100, and revising and practising 10 colours, building both written and spoken fluency.

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)
Our big question is: Where does the Christian Bible come from? Children will investigate its history, explore different translations, and consider the difference between literal and symbolic truth.

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.