Welcome to Our Puffin Class Page!

Welcome to another exciting term in Puffin Class. This term the children will be exploring a wide range of fascinating topics across the curriculum, including Indian classical music, the Wars of the Roses, geography of Asia, modern architecture, plants in science and much more.

Mathematics

In maths we will be learning about statistics.

The children will:

· Interpret and present data using charts and tables

· Answer questions using information from graphs and pictograms

· Develop problem-solving and reasoning skills

· Revise and strengthen their understanding of the four operations:

o addition

o subtraction

o multiplication

o division

We will continue to focus on arithmetic fluency and efficient calculation strategies throughout the term.

English

In English the children will be preparing and writing a prequel inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

The children will:

· Develop their descriptive writing skills

· Explore characterisation and setting description

· Use ambitious vocabulary and varied sentence structures

· Learn and apply grammar skills including similes and metaphors

· Edit and improve their writing

Later in the term we will begin our Shakespeare unit on Richard III, where the children will:

· Learn about playscripts

· Explore Shakespearean language

· Perform and learn key quotations

· Develop confidence when reading aloud and performing

PSHE

In PSHE the children will focus on healthy relationships, friendships, wellbeing and growing up.

They will:

· Learn about kindness, respect and teamwork

· Explore positive friendships and communication

· Understand how to stay safe and healthy

· Discuss feelings and emotions

· Build confidence and resilience

· Learn about changes as they grow and develop

Computing

In Computing the children will learn how to use email safely and responsibly using Purple Mash.

They will:

· Send and reply to emails

· Learn about online safety and digital communication

· Understand how to write clear and polite messages

· Practise opening and managing emails

· Learn how to report concerns and stay safe online

Music – Indian Classical Music

This term the children will explore Hindustani music from Northern India. They will listen to famous musicians including Kishori Amonkar, Ravi Shankar, Bikram Ghosh and Amjad Ali Khan.

The children will learn about:

· Tala (rhythm cycles)

· Raga (melodic patterns)

· Improvisation

· Indian instruments including the sitar, sarod, tablā and tanpura

Throughout the unit the children will:

· Clap and perform rhythms

· Learn a ṭukḍā (rhythmic piece)

· Create and perform their own music together

History – The Wars of the Roses

In history we will learn about the Wars of the Roses, the civil war fought between the House of York and the House of Lancaster between 1455 and 1485.

The children will learn about:

· Henry VI, Edward IV and Richard III

· The Princes in the Tower

· The Battle of Bosworth

· Henry Tudor and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty

We will also explore how historians use evidence to form different interpretations about the past.

Geography – Asia: India and China

This term the children will continue developing their geographical knowledge through studying India and China.

They will:

· Locate India and China on a map of Asia

· Learn about physical and human geography

· Study rivers including the Ganges and the Indus

· Explore mountains, deserts and settlements

· Compare similarities and differences between India and China

Later in the term, children will also study the geography of Western Europe and write explanation texts linked to their learning.

Art – Modern Architecture

In art the children will explore modern architecture and compare it with traditional buildings.

They will:

· Study famous structures including the Guggenheim Museum and the Scottish Parliament

· Learn how architects design buildings

· Create architectural drawings and models

· Design their own skyscrapers inspired by everyday objects

· Explore engineering through bridge-building investigations

Science – Plants

In science the children will study flowering plants and learn about:

· The parts of plants and their functions

· What plants need to grow and thrive

· How water moves through plants

· Pollination and seed dispersal

· The role of insects in plant reproduction

The children will also learn about important botanists including Joseph Banks, Agnes Arber and George Washington Carver.

Religious Education

In RE we are continuing our topic on Judaism and exploring sacred texts.

The children will:

· Learn about the importance of sacred texts within Judaism

· Explore how Jewish people use and respect sacred writings

· Discuss key beliefs and traditions

· Develop their understanding of different faiths and cultures

· Reflect thoughtfully on questions about religion and belief

PE

In PE we will be focusing on athletics as we prepare for Sports Day.

The children will:

· Practise running, jumping and throwing events

· Develop speed, coordination and stamina

· Improve teamwork and sportsmanship

· Learn how to compete fairly and support others

· Build confidence through individual and team challenges

We will also focus on developing resilience, determination and positive attitudes towards physical activity.

In our class you will find:

Class Teacher: Mrs Batchelor

HLTA: Mrs Rodda and Miss Bradley

Teaching Assistant: Mrs Swain and Mrs Leite

Contact Us:  office@st-johns-pri.cambs.sch.uk

Our PE days will be:  Friday