TERM 5 - KINGDOM OF BENIN. 

Our topic for Term 5 is The Kingdom of Benin, and we are really looking forward to diving into this rich and fascinating period of history. Throughout the term, the children will explore the achievements of the Benin Kingdom, build a timeline of key events in African history, and investigate what artefacts can tell us about the past. We will be looking closely at the famous Benin Bronzes and thinking carefully about their significance and the important question of where they belong today.

Our learning in English will link closely to our creative and imaginative thinking. We will begin by exploring illustrated worlds, using these as inspiration to write detailed non-chronological reports. Later in the term, the children will develop their narrative writing through a dialogue-based story inspired by Catch ‘a’ Lot, focusing on bringing characters and conversations to life.

In maths, we will be building on the children’s understanding of ratio and proportion before moving on to order of operations and applying this knowledge to more complex calculations. As the term progresses, the children will be challenged to solve problems involving two unknowns, encouraging them to think logically and explain their reasoning clearly.

Our science learning this term focuses on light, which always proves to be an engaging topic. The children will explore how light travels, investigate different materials (including opaque and translucent objects), and learn how shadows are formed. We will also look at reflections, giving the children opportunities to observe and experiment in a hands-on way.

In PSHE, we will be having some really thoughtful discussions around mental health, including how we can look after ourselves and support others. We will also explore themes such as loss and grief, relationships, and how interactions online can be similar to or different from those in real life.

In computing, the children will begin with e-safety before developing their coding skills through Logo and nested loops, and then taking this further by beginning to use Python. In art, the children will draw inspiration from the Benin Bronzes to design and create their own clay pieces, linking beautifully with our history learning.

PE this term will include cricket, gymnastics, and swimming (depending on class), giving the children plenty of opportunities to stay active and develop their skills.

This term also includes SATs week. During this time, we will continue learning but with a greater focus on low-stakes, supportive activities to help the children feel calm, confident, and balanced.

We are really looking forward to a busy and engaging term ahead. Please read our Termly Overview and Newsletter for more information, including key dates and reminders.

The children are going love looking at WORLD WAR 2 in term 3.

 Our writing and grammar this term will be based around our ‘WWII’ topic. We will be designing and advertising gas masks, writing in role as children during the Blitz and as evacuees, creating discussion texts about the pros and cons of evacuations, as well as writing time-slip stories set in World War 2 and beyond!

Term 2 - Extreme Earth

The children are going to love looking at EXTREME LANDSCAPES in term 2. 

We will be learning about different environments and what it takes to survive in them. We will be looking at mountains, deserts, tundras and volcanoes. 

In Science, the children will look at classification. We will explore the different ways of classifying all the living things on this planet, before embarking on a classification experiement of our own using particularly tasty test subjects. We will link our learning between geography and science by asking questions about how different animals might have adapted to their environments (linking to our topic from last term) and how that might change how they are classified. 

Reading: Our class author for this term is Shakespeare. We will read a variety of his plays that have been adapted for childre. 

In R.E we will continue to look at the religion of Hinduism focusing on the different celebrations Hindu's hold throughout the year. We will visit the Bristol Mandir to explore a Hindu temple with our own eyes.

Please read our Termly overview and Newsletter below to find out more information about how Term 2 will look

Term 1 - Our Island's Coasts

Term 1

The children are going to love our topic of COASTS this term. 

We will be learning about coastal management and designed our own sea defences by using our knowledge of how coastlines are transformed by the natural processes such as erosion and deposition.   In Science, the children will piece together evidence from pre-historic fossils and follow Charles Darwin's voyage of discovery on the Beagle. Each class will learn about Mary Anning and the fossil discoveries that she made along the Lyme Regis - Charmouth coast. We have a fantastic day in Charmouth planned, fossil hunting with expert Ed Drewitt.  Children will hunt for ammonites, belemnites and learn about how they are made.  

Our author focus for term 1 one will be Benjamin Zephaniah when we look at his poems for Black History Month.

Charmouth Trip = Thursday 25th September 202