Welcome to Class 2 page!

As always, we're thrilled to have your children back in our class for the new year; ready to create new memories and embark on another year of learning and growth. We have so many exciting plans for this half term, and we can't wait to share them with you! 

Our class newsletter, which you can find below, contains all the details about what we will be learning this term. We encourage you to take a look at it to stay informed about our topics and the children's learning. We have also added some of the curriculum highlights for this term below as well:

 

Maths

In Maths this term, as we have secured our fundamental 'core' numeracy skills, we will be advancing into Applied Areas of Mathematics throughout the remainder of the academic year.

In Year 3, pupils will be investigating the unit on 'Measurement'. First, pupils will explore the topic of 'Money', before progressing onto 'Time'. Throughout our unit on money, pupils will be afforded opportunities to consolidate previous learning by recognising different denominations (both notes and coin values) and learn methods to support the simple addition and subtraction (finding change) of different amounts of money. Within our exploration of time, pupils will begin by telling time using 'a.m.' and 'p.m.', telling time to the minute, using analogue and digital time, and telling time by using both the minute and hour hands. 

In Year 4, pupils will be continuing their learning on Fractions last term by now exploring 'Decimals'. Pupils will first develop an understanding of Place Value and the concept of 'tenths' and 'hundredths' and how these values can be represented as fractions or decimals. They will also learn to compare and order decimals and learn how to round a decimal to its nearest whole number (up to 2 d.c places). In addition, pupils will use their understanding of tenths and hundredths to divide a whole number by 10 and 100 by moving digits across a decimal point.

In their following chapter on 'Money', they will make links between tenths and hundredths, and decimal notation for money. They will learn how to convert amounts from pounds to pence, and vice versa, and will be taught how to round and estimate money to the nearest pound and understand contexts — in which this would be a useful skill to know.  They will apply these skills to problem-solving situations, finding totals and calculating change. 

 

English

In Literacy this term, ​we will be looking at writing instructions. As a non-fiction unit, we will look closely at the graphological and linguistic structure of this type of text as well as the importance of sequencing key events and literary devices to improve cohesion. Within this we will also be revising our KS1 toolkits, such as utilising direct address to speak to the audience, using time conjunctions to suggest order, and using imperative verbs to instruct a reader, but will also begin to feed in more varied KS2 techniques, including making use of subheadings and numbered steps to improve cohesion, extending our ideas through use of ordering adverbs and varied sentence types, and including additional information by using brackets, dashes, or commas. Using a model text alongside opportunities for text-mapping, discussion, and shared writing, pupils will examine an author's toolkit and develop more confidence in using a wider range of writing techniques throughout the unit. By the end of the unit, pupils will write a set of instructions on how to prepare to become a Roman soldier.   

Science

This term in Science, we will be exploring the topic of 'Light and Shadow'. Children will recall examples of light sources, and identify which objects do not give out light and that darkness is the absence of light. They will also identify the benefits and dangers of being exposed to light, describing ways to protect eyes from harm. Describe what happens when light reflects, give examples of reflective surfaces or materials and describe factors that may affect the quality of a reflected image as well as how shadows form, identifying patterns between groups of materials and the shadows produced. They will also investigate factors that affect the way a shadow appears, including what causes shadows to change throughout the day as well as factors that change the size of a shadow, observing and recording how the pattern of shadows changes throughout the day, and describe how the light source’s distance affects the shadow’s size. 

Our Foundation Subjects:

​​In Geography, we are learning about the Amazon Rainforest and the importance of rainforests both nationally and worldwide. We will be exploring our understanding of biomes and where these can be located before we conduct a wider focus on The Amazon Rainforest as a case study. Pupils will recognise the different layers of a rainforest and some of the different species of flora and fauna which make their homes in the rainforest. In addition, pupils will explore the human aspect of the rainforest through investigating the vast indigenous population of the Amazon, using the Awa Tribe as a means to explore the struggles faced by these people and their reliance on the unique environment of the Amazon. To relate these experiences to their own lives, pupils will explore the dangers facing the Amazon Rainforest as well as its importance globally, and why it is so vital to protect these sensitive ecosystems. 

In RE this term we will be thinking about the theological question of 'Why do Christians call the day Jesus died 'Good Friday'?' We will be thinking carefully about the Easter Story, beginning with Jesus' entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and concluding with Jesus' resurrection on Resurrection Sunday. Children will explore different religious attitudes towards Easter and Jesus' sacrifice being described as a 'good thing'. Pupils will develop their own interpretation of the Easter Story, linking their own ideas and spiritual responses to their overarching understanding of 'The Big Picture' with humanity's Fall in the Book of Genesis and the reconciliation between God and his Creation which was afforded by Jesus' sacrifice. 

In P.S.H.E, we will be exploring the topic of 'Citizenship' and what it means to be a global citizen. We will begin this unit by looking at good and bad environments and identifying what makes a home, school, or local setting "good" or "bad" and some of the different attitudes and stereotypes associated with these. We will also explore themes of environmental sustainability through recycling, reusing, and reducing what we use. This will also include looking at the role of our local council and the role of key amenities found in our local area. We will conclude the unit by examining the importance of rules and rights, examining the importance of having consequences for breaking rules and enforcing human rights to ensure all people are treated fairly, given equal opportunities and are safe to speak out. 
 
*In addition, please be aware that in the Spring Term, our PE. Days for Class 2 are on a Friday each week. 
 

Once again, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support. The partnership between home and school is crucial for your child's success, and we truly appreciate your involvement in their education journey.

Should you ever have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We believe in open communication and working together to ensure the best experience for our children. 

Let's make this academic year a memorable and enriching one for Class 2! Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of teaching your children.

Warmest regards from us all in Class 2,

Mrs Boulton & Mrs Whitbread