Information on our Term’s Learning:

The Romans

English

In English, our class read will be The Roman Quests by Caroline Lawrence. Within reading and writing, the theme of the Romans will be explored. We will be looking at free verse poetry, explanation texts and fantasy stories.

We will continue to develop our spelling knowledge and range of vocabulary as well as our understanding and awareness of grammar. We will work on our proofreading and editing skills and on maintaining the quality of our handwriting.

Maths

We will continue to develop our recall and speed of times tables. Study this term will focus on place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Science

For the first half term, we will study the topic of plants, learning about the different parts and their functions and investigating the conditions plants require for growth. In the second half term, our topic will be rocks.

Thematic Study

In History, we will be exploring the question ‘Why did Caesar fail and Claudius succeed in invading Britain?’ We will develop our chronological understanding by creating timelines of this period in history.

In Geography, we will be investigating the question ‘Why is the River Tiber important?’ We will develop our understanding of rivers and the water cycle and practise locating Europe, Italy, Rome and the River Tiber on atlases and globes.

In DT, we will focus on mechanisms, exploring what a trebuchet is, how Romans used them and then designing creating our own.

Not linked to our topic, in Art, we are exploring portraits, in particular the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s self portrait. We will practise drawing portraits using different materials and develop the skills needed to paint a landscape in the background. In Music we will work on our singing, listening and composing skills. In RSHE, we will be focusing on respectful, healthy friendships and the importance of self-esteem. In RE, we will be exploring the question ‘What is the Trinity and why is it important for Christians?’ In French, we will be learning the vocabulary for instruments and shapes (Year 4) and numbers and dates (Year 5) and developing our confidence speaking aloud. Our topic in Computing is data and information; this will involve learning about data logging and databases. In PE this term, our topics are cross country running, football and gymnastics. We will also be taking part in a daily fitness challenge. Our current PE days are Monday and Thursday.

Home Learning 

• Reading regularly, ideally daily
• Practising times tables (verbally, written, and on Times Table Rockstars)
• Practising spellings. Children will be set a list of 10 spellings on Spelling Shed each Friday, to practise during the week for the following Friday. The full 3&4 and 5&6 word lists are also available on Spelling Shed should your child wish to do any further practice

Links to Times Tables Rockstars and Spelling Shed can be found below. See Letter outlining homework expectations for expectations and Homework Policy for further details. Children may also like to practise by writing things down rather than using a screen.

Pencil cases, water bottles and snacks