🌟 Welcome to Autumn 2! 🌟

Welcome back! We hope you all had a wonderful and restful half-term break. We are very excited to begin another busy and enjoyable term of learning with the children. We are looking forward to seeing the children continue to grow in confidence, independence and resilience as they take on new challenges and celebrate their achievements.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We look forward to working together to make Autumn 2 a happy, successful and memorable half term for everyone!

English – Recount

This half term, the children will develop their skills in writing recounts, using Pie Corbett’s Curious Creature Captured as a model text. They will explore the key features of a recount, including sequencing events clearly and using appropriate time connectives.

To begin the term, the children will write a recount of their morning routine, using the time connectives first, then, next, after that and finally to order events chronologically.

The children will then apply their learning to write their own recount based on their previous learning of Jack and the Beanstalk. They will focus particularly on the event when Jack sells his cow, developing their ability to retell an event in sequence and include relevant details.

Our text for enjoyment this term will be The Pea and the Princess by Mini Grey, providing opportunities for the children to enjoy and respond to a humorous and engaging picture book alongside their writing work.

Vocabulary

first, after, meanwhile, next, later, to begin with, soon, finally, before, subsequently, during, then

Maths – Multiplication and Division

Children will develop their understanding of multiplication and division by learning and applying the 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables. They will use practical resources and pictorial representations to support their understanding, including sharing, grouping and arrays.

Children will explore the relationship between multiplication and division and use this to solve related calculations and problems. They will develop their understanding of equal groups, making links between repeated addition and multiplication, and use bar models, arrays and number lines to represent their thinking.

They will learn to multiply and divide by 2, 5 and 10, making connections between these calculations and place value. Children will also develop their understanding of multiplying and dividing by 3, 4 and 8, using known facts and the relationship between multiplication and division to support their learning.

Children will practise recalling multiplication and division facts and apply these to solve one-step and two-step problems, including problems involving missing numbers and choosing the appropriate operation. They will be encouraged to explain their reasoning using mathematical vocabulary and to check their answers using the inverse relationship between multiplication and division.

Throughout the unit, children will develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, making links between concrete resources, pictorial representations and written calculations.

Vocabulary

Multiplication, division, equal groups, sharing, grouping, arrays, times tables, inverse, repeated addition, product, factor, multiple, quotient, remainder, calculation, operation, fluency, reasoning, problem-solving, place value, bar model, number line, missing number, fact family

Science - Food waste and Rocks 

Children will continue to develop their understanding of the importance of a balanced and healthy diet. They will explore the different food groups and consider why our bodies need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. Children will compare the diets of humans and different animals, considering how diets vary depending on the needs and characteristics of each animal.

Children will also learn about food waste and explore ways in which it can be reduced. They will consider the impact of food waste on the environment and discuss practical ways that individuals, families and communities can make more sustainable choices.

Children will then begin learning about rocks, using the enquiry question: “How can we identify and sort rocks based on their physical properties?” They will observe and handle a range of different rocks, making careful observations about their colour, texture, appearance,

Vocabulary

food waste, landfill, recycling, edible, inedible, granite, pumice, sandstone, chalk, marble, gneiss, crystals, grains, layers, textures

Computing - Programming: Scratch 

Children will explore the programming platform Scratch and develop their understanding of how computer programs are created using sequences, events and algorithms.

Throughout the term, children will use Scratch to create their own interactive stories, learning how to choose and program sprites, add backgrounds and use code to make characters move and interact. They will develop their understanding of animation by using different costumes, movement and effects to bring their stories to life.

Children will be introduced to repetition and loops, understanding how these can be used to repeat instructions efficiently and simplify their programs. They will experiment with different blocks and begin to identify and correct errors in their code through debugging.

Towards the end of the unit, children will use their developing programming skills to design and create their own simple game

Vocabulary

algorithm, animation, application, code, code block, debug, decompose, game, interface, loop, predict, program, remixing code, repetition code, review, scratch, sprite, tinker

Religion and Worldviews - Where do our morals come from?

Children will explore what morals are and consider how people learn the difference between right and wrong. They will discuss the importance of rules and guidance in helping people make choices and understand how our actions can affect ourselves and others.

Children will explore the importance of religious guidance for some Christians and Jewish people. They will consider how religious teachings, including guidance found in the Bible and Torah, can help believers make decisions about how they should live their lives and treat others.

Children will investigate how people remember and apply moral guidance in their everyday lives. They will explore examples of religious and non-religious guidance and consider how these may influence people's choices, behaviour and relationships with others.

Children will have opportunities to compare and evaluate different sources of moral guidance, identifying similarities and differences between religious and non-religious perspectives. They will be encouraged to ask questions, discuss different viewpoints and consider whether guidance is always easy to follow.

Throughout the unit, children will reflect on their own values and develop a personal moral code. They will express, explain and justify their own opinions about what they believe is right and wrong, while showing respect for the beliefs and opinions of others.

Vocabulary

Buddha, covenant, guidance, moral, reasoning, ten commandments

Art and Design – Drawing and Botanical-Inspired Art

Children will develop their drawing skills through careful observation of natural forms, focusing on the shapes, lines, patterns and details found in plants and flowers. They will explore a range of drawing techniques, experimenting with different marks and pressures to create a variety of effects.

Children will develop their understanding of shading, exploring how light and dark tones can be created to add depth, texture and form to their drawings. They will practise using different techniques, including hatching, cross-hatching, stippling and tonal shading, to represent the details and textures found in botanical forms.

Using their observational drawings as inspiration, children will explore how digital tools can be used to create botanical-inspired artwork. They will experiment with digital drawing techniques, combining lines, shapes, patterns, colour and shading to develop their own compositions.

Children will learn to evaluate and refine their artwork, making purposeful choices about the techniques and tools they use. They will develop confidence in explaining their artistic decisions and responding positively to feedback.

Throughout the unit, children will develop their skills in observational drawing, shading, mark-making, composition and digital art, taking inspiration from the natural world to create their own botanical-inspired digital drawings.

Vocabulary

Botanical, observation, sketch, outline, texture, shading, tone, hatching, stippling, pattern, digital, composition

Music - Reading Rhythms: Patterns and Layers

Children will develop their understanding of rhythm, pulse and musical notation through the unit Reading Rhythms: Patterns and Layers. They will explore how rhythms can be combined to create interesting and layered pieces of music.

Children will use tuned percussion, untuned percussion, vocal sounds and body percussion to explore and perform a range of rhythmic patterns. They will practise keeping a steady pulse while performing rhythms individually and as part of a group.

Children will learn to read, perform and create simple rhythmic patterns, developing their understanding of rhythmic notation and how different note values can be combined. They will explore how repeated rhythmic patterns, or ostinatos, can be layered together to create a cohesive musical performance.

Working collaboratively, children will compose and perform their own layered rhythmic pieces, making decisions about which sounds and instruments work well together. They will develop their listening skills by identifying different musical layers and responding to changes in rhythm, tempo and dynamics.

Throughout the unit, children will develop their skills in listening, performing, composing and evaluating, using appropriate musical vocabulary to describe and explain their musical choices.

Vocabulary

Pulse, rhythm, beat, pattern, notation, tempo, dynamics, layer, ostinato, percussion, tuned percussion, composition

Geography – Why Do People Live Near Volcanoes?

Children will explore the enquiry question “Why do people live near volcanoes?” as they develop their understanding of the Earth and its changing landscape.

They will investigate the structure of the Earth, learning about the crust, mantle and core, and discover how the movement of tectonic plates causes geological activity. Children will explore how the movement and collision of tectonic plates can lead to the formation of mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Using maps, diagrams and geographical data, children will locate some of the world's major volcanoes, mountain ranges and earthquake zones. They will develop their understanding of how these features are distributed around the world and make links between tectonic plate boundaries and areas of volcanic and seismic activity.

Children will investigate volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, considering their causes and effects on people and the environment. They will explore the positive and negative impacts of living near volcanoes, including fertile soils, tourism and natural resources, alongside hazards such as lava, ash and earthquakes.

Throughout the unit, children will develop their geographical enquiry skills by using maps, interpreting information, asking geographical questions, making comparisons and presenting their findings. They will use evidence to explain why people continue to live in areas where volcanoes are present and consider how communities can prepare for and respond to natural hazards.

Vocabulary

Tectonic plates, Earth’s crust, mantle, core, plate boundary, volcano, eruption, magma, lava, earthquake, mountain, fault line

Physical Education

Hockey  

PE – Outdoor Hockey

Children will develop their skills and understanding of outdoor hockey, learning how to safely and confidently use a hockey stick and ball. They will practise the correct grip, stance and stick control, developing their ability to move with the ball while maintaining control.

Children will learn and practise basic passing and receiving skills, focusing on accuracy, timing and using the correct technique. They will work individually, in pairs and in small groups to apply these skills in increasingly challenging activities.

Children will also be introduced to the basic principles of attack and defence. They will learn how to create space, support teammates, move into attacking positions and defend effectively by marking opponents and attempting to regain possession.

Throughout the unit, children will develop their teamwork, communication, coordination and decision-making skills, applying their hockey techniques in small-sided games and activities. They will learn to follow rules, demonstrate good sportsmanship and evaluate their own performance.

Vocabulary

hockey stick, puck, dribble, flick, obstruction, centre pass, clearing, cross, tackle, shooting, attacking, defending, ball control, push puck

PE – Dance

Children will develop their dance skills by exploring different movements and learning how to link these together to create a sequence. They will experiment with space, direction, levels, speed and rhythm, developing their ability to move confidently and expressively to music.

Children will work individually and collaboratively to create and refine movements, remembering and performing sequences with increasing accuracy. They will develop their coordination, timing, balance and musicality, while learning to perform confidently as part of a group.

Children will prepare and rehearse a dance to perform at the SOKE competition, focusing on working together, maintaining synchronisation and performing with confidence and expression.

Children will also learn line dancing in a fun and energetic way. They will learn to stand in rows, facing the same direction, and perform a sequence of steps together. They will develop their ability to follow a routine, keep in time with the music and perform movements in unison.

The children will learn and perform a line dance to ‘Life’s a Happy Song’, developing their confidence, rhythm and teamwork while enjoying an inclusive and energetic form of dance.

Vocabulary

partner, copy (mirror), follow, unison, canon, repetition, step touch, grapevine, beat, rhythm, sequence

My Happy Mind – Celebrate

Children will explore the importance of gratitude, achievements and positive experiences, developing an understanding of why it is important to recognise and appreciate the things that make them and others special.

Children will reflect on their own successes, strengths and achievements, recognising the progress they have made and celebrating the qualities that make them unique. They will learn how celebrating their own achievements can help to develop self-confidence, positivity and resilience.

Children will also explore ways to celebrate and appreciate others, recognising their strengths and successes and understanding how positive encouragement can make others feel valued. They will develop their ability to give and receive compliments and celebrate achievements as a group.

Throughout the unit, children will consider how gratitude and positive thinking can support their wellbeing and help them to build and maintain strong, healthy relationships. They will be encouraged to notice positive experiences in everyday life and develop habits that promote happiness and confidence.

Vocabulary

Gratitude, achievement, celebrate, success, strengths, confidence, positivity, appreciation, kindness, encouragement, resilience, relationships

Key Dates

Start of term – 2.11.26

Consultation Evenings – 2.11.26 and 4.11.26

Bonfire Lunch – 5.11.26

Anti-Bullying Day – 12.11.26

Children in Need Day and Lunch – 13.11.26

Year 3 and 4 Soke Dance Festival – 4.12.26

Christmas Jumper Day – 10.12.26

Christmas Lunch – 16.12.26

Christmas Disco – 17.12.26

End of Autumn term – 18.12.26