Autumn Term 2024 

Our topics this term are Journeys around the UK and Fire, Fire. A flavour of some of what the children will be learning and experiencing during these topics is given below.

Journeys around the UK

During Literacy this term, we will be exploring stories with familiar settings. We will use the Paddington Bear stories for inspiration for our writing. We will write letters and postcards as Paddington Bear. We will also use our own teddy as inspiration and think about an adventure they might go on. We will used a number of different texts including Journey and The tunnel to write character and setting descriptions and explore different journeys characters go on. We will write our own fact files about London towards the end of the term.

In Numeracy, we will be learning about the place value of numbers up to 100, looking at tens and ones, comparing and ordering numbers and counting in 2s, 5s and 10s. We will learn how to add and subtract two 2-digit numbers together, crossing the tens and working out ten more or ten less. We will also be naming and discussing the properties of 2D and 3D shapes.

In Science, we will be exploring living things and their habitats. We will explore and compare the differences between things that are living, dead, and things that have never been alive. We will identify that most living things live in habitats to which they are suited and describe how different habitats provide for the basic needs of different kinds of animals and plants and how they depend on each other. We will identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including micro-habitats.

As part of Geography, we will revisit countries and capital cities of the UK. We will identify the seas around the UK. We will explore physical features of the UK. We will locate Peterborough in the UK and plan and describe a journey from our school to London.

In History, we will be learning about our class name. We will learn about famous nurses from the past, Seacole (2RW), Cavell (2RK) and Nightingale (2HI). We will learn why they are famous and why we remember them. We will compare nurses and hospitals from the past and present.

In Computing, we will explore the question ‘How is information technology (IT) being used for good in our lives?’ With an initial focus on IT in the home, we will explore how IT benefits society in places such as shops, libraries, and hospitals. Whilst discussing the responsible use of technology, and how to make smart choices when using it.

In Art, we will be creating self-portraits. We will discuss key vocabulary such as line, shade, sketch and explore making marks with different sketching pencils. We will sketch a teddy and explore different ways to make it look soft and fluffy. We are looking forward to Arts week at the end of term.

During Music, students will learn a traditional Ghanaian song, use simple musical notation and compose some simple call and response rhythms through the theme of Animals. They will work in small groups as well as individually, and create their own sound patterns based on call and response patterns they have learnt, using instruments, their voice and body percussion.  After half term, students will develop their vocal skills, learning the music for their Christmas production. They will develop their pitching, breathing, diction and confidence, ready to perform to a large public audience.

In PE, we will have two sessions and try to have these outside as much as possible. We will develop the fundamental skills of balancing, running, changing direction, jumping, hopping and skipping. We will have opportunities to work with a range of different equipment. We will observe and recognise improvements for our own and others' skills and identify areas of strength. We will work collaboratively with others, taking turns and sharing ideas. During outdoor PE, we will develop our fundamental ball skills such as throwing and catching, rolling, hitting a target, dribbling with both hands and feet and kicking a ball. We will have the opportunity to work independently, in pairs and small groups.

As part of our learning in RE, we will begin to understand how a Sikh family celebrates their faith. We will understand what the 5 K’s are. We will learn about the Gurdwara and Guru Granth Sahib. We will learn about Guru Nanak and be Introduced to some Sikh stories with the idea of respect and equality.

In PSHE, we will explore three topics, Tying Shoelaces, Brushing Teeth and Body Language. Within Tying shoelaces, we will look at how we can prevent accidents that are often caused when rushing around. Within Brushing Teeth, we will look at why we should brush our teeth and the potential consequences of not brushing our teeth often enough. During our Body Language topic, we will look at recognising how other people may be feeling and explore different ways we can express our emotions. Throughout the year, we will be using the NSPCC Pantosaurus resources to ensure children know the 'proper' names for their body parts, understanding what 'private' means and to be able to confidently disclose any incidences they may have using the right terminology.

Fire, Fire

During Literacy this term, we will use Vlad and The Great Fire of London as a stimulus. We will explore the features of diary entries and write as if we were Vlad. We will read extracts from Samuel Pepys’ diary. We will write a non-chronological report about The Great Fire of London. We will write instructions linked to our Design technology learning. We will enjoy creating shape poems linked to our work on Bonfire night.

In Numeracy, we will recognise coins and notes and learn how to find a total amount of money and calculate change. We will recap multiplication and division work from year 1 making equal groups, adding equal groups and making arrays. We will explore measures, focusing on length, weight and capacity. We will explore data and create our own tally charts and pictograms. Finally, we will be beginning to look at time. We will be learning to tell the time on an analogue click, focusing on o’clock, quarter past, quarter to and half past.

In Science, we will be able to identify a variety of everyday materials and distinguish between an object and its materials. We will carry out our own investigations to explore and find out about the suitability of materials.

In History, we will explore The Great Fire of London and Guy Fawkes. We will discuss why these events are remembered today and the significance of key events.

In Computing, we will discuss the term ‘data’. We will begin to understand what data means and how this can be collected in the form of a tally chart. We will learn the term ‘attribute’ and use this to help us organise data. We will then progress onto presenting data in the form of pictograms and finally block diagrams. We will use the data presented to answer questions.

In Art, we will explore colour mixing and revise primary and secondary colours. We will understand what collage means. We will explore who the artist Matisse is and the style of his work. We will understand how different techniques and materials can be used to produce a collage. We will create a silhouette inspired by The Great Fire of London.

In Design Technology, we will begin by discussing what a product is for and reasons for use of materials and design aspects. We will use our knowledge of existing products to design our own fire engine. We will mark out and shape materials and use techniques from art and design i.e. cutting, sticking, patterns, colouring. We will evaluate our final product and discuss our likes and dislikes.

During Music, through listening and composing, children will learn to explore how dynamics, tempo and different instruments help to represent parts of stories. They will work in groups to create their own story with relevant effects, recognising characters and actions. During this term, the children will also prepare for their Christmas production. They will spend time singing and developing their vocal technique.

In PE, we will learn explore and develop basic gymnastic actions on the floor and using apparatus. We will develop gymnastic skills of jumping, rolling, balancing and travelling individually and in combination to create short sequences and movement phrases. We will develop an awareness of compositional devices when creating sequences to include the use of shapes, levels and directions. We will learn to work safely with and around others and whilst using apparatus. During outdoor PE, we will develop the basic skills required in invasion games such as sending, receiving and dribbling a ball. We will develop our understanding of attacking and defending and what being 'in possession' means. We will have the opportunity to play uneven and even sided games and learn how to score points in these types of games and how to play to the rules. We will show respect and kindness towards our teammates and opponents.

As part of our learning in RE, we will be learning about what happens in the Christmas story. We will be able to retell the story and sequence the key events.

In PSHE, we will explore Bullying and Helping others in need. Within Bullying, we will look at how our actions and words can affect others and explore kind and positive behaviours. During our Helping other topic, we will look at all the different scenarios and opportunities in which we can help others. We will look at how we can help people in school, at home and within the wider community.