Class Teacher: Miss Launder

Teaching Assistant: Miss Knights

PE day - Thursday afternoon

Swimming sessions will continue to take place each Thursday afternoon at Marl Pits Leasure Centre

Forest School will take place each Friday afternoon

Hello everyone and welcome to Sequoia Class.  Miss Launder is the class teacher, supported by Miss Knights.

We hope you have all had a fantastic half-term break and the children are ready for the term ahead.

We have lots of exciting things planned and we cannot wait to tell you all about it!  They will embark on new challenges, be given fantastic opportunities and have the most fun whilst doing so.  We will ensure that the last year of their primary education will be one to remember! 

English

We are going to begin the term with a non-fiction film unit.  This is based on a short documentary about a planet called Pandora.  This science fiction unit will provide the children with lots of fantastic writing opportunties; a non-chronological report about Pandora, writing a set of instructions, diary recounts and designing their own creature, vehicle and environment.  

Our poetry unit will be based on the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.  The children will study four inspiring poems before they write and perform their own.

We will end the term with a horror unit, based on a book called Thornhill by Pam Smy; a darkly gripping tale of two girls separated by thirty years but pulled together by the looming house of Thornhill.

Maths

In Maths, we will begin the term with a continued focus on fractions before moving onto measure; imperial and metric.

Multiplication is a pivotal part of Maths and underpins so many aspects of the curriculum throughout our school.  All children should be confident in their timetables by the end of Year 4 although of course, it is understandable this may not be the case for all children. Therefore, we would ask that children continually practise timetables regularly to increase their confidence.  This will help them significantly as they progress through Year 6. 

Geography - Trade and Economics

We will continue with our Geography unit learning all about trade.  This will involve the children understanding the process, places and issues involved in a global supply chain.  The children will explore some reasons for trade in various parts of the world and investigate global trade processes, trade routes and they will look at imports and exports.

History - Stone Age to the Iron Age

History will continue with the children studying the changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age; from hunter-gatherers to early farmers.  We will look at how life changed for British children in prehistory.

Science - Evolution and Inheritance

In Science, the children will become inheritance detectives and identify inherited and environmental characteristics.  They will also investigate variation across specific animals and plants and identify subtle adaptations to environments in the animal and plant world.  This unit is very interesting and I am sure the children will very much enjoy studying it! 

Guided Reading

At Water School, we have a love of books and a passion for reading.  In our whole class reading sessions this term, we will continue studying the fantastic novel, 'Holes', by Louis Sachar.  This book is based on a boy named Stanley Yelnats, who was sent to a juvenile detention camp.  During his time there, he uncovers a family curse and a buried treasure while digging holes in the desert. 

We will then begin to study the book 'Wonder' by R J Palacio; this heart-warming and impactful novel centers on Auggie Pullman, a boy with significant facial differences who enters mainstream school for the first time.

Physical Education

Our PE day will now take place each Thursday afternoon, prior to going swimming.  Please can all children attend school in full PE kit.

Swimming

We will continue attending swimming sessions at Marl Pits Leisure Centre each Thursday afteroon.  Please can all children attend school in their PE kits, with their swimming costume/shorts and towel in a separate bag.  Children with long hair will also need a swimming cap.  

Forest School

The children will be attending the forest each Friday afternoon with our Acorn children.  Please can children wear uniform/PE kit and bring their forest school clothes in a seperate bag.

Reading

We understand the importance of reading and expect children to read for at least 10/15 minutes each night.  It is extremely important that we focus on the skill of sustained reading, rather than just reading a few pages.  This will help children in all areas of their learning and make them much more independent as they progress through Year 6.   

Snacks

If you would like to buy a healthy snack for your child to have at break time, it is £1 per week.  This can be paid via Parent Pay each half-term.  A reminder will be sent out via text.  Alternatively, children are more than welcome to bring their own healthy snack to school. 

A note from Miss Launder

I am so excited to be part of your child's journey in their final year of their primary education.  I am confident that with hard work, determination and self-belief, your child will continue to flourish and make exceptional progress.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

Thank you so much for your continued support.  I very much look forward to working with you and seeing you all in the new year.

Please also see our weekly newsletter for additional diary dates and information.  The link is sent in a text each Friday afternoon.

Many thanks

Miss Launder