Class Teacher: Miss Launder

Teaching Assistant: Miss Knights

PE day - Tuesday afternoon

Swimming Sessions will take place each Thursday afternoon at Marl Pits Leasure Centre

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 summer break and the children are ready for the first half-term of the year.

We have lots of exciting things planned for the children 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

Sequoia Class will begin the year by studying the beautiful novel, 'The Nowhere Emporium'.  The Nowhere Emporium by Ross Mackenzie is an enchanting story about a young orphan discovering a magical store filled with secrets, curiosities, and fantastic creatures.  This unit will provide the children with lots of writing opportunities as they enter Year 6. 

Our non-fiction unit will be based on 'documentary' about Pandora, the planet from the film Avatar; the children will be creating their own planet, creature and atmosphere. 

Lastly, 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.

Maths

In Maths, we will begin the new year with a focus on place value; numbers up to 10,000,000.  We will also study the four operations; multiplication, division, subtraction and addition.

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 begin our Geography unit by 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 involve 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 - Animals including Humans

In Science, the children will be learning all about the composition of blood and the role it has to play in the human body.  In this fascinating unit, they will explore the structure and function of the human heart and how nutrients and water pass through the human body.  Lastly, we will look at how diet, exercise and lifestyles impact the human body.

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 be 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.

Physical Education

Our PE day will take place each Tuesday afternoon.  Please can all children attend school in full PE kit.

Swimming

We will be attending swimming sessions at Marl Pits Leisure Centre each Thursday.  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.  

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