Class Teacher: Miss Launder

Teaching Assistant: Miss Knights

PE days - Monday and Wednesday

Forest School will continue to 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 had a fantastic Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.  

We have lots of exciting things planned and we cannot wait to tell you all about it!  The children 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 poetry unit 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 focus on decimals before moving onto percentages and measuring: perimeter, area and volume.

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. 

Science - Light

In Science, the children will discover that a crime has been committed and the UK Crime Lab needs a team to analyse its evidence against six suspects. They need a team with mathematical prowess and a scientific line of attack. Could they be the team to tackle the mystery of the West Hollow High School laptop thief?

Guided Reading - Wonder

At Water School, we have a love of books and a passion for reading.  In our whole class reading sessions this term, we will begin our new novel 'Wonder' by R J Palacio; this heart-warming and impactful novel centres 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 Monday and Wednesday afternoon.  Please can all children attend school in full PE kit.

Forest School

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