Class Teacher: Miss Launder

Teaching Assistant: Miss Knights

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

We hope you have had a fantastic summer break.  We have lots of exciting things planned for your 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! 

Please also keep an eye on our weekly newsletter for diary dates.

English

In English, the children will begin by focusing on the beautiful book 'The Nowhere Emporium', by Ross Mackenzie.  Throughout this exciting unit, the children will be given lots of writing opportunities to stretch their writing ability further as they enter Year 6.  We will then move onto a science fiction unit called 'Pandora'.  The children will write a non-chronological report about a planet called Pandora and one of the creatures who live there.  Lastly, our poetry unit will be based on Black Lives Matter.  The children will explore the issues raised and the art and writing produced by the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Maths

In Maths, we will begin the term with a focus on number.  Firstly, we will look at place value before moving onto addition and subtraction facts and mental strategies involving all four operations.  

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 times tables 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 times tables regularly to increase their confidence.  This will help them significantly as they progress through Year 6. 

History - Ancient Greece

In our History topic, we will be studying Ancient Greece.  This is a very exciting unit that will involve the children learning all about the lasting influence of the Ancient Greeks on the western world.  We will investigate the timeline and four main periods of the Greek Empire, Alexander the Great and the empire under his leadership.  We are also going to be making our very own Greek pottery! 

Science

Our science unit will involve a focus on sport.  The children will explore the science behind it and investigate and explore the grounds, the kit, the people, the physics and matches.  

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.  I know that the children will very much enjoy studying this novel with its comedic mystery that will have them on the edge of their seats.

PE

This term, our PE day will take place each Monday and Thursday afternoon.  Please can all children attend school in full PE on these days.

Forest School

I am sure that Year 6 will be pleased to know that they will be attending the forest this half-term.  This will take place each Friday afternoon.  Children can attend school in their PE kits on this day, with their forest school clothes in a separate bag. 

Readers

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 term.

Many thanks 

Miss Launder