Autumn 2

Reading

This half term, the children will be developing a range of important reading comprehension skills through both fiction and non-fiction texts. They will learn how to sequence events in the correct order, make predictions about what might happen next, and ask and answer questions to deepen their understanding of what they have read.

The children will also explore the similarities and differences between fiction and non-fiction texts. They will learn to identify the features of each text type, discuss their purpose, and compare how information and stories are presented. Through shared reading, discussion and practical activities, the children will build confidence in understanding and talking about a variety of texts.

Writing

This half term, our English learning will be based on the enchanting story The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan. Through reading and discussing the text, the children will explore how the author creates a mysterious atmosphere for the reader. They will learn to explain events using the conjunction because, create atmosphere through the use of expanded noun phrases, add detail and description using commas in a list, and use apostrophes for possession to show ownership and provide further description. Throughout the unit, children will write diary entries in the first person as William, expressing his thoughts, feelings and experiences as the story unfolds. By the end of the unit, children will have developed a range of writing skills while bringing William's adventures to life through engaging and imaginative diary writing.

Maths

This half term in Maths, the children will be learning about 2D and 3D shapes. They will identify and name a range of shapes, describe their properties, explore lines of symmetry, and recognise 2D shapes on the faces of 3D shapes. The children will also continue developing their subtraction skills by learning how to subtract two-digit numbers from two-digit numbers. In addition, they will be studying money, where they will learn to recognise and identify different coins and notes, count amounts using coins, calculate totals, and work out change. We will encourage the children to apply these skills through practical activities and real-life problem-solving situations to build their confidence and understanding.

History

This history unit teaches children about the lives and achievements of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, helping them understand where these significant individuals fit within a historical timeline and how they contributed to nursing during and after the Crimean War. 

The children will create timelines, compare the two nurses, and explore historical sources, children develop their understanding of chronology, historical similarities and differences, and the ways historians learn about the past.

It will conclude by examining how nursing and hospital conditions have changed over time, encouraging children to compare healthcare during the Crimean War with hospitals today and consider the lasting impact of these significant individuals on modern society.

Geography

In geography the children learn about the four countries of the United Kingdom, their capital cities (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast), and the seas that surround them.  Their learning culminates in children applying their knowledge by planning journeys to Belfast, using geographical vocabulary, compass points and an understanding of different modes of transport.

PSHE

This PSHE unit helps children understand that everyone is unique, exploring similarities and differences between themselves and others while recognising the importance of special people in their lives. 

Through discussion, games and collaborative activities, children learn how to include others, work together, recognise feelings, and understand the impact that their actions and behaviour can have on other people.

The unit also develops children's understanding of kindness, respect and positive relationships, encouraging them to use kind words and actions and seek support from trusted adults when needed.

Music

This music unit introduces children to key musical concepts including steady beat, rhythm, pitch and melody through the song. Children learn that musical notes are named A-G, explore higher and lower sounds, and use instruments, graphic notation and singing activities to develop their understanding of how melodies are created and performed. The children will apply their knowledge by performing a Christmas song, keeping a steady beat, following notation, and evaluating how to improve their musical performance.

Science

This half term, the children will be learning about animals, including humans. They will explore the basic things that all animals need to survive, including water, food and air, and understand why these are essential for life. The children will also learn that animals, including humans, have offspring and will investigate how young animals grow and change into adults. Through discussions, observations and practical activities, children will develop their scientific knowledge and begin to understand the life processes that help living things grow, survive and thrive.

Computing

This half term in Computing, the children will be learning how to use a computer confidently and independently. They will practise logging in to a computer using their own username and password and learn how to save and retrieve their work safely. As part of this learning, the children will create their own Christmas programme using Microsoft Word.

Re

This half term, the children will be exploring the special meaning of candle flames in different religions and in their own lives. They will have opportunities to reflect on how candlelight can help us remember important people, special events and celebrations. The children will share their own thoughts and feelings about candle flames and consider how they can be symbols of hope, remembrance and celebration. As part of their learning, the children will discover how candle flames are used during Hanukkah in Judaism and Advent in Christianity. They will compare these traditions, discuss why candles are important in different faiths, and begin to understand the significance of light as a symbol. Through stories, discussion and reflection, the children will develop their understanding of how candle flames can connect people to their beliefs, memories and communities.

Art

This half term we will looking at two artists: Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani and their work on self-portraits. We will be learning to draw to develop and share my ideas, experiences and imagination. We will also learn to develop our techniques within line and space. We will plan, curate and evaluate our final pieces with inspiration from our focus artists.