Welcome Back!

Welcome to Spring Term

Hello Class 3! I hope you have all had a fantastic Christmas. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.

I look forward to welcoming you all back at 8.45am and finish at 3.15pm.

Water bottles and all school equipment, including pencil cases, will be provided by school.

Please ensure all break time snacks continue to be in line with our healthy food policy: https://www.applebyprimary.cumbria.sch.uk/school-meals/

English: We will be reading Secret Friends by Elizabeth Laird and Ten children who changed the world by Paterson Joseph, our focus this term will be on developing a critical voice in oracy and writing. We will be using our lessons to understand how to defend our argument and use texts to support our voice. 

Maths: In maths we will be using the White Rose scheme to develop confidence in multiplication and division, geometry and fractions. We will also practise ‘fluent in 5’ challenges to build mathematical fluency and use 'rapid reasoning' to develop reasoning skills.

Times tables: At the end of Year 4, there is a statutory multiplication tables check, focusing on all times tables from 0x0 up to 12x12. In order to best prepare for this, regular times tables practise will take place in class, developing both fluency and speed with times tables. We encourage you to continue to regular practise on UR brainy MTC MTC - Multiplication Tables Check - URBrainy.com

Geography: The title of this term’s geography unit is ‘Italy's Environment: Mountains, Volcanoes and Earthquakes. How does Italy's Environment Impact on its Settlements?’. We will explore the physical features of Italy, especially its tectonic activity. We will learn about different plate boundaries and what physical features they form. We will use this knowledge to investigate the impact of these on the human features of Italy and this will be presented in a case study of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. 

Science: In science, we will be exploring Living Things and their Habitats. We will be developing scientific skills in classification and using a classification key to identify different species in the animal kingdoms and in plants. 

Art: In Art, we will be developing our work with clay and creating sculptures inspired by literature and film. 

Computing: We will be exploring coding and developing these skills in the computer lab. We will also be continuing to identify and discuss essential e-safety and keeping ourselves safe and secure online. 

PE: Children will have PE sessions twice a week. This term these will be on a Wednesday and Thursday. PE kits should be brought in on a Monday and taken home on a Friday. Children should bring both outdoor and indoor clothing and shoes as we will be going outdoors as much as the weather permits. Please make sure all kit is named. Earrings and jewellery must be removed for PE and your child must be able to do this for themselves. PE kit consists of a plain white t-shirt, black shorts/leggings/joggers and a plain black hoodie if necessary, with suitable trainers.

We will be creating and developing a sequence of moves for our U-Dance competition which will be held in March (further details to follow). 

PSHE: Jigsaw PSHE will be delivered in by class teachers. This term’s themes are ‘Being me in my world’ and ‘Celebrating difference’. Please do not hesitate to send me a message on Seesaw if you wish to access lesson plans via the Jigsaw parent portal.

Design and Technology: This term, we will be discussing the importance of a healthy diet, studying the Eatwell guide and exploring the skills involved in cooking and nutrition.

Homework: The children will receive their weekly homework on a Friday. It will be due in the following Thursday.

French, RE and Music will be taught by Mrs McKenna on a Monday this year.

If you wish to contact me with any questions, please use this class page and the ‘contact Mrs Poole’ link, or please see me at the gate if you wish to discuss any queries in person.

I am looking forward to another busy and successful term!

Mrs Poole