Autumn Term 2023

Autumn Term 2023

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

We have different pick up and drop off times this year. School will begin at 8.45am and finish at 3.15pm.

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

English: We will be reading The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, focussing on developing our skills for writing a narrative with interesting character and setting descriptions. This will also be the text used in our daily guided reading sessions.

Maths: In Maths we will be using the White Rose scheme to develop confidence in place value and the four operations. We will also practise ‘fluent in 5’ challenges to build mathematical fluency and develop reasoning skills.

Times tables: At the end of Year 4, there is a statutory multiplication tables check. In order to best prepare for this, regular times tables practise will take place in class, developing both fluency and speed with times tables. Times Tables Rock Stars is a brilliant way of supporting this and we encourage this to be played at home. Times tables homework is sent home on a Monday and is due in on Fridays.

History: The title of this term’s history unit is ‘Anglo-Saxons and Vikings: Why did they invade?’. We will study maps of Viking homelands and compare these to the UK and explore how the Anglo-Saxon and Viking era is different to today.

Science: In science, our themes are states of matter and electricity. We will be comparing solids, liquids and gases and group these according to their properties. We will observe materials that change state when they are heated or cooled, measuring temperature in degrees. We will also discuss the water-cycle and its links to evaporation and condensation. For our unit on electricity, we will identify common appliances, explore simple circuits, using switches, buzzers, lamps and wires and begin to identify conductors and insulators.

Art and Design: Our Art and Design work this term will focus on developing our skills in drawing using charcoal and creating collages using shape and colour. Aprons or old t-shirts are advised for messy art sessions and you will be notified via Seesaw when these will be needed.

Computing:  We will be exploring the basics of the internet, how to create audio files and discussing the importance of safety when using the internet in our computing sessions.

PE: Children will have PE sessions twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 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 and a plain black hoodie if necessary, with suitable trainers. If your child does not bring their PE kit, they will not be able to participate in the activities.

PSHE: Jigsaw PSHE will be delivered in by class teachers. This term’s themes are ‘Being me in my world’ and ‘Celebrating difference’. Please feel free to send me a message on Seesaw if you wish to access lesson plans via the Jigsaw parent portal.

Music: Garry Linsley will be teaching music to Year 4 on a Monday this year. We are very excited to get started!

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.

Spellings: Spelling patterns are taught on a Monday in preparation for the upcoming spelling test the following week. Spelling homework is sent home on a Monday and is due back the following Monday.

French and RE will be taught by Miss Ridley on a Wednesday.

Seesaw will be used to deliver communications to families.

Miss Andrews