Spring Term 2024
Spring Term 2024
Hello Class 3! I hope you had a fantastic Christmas holiday. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.
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 Leopard Boy by Julia Johnson, focussing on developing our skills for writing a persuasive letter about protecting Arabian leopards. 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 our confidence in multiplication and division. We will also be learning about time and shape. We practise ‘fluent in 5’ challenges each morning to build mathematical fluency and develop our 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. Maths Frame is a brilliant way of familiarising yourselves with the layout and timings of the check at the end of the year. Maths Frame can be accessed on: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
Times tables homework is sent home on a Monday and is due in on Fridays.
We have now visited all of the possible times tables that may appear in the check, therefore our focus from this term onwards will be developing our speed and recognition of the relationship between different multiplication tables.
Geography: The title of this term’s geography unit is ‘How does Italy's environment impact on its settlements?’. We will develop our geographical enquiry skills by studying maps and photographs of Italy and Europe, identifying both the human and physical features that can be found there.
Science: In science, our unit of work will focus on living things and their habitats. We will be using classification keys to group different species of animals and plants and comparing the habitats of certain species, suggesting why different living things are more suited to some environments.
Art and Design: We are very lucky to have Eden Arts join us this term for the Epona art project, a series of workshops studying the history of fell ponies in our locality. We are also excited to welcome Marnie the fell pony to our school to bring the project to life!
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/sweatshirt if necessary, with suitable trainers.
PSHE: Jigsaw PSHE will be delivered in by class teachers. This term’s themes are ‘Dreams and goals’ and ‘Healthy me’. Please 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 Mondays across this academic year. We are very excited to continue developing our confidence as musicians!
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