Week 6 (WC 25/03)

English

This week we finished off our explanation unit. We focused on ensuring our paragraphs were correctly formed and similar ideas were grouped together. We looked at the range of devices needed to make our explanations as effective of possible. This include technical language, fronted adverbials for cohesion, adverbs of cause and subordinating conjunctions, After finishing writing them, we peer-edited and evaluated whether they properly answered the question.

Maths

This week we finished our work on decimals, linking the learning to place value counters on a place value chart and practising dividing a one or two digit number by 100. We then completed an assessment which checked our understanding of tenths, hundredths and their links to decimals.

Wider curriculum

This week we completed a short geography unit titled interconnected world. We started by learning about the cardinal points (north, south, east, west) and inter-cardinal points (north-west, north-east, south-west, south-east) and applying this knowledge in four and six figure grid references. We then looked at North and South America, noting the countries, human and physical features. We also compared the values and characteristics of four countries. We then looked back at the United Kingdom, comparing some physical features to North/South America. Finally, we learnt about the history of canals, noting their development during the industrial revolution and their long demise from the introduction of railways and motor vehicles.

After Easter

New topic – Ancient Civilisations (please look on Google Classroom for the knowledge organisers and any home-learning tasks you could complete over the break).   

Week 5 (WC 18/03)

English

This week, we started our final unit of the term. This will be an explanation text, answering the question ‘How did the Vikings impact on Anglo-Saxon Britain?’ It is an attempt to bring together all our knowledge that we have gained during invasion and apply it in a concise and informative way. We looked at how adverbs can be used to express cause and how time and frequency adverbials are used to structure a paragraph.

Maths

This week we have completed our end of term assessments, showing all the progress we have made since Christmas. As well as assessing our arithmetic and reasoning skills, we continued learning about decimals. Building on the knowledge of last week, we started looking at hundredths, both as fractions and decimals. We investigated hundredths represented on a place value chart, shown in different manipulatives and placed on a number line.

Wider curriculum

We have reached the end of our work on invasion so completed an assessment to show our learning. As well as this, we created our own healthy snacks from scratch (humous and rainbow fruit skewers), tasting and evaluating them. We have started a short unit on the interconnected world, first looking at the cardinal points of a compass. Finally, we investigated the changing pitch of sounds, predicting how changing the holes on a recorder affects the pitch of the instrument.

Next week:

English – Finishing and evaluating our explanation text

Maths – final lessons on decimals

Wider curriculum -   4 figure grid references and Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

Week 4 (WC 11/03/24)

English

This week we have been writing our character description about Grendel, focusing on our varied use of description. As well as metaphors (Grendel is a raging tempest) and ambitious adjectives (Grendel bared his serrated teeth in fury), we utilised fronted adverbials and a range of subordinating conjunctions. Through the week we have taken time to evaluate and edit our writing, trying to ensure that it meets the purpose and audience of what we were planning. 

We have also completed our English assessments on spelling, grammar and reading this week. The papers will be coming home before Easter for you to go through to celebrate and identify areas that you can support at home.

Maths

This was our first week on decimals, a natural extension from our three weeks on fractions. We initially looked at how the tenths are represented, as counters, bar models, on a place value chart or number line. We linked this knowledge to fractions, noting that one tenth can be written as 0.1. At the end of the week, we looked at how dividing a whole number by 10 can create a decimal. 

Wider curriculum

In DT, we have continued to explore food, investigating recipes that we would like to make. This include humous with vegetable sticks and rainbow fruit skewers. We planned the ingredients and method for these and will try to create them next week. 

We are reaching the end of our invasion topic, learning about how the death of Edward the Confessor brought about the end of the Anglo-Saxon rule. 

Next week:

English - explanation text on the impact of Vikings on Anglo-Saxon Britain

Maths - hundredths and dividing by 10 or 100 (also Maths assessments). 

Wider curriculum - DT / summary of learning from History. 

Week 3 (WC 4/3/24)

English

This week in English, we have started a new unit based around character description. Using the traditional Viking tale,  Beowulf, we first broke down what you need from a character description. We have then looked at grammatical features that would be beneficial in this writing unit and specifically practised these. They include: possessive apostrophes (Grendel’s claws), ambitious adjectives (Grendel’s demonic silhouette blended seamlessly with the darkness), subordinating conjunctions (The warriors armed themselves because Grendel’s next attack was imminent) and fronted adverbials (Beneath the murky waters of the swamp, Grendel's lair lay hidden).

As well this week, we have focused on Joe Todd-Stanton, the author of Arthur and the Golden Rope. We learnt about the process of bringing a book to sale and practised illustrations in the style of Joe Todd-Stanton.

Maths

This was our final week in Maths on fractions. After focusing on mixed numbers and improper fractions, we looked at how to add or subtract fractions to whole numbers and other fractions. The main learning point is that as long as the denominators are the same, we can just focus on the numerator (which is surprisingly easy maths!) At the end of the week, we completed an end of unit assessment to show our understanding of fractions.

Wider curriculum

We have continued looked at the invasion of the Vikings in history this week. Starting in Lindisfarne, the Vikings raided monasteries and coastal areas as they were isolated and undefended. This led to more Viking raids that culminated into the Great Heathen Army, a group of 3000 soldiers that overtook most of England. After eventually signing a peace treaty with Alfred (the Great) of Wessex, the Vikings settled in Danelaw.

In DT, we looked at how food products are packaged, creating nets to prototype different packaging styles (cube, cuboid and triangular prisms).

We also investigated how sound travels over distance, noting that the further away from a sound source, as well as being quieter, it is harder to pick out details.

Next week:

English – writing our character description of Grendel / English end of term assessments (spelling, grammar, reading)

Maths – tenths as fractions, decimals and represented on a place value chart

Wider curriculum – King Athelstan and the Norman invasion

Week 2 (WC 26/02/24)

English

This week we have written our third person narrative about Arthur travelling to the land of the gods. At the beginning of the week, we looked at how short, single clause sentences can help build tension or atmosphere. Using this knowledge (and last week's learning), we then planned in opportunities in our story to use dialogue,  short sentences and prepositions. At the end of the week, we evaluated our work and proof-read for accuracy. 

We also had a visit from Struan Murray who spoke about his journey as an author and the four books he has had published. He helped us create our own story, choosing the setting (haunted library), character (detective), beginning (arrival of mysterious individual) and villain (monster from a book). Children had the opportunity to buy a signed copy (or copies!) from him. 

Maths

We completed our second week on fractions. This involved looking at fractions beyond a whole number known as improper fractions (where the numerator is bigger than the denominator) or mixed numbers (where you have counted whole numbers and the remainder is shown as a fraction). We practised moving between these two types of fraction, noting they were equivalent but shown differently. At the end of the week, we started looking at equivalence in fractions, investigating the different ways that the same amount can be shown. 

Wider curriculum

This week in history, we researched the first ever Viking sighting in Britain. Vikings appeared in Dorchester, killed the Reeve (important figure) and left, not to be seen again for another few years. We discussed their motivations, what this meant for the people of Britain and the short and long term effects.

In Science, we explored how the brain transforms vibrations of air particles into sound using the outer, middle and inner ear. We looked at the ossicles (hammer, anvil, stirrup) and discussed how the cochlea works. 

Next week:

English - new unit on Beowulf

Maths - adding and subtracting fractions

Wider curriculum - Viking raids in Lindisfarne  

Week 1 (WC 19/2/24)

English

This week in English we have started a new unit using a text by Joe-Todd Stanton called ‘Arthur and the Golden Rope’. Using this text, we have practised skills linked to narrative story telling. This includes prepositional phrases and punctuating dialogue correctly. A preposition is a word that tells you where or when something is in relation to something else. Examples of prepositions include words like 'after', 'before', 'on', 'under', 'inside' and 'outside’.

Maths

In Maths, we have built on our understanding of multiplication and division by turning to fractions. At the beginning of the week, we learnt about unit fractions and the different parts that make a whole. We developed this by understanding how fractions can build beyond a whole (i.e. a mixed number) and then placed these numbers on number lines.

Wider curriculum

On Tuesday we welcome Erik Erikson, son of Erik, into school to teach us all about the Vikings. He covered a range of topics including everyday life, warfare and provided the children with the chance to interact with artefacts. Within lessons, we explored Anglo-Saxon monasteries, how different methods are used to slow food decay and how sound travels.

Next week

English – writing our narrative based on Arthur and the Golden Rope

Maths – second weeks of fractions, looking at improper fractions and mixed numbers

Wider curriculum – The Anglo-Saxon legacy and the arrival of the Vikings.

Week 5 (WC 5/2/24)

English

This week in English, the children started off by learning the final key feature that they would be using in their newspaper articles, which was using coordinating (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) and subordinating conjunctions, such as after, as, since, before, because, to extend their sentences. The children then moved onto planning their newspaper articles about what Arthur was doing before the wolf attack and what he could see, what the eye witnesses said about the wolf attack and what was the impact upon the town of Arborhaven. Once their plans were finished, using the pictures as prompts, as well as the WAGOLL and their plans, they all worked really hard and wrote their articles about the wolf attack.

Maths

In maths year 4 finished off the length and perimeter unit. They began the week off by learning how to find the perimeter of rectilinear shapes and then how to calculate them. They learnt that in order to find the missing length, you have to use the other lengths of the shape to help you, which then allowed them to calculate the perimeter of the shape.

Both classes also looked at calculating the perimeter of polygons and working out which shapes are non-polygons, irregular polygons and regular polygons. Towards the end of the week, the children took their end of unit assessment for length and perimeter, and the results showed how hard they had all worked.

Forest School

It was year 4s last day of forest school this week, so both classes ventured outside together and were able to choose what activities they would like to do from den building to building a bird feeder in the shape of a star to using a map to find hidden flags. They have all thoroughly enjoyed their time outside and can't wait to have another go in the future.

Term 4 - Week 1

English - Writing a narrative for Arthur and the Golden Rope

Maths - Fractions

Wider Curriculum - Anglo-Saxon Monasteries and Everyday life in Anglo-Saxon Britain

Week 4 (WC 29/1/24)

English

This week in English, we have begun a new piece of writing about Arthur and the Golden Rope and the children will be writing a newspaper article about an event that happened. ​​​​​

One of the features the children have been using is direct speech, but specifically quoting the townsfolk about what they had witnessed. They have been writing some amazing sentences that all of the staff have been very impressed with, remembering to use the correct speech punctuation, reporting clauses and an adverbial along with the reporting clause. Both classes have also looked at using the Standard Form of English, drawing on their knowledge of the Subject Verb Agreement. 

Maths

Year 4 came to the end of the multiplication and division unit and they all completed their end of unit assessments. They all tried their best and showed how hard they have been working in maths. We have now started our new unit which is length and perimeter. To begin with, we have looked at equivalent lengths and how we can use a bar model and the part-whole model to help work out and represent them

Wider Curriculum

Continuing on from last week, Year 4 started by looking at the Geography of the different invasions into Britain from the invading groups. The children learnt that the invaders had to tackle lots of physical features such as mountains, seas, coastlines, rivers and large areas of bog and marsh land. They also had to tackle human features like Hadrian's Wall, Offa's Dyke and hillforts. Year 4 also looked at the different Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms and how they were created as well as the consequences and impact of the invasions.

Forest School

Elm class had a great time outside in their second forest school session, den building and drinking hot chocolate. They thoroughly enjoyed their time and can't wait for their final session with Birch class next week.

Next Week

English - Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, planning, writing and editing their news articles.

Maths - Length and Perimeter

Week 3 (WC 22/1/24)

English

In English this week, we started off by learning the last feature that would be in the setting description which was interesting verb choices. For lightning we thought of illuminated and bolted and then for boat we came up with bobbed and flowed. The rest of the week the children planned out their setting description on the Mousehole Cat and have done an amazing job at writing up their setting descriptions and have included some super similes, metaphors, verbs and fronted adverbials.

Maths

This week in maths, Year 4 have started looking at more formal methods of multiplication. We began with multiplying a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number and then moved on to a 3-digit by a 1-digit. They have all worked very hard and have had to apply all of their times table knowledge, giving them a good challenge. We then moved on to dividing a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number and then a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number. This really challenged the children and we were able to see some fantastic perseverance, as well as using different methods to help them get the answers.

Wider Curriculum

Building on from last week, we took a deep dive into the significant events that occurred during the middle ages from when the Vikings first landed on the shores of Britain to the birth of Alfred The Great. These key events were put onto a timeline, along with ones that the children could choose from a large selection. Year 4 also listed to a piece of audio from the perspective of one of the invading groups, about the causes of invading Britain, and then the consequences of it as well.

Forest School

On Monday, Birch class had their second session, which was a very windy one for them, but they braved the storm and enjoyed planting bulbs around the schools grounds and warmed themselves up with hot chocolate.

Next Week

English - Newspaper report on Arthur and the Golden Rope

Maths - Multiplication and Division and Length and Perimeter

Wider Curriculum - Anglo-Saxon invasion and The Geography of the Invasion

Week 2 (WC 15/1/24)

English

This week in English the children have started working towards their next piece of writing in which they will be writing a setting description about the Mousehole Cat. 

The children have been working really hard with their learning of the features they will have to implement into their writing. This week they have learnt how to use a simile as an opener, metaphors to describe and fronted adverbials to show manner.

Maths

In maths this week we have continued with multiplication and division and both classes have been really challenging themselves. First we built on last weeks dividing and moved from dividing by 10 to dividing by 100. We then looked at how we can use related facts to support our calculations and how we can use a range of informal methods to work out tricky calculations.

Wider Curriculum

Continuing on from last week, Year 4 began to study the timeline of invasions that happened in Britain over a 800 year period. They looked at the different groups of invaders, that at some point, came over to Britain such as the Picts and Scots from Scotland and Ireland as well as the Vikings from Scandinavia.

Forest School

This week was the first week of forest school for Elm class and they all thoroughly enjoyed their time outside making dens and drinking hot chocolate.

Next Week

English - Interesting verb choices and planning and drafting of their setting description

Maths - Multiplying and dividing 2 and 3 digit numbers by a 1 digit number

Wider Curriculum - Significant events of early Middle Ages and the Anglo-Saxon invasion

Week 1 (WC 8/1/24)

English 

This week in English we have been looking at a new form of poetry called a haiku. A haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic art form in which poems consist of three lines.

The children have been learning how to write a haiku using similes, ambitious adjective and sticking to a syllabic structure. They have been writing their haikus about a part of a book called The Mousehole Cat in which a boat is caught in a storm.

Maths

This week in maths we have started our second unit of multiplying and division. The children have be working really hard learning about factor pairs and how they can be used. They have also started to multiply and divide by 10, looking at how to make numbers 10 time bigger and smaller, using place value grids to support them.

Wider Curriculum

This term our topic is Invasion. This is looking at the Roman withdrawal from Britain and what life was like after this. Later on we will be looking at Anglo-Saxons and Vikings and the Norman conquest.

This week we have started to investigate the cause of the Roman withdrawal and the consequences of that on the Britons. The children also studied a poem called The Ruin and discussed how good it was as a primary source.

Forest School

The children have been really excited to start forest school this term and Birch class thoroughly enjoyed their first session on Monday and Elm class can't wait for their first session next week.

Next Week

English - Setting description for the Mousehole Cat

Maths - Dividing by 100, related facts and informal methods

Wider Curriculum - Timeline of key dates and significant events during the early middle ages.