April 2010- Summer Term

Dear Parents and Carers

This is my final term with Class Five and I hope to continue to support the pupils to build momentum to continue to develop reading, writing and basic maths skills. The Spring Term was very busy and we all enjoyed learning about life in Tudor times culminating in a fabulous trip to Shibden Hall. The pupils behaved very well and the staff at the Tudor house all commented on their excellent attitude to learning. Reading and writing skills have continued to progress nicely in class and the pupils have worked hard to improve their basic skills and understanding of Mathematical vocabulary. Pupils should try to improve mental maths strategies and speed of recall including times table facts to further improve their maths abilities. The overall theme for this term’s learning is ‘Contrasting Localities.’ Pupils will study various contrasting localities linked to our World Cup activities and take time to consider a small village in India called Chembakolli. Please find up-to-date class information below, should you require any further information please feel free to ask.

Class timetable

• PE will now be taught on Monday and Thursday afternoons. As the PE time that our class has missed this year due to inclement weather conditions will be recovered this term as the sun shines (hopefully), please ensure your child has a PE kit in school each day if possible. Please be aware that your child should not wear earrings for PE sessions and long hair must be tied back.
• Each child will read to an adult individually and as part of group at least once a week.
• Homework will continue in the same pattern; Maths task (Wed) Literacy task (Fri) and new spelling list (Friday to be tested the following week in Homework Diary.) Please ensure your child brings their Homework Diary and Reading Record every day.

• Curriculum

• Mrs Craddock will be based in Class 5 this term on a daily basis. We also welcome Mrs Pickering as a full time Teaching Assistant. Mrs Pickering has been a parent helper in Class 5 for the last 3 years and she is an excellent addition to our team.  Mr Booth will also work with individuals and groups of pupils on structured Literacy and Maths activities on Wednesdays.
• Mr Harvey (Spanish) and Mr Webb (Literacy) will continue to cover my weekly PPA time on a Wednesday morning.

• Other useful information

• Please ensure that your child’s name is written on every piece of clothing they bring into school.
• Please ensure you contact the office if your child is absent from school.
• Mr L W McClure

Mathematical Development

• The following areas will be taught; place value, ordering, rounding, addition, subtraction, money problems, measures and shape and space, properties of number, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, time and handling data. Pupils will develop mental maths abilities in all areas and the rapid recall of times tables and other common facts will remain very important. A greater emphasis will be placed on mathematical vocabulary.

• Language & Literacy

• Speaking and listening will take a greater emphasis in all areas of Literacy work. The following areas will be taught; persuasive texts, information texts, poetry and plays and instructional texts. Pupils will use shared texts to develop an understanding of language and knowledge of word, text and sentence levels. Pupils will gain an understanding of spelling rules and patterns to enhance grammar skills and will be encouraged to use standard English during lessons.

• Science

• We will revise the key features of scientific enquiry and related vocabulary taught so far this academic year. The topics taught to date are ‘Materials and Their Properties’ and ‘Light and Shadows.’ We will also learn about teeth and the Human Body as well as enjoying lots of investigative skills.

• ICT

• The internet will be used to support most topics this term. Pupils will develop an understanding of presentation and word processing software. Pupils will evaluate each others presentations. General word processing skills will be practised and new skills introduced throughout the work. ICT will be used to develop mathematical skills through a range of multimedia games.

• History/Geography

• Pupils will consider the history of India and the village of Chembakolli specifically. We will study the teachings, and impact thereafter, of Mahatma Gandhi in recent Indian history. Our key geographical studies will all tie into our overall thematic approach through the topic; ‘Chembakolli, a village in India.’ We will consider what life is like in a village settlement in India through photographs and multimedia resources. Pupils will compare and contrast the village with our own village as well as a larger city location. We will develop map skills by locating Asia, and later India, on a global map, and by precisely locating Chembakolli in a more detailed map.

• Art

• A wide range of Art topics will be covered this term. We will investigate the art of Mehndi (decorating the hands and feet for celebration). Our main stimulus will be the vibrant colour and extensive detail seen in Indian art and fashion.

• DT

• Pupils will sample a taste of India. We will consider the texture, colour and taste of traditional Indian foods. Children will develop their own snacks and evaluate what they have made. We will also make tea with Chembakolli tea bags and design and make our own invitations for a Hindu celebration.

• Music

• Pupils will explore traditional music and instruments and compare them to modern ‘Bollywood’ style music. Pupils will consider the tempo, melody and rhythm of Indian style music and compare it with contemporary British music.

• PE

• Pupils will be developing dance skills initially. They will learn some Bangrha dance postures and movements. The meaning of these movements will also be considered. Pupils will be encouraged to create, perform, evaluate and refine their own dances in this style. Our outdoor PE topic will be cricket skills. Children will learn to bowl a ball using an over arm technique. They will be encouraged to develop their striking skills when batting and their basic ball control when fielding. Children are invited to refine these skills further at a five-week after school club.

• RE/PHSE

Pupils will study Hinduism. They will answer key questions along with looking at the wider aspects of the religion. Pupils will develop an understanding of the Hindu belief/how community is valued. Look at Ganesha, Hanuman, The Avitars of Vishnu. We will investigate the five senses and the symbols associated with them, the bell, lamp, incense, flowers, fruit. Religious study will always be linked to social and moral issues relating to everyday citizenship. In our PHSE and SEAL studies topics this term are; ‘Relationships’ and ‘Changes’. We will discuss and debate the land right issues in the recent history of Chembakolli. We will consider the morale issues of the Indian peoples’ struggle to retain land for their families.