May 2010

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome back to Class 7 for an exciting summer term!

We are currently preparing for our Year 5 QCA tests in Literacy and Numeracy which will be commencing: Monday 10 May and ending on Wednesday 19 May.

After these tests have finished we will be concentrating on topic work, centred on Contrasting localities and Living Things. This newsletter will give you some information about your child’s weekly timetable, the content of the curriculum for the term and additional information or reminders.

Class timetable

Swimming is on Friday morning and PE is on Tuesday morning. Pupils need to bring the

appropriate kits and remember not to wear earrings on these days.

Homework days are Tuesday (spelling/Literacy) and Friday (Numeracy & topic work).

Spellings are given out on a Tuesday and tested on the following Monday.

Children are encouraged to read on a daily basis at home.

Please sign and comment in your child’s reading diary.

Curriculum

Our main topics during this term will be to continue studying Shafton and contrasting locations in the British Isles and compare them to our local area. Our other topics include Life Cycles & Healthy Living in Science, sewing techniques in design and technology.

Planned Visits:

Robin Hood’s Bay & Whitby – Thursday 27 May

Tropical Butterfly Centre, Wildlife & Falconry Centre – Tuesday 22 June

PPA Time

Both teachers will have their PPA on Wednesday afternoon and during the afternoon sessions Creative Writing skills will be taught by Mr D Webb and Spanish by Mr D Harvey.

Other useful information

Miss Stacey will continue to work with Class 7 this term to deliver African Singing.

The Drama Club will be presenting their new production of Edith’s Wartime Scrapbook during July (concert dates will be sent out on a separate newsletter in due course).

Our door is always open if you have any questions, worries or concerns

Mrs Hemingway & Mr Craddock

Mathematical Development
To develop mental calculation strategies and pencil and paper procedures for addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. To enhance skills involving place value, understanding multiplication and
division (to include money), fractions, decimals and percentages (including use of calculators),
problem solving, data handling and reasoning about shapes and measures. To practise solving SATS style questions in preparation for Summer Term QCA Tests.

Language & Literacy
To read a range of text-types (traditional stories, classic poems, myths, legends and fables from other cultures) by significant children’s writers. To extend reading comprehension skills and complete a range of SATS style reading questions in preparation for Spring Term Assessments.
To develop skills in story/poetry writing. – linked to a ‘coastal’ theme.
To produce non-chronological reports and explanations. To develop the skills needed for letter writing.
To gain an understanding of spelling rules and patterns & further develop grammar skills.
To further develop speaking and listening skills – especially through drama and role play.

Science
To study the topics of Plant Life and Healthy Living during the first half term. Life Cycles & Changing State will be studied during the second half term. Children will develop observation, discussion, prediction, testing and recording skills.

ICT
To develop word processing skills, whilst using the Microsoft office programs of 'Word ' and 'Publisher.' (To attach to an e-mail). To improve keyboard skills using Typing Tournament. To use the tools in Office (Paint) to create a variety of patterns and landscapes. To use CD ROM/Internet to search for specific information relating to Contrasting locations in the British Isles and to use photographic skills to enhance their work.

Geography
To continue the study of Shafton and contrasting locations in the British Isles and compare them. A coastal resort field trip has been organised during May.
Also a planned Theme Week will take place with regards to the World Cup.

History (History free term)

Art
To produce art work in the style of Rene Magritte and Georgia O’Keefe.
                                                                                                                           
DT
To explore sewing techniques (linked with our life cycles project in science) using a variety of different materials.

Music
To continue our exploration of African Singing styles with Miss Stacey.
To explore sound sources, rounds and lyrics & melody during a range of compositional activities.

PE
Games- To participate in summer sports activities.
Dance – To develop movement skills using music as a source of inspiration.
Swimming – To continue to learn stroke techniques and water safety.

RE/PHSE
Circle Time/PSHE – Encouraging children to discuss feelings and personal viewpoints with particular reference to ‘Relationships’ and ‘Changes’ from our Seal Framework.