What we are learning about this term in Peckforton Class with Mrs Vick.

English

To start the term, we will begin with a poetry focus where children will be using a range of expressive language and will enhance their use of figurative language. In Reading lessons, pupils will study a range of poems, identifying the language chosen by poets and their poetic intent.
Every Wednesday, we will have an Extended Writing lesson where we will start with writing diary entries, before moving onto extended narrative writing later in the term. Pupils will be given the opportunity to write at length, whilst using a range of different sentence structures to maintain pace and to keep their writing interesting and exciting.
Spellings will be practised each week. We will be looking at a range of different spelling rules and discuss these in detail in class. These should be practised at home as well as in school. 

Mathematics

We will be following the Maths-No Problem! scheme and Maths will begin with a focus on numbers to 1,000,000 and recapping mental strategies for the four operations of calculations. They will continue to use their knowledge of written methods for addition and subtraction where needed. Children will then move onto Multiplication and Division and will be working to solve a range of word problems surrounding these.

Science

In Science, the children will begin by looking at Living things and their Habitats. This will involve studying the life cycle of plants and animals and how they can reproduce. Children will develop their knowledge of scientific enquiry and will complete a series of investigations in small groups.

We will then be learning about Forces, developing knowledge of gravity, motion and friction, including water resistance. Again, children will create their own investigations and will aim to lead these more independently as the year progresses.

Wider Curriculum – History and Geography

Our Historical focus for the half term is 'What happened when the Romans left Britain?'. Children we be looking at life during the Anglo-Saxon times and what happened as the Vikings began to invade Britain. In the following half term during our Geograhical focus, children will be finding out how the climate of the world is changing. 

Wider Curriculum -Physical Education

In PE, the children will begin taking part in developing their skills in invasion games. They will be developing their throwing, catching and teamwork skills and increasing the accuracy involved in each. These skills will then be applied in competitive games such as Netball, Basketball and Dodgeball. They will also attend swimming sessions where they will learn how to stay safe in and around water and will complete a range of strokes.

Wider Curriculum - Art & Design Technology

In art lessons, children will be learning about drawing techniques and will begin with a focus on artist Chris Riddell. They will study a range of his pieces as inspiration for their own work.

In DT, children will be exploring 'Frame Structures'. They will be creating their structure and look at existing structures, as well as considering how to strengthen them to make more sophisticated and durable models.

Wider Curriculum - Music

Mrs Shakspeare will teach music on a Friday and alternate Wednesdays alongside a weekly classroom session using Oak Academy. Pupils will enjoy singing lessons and learning new music as well as playing many musical instruments. They will be looking at different classical and contemporary composers and comparing music from different countries and eras.

Wider Curriculum - PSHE

PSHE lessons will continue to be taught through assemblies and class discussions. The children will be focusing on setting their classroom rules and learning about the values for out school, which can be found on our school website . For the first term, they will be looking at relationships with themselves and others.

Wider Curriculum - RE

During RE lessons this term, children will be studying Christianity and God. They will be learning about sin, temptation and forgiveness and what Christians believe God’s teaching are about each of these.

Wider Curriculum - Computing

During Computing lessons, children will learn about keeping themselves safe online and the importance of this. Children will also learn about computing systems and networks, how they operate and how to search effectively.

Alongside computing lessons, children will regularly discuss Online Safety and the ways they can protect themselves. We use the mantra Zip it! Block it! Flag it! and want children and families to feel confident when using devices and the internet. 

Wider Curriculum - Spanish

During Spanish lessons, children will continue to broaden their knowledge of Spanish vocabulary including the phonetic sounds of the alphabet and learning members of the family (mi familia).

General Class Reminders

• Full school P.E. kit is needed on Monday for (PE lessons) and swimming kit is also required on a Monday.

• READING BOOKS need to be brought into school daily. Children will change their home reader and Library book in school as and when they need to. Reading with your child is extremely important and is one of the most powerful tools for their education.

• HOMEWORK will be set every Friday and will be due in school the following Wednesday. Pupils will also be given spellings to learn and times tables to practise. Both of these will be tested at the end of the week.

Please follow our social media accounts below and ensure you have access to our Class Dojo to keep updated with Peckforton Class. 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/639210016975323/  - Search Castle View Primary School and join our group.

Instagram - @castle_viewps

Your child’s attendance in school is extremely important.  Time missed is learning that can’t always be made up.

Please ensure your child attends school for 8:40am each day unless there is a very good reason for them to be absent. School will end at 3:10pm.

If you have any concerns or issues, please do not hesitate to speak to me. Thank you.

Mrs Vick