English

In English this term the focus of the responses to literature will be focussed on a study of myths, legendary creatures and traditional tales. These will form the starting points for creative writing and the techniques that the children will be using will include a story board and writing a sequel. We will also look at some of the work of Roald Dahl, to link with our visit to the theatre to see the BFG. The grammar will cover identifying nouns, verbs and adjectives, antonyms of adjectives and collective nouns. We will continue to have a weekly spelling list and practise handwriting to ensure a consistent, well-joined script. Later in the term the children will have the opportunity to perform poetry and write poems of their own.

Mathematics

The children will consolidate their understanding of multiplication facts and the corresponding facts for division. They will further develop their use and knowledge of money, time and equivalent fractions. Venn and Carroll diagrams will be revisited. They will learn about reflective and rotational symmetry.

Science

During the first half of the term we will be investigating and researching the properties of a variety of materials and discover why certain materials are used for particular jobs. After half term we study the uses and characteristics of rocks and soil, looking at how soil is made. We will compare soils and find out about permeability and why some soils produce better plants than others.

History

Continuing with the study of invaders, this term we will study the Saxons in Britain. We will look at the reasons why they came, settlements, food and farming, religion and the life of Alfred the Great. We will visit the city museum in Winchester. The children will have the opportunity to make decisions about the best site for a village and to make a model of a Saxon house.

Geography

In geography we will start with a brief look at the seasons and follow this with study of the world's climate zones. We will study the causes and effects of very wet weather, deserts and polar regions and consider the adaptations that have to be made for humans and animals to live there. There will be some revision of map work too.

Religious and Moral Education

The three topics we shall study are celebrations, thanksgiving and self-giving. Through these we will be looking at the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Marriage and Ordination. We will think about the things we are thankful for and look at some of the prayers that give thanks to God. During Lent we will remember how Jesus gave his life as the ultimate act of self-giving, culminating in the Resurrection at Easter time.

French

In the spring term, the children will be further developing their knowledge of this language. They will learn to say the alphabet in French, so as to be able to spell simple words to others. They will also learn the names of simple 2D shapes and farm animals.

ICT

The children will start to learn about simple flat-file databases, becoming familiar with records and fields, searching, filtering and sorting. There should also be opportunity to explore simple music sequencing software.

Music

We will begin our term with a revision of the recorder work from the autumn and learn new songs with a wintery feel. Listening to Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals will lead us into group compositions that use a similar theme and make use of ostinato patterns. Sound collages and further recorder pieces will also use this musical device. Musical texture will be explored in practical work and songs.

Art and Design

The children will have an opportunity to learn about and develop weaving skills using a variety of materials including those that can be recycled. They will also look at how portraits can show different expressions, and learn about the basic proportions of the body for sketching. Later in the term we will be looking at packaging, its purpose and labelling. The children will then make their own packaging, as though for retail.

Drama

In drama the children will have the opportunity to develop skills in devising and performing plays with a young audience in mind, using a well-known fairy tale. They will use a range of strategies to build confidence in developing a story and re-enact parts of a myth using whole-group drama, freeze-frames and spoken thoughts.

Physical Education

For the boys, the Spring term begins with exercise and stamina development with cross country running and work on skill levels in the rugby sessions. Later in the term there will be introduction of field and track techniques. Fitness will be assessed prior to the summer term.
In football, the girls will start with basic football skills where we will focus on dribbling, stopping and passing the football. They will work on their movements across the field with the ball. The basic rules of football will also be introduced. For netball this term, the girls will work and develop better ball handling and passing skills. The rules of netball will be reinforced and we will work on team play. The movements around the court will also be practised within team situations. They will learn the basic skills for the game, e.g. dribbling, passing and shooting. The basic rules will also be learned and we will improve their stamina in doing these simple tactics and strategies.

It is emphasised that the above is offered as a guide only, and the school retains the flexibility to adapt its schemes of work to the needs of the individual or the class