Our TOPIC . . . Dynamic Dynasties!

       Our topic continues our learning about the history of ancient China, focusing primarily on the Shang Dynasty,                  

         and explores the lasting legacy of the first five Chinese dynasties, some of which can still be seen in the world today.     

         Alongside the historical enquiries, the Year fives will also improve their geographical skills.                                               

 

Reading 

During the school week, there will be multiple opportunities for your child to explore a range of different texts either through a class book, independent reading, story time or reading 1:1. At St Thomas, during reading lessons, we follow a 7-stage format where children are asked to use prior knowledge, read with fluency, break down tricky words and phrases, consider their initial thoughts and observations, delve deeper, answer comprehension questions and summarise paragraphs/chapters/whole books. We really enjoyed the film and book ‘Holes’, however we feel sure the children will enjoy our next book even more - Dragon Mountain!

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Writing 

Children are given a variety of opportunities to write in many different genres (i.e. narrative, recount, report, instructions, etc.) across the curriculum. They are encouraged to develop their work by writing consistently in full sentences, using more sophisticated grammar and descriptive language in order to engage the reader. The importance of accurate punctuation in all forms of writing is not only encouraged but expected. Despite the variety of genres we cover this half term; there is going to be a huge focus on spellings and handwriting, so please encourage these areas when they do any home learning - even when it comes to writing Chrismas cards!

 

Maths – At St Thomas we follow the White Rose Maths Curriculum. We follow the small steps approach, which emphasises the importance of acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. Through the use of concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract notation, children develop their mathematical fluency and are able to apply knowledge and understanding developed to respond to tricker, reasoning/problem solving questions.  We fundamentally believe that, all pupils are entitled to and are capable of succeeding within maths. We endeavour to not only develop the mathematic skills and understanding required for later life, but also an enthusiasm and fascination about maths itself. While Mathematics is taught mainly as a discrete subject, every effort is made to link maths with other areas of the curriculum. We started with Place Value lessons before Add and Subtract methods, so the remainder of this term will be developing our knowledge of  Multiplication and Division, before trying our skills at Fractions. Please encourage Times Table practice whenever you can.

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Computing: Our topic involves more actual computing time this half term - learning about "Vector Drawing". 

A&D: Children will explore Taotie Art - a stylized monster face-mask design pattern commonly found on ancient Chinese bronzes with symmetrically arranged eyes, ears, horns, snout, and jaw - They'll enjoy these lessons!!

D&T: In our DT project we will be studying, designing and creating "Moving Mechanisms".

PE/Sport: Both classes will do PE with Huddersfield Town staff every Thursday.

5S will continue swimming on Fridays  5F doing their other PE lesson on Tuesdays.

​MFL: Pupils continue their speaking, reading & writing in French with increasing confidence. Tres bien!