This half term, Merlin Class will be exploring our exciting topic ‘Back in Benson’, where we will discover how our local area has changed over time and how its past continues to shape life today. Through a rich and engaging curriculum, children will develop their skills across all curriculum subjects.

English

In English, children will immerse themselves in the world of suspense writing through our model text 'The Whispering Woods'. They will learn how authors carefully craft tension using figurative language, powerful vocabulary and varied sentence structures. A strong emphasis will be placed on selecting precise words to influence the reader and create atmosphere, as well as using punctuation effectively to build suspense.

Later in the term, children will apply their writing skills to create persuasive adverts, learning how language can influence opinions and shape ideas. They will explore key techniques such as:

• Rhetorical questions
• Emotive and persuasive language
• Exaggeration for effect

By the end of the unit, pupils will be able to confidently adapt their writing style for different purposes and audiences, showing greater control over tone, structure and vocabulary.

Maths

In Maths, pupils will continue to build strong foundations while developing confidence and fluency.

Year 4 will focus on:

• Understanding angles as turns and comparing and ordering them
• Exploring properties of 2D shapes including triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons
• Investigating symmetry
• Interpreting data in statistics
• Plotting coordinates and learning about position and direction, including translating shapes

Year 5 will be preparing for Year 6 by:

• Securing understanding of place value
• Developing fluency in the four operations
• Strengthening knowledge of fractions, decimals and percentages
• Exploring measurement and negative numbers

Across the phase, there will be a strong emphasis on reasoning, problem-solving and applying mathematical knowledge in a range of contexts.

Wider Curriculum

History & Geography

As part of our ‘Back in Benson’ unit, children will take on the role of local historians and geographers to explore how Benson has developed over time. They will investigate why people originally settled in the area, considering key geographical features such as location, resources and transport links. Children will examine how significant events, including the opening of RAF Benson, have influenced population, land use and the character of the village. Through fieldwork, pupils will observe and record features of the local environment, using maps, sketches and data collection. They will then present their findings using maps, charts and written explanations, developing both geographical enquiry skills and historical understanding of change over time.

Science

In Science, children will deepen their understanding of forces and how they affect movement. They will investigate gravity as a pulling force that acts on all objects, and explore how air resistance, water resistance and friction can slow objects down or change the way they move. Through practical investigations, pupils will observe and measure the effects of different forces. They will also explore mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, understanding how these systems allow a smaller force to produce a greater effect. This will support children in making links between scientific concepts and real-world applications.

Religious Education (RE)

This term in RE, children will learn about Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) and explore the key question: How can Brahman be everywhere and in everything? Pupils will develop their understanding of the Hindu belief in one ultimate reality (Brahman) and how this can be represented through different gods and goddesses. They will examine stories, symbols and teachings, and begin to understand how these beliefs influence the way followers live their lives. Children will be encouraged to ask thoughtful questions and reflect on similarities and differences between belief systems.

PSHE

In PSHE, children will explore themes linked to changing and growing, with content tailored to each year group. Year 4 will develop their understanding of relationships, personal change and how to manage emotions, including learning about puberty and how the human body develops. Year 5 will build on this by exploring body image, puberty in boys and girls, and conception, providing age-appropriate knowledge and encouraging respectful discussion. Across the unit, there will be a focus on developing resilience, managing change and making informed, healthy choices.

Physical Education (PE)

In PE, Year 4 will develop skills in rounders, focusing on teamwork, coordination and tactical play, including batting, bowling and fielding techniques. Both year groups will participate in athletics, where they will practise sprinting, relay running, jumping and throwing, aiming to improve both technique and performance. Year 5 pupils will also continue their swimming lessons, developing water confidence, stroke technique and stamina.

Art

In Art, children will study the work of Nerissa Cargill-Thompson, a textile and mixed-media sculpture artist. They will explore her creative style and artistic influences, before conducting their own research to create artist fact files. Children will then design and produce their own artwork using clay, applying sculpting techniques to create texture, form and shape inspired by her work. This unit encourages creativity, experimentation and evaluation of artistic processes.

Music

In Music, children will continue to develop their skills in playing brass instruments. They will work on breath control, posture and embouchure, enabling them to produce a clear and consistent sound. Pupils will learn to read simple musical notation, play as part of an ensemble and keep in time with others. This unit supports both musical development and teamwork, building confidence and performance skills.

Computing

In Computing, the focus will be on word processing skills. Children will learn how to format and organise documents effectively, including inserting and editing images, adjusting layouts and presenting text clearly. They will also learn how to use tables to organise information, before combining their skills to create a structured and polished fact file. This will support children in presenting information clearly and professionally across the curriculum.

This half term promises to be full of engaging learning opportunities, helping children to grow in confidence, creativity and independence across all areas of the curriculum.