This half term, Merlin Class will be embarking on an exciting learning journey through our theme

Epic Explorers 

Children will delve into the worlds of famous adventurers, journey into space, and explore new ideas across the curriculum.

In English, pupils will investigate the life of explorer Matthew Henson, using their research to write engaging biographies. They will also let their imaginations soar as they craft vivid setting descriptions from the perspective of astronauts landing on distant planets.

In Year 4 Maths we will be focusing on decimals, converting money between pounds and pence as well as comparing and estimating amounts.  For our time topic children will learn about years, months, weeks before moving onto hours, minutes and seconds. We will look at both analogue and digital times before learning to convert to the 24 hour clock.  In Year 5 Maths children will explore angles; classifying, estimate and measuring angles before learning to calculate angles on a line and around a point. Children will then look at regular and irregular polygons as well 3D shapes, coordinates and negative numbers.

Our Science learning focuses on Earth and Space. Children will discover how planets move within our solar system, explore the Earth’s rotation, and learn how this creates day and night, as well as the apparent movement of the sun across the sky.

In History, we will compare the achievements and experiences of explorers such as Neil Armstrong and Ernest Shackleton, using a range of sources to understand their impact and the challenges they faced. Pupils will build their enquiry skills, examining evidence and forming their own conclusions.

Across the wider curriculum, children will:

• Develop their French vocabulary through topics on towns, buildings and directions while learning about healthy lifestyles.
• Strengthen their Music skills by continuing brass instrument tuition, practising posture, breathing techniques and ensemble playing.
• Build healthy habits in PSHCE, learning about relationships (Y4) and mutual respect (Y5), as well as exploring “Healthy Me” topics including choices, body image, and wellbeing.
• Use Computing skills to explore functions, debugging and efficient coding with 2Code.
• Develop PE abilities through dance (Y4), Commonwealth Games activities (Y4 & Y5) and continued swimming for Year 5.
• Investigate gears, pulleys and levers in D&T, applying their knowledge to design, build and evaluate their own moon buggies.

With so many opportunities to investigate, imagine and explore, it promises to be an inspiring and adventurous term for Merlin Class!