AJA Spring Term

What’s happening at AJA this half term?

At the start of each half term, we will share a short overview of what each year group will be learning so you have a clear idea of what’s coming up. Throughout the half term, we will continue to celebrate the children’s achievements and experiences on Class Dojo.

At the end of the half term, we will share a round-up of highlights and successes, giving you the opportunity to see and celebrate everything the children have achieved. Here is an example of the fantastic learning happening across the school this half term:

In Year 3:

This half term in Year 3, our main topic is the Ancient Egyptians. We will be learning all about them in History, as well as using this learning to inform our English. In English, we will be enjoying units of work based on The Egyptian Cinderella, writing instructions on how to mummify a tomato, and creating a diary entry based on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

In Maths, we will work through place value, addition, subtraction, time, angles and money to further develop the children’s skills and knowledge.

DT is going to be very exciting, as we will be making clay sculptures inspired by the work of Kimmy Cantrell. In Science, we will be learning about our bodies, focusing on muscles and bones. PSHE will cover relationships and how we get on with one another, whilst in PE we will be enjoying cricket and dance.

We’re looking forward to continuing our exciting learning journey together as the children keep growing, and we are beginning to prepare them for Year 4.

In Year 4:

This half term, we are really excited to be learning all about the Romans and their impact on Britain. We began with a fun and memorable hook lesson, where we explored what “Roman bath water” might have looked like. Some of the children thought it was murky and disgusting, while others thought it was quite divine! This sparked lots of great discussion and curiosity, which we will continue to build on throughout the topic.

In English, we will be developing our writing through a range of text types, including a non-chronological report on the Roman Baths, diary entries and a story retell. In Maths, we will be focusing on Roman numerals, as well as building confidence with addition and subtraction, fractions and time.

In Computing, the children are particularly excited to begin using GarageBand to create their own music. In PSHE, we will be having important discussions around changing and growing in a sensitive and supportive way.

We also have our clarinet performance to look forward to, which promises to be a wonderful experience and a real highlight of the half term.

In Year 5:

We have had a wonderful start to the new half term and it has been great to welcome everyone back to school. There is lots of exciting learning planned over the coming weeks.

In English, the children will be developing their writing skills through a range of text types, including narratives, discussion texts and characterising speech. In Maths, we began the term by revisiting place value and will soon move on to consolidating our understanding of addition and subtraction.

Our new Science topic focuses on plant and animal life cycles, giving pupils the opportunity to explore how living things grow and change. In History this half term, we will be learning all about the Victorians and discovering what life was like during this fascinating period.

We also have some exciting events to look forward to, including a Shakespeare performance. Additionally, we are welcoming a guest visitor next week to deliver an assembly on humanism, linking with our RE unit.

We look forward to sharing the children’s progress with you as they continue to work hard and enjoy their learning this half term.

In Year 6:

As we move into the upcoming half term, the Year 6 children will be diving into a rich and varied curriculum. In PSHE, we will be exploring economic awareness, including the basics of financial budgeting and how to recognise and manage peer pressure.

Our Science learning will focus on refraction, using water to investigate how light bends. We will also be making periscopes to apply this knowledge in a hands-on way. In PE, the children will be developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills through orienteering, alongside building technique and control in tennis.

This half term also marks our final push towards SATs, and we will continue preparing the children with confidence and care. To round things off, we are excited to finish with a creative flourish during our Art Week, giving pupils the chance to express themselves and celebrate their hard work.