Topic Overview
Climate Change
Key Question?
How can we make the world a better place for the elephants?
This year, our whole-school learning journey has taken children on an exciting exploration of our world through time and place. In history, pupils discovered what our world was like in the past, while in geography they explored what it is like today. As we move into our final topic, we are proud to become Planet Protectors, focusing on how we can care for our world in the future. Through our inspiring enquiry, “How can I give the world a hug?”, children will develop their PSHE skills by considering how their actions can make a positive difference. Each year group will explore the question “How can I make the world a better place for…”, with Reception learning about polar bears, Year 1 about bees, Year 2 about turtles, Year 3 about elephants and Year 4 about orangutans. Throughout this journey, we will champion our core values of being caring, curious and courageous, empowering children to speak up and take action. Although their voices may be small, they are powerful, valued and truly deserve to be heard.
Geography
In PSHE in Year 3 , we have discussed why respect is so important. Now, we will consider how we can use that respect to make a difference to our planet? Respecting where we live and protecting it, makes us ‘planet protectors.’ We will look at why our planet is changing and consider the work we did at the start of the year to help Gosforth Park a better place. Our big question is: How can we make the world a better place for the elephants? We will consider what we can do to help. This is our class text which you might want to have a look at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSdKiF9VWCs. Think about changes in your everyday life which could make a difference.
Key Vocabulary:
Taking action Climate Greenhouse gases Conservation Fossil fuels
English
We will begin this half term by taking parts in Arts Week and we will investigate the story Katie and The British Artist, focusing on impressionism. Following this, we will be looking at the story ‘The Day the War Came’ for refugee week. Children will be writing diary entries and writing welcome narratives for children joining Archibald. Following this, we will be looking at the story ’Sofia Valdez Future Prez’ Children will be describing different settings in the story and considering how to make choices and persuade people to take action and make a difference to the area we live in. Next, we will Look at Greta and The Giants and conversations between different characters using inverted commas. We will finish the year reviewing all the key information and vocabulary they have learnt this year, such as fronted adverbials, inverted commas plurals, homophones and prefix, suffixes. Weekly spellings and handwriting sessions will continue.
Key Vocabulary:
Inverted commas Expanded noun phrases Prefix Suffix Alliteration Rhyming couplets
Oracy
At Archibald, we are developing children’s speaking and listening skills through a strong focus on Oracy. Through dedicated Oracy sessions, discussion activities and engaging games, pupils are learning how to express their ideas clearly, listen carefully to others and build confidence when speaking. We encourage children to use ambitious vocabulary, take turns in conversation and share their thoughts respectfully, helping them to become confident communicators both in the classroom and beyond.
This half term our targets for Oracy are:
- Class 7 - To be able to present an alternative argument using appropriate vocabulary.
- Class 8 - To confidently articulate what we want to say when sharing opinions and contributions in conversation.
Maths
At the start of the half term, children will be consolidating work on fractions. They will also begin to tell time to the nearest 5 minute and minute intervals. Next, children will learn to read clocks to the nearest minute as well as reading clocks with Roman Numerals. There will also be a focus on measurements involving length/height, mass/weight and volume/capacity. A wide range of measurements will be taken and recorded accurately. Problems involving adding and subtracting measurements will also be completed. Please keep learning your times tables and practising on TT Rockstar and Maths Frame
Key Vocabulary:
Roman Numerals O'clock Half past Quarter past Minutes Hour Quarter to Minutes to
Science
Children will learn to identify the different parts of flowering plants and describe the important functions of each part, including the roots, stem, leaves and flowers. They will explore what plants need for life and healthy growth, such as water, light, air and nutrients, and discover how these requirements can vary between different plants. Pupils will also investigate how water is transported within plants through a fun and colourful carnations experiment using food dye, allowing them to observe the movement of water through the stem and petals.
Key Vocabulary
- root
- stem
- flower
- leaf
- pollination
Computing
In Computing this half term, pupils will be developing their digital publishing skills by learning how to use Publisher. Children will create an informative poster linked to their topic work while exploring a range of tools and features within the program. They will learn how to format text, insert and edit images, choose suitable layouts and present information clearly and creatively. Through this work, pupils will build confidence in using technology to design and communicate ideas effectively.
Art and Design Technology
Each half term the children will have a week dedicated to art and/or DT.
Art: As part of Art Week, pupils will be exploring the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and learning about the Impressionist movement. Children will study Renoir’s use of colour, light and brushstrokes, discussing how Impressionist artists captured everyday moments and atmosphere in their work. Throughout the week, pupils will experiment with a range of artistic techniques inspired by Impressionism while revisiting and applying the skills they have developed across the year. They will then use these techniques to create a final piece of artwork that combines their understanding of colour, texture and composition with the style and ideas of the Impressionist movement.
Design Technology: This half term in Design and Technology, the children will be exploring Pneumatic Monsters as part of the Kapow Primary scheme. They will learn how pneumatic systems use air pressure to create movement and will apply this knowledge to design and make their own moving monster model. Throughout the unit, pupils will develop their designing, making, and evaluating skills while building confidence in using tools and materials safely. This exciting project will encourage creativity, problem-solving, and an understanding of simple mechanical systems through hands-on learning.
Music
In Music this half term, pupils will be exploring the unit India from the Kapow Music Scheme. Children will listen to and appraise a range of traditional Indian music, learning about important musical features such as rhythm, tempo and pitch. They will explore how music can reflect culture and tradition while comparing Indian music to music they already know. Pupils will also have opportunities to sing, perform rhythmic patterns and play tuned and untuned instruments, developing their confidence, listening skills and understanding of pulse and melody. Throughout the unit, children will work creatively and collaboratively to compose and perform their own pieces inspired by Indian music.
PE
In PE this half term, pupils will be developing their skills in Athletics and OAA (Outdoor Adventurous Activities). During Athletics lessons, children will practise a range of running, jumping and throwing techniques, focusing on improving their speed, coordination, balance and overall fitness. They will learn how to challenge themselves, set personal goals and work towards improving their performance. In OAA, pupils will take part in a variety of problem-solving and team-building activities that encourage communication, resilience and cooperation.
PSHE and Religious Education
PSHE
Our work this half term will be based around the following key questions: • What are my talents? • Why are safety rules important?
Through these themes, pupils will have opportunities to reflect on their own strengths, interests and achievements while building confidence and self-esteem. Children will discuss how everyone has different talents and how these can be developed through practise, perseverance and a positive attitude. We will also explore the importance of safety rules in school, at home and in the wider community. Pupils will learn how to identify potential risks and hazards in their local environment and beyond, including online safety, road safety and keeping safe outdoors. Through discussions and practical activities, children will develop their understanding of how to make safe and responsible choices, respond appropriately in different situations and recognise who can help keep them safe.
Religious Education
Children will explore the different scriptures in other religions. They will then relate and reflect upon different experiences from all of these scriptures and consider their own beliefs and practices. We will build upon existing key messages which we learnt from the unit, looking at the significance of the bible.
No Outsiders
In PSHE this half term, pupils will explore themes of perseverance, self-belief and following their dreams through the story Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp. Children will discuss the importance of being confident in who they are, celebrating individuality and understanding that everyone has different interests and talents. Through class discussions and activities, pupils will reflect on how it feels to overcome challenges, respond to setbacks and continue trying even when something feels difficult. The story will also encourage children to think about respecting the choices and aspirations of others.
Refugee Week at Archibald
In 2024, we proudly became a School of Sanctuary. The School of Sanctuary Award is given to schools in recognition of their good practice in fostering a safe and inclusive school environment, building understanding and empathy towards people seeking safety and working collaboratively to strengthen community approaches to welcoming refugee children and families. Biannually we celebrate Refugee Week. This year it is will be from 8th - 12th June where the children will be exploring this year's theme of Courage. Each Year group will also be reading and doing work around an age-appropriate text with themes of relocation, refugees and how we can show kindness and be welcoming.
In Year 3, we will read the book 'The Day the War Came ' by Nicola Davies. We will learn of one girl's story of escaping the dangers of bombs and trying to find safety in a new country. We will discuss the simple acts and everyday actions we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.
Our Values
Please Instagram us @archibald_1st if you see your child being #AFSCurious #AFSCaring #AFSCreative or #AFSCourageous
If you would like any further details about this half term's curriculum, please speak to your child's teacher.