This term, Archibald First school is embarking on an exciting adventure in our final geography unit, 'Globe Trotters'. After exploring our local area in the autumn and travelling to countries across the continents in the spring, pupils are now zooming out even further to discover the amazing diversity of world geography. Each year group will follow its own pathway of learning, applying the map skills, fieldwork techniques, and geographical knowledge they have built throughout the year to investigate regions of the world they may never have the chance to visit in person. Through our core concepts of change, cause and effect, and location and place, children will explore how different environments are connected and how our world continues to evolve. This unit encourages curiosity, wonder, and a real sense of global adventure; celebrating the incredible planet we all share.
Topic Overview
Our topic ’Home and Away’ this term has a Geography focus and compares Newcastle UK with Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The children will study maps and aerial photos looking at the features of the land and drawing comparisons between the two. They will research landmarks, population, land mass, towns and villages in the surrounding area. They will also track the weather in both cities and look at how the location and weather have shaped the lives of the people who live there. They will research the similarities and differences and decide which Newcastle they would prefer to live in and why.
Home and Away
Which Newcastle would you rather live in and why?
The enquiry question encourages pupils to approach geography in a creative way , using research and technology to develop and understanding of location as well as what life is like for people living in these two parts of the world.
Geography
The children will develop their skills in map reading and understanding northern and southern hemispheres. They will find out that both Newcastles have different seasonal months and that there is a time difference. Using prior knowledge about Newcastle Upon Tyne , they will compare landmarks . Classification of human and physical features of both cities will allow them to create fact files , posters and leaflets about the two places. There will be a variety of learning experiences giving children an opportunity to work on their own , in pairs and in groups. We will use the topic as an opportunity to develop oracy skills ; sharing ideas, listening to others , turn taking and developing new vocabulary.
Key Vocabulary:
- Bush fire
- Compass
- Population
- City
English
The children will continue to learn how to use the apostrophe correctly; for contraction and possession. They will also focus on how to use commas in lists and how to arrange words in alphabetical order. We will continue with daily phonics and spelling. Guided reading will focus on retrieving information from the text, describing setting, plot and characters and reading with increasing fluency, pace and expression. In English, the children will continue to develop writing skills using the correct punctuation, spelling and structure. Handwriting continues to be a focus as the children as they prepare for the transition into Key Stage 2. Our class novel links to the geography topic on Australia and follows one family’s road trip around the famous landmarks of Australia. The book will be used as inspiration when writing setting descriptions and adventure stories. There will also be an opportunity for the children to further develop skills in poetry as they learn how to use similes to describe the weather.
Key Vocabulary:
- Apostrophe
- Simile
- Adjective
- Adverb
Maths
The children will begin the half-term learning about fractions, first physically and then numerically. We will learn how to find 1/2 1/4 3/4 1/3 and 2/4, both in objects and in numbers. We will think about the equivalence of fractions and work up to counting in fractions to create a whole! The children will also be continuing to learn to tell the the time, from o’clock and half past, through quarter past and quarter to and eventually telling the time to 5 minute intervals! Don’t forget to check out Times Tables Rockstars to practise your times tables at home!
Key Vocabulary:
- Fraction
- Numerator
- Denominator
- O’clock, half-past,
- Quarter-past, quarter to
Science
The children will continue to work scientifically this term by working through a series of experiments each week. They will use a variety of ways to record their results and look for patterns. They will develop their understanding of fair testing and observations over time. We will also be following on from Year 1 looking at weather and climate. This will link to our Home and Away topic.
Key Vocabulary
- Resources
- Prediction
- Conclusion
- Record
- Interpret
Computing
The children will be using Scratch Jr to learn about basic coding and programming. They will have fun creating their own characters, backgrounds, games and quizzes to test each other!
Art and Design Technology
Each half term the children will have a week dedicated to Art and/or DT.
Art: The focus this term is digital art. The children will learn that this is any art work using electronic devices such computers, software, cameras or videos. They will study digital images inspired by nature with photography and mixed media. After their investigation and exploratory work in class they will go to Forest School and use the IPads to take their own photographs. The photographs will then be used back in class to create a mixed media final piece.
Design Technology: This term the children will learn about food technology through cooking and nutrition. They will learn about the five food groups, and the importance of a balanced diet. Using this knowledge they will design their own menus. Using their practical skills they will then have an opportunity to chop, slice, grate and snip using the appropriate kitchen equipment. The children will also learn about good kitchen hygiene and safety when preparing ingredients. Finally, they will take part in taste tests before making their own filled wrap. Ready to enjoy in class!
Music
As part of learning about music from other cultures, the children will learn about Ruby Hunter. She is an Australian composer and musician 1955-2010, known for Aboriginal , folk and blues music. She was the first indigenous Australian woman to record a rock album. In music lessons, the children will continue to learn about simple notation , and use percussion instruments to develop their sense of rhythm and timing. Singing will continue every week as well as games to consolidate learning , ensure progression and have fun !
PE
This term, year 2 will be playing target games. Also, we will be joined by the PE service who will be coaching us tennis every Wednesday! We will be developing our hand-eye coordination as well as fitness and teamwork. Plus, don’t forget we have sports day in the last week of term!
PSHE and Religious Education
PSHE
The focus in summer term is keeping healthy. The children will learn about good dental hygiene, the importance of sleep for our minds and bodies and how to express our feelings and emotions. We will also continue with the Mental health lessons ‘Melva’ which explores the ways to keep happy and healthy.
Religious Education
Year 2 will be starting to learn about Islam, looking at the holy book, place of worship and the five pillars of Islam. Through our daily assemblies we will celebrate our school character values: Caring, Creative , Courageous and Curious.
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.