This term, we will be exploring a range of exciting topics across different subjects. In History, we will study the Ancient Maya to learn about their civilisation, culture and achievements. In Science, we will investigate plant reproduction and how plants grow and produce new life. Our Religious Education will focus on learning about the Five Pillars of Islam and their importance to Muslims. Alongside our classroom learning, in PE, we will also develop our physical skills and teamwork through athletics.
We can't wait to get started!
We have been very busy in class recently putting the finishing touches on our pencil cases. This DT project has required a great deal of patience and perseverance, and the children have worked incredibly hard to complete them. We are absolutely thrilled with the final outcome, and the children should feel very proud of what they have achieved!
In English, we have thoroughly enjoyed exploring The Pied Piper through poetry. The children have been reading and performing a variety of poems inspired by the story, bringing them to life with expression and confidence. To make our learning even more memorable, we were able to take our practice outside, where we enjoyed performing in the fresh air and sunshine. It was a wonderful opportunity to combine creativity with the outdoors, and the children did a fantastic job!
In Maths, Year 3 have completed their unit of work on time. Throughout this topic, the children have developed their skills in reading both analogue and digital clocks. They have also applied their understanding, to solve a range of time-related problems, such as calculating durations, comparing times, and working with calendars.
In Geography, the children have been learning about Fairtrade and responsible trading. We explored a case study of cocoa bean production in Côte d’Ivoire and discussed the benefits and drawbacks of importing food. The children have also created posters on Keynote to show their understanding.
Beech Class had a fantastic time at Sports Day! The morning was filled with a wide range of exciting activities, including hockey, archery, penalty shoot-out, long jump, javelin throwing and hurdles. In the afternoon, the children took part in traditional races, showing great enthusiasm and teamwork.
Well done to all the children for proudly representing their school houses and demonstrating such great effort and sportsmanship throughout the day. A special congratulations goes to Starfish for being the overall winners in the afternoon! 🌟
In English, we have been focusing on The Pied Piper of Hamelin, retold by Michael Morpurgo. The children have really enjoyed discussing the characters and exploring their actions and motivations. They have also completed a range of short writing activities based on the plot and characters, helping them to develop their understanding of the story and practise their writing skills.
Also in English, we have used AI to help us write a song that includes all the main events and descriptions from The Pied Piper of Hamelin. The children enjoyed learning the song and practising different verses in groups, which they then performed to the rest of the class.
In Maths, Year 4 children have been focusing on the properties of 2D shapes and using coordinates. They have explored shape names and features, such as sides, vertices, and types of angles and practised plotting and reading coordinates to locate positions on a grid and draw shapes.
In RE, the children have been learning about the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices that guide Muslim life: Shahadah (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Our learning has encouraged curiosity, respect, and understanding of different religions and cultures. The children have reflected on themes such as commitment, kindness, self‑discipline, and community, making links to values we all share.
In History, children have been learning about the Ancient Maya by looking at the ruins of their buildings. By exploring what temples, houses and cities were like, they’ve been finding out how the Maya lived and what everyday life may have been like long ago.
This week in spelling, we have been focusing on the Year 3 and Year 4 statutory words during our spelling sessions. Please continue to encourage your child to practise their spellings at home, as regular practice really helps to build confidence and accuracy.
A reminder that the spelling lists can be found in every child’s homework diary and are also available on the class pages in the Homework folder. Thank you for your continued support.
This week in Maths, Year 3 children have been learning about fractions. They have been comparing different fractions and exploring equivalent fractions, using a fraction wall to help them see how fractions relate to one another. The children worked practically and visually to deepen their understanding and explain their thinking.
This week, the children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Bunny Run, making the most of the lovely sunshine and showing great enthusiasm throughout. We also celebrated with our inflatable fun treat as a reward for excellent behaviour over the Spring term. Well done to everyone in Beech Class — we are very proud of you!
Year 3 are thoroughly enjoying their Jazz Music unit of work. The children have been exploring the roots of jazz by learning about early ragtime, before focusing on traditional jazz styles. They have particularly enjoyed developing their listening and performing skills through the use of call and response, working together to create and respond to musical ideas with confidence and enthusiasm.
This week in Maths, Year 4 have been recapping addition strategies. The children revisited adding on as a mental strategy and practised using the written method to add decimal numbers, focusing on accurate place value and clear layout.
In PRSHE, we have been thinking about making healthy choices. The children particularly enjoyed taking part in a silent debate, where they explored and discussed sugar intake in everyday foods and drinks. This activity encouraged thoughtful discussion, reflection, and awareness of how our choices can impact our health.
In PE, we have begun our athletics unit. This week, pupils have been developing their pull‑throw technique, focusing on throwing accurately towards a target as well as throwing for distance. The children have shown great effort while improving their coordination, strength, and technique.