In maths this half term, we will be revisiting areas that we haven’t quite grasped yet or find tricky. We’ll go over some key concepts from lower Key Stage 2 to make sure we fully understand them and feel confident moving forward. To help with this, we’ll be doing lots of SATs-style questions, which will allow us to practice and become more comfortable with the format. By doing this, we’ll focus on tackling those tricky areas and ensure that we’re answering confidently, without making any silly mistakes. Let’s work together to master these concepts and make sure we’re ready for the challenge ahead!

In writing this half term, we will be focusing on work that links to our new class novel, Pig Heart Boy. We’ve already watched it as a production, so now we’ll delve into the novel itself to compare and contrast the two. The book covers some controversial subjects, and our writing will tie into debates, allowing us to explore these themes in depth. As we move on to studying the circulatory system and the heart in science, we’ll be doing a lot of non-fiction writing to support our cross-curricular journey. This will help us build a deeper understanding of the topics while improving our writing skills across different genres. It’s going to be an exciting and thought-provoking half term.

This half term in science is going to be the best one yet as we dive into the fascinating world of the circulatory system and the heart! We’ll explore how the heart pumps blood throughout the body, how blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to every cell, and how the circulatory system works to keep us healthy. There will be plenty of hands-on investigations to help us understand these processes, including making our own "blood" and even dissecting a real heart! We'll also learn about the different types of blood vessels—arteries, veins, and capillaries—and how each plays a vital role in keeping our body functioning properly. It’s going to be an exciting, interactive term full of discovery!

History:

In history this term, we’ll be moving on to studying the Windrush Generation, a significant chapter in Britain’s history. This topic links beautifully to our previous theme of the Battle of Britain, as it helps us understand how Britain’s story evolved during and after World War II. The Windrush Generation saw people from the Caribbean and other parts of the Commonwealth coming to Britain to rebuild the country after the war, and their stories are crucial in understanding Britain’s diverse and multicultural society today. It’s a fantastic history topic for helping children grasp the importance of migration, the challenges faced by those who arrived, and the impact they had on shaping modern Britain. We’ll explore how their contributions were vital to the country’s development, and how this history is still relevant in understanding identity, culture, and social change today. This topic is not only informative but also thought-provoking, helping to build empathy and a deeper understanding of Britain’s past and present.

Geography:

In geography this term, we’ll be looking at settlements, land use, and economic activities, exploring how people move around the world and why. We’ll dive into the different types of settlements—whether urban, rural, or suburban—and how land is used for farming, industry, housing, and recreation. We’ll also investigate trading and ask important questions like: Is trade fair across the world? How do countries and communities’ benefit or suffer from global trade systems? This topic ties back to our previous theme of sustainability, as we consider how land use and economic activities impact the environment and the balance between growth and conservation. It’s a fascinating look at how people and economies are interconnected, and how our actions today can shape the world of tomorrow.

This half term, every Monday and Wednesday will be our PE days, where the children will be focusing on cricket and tennis. In cricket, they’ll learn key skills like batting, bowling, and fielding, while also developing teamwork and communication as they work together in groups. They'll practice hand-eye coordination, agility, and strategy, helping them become more confident players. In tennis, the children will work on improving their serving, volleying, and rallying skills. They'll also build their understanding of positioning, footwork, and game tactics. Both sports will give the children the opportunity to develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, as well as their physical fitness. Through these activities, they’ll not only improve their individual skills but also learn how to work as part of a team, supporting each other and celebrating successes together.

In PSHE this term, we’ll be talking about puberty and the changes that come with it, both physically and emotionally. We’ll explore what puberty is, why it happens, and how it affects the body. It’s important for everyone to understand that puberty can bring ups and downs, and we’ll discuss how to manage the emotions and feelings that might arise during this time. We’ll also focus on body image and self-esteem, helping to build confidence and a positive sense of self. This is a time of big change, and we’ll make sure everyone feels supported and understands how to navigate these changes with a healthy mindset.

In Spanish this term, children will be learning all about towns and the vocabulary associated with them. They'll explore how to describe different places and buildings, such as "la plaza" (the square), "la iglesia" (the church), "el parque" (the park), and "el mercado" (the market). Students will also learn how to talk about the size of towns using words like "pequeño" (small) and "grande" (big), and describe what you can do in these places, for example, "ir de compras" (to go shopping) or "pasear" (to stroll). Through this, they will be able to have simple conversations about their own town and compare it with others in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a great way to connect language learning with the world around us!

Homework at Maltby Manor Academy

At Maltby Manor Academy, we are committed to supporting your child's learning at home. In Key Stage 2, our homework is designed to build key skills and foster a love of learning.

Here’s what to expect:

• Times Table Rock Stars – Practice times tables daily using TT Rockstars to build multiplication skills and confidence.
• Daily Reading – Record all reading activities in your child's planner. Regular reading at home is key to developing comprehension and fluency.
• Curriculum Homework Menu – A choice of creative, engaging tasks linked to your child’s current topics.
• CPG Books – Children will be set various pages in the SPAG, Maths and Reading books each daily.

Our homework programme offers a variety of opportunities to enrich your child’s learning and strengthen the home-school partnership. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child thrive!