Autumn 2
Welcome back, everyone. We hope you have had a wonderful break. Please read on to find out about all the exciting learning opportunities we have planned for this half term.
We will begin the half term by revisiting the four operations, focusing particularly on multiplication and division, before moving on to our Fractions unit. Throughout this unit, the children will recap what a fraction is and explore key concepts such as finding equivalent fractions, simplifying fractions, comparing and ordering fractions, and performing calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. At BB, mathematics is taught through a mastery approach, allowing children time to explore each concept using concrete, pictorial, and abstract methods (CPA). We will continue to support fluency through regular 99 Club challenges, TT Rockstars battles, and daily Flashback 4 activities to encourage retention and recall. In addition, the children will participate in regular arithmetic practice to expose them to a range of calculations and strengthen their retrieval of key number facts.
Our topic focus for this half term is ‘The Shang Dynasty’. This history-based unit will allow the children to explore one of the world’s earliest civilisations. By the end of the unit, they will understand what the Shang Dynasty was, why it was significant, and what archaeological discoveries reveal about this fascinating period in history.
In English, our learning will be based on Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins. Using a carefully structured, step-by-step approach, the children will explore vocabulary, structure, and language features before producing their final piece — an independent booklet about an amazing animal. This hybrid text will combine elements of information, explanation, and persuasion.
In Whole Class Reading, we will continue to engage with a range of texts and genres to develop and apply key reading skills. Themes this half term will include Bonfire Night, Remembrance, the environment, and Christmas. We will also continue to foster a love of reading by sharing our Class Read together at the end of each day.
In RE, our key question for this half term is: “Was Jesus the Messiah?” This unit builds upon prior learning in Lower Key Stage 2, where the children explored the Gospels, baptism, and the Trinity. By the end of this unit, they will be able to explain the significance of the Incarnation and the Messiah within the wider story of the Bible. They will also make connections between key biblical texts, use theological vocabulary appropriately, and reflect on the importance of the belief that Jesus is the Messiah in the world today.
In Science, we will be studying the Year 6 unit on Light. By the end of the unit, the children will be able to explain why light travels in straight lines, how we see objects, what refraction is and how it changes the direction of light, and why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them. This unit will provide plenty of opportunities for the children to work scientifically through practical, hands-on investigations.
Our focus in PE for this half term will be netball. During these sessions, children will learn the different types of netball passes, the roles of the different positions within netball including attack and defence and will begin to apply these skills to a high-five netball tournament.
In music, children will be learning a range of Christmas carols in preparation for their Carol Concert in December. They will be focusing on singing in unison and in a canon.
In computing, the children will develop their understanding of spreadsheets using 2Calculate on Purple Mash. They will learn how to use formulae to perform calculations such as converting measurements, calculating area and perimeter, and using variables to solve problems. The children will explore how spreadsheets can be used in different contexts — including literacy, data analysis, and event planning — to model real-life situations. By the end of the unit, they will be able to create and manipulate their own functional spreadsheets with clear purposes, applying their mathematical reasoning and digital skills confidently.
Finally, in PSHE this term, children will be exploring the themes of differences, similarities, and inclusion. They will discuss how everyone is unique, and how being different can sometimes be challenging, particularly when it comes to bullying or feeling left out. The class will learn about how people can have power in groups and the impact this can have on others, as well as strategies for responding to bullying in safe and constructive ways. Children will also learn about people with disabilities who have achieved amazing things, helping them understand that differences do not limit potential. Through these discussions, the aim is to foster empathy, respect, and inclusivity, helping children appreciate diversity and develop the skills to support themselves and others.