Vikings Viking at school

Year 3/4 Spring 2

Literacy Our literacy this term will be based around the book, ‘Viking at School’

by Jeremy Strong. This comic novel focuses on the adventures of a Viking who somehow finds himself in a present day school. We will be

using the story to examine the differences between modern British society and that of the infamous Vikings of Northern Europe!

Areas of study will include Viking-style poetry, exciting adventure stories and a wide range of reading, writing and grammar skills. Spelling strategies will also be taught and reinforced. New Year 3 and 4 spelling lists will be provided for next half term, for children to learn at home. Any support you can offer your children with their weekly spellings is

very much appreciated!

Within year 3 and 4 we expect writing to be completed to a high standard. Children should implement their targets within all writing activities across the curriculum, this includes complex sentences, adventurous vocabulary and a range of punctuation.

Geography

We will by finding out about the Viking homelands as well as the different places they invaded (eg Lindisfarne), looking carefully at the geographical features of these

locations.

History In History, we will be exploring the rich and fascinating culture of the Vikings, including lessons on their weaponry, armour, artefacts and

clothing. We will also be investigating Viking crime and

punishment.

Art & Design In art we will be looking at the

striking colours and patterns used by Vikings in their artwork, clothing, shield designs and

jewellery.

We will also be examining the terrifying dragon-heads used to

decorate Viking long-boats.

PSHE

Through our regular PHSE lessons we will continue to develop social

awareness and nurture a sense of responsibility, community and

friendship.

Computing

This term the children will be developing their use of different tools on software

in the ICT suite.

Science

We are very excited to be participating in National Science week this term! Although the

status of our studies is currently classified as TOP SECRET, we can assure you that we have planned

a number of engaging scientific activities to develop curiosity and inspire our future

scientists!

.

RE The RE topics we will be covering are Eucharist and Lent .

Giving and Receiving

Children will learn about the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Children will understand what it

means to receive the Eucharist and how as a follow of Jesus should live after.

This will also support children who are in the

Holy Communion programme at church.

.

. Giving

We will be retelling the stories of Holy week and the resurrection. Children will also

be using religious words and phrases to describe actions made during this week.

Children will also learn about how to be

giving in our day to day lives.

Maths We will be developing written methods of calculation in the four rules of number (+ - x ÷). We will apply these calculations to solve problems. We will focus in particular on multiplication and division. Please encourage your children to learn their multiplication facts up to 12 x 12, this will significantly help them with their division.

We will also be looking at fractions and decimals, children will be able to recognise and find fractions of a set of objects, numbers, measurements and shapes. We will also be adding and subtracting fractions as well as finding equivalent decimals and percentages. Finally towards the end of the term we will be using different units of measures and solving real life problems including area and perimeters. Useful websites to support your child at home: • http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/number/ • http://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/23/measuring_and_time • http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/ordering-and-sequencing-numbers

Golden Skills

Curiosity

We like children to ask deepening questions

that will move on their learning. We

plan lessons to actively motivate the children to want to

find out more.

Self-belief

We encourage the children to have

confidence in their own ability. We like

children to feel comfortable to share

their ideas openly and give things a go.

Aspiration

Through target setting and non-negotiables we

encourage children to bec onstantly looking for

ways to improve their work. We also want the

children to aspire to improve their behaviour

and attitude towards their learning.

Independence

We teach the children to become

independent learners by encouraging them to find resources and equipment that will support them with

their learning.

Perseverance

We will understand the importance of

sticking with a challenge even when

we find it difficult.

Communication

We will be developing our communication

skills by the use of R-Time and talking

partners to establish appropriate ways to

talk to others.

At Saint Alban’s we believe that in order for the children

to become better learners, they require certain skills

that will enable them to be successful not only now but

in the future.

SMSC Social • R-Time • PSHE • Fundraising with the Charity

Chaplaincy team • Golden Book child • Classroom rewards

Spiritual • Daily prayers • Class and whole school liturgies • Hymn practice • RE lessons • PSHE • Class prayer books • Prayer tables

Moral • Circle time • PSHE • R-Time • Anti-bullying week • RE • E-Safety • School behaviour policy

Cultural • RE • Viking culture

PE

Year 4 swimming lessons will continue to take place every Tuesday afternoon.

Miss Ruston and Mrs Sims PE lesson will be on a Wednesday afternoon.

Miss Burton’s PE lessons will be on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

Mr Campbell’s PE lessons will be on a Tuesday and a Thursday morning.

Mr Karia will continue to teach a PE lesson with each class.

The children are expected to bring a full PE kit consisting of a white t-shirt, black or blue shorts and PE pumps. Please ensure every part of your child’s uniform is clearly labelled with their name and kept on their peg in school.

Earrings are not allowed for PE or swimming lessons and should be removed before they come to school unless the child is able to remove them on their

own or they are able to cover them with tape.

Homework Homework will be set through Learning Logs on a

Wednesday which should be completed and returned on the following Monday. This is a whole school initiative and we expect your child to treat the Learning Log with

the same respect as class books. It is expected that children attempt all work set to the best of their ability.

Reading Please support and encourage your child to read each day at home as this will make a great difference to their progression. All

children are expected to take their reading book home every night and bring it back the next school day. A member of staff will track the pupils’ reading record and change their

book as soon as it is finished.