This half term, our topic is ‘Antarctica’. We will begin by exploring Antarctica’s location, climate and unique features. We will explore Antarctic wildlife and the adaptations that help animals survive in this extreme environment. In week 3, we will investigate what lies beneath the ice and learn about the geology of Antarctica. In week 4, we will find out about famous Antarctic explorers and the challenges they faced during their expeditions. In week 5, we will learn about the Antarctic Ocean and the important role it plays in supporting wildlife and regulating our planet’s climate. In week 6, we will explore how we can look after Antarctica by learning about climate change and its impact on this fragile environment. Finally, in week 7, we will celebrate our learning through Antarctic-inspired art and music. Our focus books include ‘Journey to Antarctica’ by Julie Haydon, ‘Antarctic Animals’ by Alan Trussell-Cullen and a selection of Antarctica-themed fiction stories.

We will continue our off-site cycling sessions this half term, with children attending King George Cycling Centre in Epsom on Thursdays. As the weather warms up, please ensure your young person has sun cream available if they require a specific type not provided by school, or if you have not already sent some in. Sun hats and/or sunglasses may also be brought in and kept at school for outdoor activities.

For our White Rose Maths sessions this half term, we will be focusing on money and time. Children will develop their understanding of coins and notes, including recognising different denominations, combining coins to make different values and solving simple money problems. We will then move on to time, exploring vocabulary such as before, after, morning, afternoon and evening, before learning to identify the hands on a clock and tell the time to o'clock and half past. We will finish the term with some fun Taskmaster-themed maths challenges.

For our White Rose Science sessions this half term, some children will complete their learning about skeletons by exploring exoskeletons, different types of skeletons and how joints support movement, before moving on to nutrition and healthy diets. Other children will finish their module on matter through investigations linked to evaporation and the water cycle before beginning a new topic on sound, where they will explore vibrations, the structure of the ear, volume and pitch.

In our Jigsaw PSHE we will be moving on to our topic, ‘Changing Me’. Children will explore how people grow and change over time, learning about physical and emotional changes and how to manage them positively. Some children will focus on celebrating individuality, life stages and preparing for future changes, while others will explore healthy relationships, attraction, online influences and safe decision-making.

In ICT, children will continue to develop their computing skills using the Twinkl Computing scheme of work. Some children will build their understanding of computer systems, including navigating devices, managing files and creating digital work independently. Others will use a range of software to research, design and create their own game before producing materials to promote their final product.

In our World Views learning, our theme is ‘Are Words More Important Than Actions?’. Children will consider how beliefs and values influence people's lives, discuss different viewpoints and reflect on their own values and what matters most to them.

In Cooking, our theme this half term is ‘Street Foods Around the World’. Children will explore a variety of cuisines from different countries, developing their food preparation and cooking skills while learning about foods enjoyed in different cultures. They will have the opportunity to make dishes such as spring rolls, mini pizzas, quesadillas and churros while continuing to build their confidence and independence in the kitchen.

For our Outdoor Learning sessions, we will continue our rewilding project, helping to maintain and improve our outdoor spaces while learning about local habitats and wildlife. Children will also work in our horticultural area, growing vegetables and learning about the journey from garden to plate.

If you have any questions about your young person’s learning this half term, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Nikki and the Monarch Class Team