Welcome back to the Spring Term, 

I cannot wait to start this new year with all of you. We have an exciting term ahead of us and I know that all of you are going to be fantastic on the next step of our journey.  

Maths

In Maths we will start by completing our fractions unit, before moving onto decimals, percentages, perimeter, area and statistics. It is impornat that the children continue to solidify their key knowledge and use tools such as times table rock stars and sum dog to support in their learning.  

Science

Over the term, we will be looking at human reproducton and ageing. This project teaches children about animal life cycles, including the human life cycle. They explore human growth and development to old age, including the changes experienced during puberty and human reproduction.

Humanities

Our topic this term is titled 'Grow, Sow and Farm'. This project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas. Using our knowledge of climate zones, we will be identifying where different foods are grown and why they are better suited to their environment. 

Computing

To start the term, we will be looking at programming. In this unit, learners will use physical computing to explore the concept of selection in programming through the use of the Crumble programming environment. Learners will be introduced to a microcontroller (Crumble controller) and learn how to connect and program components (including output devices- LEDs and motors) through the application of their existing programming knowledge.

Art/DT

In art, we will be looking at line, ligh and shadows. This project teaches children about the visual qualities of line, light and shadow. They explore the work of Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt and are introduced to a range of shading techniques. They take black and white photographs and use pencil, pen and ink wash to reimagine their photographs in a shaded drawing.

In DT, we will be working through Eating the seasons. This project teaches children about the meaning and benefits of seasonal eating, including food preparation and cooking techniques.

Music

This year, the children will enjoy the support of Slough Music Services and Mr Southall as they learn how to play a variety of instruments including the drums and glockenspiels. 

General Reminders

• PE will be on Mondays and Thursdays, please ensure your child comes to school wearing their PE kit on those days. Please also ensure that any earrings are removed for PE.
• Homework will be set on a Wednesday and due in the following Monday.
• The children are expected to read every night, please ensure this is recorded in their reading records. Reading records will be checked on a weekly basis and reads will be counted as part of our new reading challenge. The aim is to read daily for 15-20 minutes. 
• Spellings will also be given out on a Wednesday and tested on the following Monday. Children will receive all spellings weekly after the spelling session in school.
• Our library day is a Friday.

Parents/Carers – I look forward to working with your children again this year. As always, please feel free to catch me after school or send me an email at lhendry@pippins.slough.sch.uk and I will try to get back to any concerns you have a soon as possible.

 Miss Hendry