Hola Mexico!

Pharaohs is a topic based on a History unit about the Mayans. We will use a range of sources to extract information about the time period. We will then make inferences about how they used to live and learn what life was like in this era. 

This will link well to our Geography topic. We will look at a range of biomes and those that are present in Mexico. We will study trade industries in Mexico.

In Art, we will study Frida Kahlo and examine examples of her self-portraits. The children will spend the half-term creating their own self-portraits a range of mediums.  

MFL - young interpreters & discovering languages

Memorable Experience 

We will have a drama company called 'Past Productions' in school to deliver a Mayan Workshop!

https://pastproductions.co.uk/schools/workshops/mayan/

A Child's War is a topic based on a History unit about the experiences of children during the Second World War. We will use a range of historical sources to investigate what life was like for children living through wartime Britain. We will learn about evacuation, rationing, the Blitz and how the war affected families and communities. We will use evidence to make comparisons between the lives of children during WWII and our own lives today.

This links closely to our Geography learning, where we will explore global trade, supply chains and Fairtrade. We will investigate where everyday products come from, how they travel around the world and the impact our choices can have on people and the environment. Through our sustainability work, we will also learn about children's rights and consider how opportunities and living conditions can differ around the world. 

In Art, we will develop our drawing skills by learning how to use one-point and two-point perspective to create depth in our work. We will then use these techniques to create urban street scene paintings inspired by the artists L. S. Lowry and Anna Airy, studying how they captured life in towns and cities.

Memorable Experience

We will be taking a trip to the Beaumanor Hall! Throughout the day, they will take part in a range of hands-on activities designed to help them understand what life was like during the Second World War. The children will learn about wartime Britain, life on the Home Front, rationing, evacuation and the important role Beaumanor Hall played during WW2. They will have the opportunity to experience history first-hand through interactive activities and explore the fascinating wartime history of the site.

Revolution is a topic based on a History unit about the Industrial Revolution. We will investigate how Britain changed during this period and explore the inventions, industries and developments that transformed the lives of ordinary people. We will also learn about our local area through a study of Cromford Mills, helping us to understand why this site played such an important role in the Industrial Revolution. 

In Art, we will develop our observational drawing skills through sketching and recording what we see. We will explore the work of designers and artists including William Morris, Althea McNish and Laura Ashley, using their designs as inspiration when creating our own printed wallpaper patterns. 

In Design and Technology, we will investigate a range of existing product packaging and evaluate how effective different designs are. We will then design and create our own packaging using digital design tools, considering how products can be improved to meet specific needs.

Memorable Experiences

As part of our history topic, the children will be visiting Cromford Mills to discover what life was like for children working in the mills during the Industrial Revolution. Through a range of hands-on and interactive activities, they will learn about the jobs children were expected to do, the working conditions they experienced and what daily life was like for a child in a mill.

The children will explore the historic mill site and develop a greater understanding of how the Industrial Revolution changed the lives of families and communities. This will be a fantastic opportunity to bring our classroom learning to life and help the children understand the experiences of children who lived and worked during this important period in history.

Frozen Kingdoms

Frozen Kingdom is a topic based on a Geography unit about Antarctica. We will explore this unique and extreme environment, learning about its physical features, climate and wildlife. As part of our History learning, we will study the famous Shackleton Expedition, investigating the challenges faced by explorers and discovering how determination and resilience helped them survive in one of the world's harshest environments. 

In Design and Technology, we will learn about structures and investigate how they can be strengthened and reinforced. We will then apply these skills to design and build large-scale shelters, considering how structures need to withstand challenging weather conditions. 

In Science, we will study Living Things and Their Habitats, exploring how plants and animals adapt to their environments and how living things are classified. This links closely to our sustainability learning, where we will investigate climate change, considering its causes, effects and the impact it is having on polar regions and the wider world.

Memorable Experiences

As part of our Geography learning, the children will take part in an exciting Virtual Reality workshop exploring the Polar Regions. Using VR technology, they will be transported to the Arctic and Antarctica, giving them the opportunity to experience these fascinating environments in a way that would not normally be possible in the classroom.

During the workshop, the children will explore polar landscapes and weather conditions and discover more about the animals that live in these extreme environments. They may come face-to-face with animals including penguins, polar bears and Arctic foxes, as well as experiencing the spectacular Aurora Borealis.

This immersive experience will help the children develop their understanding of the Polar Regions while bringing our Geography learning to life in a memorable and engaging way.

Darwins Delights

Darwin's Delights is a topic based on a Science unit about evolution and inheritance. We will learn about the work of Charles Darwin and explore how living things have changed over time. We will investigate how animals and plants adapt to their environments and discover how characteristics can be passed from one generation to the next.

This links closely to our Geography learning, where we will study the features and journey of a river. We will learn about the different parts of a river, including its source, tributaries, meanders and mouth, and investigate how rivers shape the landscape. To support our learning, we will take part in a local field trip, following the journey of a river and carrying out geographical observations and fieldwork.

In Design and Technology, we will investigate and use mechanical systems to design and make our own mechanical animals. We will learn how mechanisms work and apply this knowledge to create products with moving parts.

Our sustainability learning will focus on Life on Earth, the water cycle and freshwater habitats. We will explore the importance of rivers and other freshwater environments, investigate the causes and effects of flooding and learn how different species depend on healthy ecosystems to survive.

Memorable Experiences

As part of our ‘Darwin’s Delights’ topic, the children will take part in a field trip to Markeaton Brook. As part of our Geography learning, they will follow the brook through the local area and into Markeaton Park.

Along the way, the children will identify different features of the watercourse and apply what they have learned about how rivers are formed. 

The trip will provide an excellent opportunity for the children to take their Geography learning outside the classroom and develop their understanding of rivers through first-hand observation.

It is essential that all children continue to practice their learning at home to remember and embed what they have learnt in school that week. For Splendid Spruces and Wonderful Willows, home learning will be given to the children on a Friday and must be returned by the following Thursday. Children will be asked to attend home learning club during their lunch time if they do not complete their home learning. Children will get both Maths and English home learning that week therefore all children should be able to complete it. If they are struggling, they are welcome to join in with home learning club for extra support. If you need any more support or guidance with home learning, please message your child’s class teacher on Class Dojo.

Splendid Spruces and Wonderful Willows PE Day is Monday.

Please ensure that your child has a white or blue t-shirt and black or blue joggers/shorts and a pair of black trainers. Please see Class Dojo if you are unsure what your child needs. If you have any issues or questions regarding this, please contact your class teacher on Class Dojo.