Key Stage 2
2015/ 2016
This year our classes are organised as following:
Finch Class |
Year 2/3 | Mr Hillier |
Puffin Class |
Year 3/4 | Miss Kamath |
Dove Class |
Year 4/5 | Mrs Neal/ Mrs Brouard |
Falcon Class |
Year 5/6 | Mr Gallagher |
Skylark Class |
Year 6 | Mrs Heath |
Topic summary- 2015/2016
Summer Term 2016
Finch Class
The Summer term will be spent learning all about dinosaurs! We will focus in on different types of dinosaurs, dinosaur statistics and where dinosaurs originate from. Our class trip will take us to Charmouth Heritage Centre on the Jurassic Coast, to learn all about fossils, with children able to fossil hunt themselves.
The dinosaur theme will be carried across into our English work as we study lots of dinosaur stories. Children will be reading, planning, writing and editing their own work and the work of others.
Maths sees our focus turn to measurement (length, mass and capacity) and statistics (tally charts, pictograms and bar charts).
Athletics, tennis and rounders take centre stage in our P.E. lessons.
Puffin Class
This term the children are learning all about Explorers. They will be finding out about famous explorers and mapping their discoveries and writing biographies based on this. The children will also be learning about rivers and mountains and will be visiting Somerset Earth Science Centre to carry out some field work surrounding the river. The children will also be exploring Ancient Maya and carrying out a local history study. Alongside all of this the children will be testing, designing and making their own games. In science the children will be investigating solids, liquids and gases. In maths the children will be learning about measures and statistics.
Dove Class
This term, Dove class will be exploring the topic ‘Weather the Storm!’ This topic is going to begin by looking at different parts of the world, with a focus on weather! This will include looking at climate zones, and will also involve the children using their ICT skills to create weather reports and analyse weather statistics. Following this, we will develop our non-fiction writing through presenting arguments and debates, and this will eventually lead into geographical debates. We will also be focusing on rocks, fossils and soils in science and discuss the impact climate and weather can have on erosion. As part of our science learning, we will be visiting Somerset Earth Science Centre in Radstock where the children will have a hands on experience of rocks and soils. In other areas of our learning, we are going to be using and converting metric and imperial measures, which will also help with the design of a moving vehicle and we will focus on different ways of presenting data
Falcon Class
This term, in Falcon class we will be exploring the topic ‘The Romans’. In history, we will be learning about the Roman Empire, timeline of the Romans and Roman life. Children will create PowerPoint presentations and deliver to other children in our bid to become collaborative learners.
In maths, we will focus on Measure and Algebra for the year 6. Year 5’s will be focussing on measure and statistics. We will also have a week on Roman numerals.
P.E will be athletics and cricket. Year 5’s will be swimming in the first half term and the year 6’s will be swimming in the second. Art will be focussed on creating realistic Roman Mosaics. Design and Technology will focus on designing Toga’s and cooking a Roman feast. Our religious education will be based on Judaism.
Skylark Class
This term, in Skylark Class we will be exploring the topic ‘The Romans’. In history, we will be learning about the Roman Empire, timeline of the Romans and Roman life. Children will create PowerPoint presentations and deliver to other children in our bid to become collaborative learners.
In maths, we will focus on Measure and Algebra, as well as Roman numerals!
P.E will be athletics and cricket, with swimming for Year 6’s will be in the second half of term. Art will be focussed on creating realistic Roman Mosaics. Design and Technology will focus on designing Toga’s and cooking a Roman feast. Our religious education will be based on Judaism.
Spring Term 2016
Finch Class
Blast Off!
This term we are learning all about Earth and space. We will be looking at the eight planets and reciting their order from the Sun. We will also finding out and observing the weather across the four seasons, and the movement of the Sun during the daytime. We are hoping to tie in our Earth and space topic with a visit to @Bristol. English this term will continue the theme of Earth and space, following texts that include Man on the Moon, aliens love underpants and whatever next. In maths we are working with fractions and properties of shapes.
Twitter: @CCaryFinch
Puffin Class
Active Planet
This term our topic is called ‘Active Planet’. The children have already been learning about extreme weathers around the world, they’re explored volcanoes and have become young geologists. The children will continue to explore rock and soil and learn how fossils are formed. They will become weather reporters and discover ways in which to measure the weather. We will also be investigating the history of the Ancient Mayans.
Twitter: @CaryPuffin
Dove Class
Space Invaders
This term, Dove class will be exploring the topic ‘Space Invaders.’ We will begin by immersing ourselves in Space! This will include looking at the scientific aspect of Space, but will also involve the children using their imaginations to take a character on a Space Adventure, in order to develop their creative writing skills in English. We will then be combining our story writing skills with ICT, creating sound effects for our narratives. Following this, we will develop our non-fiction writing through researching and writing a biography for a famous astronaut. We will also be developing our collage and sculpting skills linked to Space art. In other areas of our learning, we are going to be continuing our history learning from last term, when we looked at Pre-historic Britain into looking at the impact the Roman Empire had on Britain. We will also be having a focus on fractions, decimals, percentages and shape in Maths.
Twitter: @CaryDoveClass
Falcon Class
Under Threat
This term, Falcon Class will be exploring the topic ‘Under Threat.’ Through this topic, the children will develop their geographical skills through exploration of the rainforests of the world - their location, climate, and structure. The children will locate and record the position of the world’s largest rainforests; layers of the rainforest will be researched and we will use a range of resources to find out more about the plants and animals within the rainforest.
In English we will be writing a story based on the book ‘Running Wild’. We will also be writing non-chronological reports on a creature from the rainforest. Balanced arguments and discussion will take place regarding the threats the rainforest is currently under. Our science will be based upon the seven life processes and the growth of green plants. Art will be focussed on using oil pastels, watercolours and sketching to explore the effects of different techniques. In maths, we will focus on fractions, decimals and percentages as well as ratio and proportion for the year 6 children. In RE we will continue to develop a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices of the Sikh religion.
Twitter: @CaryFalcon
Skylark Class
Under Threat
This term, Skylark Class will be exploring the topic ‘Under Threat.’ Through this topic, the children will develop their geographical skills through exploration of the rainforests of the world - their location, climate, and structure. The children will locate and record the position of the world’s largest rainforests; layers of the rainforest will be researched and we will use a range of resources to find out more about the plants and animals within the rainforest.
In English we will be writing a story based on the book ‘Running Wild’. We will also be writing non-chronological reports on a creature from the rainforest. Balanced arguments and discussion will take place regarding the threats the rainforest is currently under. Our science will be based upon the seven life processes and the growth of green plants. Art will be focussed on using oil pastels, watercolours and sketching to explore the effects of different techniques. In maths, we will focus on fractions, decimals and percentages as well as ratio and proportion for the year 6 children. In RE we will continue to develop a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices of the Sikh religion.
Twitter: @CarySkylarks
Autumn Term 2015
Finch Class
This term Finch class will be learning all about Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We will be finding out who Brunel is and what he is famous for, whilst looking at his designs and creations. An exciting visit to SS Great Britain will help to consolidate our learning. In English our focus is ‘traditional tales’ and starts with ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’. This will be a ‘Talk for Writing’ unit where the children will learn the story through actions and become excellent storytellers. In other subjects we will be focusing on place value, addition and subtraction in mathematics and forces, movements and magnets in science.
Puffin Class
This half term Puffin Class will be learning all about space in our new topic ‘Into the Unknown’. The children will study the planets, they will learn about the first lunar landing and develop their scientific understanding by learning about the Earth’s movement in space. To help the children with their space research, they will be learning how to use and create their own information texts and will be creating their own adventure stories based in space. The children will also visit @Bristol as part of our topic to discover more about space. In maths the children will also be focusing on number and place value and addition and subtraction.
Dove Class
'Standing in the Stones'
This term, Dove Class will be exploring the topic ‘Standing in the Stones.’ This topic is going to begin by visiting Stone Henge and participating in an exciting workshop called ‘Stones and Bones.’ During this workshop, the children will uncover the fascinating history behind this prehistoric monument through music, drama and an artefact investigation. We will then continue to investigate the possibilities of how the stones got there through an in-depth history study! Furthermore, our visit will provide us with a focus to also write stories, focusing on the different techniques that authors use and we will be making Bronze Age artefacts using our sewing skills! In other areas of our learning, we will have a focus on place value, addition and subtraction in maths and we are also going to be looking at solids, liquids and gases in science, investigating their different properties.
Falcon Class
This term, Falcon Class will be exploring the topic ‘Time Traveller.’ During this topic, the children will learn about the differences between the three Stone Age time periods and what the people and daily life were like in each. In English, fiction writing will be based on a book called Stone Age Boy. Stone Age recipes will be created as well as non-chronological reports on mythical Stone Age animals. In Art, the children will produce their own cave paintings on paper and on clay. In our other subjects, we will have a focus on Place Value and Addition and Subtraction in maths. We will also have a focus on Forces in science and in RE we will be learning about the beliefs and practices of the Sikh religion.
Skylark Class
‘Time Traveller’
This term, Skylark Class will be exploring the topic ‘Time Traveller.’ During this topic, the children will learn about the three different periods of the Stone Age; when, in history, each occurred; the differences between them and what the people and daily life were like in each. They will learn about the role of archaeologists and the value and use of primary evidence in the form of artefacts. In Art, the children will study the cave paintings made in pre-historic times, their subjects, characteristics, style and purpose and will produce their own cave paintings on paper and in clay. Using a book called Stone Age Boy as a stimulus, the children will use their historical knowledge to plan and write a story about a time travelling child who visits the Stone Age and lives with a typical family. Stone Age recipes will be created as well as encyclopaedia entries for mythical Stone Age animals. Later on in our topic, the children will investigate the mystery of Stonehenge, using research to gain as much information about its structure, construction and possible purposes. This information will be communicated interactively using Thinglink and practically as the children construct clay models of Stonehenge decorated with Fact Flags.
In other areas of our learning, we will have a focus on Place Value in maths and we are also going to be looking at Forces in science, using a range of hands-on experiments to investigate the different forces and their effects on objects. In RE we will be learning about the beliefs and practices of the Sikh religion.
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Curriculum Coverage 2014/2015
SPRING TERM 2015
Stop Press! This term our whole school are engaging in Take One Picture, The National Gallery's approach to curriculum planning, all based around the painting 'Mr and Mrs Andrews' by Thomas Gainborough. How would you link this painting to the National Curriculum?
Oak and Hazel Class
Spring Term 2015
Our topic this term is called ‘Take One Picture’. Taking a very well-known painting as a theme, and as an inspiration for their learning, the children will delve in to the many learning opportunities that such a painting can provide. The name of the painting is ‘Mr and Mrs Andrews’, and was painted by Thomas Gainsborough in the 17th Century. The topic itself is one developed by The National Gallery, and this is the painting that many schools around the country will be focusing on:
The painting lends itself to an emphasis on geography, art and design. Literacy will also take its inspiration from the painting. The areas covered this term will be: biographies and autobiographies (Thomas Gainsborough and Mary Anning); play scripts and drama; stories with dialogue and flashbacks.
Maths teaching will be planned within weekly and sometimes two weekly units of work. The main themes that we will be covering will be: numbers and the number system; place value, to include the rounding and ordering of decimal numbers; calculation strategies in the context of problem solving; shape space and measure; investigative Maths linked to real-life situations and the real world; data handling to include the manipulation of data and problem solving within this.
In Science, we will be looking at Evolution and inheritance, which will inspire our end-of-term trip; we’ll keep you in suspense for the moment!
Autumn Term 2014
A new term with new classes- how very exciting for us all! The children have started the term with great enthusiasm and a hunger for learning. It bodes well for the rest of the year! We have lots happening this term, both within the classroom and outside it. Here’s the plan in a nutshell…
Our topic this term is The Indus Valley Civilization. We will be exploring its history, art, architecture, its landscape. Our first task was to locate it!
In science this term, we are investigating changes in materials with both classes working alongside each other-these will prove to be fun times involving lots of hands on learning.
Computing is taking a new emphasis as a result of the new National Curriculum. The children will be using the iPads and laptops to look at programming, handling data and e safety on a weekly basis, as well as using the most days to retrieve and explore information.
Later in September, the Year 6s embark on a first for them and the school. We will be spending the week at the Outdoor Adventure Centre in North Cornwall. The children will have the opportunity to surf, body board, and abseil, as well as get to know each other and their teachers outside the classroom. This is a valuable week for all and a strong “bonding” time for the children and teachers alike. Have a look at their website for more information. www.outdooradventure.co.uk
Don’t worry, Year 5, we haven’t forgotten you! That same week, you will have a themed week about “The Wind” full of exciting activities and inspirational learning.
We will also be participating in the Ansford production of Guys and Dolls in October when the children will try out their singing and performance skills alongside other local schools.
We look forward to our whole school global week in November and possibly another trip…watch this space!
So, our lead up to Christmas is as exciting as ever. Here’s to another productive year!
Chestnut and Birch Class
Spring Term 2015
Our topic this term is ‘Take one Picture.’ We will be using sound to introduce the picture of Mr and Mrs Andrews, by Thomas Gainsborough. The children will begin their journey of exploration by painting what they think the picture will look like, just by listening to a sound clip. After this, they will begin a multimedia project where they will recreate the power of sound imagery by using sounds from their own environments. This will be used as part of a multimedia presentation to recreate the painting in the modern day. The children will also use the painting to write poems in order to convey powerful images and will complete non chronological reports based on background research. We will be also be taking an artistic approach to respond to this piece of art work through painting, sculpture, texture and design.
Autumn Term 2014
This term in Chestnut and Birch class, our topic is ‘Explore.’ Within this topic, the children will be learning about the Vikings and they will have the opportunity to take part in the Castle Cary Children’s carnival. They will be working in class to produce props and costumes and it is always great fun to display their hard work within the wider community. Our Viking topic will incorporate learning across the whole curriculum as our maths skills will be thoroughly tested when we make our Viking costumes and our creative writing skills will be utilised when writing a Viking myth. Also, as part of our ‘Explorations, we will be investigating electricity and the children will be challenged to make something which will include an electrical circuit.
Curriculum Coverage 2013/2014
Hazel and Oak Classes (Year 5/6)
Summer Term 2014
Summer term is an exciting time of year for our upper Key Stage 2 children, and this year will no different! Hitting the ground running after the Easter break, the children have returned to school with enthusiasm and anticipation for the learning which is ahead. It’s such a special time of year, particularly for our Year 6 children who will be soon moving to their new schools. Their thoughts will increasingly turn to this as the term progresses, but for now; and for the Year 5s much excitement awaits.
Our topic initially, is called ‘Iconic London’. In the build up to a special visit to our capital city, the children will be studying different aspects of life there, with a particular focus on iconic buildings. Through Literacy, History, Art, ICT, Geography and some Maths the children will learn about London. They’ll become virtual tour-guides, so that as the time of our visit approaches in early June they’ll be full of information about London, and what it can offer them as a place to visit and learn. We’re going to have a particular focus on Art this term, and we’ll be studying the work of Stephen Wiltshire and Claude Monet as part the concept of ‘taking one picture’ and using it as an inspiration for learning. Whilst we’re in London, we’re planning to visit the gallery of Stephen Wiltshire, and the Natural History Museum, as well as completing a walking tour of some of the main sights.
Back in school, and during the second half term, it will be ‘full steam ahead’ with learning! All of our children will have the opportunity of performing in a musical production. The content is top secret at the moment, but it can be revealed that it will be linked to football, and will tie in with the FIFA world cup! Our Year 6’s will take the lead roles, with the Year 5’s having the opportunity next year. Linked to this, and as a part of a study of a country overseas, the children will be learning about Brazil.
There are many other events, which are too numerous to mention in this space, but one thing is for certain. This summer term will be enjoyable, memorable and very busy! Follow us on twitter to keep up to date with all the goings on @ccoakclass @cchazelclass
Spring Term 2014
The Spring Term promises to be full of exciting learning opportunities for our Year 5 and 6 children. Our learning topics relate to ‘Rivers’ and draw ideas from the inspiration that rivers have given Artists, Geographers and Scientists in the past. The children in Oak and Hazel Classes have an exciting learning journey ahead of them this term! Many of our lessons, and sequences of lessons will link to the theme of rivers. For example, in Geography lessons we’ll study the course of a river, learning all of the key terminology. In Art we’ll be studying famous paintings with rivers in. In DT there will be a ‘build a bridge’ challenge. In literacy lessons, through our work on persuasive texts, we’ll study how rivers have been detrimental to our local environment here in Somerset. In ICT we’ll be programming our own river based games through the use of program called Scratch.
Later in the term we’ll be taking the children on an exciting field study visit to a local river, where they’ll be able to use their theoretical based learning outside! Of course, the children will access a full and varied curriculum in Maths, Science, RE, PSHE and PE; and these lessons will be taught discretely as separate subjects. In addition to this, there are many extra-curricular events happening which will enrich the children’s experiences, as we continue towards Easter time.
Autumn Term 2013
Welcome to Hazel and Oak Class! We are two parallel classes, each made up of children in Years 5 and 6. It’s an exciting term for us, as we get to know our new teachers and friends.
Our topic this term is predominantly based around the theme of World War II. We are extremely enthusiastic to learn about this period in history. Once we have learnt about the main events, causes and effects of World War II we will have the opportunity to lead the direction of our learning in areas that interest us. If you have anything that you feel could enrich our learning experience, and make it more personal to us, please come and see us!
During this term, we will also be taking part in several activities involving life skills beyond the classroom. In a couple of weeks, Year 6 will be organising and holding a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Following this Year 6 undertake a residential visit to Charterhouse-on-Mendip, where they will conquer many personal challenges! During this time Year 5 will take on the challenge of a themed project. Later on in the term we are all taking part in Ansford Academy’s production, Fiddler on the Roof.
Half term will be upon us before we know it, but the momentum of exhilarating, and thrilling learning continues…shortly after the break our Year 5 thespians will transform themselves in to budding actors during a theatre workshop and performance of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’.
Our term concludes with a flourish! As part of our ICT focus on robotics, we will be sending a team to compete in the First Lego League’s annual robotics competition. Our classes’ topic will be ‘Nature’s Fury’, linking in with the competition’s theme.
What an exciting term it promises to be!
Birch and Chestnut Classes (Year 3/4)
Summer Term 2014
What’s Underneath?
This term in Chestnut Class and Birch Class our topic is ‘What’s underneath?’ In Science we will be focusing on life processes, bodily systems and animal habitiats. We will be using our research and ICT skills to learn about this topic. In DT we are planning, designing and creating a life-size 3D skeleton! In Art, we will be studying an artist and developing skills in 3 dimensional work, and painting under the sea images. In PE we will have a rounders focus where we will learn throwing and catching skills. In athletics we will concentrate on running, relays and throwing the discus, shot and javelin. In literacy we will be studying information texts, stories with issues and dilemmas, poetry and persuasive texts. In Numeracy we will be focusing on place value, counting, addition and subtraction, tables, shape and symmetry. We know we will have an amazing term, full of excitement, fun and learning!
Spring Term 2014
Our topic title for the Spring Term is ‘Quirky Cuisine’. This topic covers learning across the curriculum.
In geography and PHSCE we are investigating where food in our cupboards comes from, how it travels and the impact of this on our environment. We are learning about where and how different foods grow and what food is eaten in different places around the world. Our PHSCE focus is our role as citizens in the global community and considering how the decisions we make have an impact on a variety of others. In PHSCE, we are learning through questioning, discussion and debate in class. In DT, we will be focussing on trying a variety of foods and preparing and cooking food safely and hygienically.
We will be learning about presentations in ICT. We will tell a story using ICT skills about where food comes from. In PE, we will be learning about dances from different countries including Africa and India. In Art, we will be drawing pencil sketches and creating collages of the food we are learning about.
We are looking forward to cooking for Beech Class and teaching them what we have learnt this term. We will use our maths skills to measure ingredients accurately, time our cooking carefully and buy the ingredients on a strict budget!
We are excited to invite parents in to our Barn Dance. We will be using lots of skills to prepare for the event. Including baking bread, making tablecloths and learning the dances.
Autumn Term 2013
Magnificent Mummies
This term in Chestnut Class and Birch Class our topic is Magnificent Mummies. In history, we will be focussing on life and culture in Ancient Egypt. We will be using our research and ICT skills to learn about this topic.
In Art and Design we will be making costumes and props in preparation for our entry to Castle Cary Children’s Carnival. We will develop skills in stitching, printing and 3D model making. We will use our materials knowledge from science to plan for the best props and costumes.
In PE we will learn and perform an Egyptian dance. In literacy we will be reading and writing stories from Ancient Egypt and stories from imaginary settings.
2012/2013 Curriculum Coverage
Swan Class (Year 6)
Autumn Term 2012
Welcome to Swan Class! We are the oldest class in the school have lots of extra responsibilities because of this. Our Autumn term has been jam packed with lots of exciting events and activities.
Our topic of learning this term has been World War II, but there have been so many other exciting events which have taken place. We started the year with a fund-raising activity. We worked extremely hard to prepare for, and run a coffee morning in aid of the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Thanks to all the people in the community who supported us we raised a magnificent £264.
Soon after our coffee morning we went on a week-long residential visit to Charterhouse-on-Mendip. Our visit there was so memorable that we’ve learnt skills and made memories that will be life-long!
In addition to the lessons that we have everyday such as Literacy and Maths, there has been even more going on! We’ve had a book day where we’ve dressed up as book characters, taken part in lots of sporting competitions against other schools and prepared for a Robotics Lego competition (where we were very successful!).
Thank you for the time you’ve taken to look at our class page, we hope you visit us again in the Spring Term to find out what we’ve been up to.
Spring Term 2013
Spring term in Swan class is an extremely busy time of the year! Our topic title is ‘Be the best I can’, and under that heading we are studying a diverse range of key ideas.
The term starts by looking at setting goals and challenging ourselves to be the best, but also considers how we might break down these goals in to achievable targets.
This area of learning links well to our ‘Health Week’ during which we’ll learn some very important lessons about First Aid!
Taking the theme of ‘Rivers’ we are going to use the inspiration of rivers to complete focused learning in the areas of Geography, ICT, Art, Science and Design and Technology. Our Geography learning will focus on the physical geography of rivers and river processes. In Art we are going to look at the work of artists who have used rivers as a stimulus for their work. In DT we’ll look specifically at bridges and how they are constructed, before building our own in a bridge building challenge.
Our Science and RE will be taught as discrete subjects this term. In RE we’ll learn about Islamic ideas and practices, and in Science we’ll cover a range of topics including: The life cycle of plants, animal adaptions and changing materials.
Our Literacy and Maths lessons will be taught daily, as will guided reading sessions and spelling sessions on a weekly basis. The focus for Literacy will be: short stories with flash backs, discussion texts, and informal and formal written styles. We will really be getting to grips with terminology for technical terms in literacy too! Maths will follow the progression of skills which encompass a broad and balanced range of maths principles. Look out for a weekly mental maths test on a Friday!
In PE we’ll be focusing on working towards skills and tactics for upcoming tournaments; so this will mean lessons in invasion games, specifically Netball, Hockey and Tag Rugby.
…And… all this in addition to a series of revision lessons geared towards the end of Year 6 and skills needed later on in the year. What a busy term it will be!
Summer Term 2013
Summer term is a unique time for the children of Swan Class. Their primary school career is nearing an end, and they start to think about the next stage of their education. It is an extremely special period in their lives and one that is full of irreplaceable memories. Nonetheless, their learning journey here will continue, ‘full steam ahead’ during this time, as we take every learning opportunity and fulfil every learning potential!
This term our topic is ‘Take one picture’. The theme for lots of the learning is based on a painting called ‘Bathers at Asnieres’ by George Seurat. Using this painting as inspiration, different learning opportunities have been born.
The children themselves have directed this. You are very welcome to pay us a visit, and at the back of the classroom you’ll see a display where the children have helped to plan the content of some of the themes and lessons. The topics that have been chosen are diverse and include: studying the painting itself, learning about the style it’s been painted it; looking for clues in the background of the picture to learn about life at that time (industrial revolution); thinking about climates around the world, and how our lives are often led by the climate we live in; using ICT to explore picture reproduction, plus as a mapping tool… and finally as an inspiration for starting points for narrative writing.
During the rest of this term there are many other exciting events happening for the children of Swan Class. There are plenty of sporting opportunities such as rounders and cricket festivals. We are lucky to be undertaking numerous class visits; these include an ICT / Art visit to Bath, and a History / Literacy visit to Weymouth. In addition to this there are taster sessions at their new schools for the children.
As we move through the term and past the SATS tests, which the children will be busy working towards, the children will be planning for, rehearsing for and performing a full production! Watch this space for more info!
As their time in primary school comes to an end, the childrens’ learning will begin to focus on memories of their time at Castle Cary Primary school. Using Art and ICT the children will make memories projects which will hopefully serve as a life-long memory of their time here.
Roe Deer Class (Year 5)
Roedeer Class has had a very creative first term! We have been given many opportunities to take part in plays and concerts with other schools:
In October we joined other local year 5 classes at Ansford Academy to form the chorus for the production of Fame. We sang at two performances and were amazed at the standard of singing, dancing and acting of all students.
In November we had a workshop with The Young Shakespeare Company followed by a visit to Strode Theatre to see Hamlet. The children acted the whole play at school using the original text and Fiona, the acting coach, commented that she had never before seen such a high standard from children of this age. At Strode one of our children was asked to perform on stage.
In December we had a Race and Discrimination Day held at school by ‘Pete the Poet’. Roedeer joined with Frog class to sing, dance, use puppets and do role play demonstrating how we can all influence how others are treated.
In class we have been learning about The Tudors and Special Books.
Spring 2013
We have had a very busy half term! We have been very lucky in having Miss Holmes and Miss Shanks from Bath Spa University working with us.
Our topic has been ‘How do we keep ourselves fit?’ and ‘World Kitchen’. During Health week we learned about a balanced diet and exercise and how all the parts of our body need to work together to keep us healthy – including our brains! Our literacy has been Information Texts so we have used many good examples from the library for research.
In our ‘World Kitchen’ topic we have been learning how to read maps, finding about our own environment and the rest of the world. On Friday we are joining Frog class to show our parents what we have found out about many different countries. We have made a display for each place and cooked food from the country. We had a morning making African masks with the help of some parents. We have also devised an African dance to perform for Frog class. In French we have learned how to describe the weather.
In maths we have been practising calculation strategies – both written and mental and we are much faster at recalling tables.
Hansel and Gretel has been on our minds for much of the term. By the time you read this we will have performed in front of hundreds of people. We have learned so much about ourselves. We have danced, sung, acted and spoken hiding our nerves and performing to a very high standard.
Summer Term 2013
The Summer term has seen a big change for Roedeer Class! We have become two classes in the mornings – Roe Class taught by Mrs Smith and Deer Class taught by Mrs Johnson who has joined us from Stalbridge. In the afternoons the class reforms into Roedeer. Our morning focus is maths and literacy and our learning this term is planned around the modern Greek painting ‘The Aegean Sea’. We are following the story of Odysseus and his many adventures. We are particularly interested in making our creative writing more exciting! We will be learning about Greek gods and art and how travel has changed our lives. In RE we are researching Hinduism and comparing the belief systems of many cultures and religions. In maths we are making sure we can recall number facts very quickly and are applying our knowledge and understanding to problem solving. We are focusing especially on mental maths.
We are currently working with Colin Bell, a local artist, to create a mosaic of flowers for the Moat Garden. This will form a sign which will be attached to the side of The George Hotel. Look out for it! Members of each house in our class are sewing a house banner for display in the hall. Ansford Academy has organised a number of exciting activities for us. We are taking part in days dedicated to Drama and Music, French and Maths. A teacher from Ansford will also be teaching us graphics here at school.
In Science our topic is The Earth and Beyond! We have already been amazed at how large Jupiter is! Watch this space!!
Frog Class (Year 4)
Autumn Term 2012
This term Frog Class has been investigating what it would have been like to be a child in Victorian England. In our history lessons we have been developing our enquiry skills by using historical artefacts, photographs, videos, information texts and stories to find out about schools, work, families and holidays in Victorian times. We enjoyed a Victorian Christmas day making baubles, bread sauce and creating prints of a Victorian scene.
This day was finished with a Victorian tea party before singing Christmas carols in the Market Place. Our ICT work on presentations will lead into producing an information presentation all about the Victorians. In our science we have been investigating forces which led into our DT project making moving toys.
Spring Term 2013
Our topic title for the Spring Term is ‘Food around the World’. This topic covers learning across the curriculum.
In geography and PHSCE we are investigating where food in our cupboards comes from, how it travels and the impact of this on our environment. We are learning about where and how different foods grow and what food is eaten in different places around the world. Our PHSCE focus is our role as citizens in the global community and considering how the decisions we make have an impact on a variety of others. In PHSCE, we are learning through questioning, discussion and debate in class.
Our science topic is health, during Health Week we considered what makes a healthy diet by learning about the different food groups and considering what food we should be eating to achieve a balanced diet. We are building on this throughout our Food Technology lessons, we are planning and cooking a healthy dish for parents to come in and try during our World Kitchen event. In literacy we are writing persuasive texts to promote our healthy dishes. We are using our maths skills to measure ingredients accurately, time our cooking carefully and buy the ingredients on a strict budget!
Our PE focus is dance and we are learning all about Indian dances. We are using videos to help choreograph our routines and working as part of a supportive team to develop and refine these dances ready to perform to parents on our World Kitchen event. We have also enjoyed teaching Butterfly and Ladybird classes some of our dances during Health Week.
We are looking forward to welcoming parents in soon to try some of our ‘Food around the World’ and to find out what we have been learning this term.
Summer Term 2013
Our topic for this term is based around a painting from Ancient Egypt called ‘The Tree of Life’.
In our art and history lessons we are going to investigate the ‘Tree of Life’ painting, discussing the symbolism within the painting and what clues this can give us about Ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs. We will also find out what this was painted on and how it was made and used in Ancient Egypt. Our history lessons are going to focus on life and culture in Ancient Egypt, including learning about their belief in the afterlife and the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb. In art we will investigate Egyptian art and hieroglyphics, printing own hieroglyphic story and using collage to create our own Egyptian tomb. In literacy this term, Frog Class will be learning about stories set in Ancient Egypt.
Our science focus this term will be electricity. We will be learning how electricity flows around a circuit, investigate what materials electricity flows through and what happens when we add more bulbs to a circuit. We will apply this knowledge to our DT project of making an interactive information poster about Ancient Egypt to create a display in our classroom.
Finally, this term we are very excited to be heading off to our residential at Hooke Court where the children will be taking part in a variety of activities to support learning in our class. This will include an Ancient Egyptian day when children will create a traditional Egyptian feast, make Egyptian jewellery, make mud bricks and write hieroglyphics on papyrus.
Owl Class (Year 3)
Autumn Term 2012
This term Owl class have been very creative, our class topic on Native American Indians has been used to introduce different cultures, specifically how they told stories; we listened to many stories, wrote our own myths and then published them. We used science to further develop our understanding of materials, there uses and qualities, we used this knowledge to make our carnival costumes developing understanding and reinforcing knowledge.
We danced and chanted our way to success with our carnival entry. It was fantastic fun and the members of the community were incredibly supportive. Our second topic ‘out of the dark’ offered us the opportunity to investigate in a scientific manner, making discoveries. Understanding light is used and celebrated in other cultures around the world. We are also finding out about Allan Alhberg and his great stories. We are going to write to him…
Spring Term 2013
This term Owl Class we have been learning about our amazing bodies particularly our teeth and eating healthily. We had a visit from a dental nurse who was very interesting and showed us all how to clean our teeth properly
We have also been writing our own play scripts based on familiar stories. Our own pantomime of Hansel and Gretel has been really exciting because we have been singing, learning words, painting scenery, designing and makingprograms. We are looking forward to performing for you soon.
Our topic next half term is history based and we will be finding out about Roman Britain.
Summer Term 2013
This term in Owl Class our learning will be based around Monet’s 'Bridge over a Pond of Water'. Our science topic is growing things, which is closely linked with our outdoor learning.
We will be writing adventure stories, poems and finding out exciting things about plants when we investigate information texts. Our music is entitled paint a picture with music. Especially exciting is that we will be visiting Stourhead to paint our own Monet styled pictures!
