Welcome to Woodpeckers 

Class Teacher - Mr O Brazier

LSP - Mrs Lawton

LSP - Mrs Sandhu

email:     class.woodpeckers@burnttree.sandwell.sch.uk

 

Our learning

Spring Term

Maths

During the summer term, we will begin by exploring 3D shapes and angles, identifying their properties and symmetry. We will then describe position and direction using coordinates, translation and reflection. Our decimals work will focus on place value, addition and subtraction. We will go on to explore negative numbers in context, before ending the term by converting between units of measurement and calculating volume. Throughout this term, we will continue to develop our arithmetic skills and timestable knowledge. Please keep practising using Times Table Rock Stars at home. Please keep practising using Times Table Rock Stars at home.

English

This term, we will use The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman as the basis for our writing. This imaginative tale follows Lucy, a brave young girl who suspects that wolves are living inside the walls of her house — but no one believes her. Inspired by the story, we will:

Write a newspaper report to inform readers of a dramatic event

Create a diary entry to explore the thoughts and feelings of a character

We will continue to develop our spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, applying them across all written work. Please use Spelling Shed and Education City to support your learning at home.

Reading

Our text of the term is Holes by Louis Sachar. This thought-provoking novel follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a mysterious camp where he must dig holes as part of his punishment. As the story unfolds, the children will uncover hidden clues and make connections between past and present events. We will explore unfamiliar vocabulary, make predictions and inferences and answer a range of VIPERS questions to deepen our understanding. Alongside our class text, we will continue to enjoy a variety of other fiction and non-fiction texts, including those chosen by the children based on their interests.

Science

This term, our science topics are Animals including Humans and Forces. In our first unit, we will explore the human life cycle, comparing how humans grow and change over time with the life cycles of other animals. We will learn about the stages of development and how different species reproduce. Later in the term, we will investigate different forces, including gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. Through practical investigations, we will explore how these forces affect the movement of objects and how mechanisms like levers and pulleys help us in everyday life.

History

In History, we will explore the legacy of Ancient Greece. We will investigate the question: ‘What did the Ancient Greeks do for us?’ We will answer this by learning about Greek gods and goddesses, comparing the city-states of Athens and Sparta and examining how democracy began in Ancient Greece. We will also explore the ideas of famous Greek philosophers and consider how their thinking still influences us today. By the end of the unit, we will reflect on the lasting impact of Ancient Greek civilisation on the modern world.

Geography

This term, we will investigate the question: “Would you like to live in the desert?” Our learning will focus on the features and location of hot desert biomes around the world. We will explore how people, animals and plants adapt to life in extreme climates and compare these environments with our own. We will examine the impact of human activity and climate change on desert regions, considering both the challenges and opportunities these areas present. Through mapwork, images and data, we will develop our understanding of how life in the desert is shaped by physical geography.

DT   

In DT, we will be exploring electrical systems through the creation of 'Doodlers'—motorised drawing devices. We will investigate how electrical circuits and motors work and apply this knowledge to design and build our own Doodlers. Throughout the unit, we will develop our understanding of form and function, considering how different components affect the movement and patterns created by our devices. By the end of the term, we will evaluate our designs based on their effectiveness and creativity.

Music 

This term, we will begin with a unit from SIPS focusing on developing our understanding of musical notation and composition. We will learn how to use staff notation to record rhythms and melodies and build confidence using musical vocabulary to evaluate our own and others’ work. Later in the term, we will explore musical theatre, learning how music, drama and movement come together to tell a story. We will work collaboratively to rehearse and perform short musical scenes, developing our creativity and performance skills.

PE

In PE, we will develop our skills through a unit on rounders. We will learn how to apply the rules of the game, improve our batting and fielding techniques and explore how to play tactically as both a batter and a fielder. We will practise sprinting between bases, hitting into space and using accurate throws to get players out. As the term progresses, we will work on positioning and teamwork, leading up to a round robin tournament where we can apply everything we’ve learned.

Computing

This term, we will begin by exploring stop-motion animation. We will learn how to plan, capture and edit short animations using digital tools, developing our skills in sequencing and storytelling. Later in the term, we will move on to programming, using Scratch to create our own musical compositions. We will learn how to use code to control timing, pitch and rhythm, building our understanding of how programming can be used creatively.

French

This term, we will learn how to describe our weekly activities using French verbs. We will practise forming simple sentences to talk about daily routines and hobbies. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, we will build confidence using new vocabulary and grammar linked to time and activities.

RE 

This term, we will carry out an enquiry into visiting places of worship. We will explore the importance of sacred spaces in different religions and reflect on how visiting these places can support personal faith and understanding. By comparing a range of places of worship, we will consider what they reveal about belief, identity and community. We will also discuss how people show respect when entering spaces that are special to others.

PSHE

In PSHE this term, we will begin by learning about relationships and how to stay safe online. We will explore what makes a good friend, the importance of respectful behaviour in online communities and how to make positive choices when using technology.

Look what we have been doing...

History Showcase 

On the afternoons of 5th and 6th December, each year group show-cased the work we have been doing in History.  Members of each class were on hand to provide interesting information to our visitors about each period of history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we had the exciting opportunity to take part in a fully funded STEM workshop! Throughout the day, we built and coded robots to complete a range of missions based on various themes. These challenges encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking, while also helping to develop our coding and cyber skills. It was a fantastic experience that engaged all of us!

 

 

Look at some of the amazing artwork we have created inspired by 'Family Playing on the Moon in 1960s' We developed a range of skills before producing our own unique art piece.