Dear Parent/Guardian

Welcome to the new school year! Everyone seems to be settling in well. This summarises what will be happening in Upper Primary: Pupils have had their achievement books sent home to allow photos, events, achievements etc to be added. Thanks for the great contributions so far! These records will be used throughout the year at school and will be sent home periodically. They will help with target setting and creating pupil profiles at the end of the year. In Language, there will be plenty of opportunities for speaking and listening through learning routines as well as discussing news items. Groups will be reading a combination of fiction and non-fiction texts this term. Related homework may involve reading and other tasks. There will be two handwriting sessions per week with additional practice during class/at home where required. Much of this term’s writing will be topic based (see separate plan). The plan details the primary topic work based around ‘Materials’ (What’s Inside?). In RME pupils are exploring ‘What is Religion?’ and ‘What is Faith?’ this term. This links with the question ‘What’s Inside?’ In Maths we have begun by revising place value and the use of mathematical terms. Number work will focus on addition and some subtraction as well as sharpening recall of number bonds and times tables. Pupils will extend their knowledge by learning new tables and using larger numbers where appropriate. This term will also include 2D shape and time. Pupils will use technology across their learning where appropriate – we are lucky enough to have a laptop and headphones each, stored in the classroom. French, Art, PE and Music continue with visiting specialist teachers and pupils are reminded to bring kit, instruments etc. when required, as well as handing in homework on time. Pupils should have PE kit every day if possible. The following Art information has come from Mrs Brown: Upper Primary will be creating contemporary Still Life pieces. This will include exploration of different forms of media, composition and observational drawing. They will look at both traditional and contemporary examples of still life for context. This term’s PE will include hockey and basketball with Miss Elson. Pupils have been using their diaries well to record homework and reminders. We have decided to practise reading at school first and consolidate it through reading again at home (the same system as Lower Primary). It would be appreciated if diaries could be signed at least once weekly and we will endeavour to do the same! Feel free to use the diary as a general means of communication, or telephone/email if more urgent. Please do not hesitate to contact either of us at school if you have any questions or comments. Mrs M Dennison and Mrs W Groat