Westall

Westall Class

 

Welcome to the Spring term!

 

Over the next 9 weeks Westall Class will be following a unit of work on a theme that focuses on ‘Energy and Fuel’.  The unit is called Making Things Go.

 

This unit of work is part of the International Primary Curriculum. This new curriculum sets out very clearly what children will learn – the learning goals – in three different areas:

 

1.  The subjects of the curriculum. The learning goals for each of these subjects are at least as challenging as anything taught in the curriculum in your child’s own country. In many cases, the learning goals are more challenging.

 

2.  Personal development – the characteristics which will help children become more responsible, independent learners.

 

3.  International understanding – which will help children develop both a sense of the independence of their own country and culture and the interdependence between countries and cultures.

 

Each unit of work is based around specific targets derived from the learning goals for one or more of the subjects.

 

During this unit we will be focusing on Geography, Science, Technology and International.

 

In Geography we’ll be finding out:

•  About alternative ways of generating energy

•  About wind and solar power

•  How to measure wind speed and sunlight

•  How the school can save energy

 

In Science, we’ll be finding out:

•  About different kinds of energy

•  How to make a solar oven

•  Which materials absorb and reflect energy

•  About energy and forces through:

•  Making a rubber-band car

•  Making a balloon rocket

•  Making a lemon battery

•  About ways of making energy savings

 

In Technology, we’ll be finding out:

•  How to make a windmill

•  About the school’s use of energy

•  How we use energy at home

•  How new energy technologies work

 

In International, we’ll be finding out:

•  About energy use around the world

•  How the actions of some countries affect others

 

All of the work we are going to do has been specially written to help your child reach the learning goals. Children will be reading, researching, writing, illustrating, working on their own and working in groups. We will be checking to see how well your child has learned through particular activities and asking children to explain their work, perhaps to you.

 

We already know the interest you take in your child’s work. If you can, please discuss with your child the work they have done as the term progresses and let them teach you.Talk with your child about how you use energy in your home. Are there any ways in which you can save energy? Discuss these together.

 

If your child has some work to research, please help them, but without actually doing the work. If you have the chance to further their interest in the ideas of this theme please take it, but your enthusiasm and interest is most important.

 

In addition to the learning goals being taught through this unit the children will be taught Computing, PE, Religious Eductation through the Herts RE Scheme of Work, Geography and Music on a weekly rotation.

 

Please encourage your child to use Purple Mash and Doodle Maths at home as this will help to consolidate their learning in school as the year progresses.  It is recommended that your child spends about 15 minutes on the Doodle Apps to help secure key learning and accelerate their progress.

 

Adults in Class

 

Working alongside Mr Pilsworth in Westall class will be Mrs Donnelly, Mrs Thompson and Mr Woolin. On a Tuesday, Mrs Donnelly will teach half of the class, whilst the other half are taught music by Mr Peach. After this, Steph (our externally sourced dance teacher) will teach the children dance in preparation for the dance festival. Finally, Madame Medenis will continue to teach French to the children on a Thursday morning. 

 

P.E.

 

This term, P.E. will take place on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. As a result, it is important that your child has their outdoor trainers with them at all times. Otherwise, children will take part in their usual school PE kit, which consists of a sky blue polo top with a school badge, plain royal blue shorts, royal blue track suit and trainers. PE kits should be kept in school all week in case of timetable changes and will be sent home fortnightly to be washed.  For health and safety reasons earrings and watches should be removed for all P.E lessons and long hair must be tied up.

 

Homework

 

Children will receive homework twice per week.

 

Reading                                       Every night (15 minutes – please comment on your child’s reading record)

 

Curriculum activities                  Given out on Wednesday                  Returned on Monday

 

Spelling & times tables              Given out on Friday                           Returned on Wednesday

 

Doodle Maths                              Every night for around 15 minutes

 

By the end of the unit, we aim for your child to achieve their learning targets. We hope they have an enjoyable time in the classroom and that you have enjoyed seeing your child work with enthusiasm. If you have any comments or questions about your child’s learning, please get in touch.

 

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school office to book a meeting. I look forward to an exciting term, full of creative learning. Keep checking our page and twitter account to keep up with what we have been doing!

 

Kind regards,

 

Mr Pilsworth

Westall Class Teacher - Key Stage Two Leader

 

See below for some useful websites you may like to visit: