Welcome to Ravens 

Class Teacher - Mr O Brazier

LSP - Mrs Harris

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

Our Learning

Autumn Term

Maths

During the autumn term, we will begin by learning about the place value of numbers up to 10,000,00. We will then move onto addition, subtraction, multiplication and division before ending the term looking at fractions. Throughout this time, we will continue to develop our arithmetic skills and times tables knowledge. Please use Times Table Rock Stars at home to keep practising.

English

In English, we will begin by reading Letters from the Lighthouse, a text set during World War Two which will provide a stimulus for writing a narrative and a balanced argument. In Autumn 2, we will move on to writing inspired by Harry Potter, allowing the children to use their imagination and creativity. Throughout the term, we will continue to develop our spelling, punctuation and grammar skills and apply these across our writing.

Reading

In reading, our text of the term is ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ by Michelle Magorian. The children will be identifying and defining unfamiliar vocabulary to support their understanding of the text. This will be further developed by answering a range of questions about the text.  

We will also read a wide range of other texts throughout the term to ensure that the children are exposed to a wide range of authors.

Science

Our science topic this term is light. In this topic, children will investigate mirrors and shiny surfaces and how they change the direction in which light travels. They will learn how light enters the eye, so that we can see the things around us.  Work in this topic also offers opportunities for children to investigate refraction, colours of light and will include the works of key scientific figures such as Isaac Newton.

History

In History, we will be learning about World War Two and exploring why Britain went to war in 1939. We will investigate significant events, including the Battle of Britain and the Blitz as well as discovering what evacuation was like for children. We will also explore how the war changed the lives and roles of women and consider its lasting impact on Britain, including migration to Britain after the war.

Geography

In Geography, we will be learning about the Alps, locating the mountain range and exploring its key human and physical features. We will discover what life is like in the Alpine region, including why it is a popular destination for tourists and the different activities people can enjoy there. We will also use geographical skills to compare the Alps with our own local area, identifying similarities and differences between the two regions.

Art

In Art, we will be exploring how artists use different techniques to create meaning and impact within their work. We will experiment with expressive mark making, symbolic imagery and chiaroscuro, developing our drawing skills along the way. We will also explore street art and consider how artists use powerful imagery to communicate messages, before applying these techniques to create our own impactful artwork.

DT

In Design and Technology this term, we will be designing and making our own stuffed toys, inspired by toys from World War Two. We will begin by exploring and evaluating existing products, including the children’s own soft toys, to consider how they have been designed and made. The children will then design their own product and practise a range of sewing and joining techniques, including blanket stitch, before creating and assembling their final stuffed toy during our Inspire session.

Music

In Music, we will be developing our singing skills through a range of songs linked to World War Two, including The White Cliffs of Dover. We will learn to recognise and control pitch, explore dynamics and expression and develop confidence when singing in parts and harmonising with others. We will also develop our understanding of musical notation by learning how to record melodies using pitches within an octave.

PE

PE this term will be developing our skills in handball. This will include shooting, defending, goal keeping, different techniques of shooting, passing and dribbling. We will develop an understanding the impact of exercise on our bodies and how to keep fit. 

Swimming will be on Friday this term. Children will work towards the national curriculum requirement to competently, confidently and proficiently swim over a distance of at least 25 metres, use a range of strokes effectively and perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.

RE

RE this term will focus on Christianity and look in more detail at what type of king Jesus was. Throughout the topic, Year 6 will explore how Jesus taught his followers to be good Christians through the use of parables. We will also consider how Christians follow Jesus’ message today by supporting others less fortunate through charity work and volunteering

PSHE

In PSHE, we will be exploring how the choices we make can support our health and wellbeing, both now and in the future. We will learn about looking after our teeth, making informed choices about food and understanding how our habits can influence our long-term health. We will also explore our emotional wellbeing, including how to recognise and manage complex feelings, develop a positive mindset and understand how our actions can support our own self-esteem and the self-esteem of others.

Computing

During the autumn term, we will be learning about online safety. We will develop a clear understanding of appropriate online behaviour, understand the meaning of our digital footprint, understand the importance of a balance in screen time and identify risks of mobile devices broadcasting their location. We will then move on to look at how to use a spreadsheet for calculations, planning and investigate probability. 

French

This term children will be developing their language skills by learning the different school subjects. They will be able to discuss the subjects that they enjoy and those they are not so fond of. During the term there will be the opportunity to read, write and listen to a range of key phrases, which they will use in conversation. They will continue to recap on their previous learning from Year 5, which included greetings and introductory phrases.

Look at what we have been doing...