SHOOTING STARS - MISS Brown

End of Term 4

Thank you for a busy yet brilliant term. The improvements we have all made in our writing and handwriting have been significant. We have produced thoughtful pieces of writing with a strong focus on presentation and neat handwriting—an excellent achievement. A huge well done to everyone.

We have also had some exciting experiences this term. We met an author and even saw our detailed drawings used to announce the Bristol City squad at a match - unbelievable!

Year 6, thank you for showing such dedication to your learning as you focus on SATs revision. Your hard work really does pay off, so please keep it up. Year 5, you have been incredible in your mathematics learning, especially when tackling the challenging topic of fractions.

It has been a fantastic term for learning. I wish you all a restful break, and hopefully the sun shines!

Shooting Stars, please remember that your effort and focus do pay off and never go unnoticed.

Overview for Term 4

Reading

This term, pupils will develop their reading skills through a focus on Kick. They will explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, discussing themes, historical references and authorial choices. Pupils will build their understanding of vocabulary in context and strengthen key reading skills including retrieval, inference, prediction and summarising. They will also deepen their understanding of characters, settings and key events across the texts studied.

English

In our English lessons this term, pupils will focus on Kick. Through this text, pupils will explore how authors convey character, atmosphere and action. They will develop their skills in writing for different purposes, with a particular focus on diary-style writing and the effective use of dialogue to bring scenes and characters to life.

Alongside this, pupils will continue to strengthen their SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) knowledge. Lessons will include opportunities to practise key grammatical structures and apply them accurately within their writing.

Year 5 will develop their use of relative clauses beginning with who, which, where, when, whose and that, or using an omitted relative pronoun. They will focus on using commas to clarify meaning or avoid ambiguity, and will begin to integrate dialogue to show character and advance the action in their diary writing.

Year 6 will build on this by using more advanced grammar and punctuation, including passive verbs and semi-colons to mark boundaries between independent clauses. They will also learn how to integrate dialogue effectively, ensuring it supports both character development and the progression of events.

Throughout the term, pupils will be encouraged to edit and improve their work, applying SPaG skills confidently to produce high-quality writing.

Mathematics

This term, Year 5 will focus on fractions, decimals and percentages, including calculating with fractions, as well as work on length, mass and capacity.

Year 6 will develop their understanding of ratio and proportion, area and volume, converting units of measurement, and algebra.

Pupils will continue to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through their daily maths lessons using the Can-Do Maths approach. It is important that year six pupils bring their revision books in daily. Practicing times tables should happen in school and at home.

Science

Our science topic this term is Following Darwin’s Footsteps (Biology). Pupils will learn that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but that offspring vary and are not identical to their parents. They will explore how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environments and understand that adaptation can lead to evolution. Pupils will also practise reading and explaining data such as diagrams and data timelines.

History

In history, pupils will explore the enquiry question: Why have different people migrated to Britain over time? Pupils will study the history of migration and examine changes in social history, such as crime and punishment from the Anglo-Saxons to the present, as well as leisure and entertainment in the 20th Century.

Religious Education

In Religious Education this term, pupils will be learning about Buddhism, exploring the enquiry question: How does the Triple Refuge help Buddhists in their journey through life?

Pupils will discover what the Triple Refuge (also known as the Three Jewels) means to Buddhists, and why it is so important in guiding their beliefs and actions.

PSHE

Through the Jigsaw theme Healthy Me, pupils will learn about taking personal responsibility and how substances affect the body. They will also explore issues such as exploitation, including county lines and gang culture, and develop strategies for supporting emotional and mental health and managing stress.

In PE this term, pupils will follow the Get Set PE scheme, focusing on actions and sequences of movement. They will work to develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance. Wednesday’s session will be delivered in partnership with the Robins Foundation.

French

In French, pupils will study the topic “At the Weekend”, developing key vocabulary and speaking skills to discuss activities and routines.

Computing

In computing, pupils will study Unit 4: Data and Information, with an introduction to spreadsheets. They will learn how to organise, present and interpret data using digital tools.

Art and Design

In DT and Art, pupils will explore the work of Edward Weston. They will demonstrate an understanding of his photographic style through artistic choices, discuss what makes an effective composition, and select appropriate props to develop creative design ideas. Pupils will also learn about camera features and editing software.

Additional Information

PE:
PE will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday this term.

Reading Records:
Please ensure reading records are brought into school weekly. Pupils are expected to read at home at least four times per week and record this in their reading log.

School Bags:
Children should bring only book bags, lunch boxes and water bottles. Keyrings and toys should remain at home to avoid distraction or loss.

Thank you for your continued support this term.

End of Term 3

Shooting Stars,

What a quick but incredible term it has been! You have all worked exceptionally hard, and the effort you’ve put in has been truly wonderful to see.

A huge shout-out to Year 6 for taking SATs revision and practice in your stride. Your positive attitudes have been fantastic. The writing you have all produced this term is something you should be incredibly proud of.

We’ve enjoyed a term full of new learning, an amazing assembly, and so many opportunities for you to show the knowledge you’ve gained.

I hope you all have a well-deserved and enjoyable break. Look forward to a fantastic term four.

Overview for Term 3

Reading

This term, Shooting Stars will develop their reading skills through a focus on Shackleton’s Journey and Kick. Pupils will explore both fiction and non-fiction texts, discussing themes, context and authorial choices. They will develop their understanding of vocabulary in context and consider how meaning is created through language and structure. Pupils will strengthen key reading skills including retrieval, inference, prediction and summarising, while also developing a deeper understanding of characters, settings and key events across both texts.

English

In our writing lessons this term, pupils will focus on Shackleton’s Journey. Through this text, pupils will explore how authors convey character, atmosphere and action.

Year 5 will develop their use of relative clauses, including those beginning with who, which, where, when, whose and that, or using an omitted relative pronoun. They will focus on choosing an appropriate register for their writing, integrating dialogue to convey character and advance the action, and using commas to clarify meaning or avoid ambiguity.

Year 6 will distinguish between the language of speech and writing and recognise vocabulary and grammatical structures used in formal writing, including subjunctive forms. They will use passive verbs, semi-colons to mark boundaries between independent clauses, and integrate dialogue effectively to convey character and advance the action.

Mathematics

In maths, Year 5 will focus on multiplication and division using written methods, alongside geometry, including position and direction. Year 6 will focus on fractions, including calculating with fractions. Pupils will continue to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through their daily maths lessons using the Can-Do Maths approach. It is important that year six pupils bring their revision books in daily.

Science

Our science topic this term is Following Darwin’s Footsteps (Biology). Pupils will learn that living things have changed over time and that fossils provide information about living things that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. They will recognise that living things produce offspring of the same kind, but that offspring vary and are not identical to their parents. Pupils will also identify and explain how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environments.

Geography

In geography, we will explore the enquiry question: How do humans adapt to hazardous locations? Pupils will study volcanoes and earthquakes, developing their understanding of key aspects of physical geography. They will learn about plate tectonics, how earthquakes occur, and the causes and effects of active volcanoes. Pupils will also describe the ‘Ring of Fire’, explore the benefits of living near volcanic soil, and explain how people adapt to living in earthquake zones.

Religious Education

Our RE topic this term focuses on Hinduism. Pupils will explore the question: How do beliefs about Brahman and atman influence the way a Hindu lives? They will reflect on how beliefs shape values, choices and daily life.

PSHE

Through our Jigsaw theme Dreams and Goals, pupils will explore personal learning goals both in and out of school. They will consider what success looks like, recognise emotions linked to achievement, develop motivation, reflect on how they can make a difference in the world, and practise recognising achievements and giving compliments.

Our PE focus this term is dance, following the Year 6 Get Set PE scheme. Pupils will develop coordination, control and expression through a range of dance activities.

French

In French, pupils will study the topic Planets. They will develop their vocabulary and speaking skills, learning to talk confidently about this theme.

Music

In music, pupils will learn and perform Make You Feel My Love and You’ve Got a Friend, developing their singing skills, confidence and musical expression.

Design Technology

In DT, pupils will focus on Structures – Playgrounds. They will design a playground featuring a variety of structures, considering how the structures will be used. Pupils will explore effective and ineffective designs and apply this understanding when creating and evaluating their own designs.

Additional Information:

PE: Tuesday and Thursday

Reading Records: Please ensure these are brought to school weekly. Pupils are expected to read at home at least four times per week and record this in their reading log. Children in Shooting Stars can write in their reading records themselves, thinking about predicting, character thoughts and setting.

School Bags: Please bring only book bags, lunch boxes and water bottles. Keyrings and toys should remain at home to avoid distraction and loss.

Year 6 pupils have been provided with SATs revision books and a range of additional resources to support their learning. They should continue to use these materials to revise regularly at home. Thank you for your continued support in helping them prepare.

End of Term 2

It's been a busy but amazing time in Shooting Stars this term. I want to say a huge well done to the children for their hard work, positive attitudes, and the enthusiasm they show towards their learning. It has been a term of many trips from courtroom trials to the Big Winter Sing. Each one has been fantastic! As we go into term three remember just how capable you are - keep up the revision, determination, and the brilliant effort. Wishing you all a restful and very Merry Christmas.

Overview for Term 2

Reading

This term, Shooting Stars will continue to deepen their understanding of Skellig by David Almond. We will explore the author’s use of language and structure, discussing how meaning is created and how characters develop throughout the story. Pupils will continue to explore the story of Michael, whilst strengthening their skills in retrieval, inference, prediction, summarising, and explanation. We will also be focusing on character descriptions.

English

In our writing lessons, we will be focusing on The Place for Me: Stories about the Windrush Generation. Through this text, pupils will explore a significant period in Black British history and the experiences of those who arrived in the UK as part of the Windrush generation. They will learn how to write an informative leaflet about this core period, using hybrid text forms that include information, recount, and explanation. Year 5 will focus on using modal verbs and adverbs to indicate degrees of possibility, as well as planning writing with a clear sense of audience and purpose. Year 6 will enhance their writing by selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, including the use of brackets, dashes, and commas for parenthesis, and will include summarising statements. Across both year groups, pupils will continue to manipulate style for specific purposes and audiences.

Mathematics

In maths, Year 5 will focus on addition and subtraction, multiplication and division (including powers of 10), and number properties. Year 6 will continue to develop their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages, as well as the properties of shapes, including angles. Both year groups will consolidate their understanding of the four operations and apply these to problem-solving and reasoning tasks. Fluency will continue to be supported through daily Maths On Track sessions.

Science

Our science topic this term is Bright Sparks (Physics). Pupils will compare and observe variations in the function of electrical components, exploring brightness, volume, and the effects of voltage and the number of components in a circuit. They will use symbols for simple circuits in diagrams, make predictions, test, record results, and draw conclusions based on their findings.

History

In history, we will explore the theme of monarchy. Pupils will learn what a monarch is and understand the meaning of hereditary monarchy. They will examine key historical events, such as the signing of the Magna Carta, the Reformation under Henry VIII, and the causes and consequences of the English Civil War. We will also look at the development of constitutional monarchy and how these changes shaped Britain today.

Religious Education

Our RE topic this term focuses on Islam. Pupils will explore the question: How does tawhid create a sense of belonging to the Muslim community? They will reflect on how belief and faith influence community life and personal identity.

PSHE

Through our Jigsaw theme, Being Me in My World, pupils will explore perceptions of normality, disability, inclusion and exclusion, and empathy. They will also discuss power struggles and understand how differences can be viewed as conflict or as celebration, promoting respect and acceptance for all.

Our PE focus this term is fitness, with an emphasis on agility, teamwork, stamina, and pace. Pupils will take part in a variety of activities that develop collaboration and precision. PE will take place on Tuesday and Thursday, and children should arrive at school wearing their PE kit.

French

In French, our topic will be My Home. Pupils will develop their speaking and listening skills by learning vocabulary to describe their homes and local areas, using simple sentences with increasing confidence.

Music

Shooting Stars will prepare for The Big Winter Sing! They will be learning to perform with confidence and expression. They will continue to explore rhythm, melody, and performance skills in preparation for our winter celebration. Shooting Stars will also be continuing to participate in their steel pan lessons!

Art and Design.

In art and design, pupils will study sculpture and 3D installation. They will design and create their own sculptures, learning how to express ideas through form, texture, and structure. Pupils will develop their understanding of what installation art is and how it communicates meaning.

Computing

This term, our computing focus is Systems and Networks: Communication and Collaboration. Pupils will learn how information is shared across networks, exploring how the internet enables people to communicate and work together effectively.

Additional Information:

PE: Tuesday and Thursday

School Bags: Please bring only book bags, lunch boxes and water bottles. Keyrings and toys should remain at home to avoid distraction and loss.

End of Term 1

Shooting Stars have made a fantastic start to the term! The class has shown real progress in working collaboratively. Pupils have been developing their conversational skills through our Oracy Voice 21 approach, learning how to listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and build on each other’s ideas.

In English, the children have produced some wonderful setting descriptions and a beautifully written narrative, full of atmosphere and detail that really brings their writing to life. In maths, everyone has tackled new challenges with determination.

It has truly been a lovely term for Shooting Stars- filled with exciting learning and creativity (especially our bears waistcoats)

Wishing you all a lovely break and can't wait for next term to be even more amazing!

Overview for Term 1

Reading

This term, Shooting Stars will continue to deepen their reading skills of retrieval of key information and inference, as well as the valuable skill of explanation — whether it is their views on how and why authors have selected vocabulary and structured their writing in a particular way, or their predictions and own opinions about what they have read. Shooting Stars will do this through their writing and reading lessons, while also continuing to read and explore the fiction text Skellig by David Almond. This is a beautifully written novel that follows a young boy, Michael, as he makes a mysterious discovery and begins to see the world differently. This text will also be referred to in term two, as it links well to our themes of resilience, empathy, and looking beyond appearances.

English

This term, we will be reading and basing much of our writing on The Race to the Frozen North by Catherine Johnson. This is a thrilling fictionalised account of Matthew Henson, the first African American man to reach the North Pole. Through this text, we will explore his incredible journey and the challenges he faced, linking to themes of determination and resilience.

In our writing lessons, Shooting Stars will focus on developing their ability to write for different purposes and audiences. Year 5 will revisit and strengthen their use of fronted adverbials with correct punctuation, time adverbials, commas to avoid ambiguity, a variety of adverbials for cohesion, and organising paragraphs around themes. They will also practise using a thesaurus effectively to improve their vocabulary choices.

Year 6 will consolidate their use of commas to avoid ambiguity and to punctuate relative clauses. They will also learn how to use commas for clarity, identify and use the active and passive voice, apply hyphens correctly, and recognise the progressive tense.

As a class, we will apply these skills through diary entries, recounts and descriptive writing. We will always consider our audience and think carefully about how to engage the reader. Dictionaries and thesauruses will continue to be used regularly to support and improve our work.

Mathematics

In Shooting Stars this term, we will cover the mathematical topics of Number and Place Value, Decimals, and Geometry. Year 5 will focus on the properties of shapes, while Year 6 will focus on position and direction, as well as beginning work on multiplication and division.

Year 5 will learn to read, write and represent numbers up to one million, including negative numbers. In decimals, they will work with numbers to three decimal places, comparing, ordering and rounding them. In Geometry, they will explore 3D shapes and their nets.

Year 6 will read, write and represent numbers up to ten million, calculate intervals across zero and work with negative numbers in context. They will multiply decimals and use formal methods to divide larger numbers. Consolidating times tables and division facts will remain a priority. Throughout the term, pupils will use a range of representations, apply maths to real-life scenarios, and develop fluency and reasoning through problem solving. Vocabulary will play a key role in explaining and justifying their thinking. Daily Maths On Track sessions will help consolidate and revisit prior learning.

Science

In term one, our science topic will be Light. Throughout this topic, Shooting Stars will take part in plenty of hands-on, practical science activities. We will explore how light travels in straight lines, how objects are seen by reflecting light into the eye, and the route light takes to reach the eye. Pupils will observe and explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them, and they will make connections between shadows and the properties of materials such as transparency, translucence and opaqueness.

Shooting Stars will also observe and explain refraction and its effects. Throughout the topic, pupils will continue to develop their scientific enquiry skills by asking questions, making predictions, planning and carrying out tests, making observations, recording and analysing data, and drawing conclusions from their own investigations.

Geography

This term in geography, Shooting Stars will be learning about rainforests and migration. We will discover where the world’s rainforests are located and how much of the world’s oxygen they produce. We will explore what an ecosystem is, focusing on the key features of the rainforest ecosystem. The topic will also cover deforestation—what it is and why it happens. Additionally, we will learn about migration, including why people move to urban areas. Finally, we will study sustainable tourism and why it is especially important for countries like Kenya. Through this, we aim to understand the environment, human movement, and the importance of protecting our planet.

PSHE

The whole school approach to PSHE will continue to be supported by the Jigsaw Programme of work. This term we will be focusing on the topic of ‘Being me in my world’’ Within this topic, Shooting Stars will explore ways to handle new challenges positively and know how to set personal goals. As a class, we will also identify hopes for this school year and year six pupils will understand fears and worries that may occur towards the future and know how to express them. In PSHE everyone is valued, and we learn how to make others feel the same.

Our whole school approach to P.E will be supported by the Get Set 4 PE Programme of work. It provides curriculum-aligned lessons, which support children to learn the skills across various sports and key elements of communication, collaboration, and challenge. Shooting Stars will be participating in Dodgeball, which will lead us to the outcome of understanding precision, rules and ball skills.

All children are expected to participate in P.E and be appropriately dressed in a P.E kit (red top and black shorts). School asks that children to come to school wearing their kit for the day.

P.E will take place on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.

R.E

Throughout the year, we will explore the views and beliefs of a range of different religions. This term, Shooting Stars will focus on the topic of Christianity. Shooting Stars will explore the question: How do Christians show their belief that Jesus is God incarnate?

French

In French Shooting Stars will be learning how to say and understand the date in French. They will practise the pronunciation of numbers and key vocabulary to confidently talk about days, months, and dates. This will help build their confidence in speaking and listening to French in everyday contexts. They will also be exploring the phonics within French.

Music

This term, Shooting Stars will be exploring the exciting world of jazz and blues music. We will learn about the history and origins of these styles and discover what makes them unique. The unit will introduce key features such as improvisation, swing rhythms, and the use of blues scales, giving us a deeper understanding of how these influential genres developed and how they are performed.

Design and Technology

In DT, Shooting Stars will design and make their own waistcoats. They will consider a range of factors in their design criteria to create a thoughtful waistcoat design. Using a template, they will mark and cut out their fabric pieces. Pupils will use running stitches to join the fabric and assemble a functional waistcoat. They will also attach secure fastenings and add decorative elements to personalise their creation. Finally, they will evaluate their finished product, reflecting on its strengths and areas for improvement.

Additional information:

PE – Tuesday and Thursday.

No school bags - only book bags, lunch boxes and water bottles please. Please do not put many keyrings on book bags as these get lost, tangled and children are bringing them into the class to play with. This applies to toys too. Thank you for your understanding.

Reading Records to be brought to school. The expectation is that the children read at home at least 4 times per week and record this in their reading record. These will be checked weekly during this term.

I look forward to working with you and your child over the next term to make sure they continue to achieve and reach their full potential! I’m ready and excited for this term and school year! I hope they are too, after what I hope was a lovely summer.