Autumn 2

Mathematics – Place value, multiplication and division, and subtraction.

This half term we will begin by further exploring place value, helping children understand the size and structure of numbers. They’ll learn how to round numbers up to four digits to the nearest 10, 100, and 1,000, which is a great skill for estimating and checking answers. We’ll also take a step back in time to learn Roman numerals up to 100, making links between ancient and modern number systems.

Next, we’ll dive into multiplication and division. Starting with the basics of multiplying and dividing by 1 and 0, we’ll then tackle trickier numbers like 7, 9, and 12. As confidence grows, children will use their understanding of place value to multiply and divide larger numbers efficiently. These skills will support problem-solving and will give them the tools to approach more complex calculations later on.

We will then focus on subtraction. We will be using column subtraction to find the difference between two four-digit numbers without exchanging. Once the children are confident, they’ll move on to subtracting numbers that require exchanging from the thousands, hundreds, and tens columns. Next, we’ll focus on choosing the most efficient method—deciding when to use a formal written method and when a mental strategy works best. Finally, children will apply their skills to solve more complex two-step problems, which helps them think logically and use subtraction in real-life contexts. 

Reading – Fiction: Charlotte’s Web

In reading this half term, we will be exploring the story Charlotte’s Web.
Children will start by practising accurate word reading with pace and expression, using the story’s rich language to build fluency. They’ll then learn to find information efficiently by skimming and scanning for key vocabulary and synonyms, recording quotations accurately to support their understanding. As we explore the text, pupils will create a detailed mental model of the story world, thinking about how authors use setting, character emotions, and word choice to create mood and atmosphere. Towards the end of the unit, children will revisit how to summarise key ideas from an extract, deciding what’s essential and justifying their choices. These skills will help them reflect deeply on character experiences and prepare for thoughtful written responses. 

English Writing– Fiction setting description inspired by Charlotte’s Web

This half term in writing, the children will be using Charlotte’s Web as inspiration for their own descriptive pieces. They will begin by learning how to create expanded noun phrases, adding carefully chosen adjectives, nouns, and prepositional phrases to bring settings and objects to life. This will help them paint vivid pictures for the reader and make their writing more engaging. As the unit progresses, pupils will explore how to use commas for fronted adverbials, which allow them to show when, where, and how actions take place. This skill adds variety and clarity to their sentences and helps their writing flow more naturally.

Next, children will focus on organising ideas into paragraphs around a theme, using visual scaffolds and planning tools to group related details and build atmosphere. Finally, they will plan, write, and edit a setting description narrative, imagining a moment in Wilbur’s world. This final piece will showcase their ability to create mood, use expanded detail, and structure their writing so that it feels cohesive and purposeful. By the end of the unit, pupils will have developed a strong understanding of how authors use language and structure to create impact, and they will apply these techniques confidently in their own work.

Science – Materials

This half term in science, children will be exploring the topic of states of matter and how materials can change from one state to another. They will learn that all materials exist as solids, liquids, or gases, and discover the unique properties of each. For example, solids keep their shape and take up the same amount of space, while liquids can flow and change shape depending on their container, and gases spread out to fill any space and can be compressed. Pupils will investigate how heating and cooling can cause materials to change state, such as ice melting into water or water boiling into steam, and learn key scientific terms like melting point, boiling point, evaporation, and condensation.

As part of this unit, children will also explore the water cycle and understand how evaporation and condensation play an important role in recycling water on Earth. They will learn how the Sun heats water in rivers, lakes, and seas, causing it to evaporate, and how water vapour condenses to form clouds before falling back to the ground as rain, hail, or snow. Through practical activities and observations, pupils will develop a deeper understanding of how temperature affects matter and why these processes are essential for life on our planet.

 

Geography

This half term in geography, children will be learning more about Europe and what makes each country unique. They will begin by recognising that different countries have their own flags, languages, and famous landmarks. For example, they will explore iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the Colosseum in Italy, the Parthenon in Greece, and Stonehenge in England. Alongside this, pupils will revisit the idea that Europe is home to a rich variety of languages—there are 24 official languages spoken across the continent!

As the unit progresses, children will think about why people move from one country to another in Europe. They will learn that migration can happen for many reasons, including war, jobs, education, climate, and changes in personal circumstances. This will lead to discussions about diversity and how we can celebrate and be inclusive of different cultures. Through these lessons, pupils will gain a deeper understanding of Europe as a continent and the ways in which people and places are connected.

 

History – Anglo-Saxons invasion to Britain

This half term in history, children will be learning about the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain and how it shaped life in the early medieval period. They will discover that around 446–454 CE, British King Vortigern invited two brothers, Hengest and Horsa, from Jutland to help defend Britain against attacks from northern tribes such as the Picts and Scots. In return for their support, the Anglo-Saxons were given land, marking the beginning of Anglo-Saxon Britain around 450 CE. Pupils will learn that the Anglo-Saxons were not one single group but a collection of tribes, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.

As part of their learning, children will explore fascinating archaeological evidence, such as the Sutton Hoo burial site, which has helped historians understand the complexity of Anglo-Saxon society. They will also compare the Anglo-Saxon invasion with the Scots’ attempted invasion to identify similarities and differences. Through this study, pupils will gain insight into why invasions happened, how they changed life in Britain, and what these events tell us about power and settlement during this time.

 

Art – Still Life Drawing and Mixed Media

Inspired by the work of Paul Cézanne and Nicole Dyer, children will refine their drawing skills by focusing on line and space in still life compositions. They will compare artistic styles and use vocabulary to describe colour, shape, texture, and pattern. Building on this, children will experiment with mixed media to create layered, expressive artwork.

 

Computing – Networks and Online Content

This half term in computing, children will be learning how to use software to create content that meets a specific goal by producing their own audio recordings and podcasts. They will start by understanding what a podcast is and identifying the input and output devices needed, such as microphones for recording and speakers for playback. Pupils will then learn practical editing skills, including trimming unwanted audio, layering sounds to make recordings more engaging, and importing and exporting tracks in formats like MP3. They will also explore how to save and reopen projects so that edits can be made later, and how to choose appropriate edits to improve the quality of their work.

Alongside these technical skills, children will learn about online safety and the importance of making responsible decisions when using digital platforms. They will discuss age restrictions and the digital age of consent, understand why privacy settings matter, and practise using child-friendly search engines such as Swiggle and YouTube Kids. Pupils will also learn how to navigate privacy settings, seek advice from trusted adults, and make informed choices about sharing personal information online. By the end of the unit, children will have developed both creative and critical digital skills, enabling them to produce high-quality audio content while staying safe online.

 

PE – Social Cog Real PE

 This half term in PE, children will focus on improving balance, agility, and rotation while developing teamwork and communication skills. They will practise jumping and landing with control, using their arms and legs effectively for height and stability. Pupils will also work on seated and apparatus balances, learning positions such as arabesque and counterbalance with a partner. Rotation skills, including rolls and turns, will help them move with control and synchronise movements in pairs. Alongside these physical skills, children will learn how to give clear feedback, share ideas, and support each other to improve performance.

PE – Real Gym

In this unit, children will develop balance and rotation skills on the floor, with hand apparatus, and through partner work. They will learn how to link movements creatively into sequences and apply these skills in games and activities. Pupils will practise fundamental movements such as balancing, pivoting, and moving with and without a ball, which can be transferred to a range of sports. They will also focus on performing partner balances safely, using body tension and extension to improve control, and linking rotations smoothly to create dynamic routines.

 

PSHE – Differences

This half term in PSHE, children will learn the importance of celebrating differences and managing conflicts positively. They will explore strategies such as negotiation and compromise to resolve disagreements and understand the consequences of aggressive behaviour. Pupils will also discuss diversity, including race, gender, religion, and ethnicity, and learn how stereotypes can influence attitudes. Alongside this, they will consider personal boundaries, recognise non-verbal signals, and know who to talk to if they feel uncomfortable. These lessons aim to build respect, empathy, and confidence in handling real-life situations.

RE – Christianity- Angels

This half term in RE, children will explore the concept of angels in the Christian tradition. They will learn that angels are messengers of God and appear in both the Old and New Testaments, including the birth narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. Pupils will consider why angels are important in these stories and what they represent for Christians. Through creative activities and discussion, they will express their own ideas about angels, explore how Christians use this concept in worship and storytelling, and reflect on the value angels might hold in their own lives and communities. 

Languages – Spanish: Numbers

This half term in Spanish, children will build on their number knowledge by learning how to say and write numbers from 20 to 39. They will discover patterns in the language, such as how numbers in the twenties and thirties are formed by combining the tens with the units. Pupils will also learn the days of the week and months of the year, practising pronunciation and spelling to improve fluency. These skills will help them use Spanish confidently in everyday contexts and prepare for more complex vocabulary later on.

 

Music – Learning to Play the Recorder

Throughout this unit, children will develop their recorder-playing skills, focusing on breath control, finger placement, and musical expression. They will learn to play notes such as C, B, A, D and G, explore rhythm and dynamics, and practise ensemble performance to improve timing and coordination.

 

Design & Technology – Biscuits: Designing for a Target Audience

Children will continue to design and make their own biscuits, beginning with a sensory exploration of biscuit taste-testing. They will plan using sketches, annotated diagrams, and recipes, and select materials based on function and appearance. Working to a budget, they will adapt their designs and present their final product for feedback and evaluation.