Literacy
Over the course of this term we will be covering a variety of writing genres. We began by studying the classic narrative poem 'The Highwayman' and looking at a range of poetic styles, such as alliteration, onomatopoeia and figurative language. We also reviewed some previous work on similes and metaphors.

During the last four weeks of the first half term, we will be studying a unit relating to myths and legends. A lot of the work on this unit will be linked to our history topic on Ancient Greece. The children will be looking at some of the more well known myths of Ancient Greece and learning about the style of writing, the language used, characters, etc. They will then have an opportunity to write their own myth.

After half term, two units of work will be covered. The first will be linked to studying and writing instruction texts. By the end of his unit, the children should be clear about the main features and layout of this type of writing. In the final three weeks, our literacy unit will be linked to writing play scripts. For the year 5 children, this could be an opportunity to build upon some of the work they began last year relating to adverts.

Numeracy
Over the course of the term, the children will study most areas of numeracy. We started off looking at number sequences and place value, before moving onto the four rules, where the children will learn the standard methods of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. As the term progresses, we will be studying aspects of shape and space, measurements and data handling.

Science
Our current science topic is 'Friction'. The children will be building upon their existing knowledge of forces and will be learning that friction is a force which exists between objects moving across a solid surface and opposes motion. They will also learn about air resistance and water resistance as forces that oppose motion in these elements. This is the children carrying out an investigation as to which surface has the most friction.

After half term, our topic will be 'Keeping Warm'. Through this unit children build on their ideas about temperature as a measure of how hot or cold objects are and learn about thermal insulators as materials which can help to keep things warm or cool.

ICT
During the first half term, the children are looking at how computers can be used to create music. The children are developing a piece of music using a piece of software which allows them to build up different layers of sound and beats. The children are really enjoying their ICT lessons!

If all goes to plan, I hope to produce a CD of the children's work.

After half term, the children will be producing Powerpoint presentations linked to our Ancient Greece topic.Our main topic is the Ancient Greeks and this is the focus of our history and art work this term.

I hope this gives you an idea of what Oak Class will be learning this term.

Simon Martin
Oak Class Teacher