This year the children will spend some time being taught separate activities to access their year 3 and year 4 entitlements and some time in mixed groupings especially in our topic work where they will be expected to work at the level correct for their ability. I am very lucky to have Mrs Moore who is a higher-level teaching assistant working with me most mornings, which will allow this to happen. Mrs Plenty is also working with me for two afternoons a week using her expertese and knowledge of the children to help develop their skills.

This term we are continuing the Romans topic culminating in a visit to the Roman baths and a workshop where we shall live the Roman life on the 24^th of November. We are also starting a science based topic called Healthy me where the children will be finding out about teeth, the digestive system and the importance of sleep – hopefully they won’t be practising this in the classroom! In literacy the focus is on poetry, traditional tales and narrative looking at settings in literature and film. I will be using small extracts from Harry Potter the Philosophers stone and Toy story, which are both P.G., rated. Please contact me quickly if you have any objections to this. The emphasis this term is on regular hand writing, spelling and reading practice. The children may also share their writing targets with you and as always your support in all homework especially spellings and reading is very valued. Speaking and listening is a huge amount of the literacy curriculum and clear conversations with your children will benefit them in many areas as we expect them to be able to explain, discuss and write in detail.  In maths we are going to be starting to use a new state of the art maths scheme, which is very stimulating with lots of interactive white board lessons as well as bright shiny textbooks. The children will follow either the year 3 or year 4 curriculum in maths.  Maths homework will tend to be games or activities, which will need an adults, input. Please see separate letter with the first homework. The homework acts as an introduction to the following weeks work so it is important that it is completed by then. P.E will take place on Monday (Dance) and Tuesday (games or gymnastics) and full kit is needed in school. Also other opportunities for P.E. do sometimes arise during the week so please keep kit in school. The children do need daps or trainers for outside P.E. which will take place all year round if the weather allows it. Mrs Pritchard will be taking the class in two groups for French once a week and they also continue to benefit from a specialised music teacher once a week working on singing. We should all sound beautiful by the end of the year. Mrs Roost will be taking on the R.E. curriculum this year as well as some P.E. on Tuesday mornings when I have my planning, preparation and assessment time. Drama club starts this half term on Tuesdays.  ICT is integrated into the other subject areas and art will be linked with topics as well as discreet skills lessons.

I am really looking forward to teaching Ash class. I have already warned them I have been a caged tiger for the last three months so now released I’m raring to go. Those of you who know me from Elm class know that we should have a great year and that your child is very important to me. I look forward to seeing you soon and please contact me if you or your child is concerned.

Carol Fradley