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Stingray Class
Welcome to Stingray Class 2026-2027.
Please check out our school twitter page/ Facebook to see regular photos of our incredible learning journey.
English
We will be exploring a range of books to develop our poetic skills Through discussions, drama, character analysis and creative narratives, the children will get a strong understanding of the text and use key events to inspire their own writing. There is a strong focus on developing the quality of sentences and vocabulary . To support this, each week, the class will have SPaG sessions in which they will explore new aspects of spelling, punctuation and grammar. Each week, the children will be expected to access Spelling Shed to practise new and old spellings.
As well-developed reading skills are vital to enabling children to access all areas of the primary curriculum, in Year 4/5, the children will undertake reading activities, in which they will further develop their comprehension skills by exploring and analysing texts using ‘VIPERS’ questions. Your child will bring home a reading record and home reading book. We ask that children read for 20 minutes each day and would be grateful if this could be recorded to show that this has taken place. In this way, we hope to enthuse the children and make them realise that books can open up a world of endless possibilities.
Maths
In Maths year 4 and 5 will be following a Maths journey using White Rose materials to support them. Our children are taught in pure year groups for maths. Our White Rose curriculum ensure children build skills on previous learning and make use of manipulatives and partner work to secure their understanding. A daily 'Fluency Boost' helps children to recall skills and secure them in their long term memory.
In Key Stage Two, it is even more important now that they develop a secure understanding of their times tables. This year, year 4s will be required to complete the Multiplication Tables Check so any additional practice outside of school will be extremely beneficial. The children will need to develop a secure understanding of times tables up to 12 x 12. Every child has access to Times Table Rockstars, which is a fantastic resource that we urge every child to make the most of. The children have their own log ins and can be accessed via this link: https://ttrockstars.com/
Wider Learning
This year we will continue to use the ‘Cornerstones curriculum’ to support our wider learning.
We will cover a range of key topics throughout the year.
DYNAMIC DYNASTIES (Terms 1 and 2)
This driver project teaches children about the history of ancient China, focusing primarily on the Shang Dynasty, and explores the lasting legacy of the first five Chinese dynasties, some of which can still be seen in the world today.
SOW, GROW AND FARM (Terms 3 and 4)
This driver project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas.
THE GROUNDBREAKING GREEKS (Terms 5 and 6)
This driver project teaches children about developments and changes over six periods of ancient Greek history, focusing on the city state of Athens in the Classical age, and exploring the lasting legacy of ancient Greece.
How can I help my child at home?
The children have access to Spelling Shed and TTRS. If your chid is in Year 4, they may also find https://urbrainy.com/mtc useful to practice calculating their times tables at speed.
Reading a little bit daily is crucial to your child's progress. As they become very proficient, your child is likely to read with independence and at length but it is still beneficial if parents and carers are able to 'check-in' with them and discuss the book and perhaps ask for predictions to challenge their thinking and understanding. Your child is able to use Accelerated Reader to quiz on the book they have read. They can do this at home. It will ask comprehension questions. They will need to use this link: Accelerated Reader.
Every term, the children will bring home a Bethersden Bingo sheet. There are nine tasks to complete across the term. There is always additional information and links on the Google Classroom. They should try and complete as many as possible and hopefully have fun and be able to share their learning with you.
