All about Class 5

This is the first step into the Juniors and the children in this class are in Year 3 and 4. The children in this class are taught by myself, Mrs Harrison with assistance from Mrs Warburton, Miss Hussain & Miss Garland. 

In our class, we cover a range of exciting topics in all subject areas. Below is just an example of what each academic year might include:

English

We study a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts and some poetry. We learn many different grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills which we identify in texts before applying them to independent writing. Here is an example the focus texts which our lessons are planned around: Paddington, The Iron Man, The Spider & The Fly, Stig of the Dump, Aesop's Fables, and many others are used as link texts.

Maths

As this is such an important life skill it offers a broad range of experiences within topics such as Number & Place Value, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division, Fractions, Measurements, Geometry and Statistics.

Religious Education

Our lessons follow a new scheme called ‘Lighting the Path.’ Each of the six branches (units) allows the children to explore their faith, the teachings of the Church, and to learn, retell & understand key bible stories and scripture.

Computing

We cover a range of different topics including how to code, send and receive emails and how to stay safe when online (this important skill is taught every year). 

Science

Each year we cover different topics such as materials, electricity, humans and animals and light & shadows. Each topic teaches and develops a range of skills within the following strands:

• Scientific Knowledge.
• Conceptual Understanding.
• Working Scientifically.
• Research.
• Outdoor Learning &
• Investigations

Art & Design Technology

We look at and develop skills in painting, sketching & drawing, collaging, textiles and using electrical equipment to design torches and posters.

History

We study units which focus on local history, for example, how the Lancashire Cotton Mills influenced the textile industry and the links to the slave trade. British History includes finding out about how evacuees felt during the World Wars, why the Anglo-Saxons & the Romans came to Britain and World History includes topics including the Islamic Golden Age, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Greece.

Geography

We investigate places and patterns between physical and human geographical features. We learn how to communicate our ideas using geographical skills and vocabulary. We develop fieldwork skills within each topic taught. Some of the topics covered include volcanoes, rainforests, where our food comes from & rivers.

PE

Through this subject area, the children will develop physically, personally, and socially. They will work in groups, teams, as a whole class and independently as they cover topics such as, invasion games, gymnastics, outdoor adventurous activities, and dance.

During the Summer Term, the children enjoy visiting Accrington Academy for swimming lessons. These weekly lessons teach them some fantastic water safety skills and allow them to become more independent in the pool. It is important that children are in school at 8:30 on swimming days and that they remember their swimming caps. We visit Forest School up at Rothwell Heights in the Autumn Term where we fully immerse ourselves in outdoor learning.

Each class will be taught music through Charanga and children in Key Stage 2 are taught French.

Our school’s curriculum aims to make links across subject areas and contributes to the teaching of British Values as well as providing an environment which ensures all children are provided with the same opportunities regardless of social class, race, gender, special educational need, or disability.

To find out a little more about our class and what they we learning this term, please have a look at 'What we are learning in Class 5.'

If you wish to know more about the Year 3 and Year 4 curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact school.

Curriculum Reading

Like our other Key Stage 2 classes, we too use the Collins Big Cat and Oxford reading schemes.  The reading books are broken into bands; each band contains a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. We use these books for guided reading lessons and as home readers. It is important that children read regularly at home and we encourage you to share books as much as possible. 

Should children require further support with phonics we use the Red Rose Letters and Sounds Synthetic Phonics Programme as St Oswald's is a Red Rose School.  

Reading for Pleasure 

When the children have the opportunity to read for pleasure, they will have selected their own book from the library, something which interests them at an appropriate level.  This book may be linked to a specific curriculum area, a topic which they find interesting or one from their favourite author.

All children also have the opportunity to take a book home from the library to read.  The children will bring this book back and swap it once they have read it.  The staff in Class 5 are always on hand to make recommendations to the children if they are looking for something new to read.

At the end of each day, the class teacher will read to the class using their class novel.  This may be a book which they are studying as part of their English topic or a book which the children have requested.  

Within Class 5, the children will cover a range of topics across the curriculum.  Due to the amount of history & geography topics that the children are required to study in Key Stage Two and the mixed aged classes that we have at St Oswald's, we run a four year cycle.

2024 - 25    Cycle BD

2025 - 26    Cycle AA

Please click on the icon to learn more about the curriculum in Class 5.