Welcome to Discovery Class

2024 - 2025

Our topic for Spring 1 is 

We will be exploring what the ancient Egyptians believed. In this topic we will be finding out about Egyptian beliefs, we will make inferences about beliefs about the afterlife using primary sources. We will also investigate pyramids, gods and goddesses, and mummified people to identify Egyptian beliefs before creating a video clip to summarise our findings.

In science, we will be investigating the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, we will learn about states of matter, explore changes of state through relatable examples, explain water cycle changes and study how temperature affects the rate of evaporation.

In the second half of the spring term we will switch to a geography topic where we will be exploring different types of settlements, land use, and the difference between urban and rural. We will describe the different human and physical features in our local area and make land use comparisons with New Delhi.

In science, we will be exploring different ways of producing sounds, we will learn how vibrations relate to what we hear, how pitch and volume can be altered and how sound can be insulated with different materials.

Our topic for Autumn 2 is 

In this topic, we will be exploring Antarctica. We will look at its location and climate as well as exploring why people like to visit and what research is carried out. We will explore Ernest Shackleton and map his route using four-figure grid references and plan our own expedition around school.

In science, we will be exploring electricity and circuits which links to our design and technology topic where we will be making our own torches with switches.

Our topic for Autumn 1 is 

We will start with a history topic called ‘Children Through Time’. In this topic we will be exploring how the lives of children have changed from Tudor times through to Victorian times. 

In science, we will be learning about food and digestion which links to our D&T topic where we will be learning to eat seasonally.

Useful links

Archive - Discovery Class 2023 - 2024.

Our topic this term is called ‘Emperors and Empires’ where we will find out about the history and structure of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, including a detailed exploration of the Romanisation of Britain. Our memorable experience for this will be at Colchester Castle on Wednesday 24^th April.

There are five companion topics that link to our main topic.  We have two science topics, the first is Plant Nutrition and Reproduction where children will learn about the requirements of plants for growth and survival. We will describe the parts of flowering plants and relate structure to function, including the roots and stem for transporting water, leaves for making food and the flower for reproduction. In the second, called Light and Shadows we will explore light and dark. We will investigate the phenomena of reflections and shadows, looking for patterns in collected data and the risks associated with the Sun will also explored.

We have two art topics, the first titled Mosaic Masters will enable the children to explore the history of mosaics, before focusing on the colours, patterns and themes found in Roman mosaic. We will learn techniques to help design and make a mosaic border tile. In the second, Beautiful Botanicals, we will learn about the genre of botanical art. We will create natural weavings, two-colour prints and beautiful and detailed botanical paintings of fruit.

In design and technology, the topic Greenhouse will teach us about the purpose, structure and design features of greenhouses, and compares the work of two significant greenhouse designers. We will learn techniques to strengthen structures and use tools safely. We will also use our learning to design and construct a mini greenhouse.

Our topic for the Spring Term was

Our topic this term is called ‘Rocks, Relics and Rumbles’ where we will be exploring the features and characteristics of Earth's layers, including a detailed exploration of volcanic, tectonic and seismic activity.

There are four companion topics linked to our main topic. In art we have two topics. In the first ‘Ammonite’, children will be investigating artistic techniques used in sketching, printmaking and sculpture. In the second topic ‘People and Places’, we will learn about the genre of figure drawing. We will study the figure drawings and urban landscapes of the artist LS Lowry and create artwork in his style to show scenes from our school.

In science we will be looking at Forces and Magnets where we will find out about contact and non-contact forces, including friction and magnetism. We will investigate frictional and magnetic forces, and identify parts of a magnet and magnetic materials.

In design and technology our topic is called Making it Move. In this topic we will be exploring mechanisms. We will experiment with different shaped cams before designing, making and evaluating a child's automaton toy.

Our topic for the Autumn Term is

Our topic this term is called ‘Through the Ages’, in this topic we will be exploring the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age in Britain. We will be exploring how these people lived and the inventions they created.

There are five companion topics that link to our main topic. In Animal Nutrition and the Skeletal System (science) we will be learning about the importance of nutrition for humans and other animals. We will learn about the role of a skeleton and muscles and identify animals with different types of skeleton.

In Our Planet, Our World (geography) we will be locating countries and cities, and use grid references, compass points and latitude and longitude. We will learn about the layers of the Earth and plate tectonics and discover the five major climate zones. We will also learn about significant places in the United Kingdom and carry out fieldwork to discover how land is used in the locality.

In Cook Well, Eatwell (design and technology) we will learn about food groups and the Eatwell guide. We will find out about methods of cooking and explore these by cooking potatoes and ratatouille. We will also choose and make a taco filling according to specific design criteria.

We have two art topics, the first being Prehistoric Pots, where we will find out about Bell Beaker pottery. It allows the children to explore different clay techniques, which they use to make and decorate a Bell Beaker-style pot. The second being Contrast and Complement where we will explore colour theory by studying the colour wheel and colour mixing. It includes an exploration of tertiary colours, warm and cool colours, complementary colours and analogous colours, and how artists use colour in their artwork.

Discovery Class Archive 

2022 - 2023

Our topic for the Summer term is ...

In this topic we will be learning about about the history of three of the world’s first ancient civilisations: ancient Sumer, ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley civilisation. We will learn about the rise, life, achievements and eventual end of each civilisation.

There are four comparison topics that run alongside our main topic which explore the following.

In Design and Technology (D&T) our topic is called Tomb Builders. We will be exploring simple machines, including wheels, axles, inclined planes, pulleys and levers, exploring how they helped ancient builders to lift and move heavy loads.

In Science we will be looking at Electrical Circuits and Conductors where we will be exploring electrical appliances and safety. We will construct simple series circuits and name their parts and functions, including switches, wires and cells. We will investigate electrical conductors and insulators and identify common features of conductors. It also teaches children about programmable devices. Finally we will combine our learning to design and make a nightlight.

In Art, we have two topics. The first being Statues, Statuettes and Figurines where we will learn about the 3-D representation of the human form, including statues, statuettes and figurines. We will study examples from ancient civilisations, and use our clay skills to create a Sumer-style figurine. 

Our second focuses on Islamic Art where children will learn about the features of Islamic art. We will make geometric patterns and motifs on paper, with fabric and in clay. We will also use our learning to create a high relief clay tile, decorated with geometric patterns.

Our topic for the Spring Term.

In this topic we will be learning about life in Britain after the Roman withdrawal. Children will learn about Anglo-Saxon and Viking invasions up to the Norman conquest.

There are six comparison topics that link to our main topic which are Warp and Weft (Art and Design where we will learn about the artform of weaving and how it has developed over time, including the materials and techniques required to create woven patterns and products. 

In Food and the Digestive System (Science), we will learn about the human digestive system. We will explore the main parts, starting with the mouth and teeth, identifying teeth types and their functions. We will link this learning to animals' diets and construct food chains to show the flow of energy.

In Sound (Science), we will learn about sound, how sound is made and how sound travels as vibrations through a medium to the ear. We will explore about pitch and volume and find out how both can be changed.

In Contrast and Complement (Art and Design), we will explore about colour theory by studying the colour wheel and colour mixing. This includes an exploration of tertiary colours, warm and cool colours, complementary colours and analogous colours, and how artists use colour in our artwork.

In Fresh Food, Good Food (Design and Technology), we will learn about food decay and preservation. We will discover key inventions in food preservation and packaging, then make examples. We will prepare, package and evaluate a healthy snack.

In Interconnected World (Geography), we will learn about compass points and four and six-figure grid references. We will learn about the tropics and the countries, climates and culture of North and South America. Children identify physical features in the United Kingdom and learn about the National Rail and canal networks. We will also conduct an enquiry to prove a hypothesis, gathering data from maps and surveys before drawing conclusions. 

PE - Tuesday

Outdoor Learning - alternate Wednesday 

Our topic for the Autumn Term is

In this topic we will learn about the characteristics and features of rivers and mountain ranges around the world, including a detailed exploration of the ecosystems and processes that shape them and the land around them.

Our five comparison topics that link with our main topic are;

Vista (Art and Design) where we learn about the characteristics and features of rivers and mountain ranges around the world, including a detailed exploration of the ecosystems and processes that shape them and the land around them.

Animal (Art and Design) where we learn about the historical and cultural portrayal of animals in art. We study the visual qualities of animals through sketching, printmaking and clay modelling.

States of Matter (Science) where we learn  about solids, liquids and gases and their characteristic properties. We observe how materials change state as they are heated and cooled, and learn key terminology associated with these processes.

Grouping and Classifying (Science) where we learn  about solids, liquids and gases and their characteristic properties. We observe how materials change state as they are heated and cooled, and learn key terminology associated with these processes.

Functional and Fancy Fabrics (Design and Technology) where we learn about home furnishings and the significant designer William Morris. We learn techniques for decorating fabric, including block printing, hemming and embroidery and use them to design and make a fabric sample.

Discovery Class Archive

2021 - 2022

Our topic for the Summer term is Emperors and Empires.

In this topic we will be exploring the history and structure of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, including a detailed exploration of the Romanisation of Britain.

As part of our Art topic, Beautiful Botanicals, we explored weaving. After stringing our looms with the warp, we used a range of natural materials to create the weft.

Our topic for the Spring term is Rocks, Relics and Rumbles.

In this topic we will begin by exploring rocks and rock types before learning about the features and characteristics of Earth's layer, including a detailed exploration of volcanic, tectonic and seismic activity.

Our topic for the Autumn Term is Through the Ages

In this topic we shall be exploring the period of history from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. We will explore the tools and weapons they used, the settlements they lived in and also what it was like to live during that period of time.

2020 - 2021

Useful websites:

Homework 

Reading

Children will be bringing home books, which have been placed on the Accelerated Reader system; these have been assessed through the Accelerated reader Star reader test. Children will be retested at intervals during the year to monitor progress and recalculate book levels.

As mentioned in a previous Parentmail, it is important for children to read for at least 10 minutes a day and ideally to someone. The children need to bring back their books daily, so they can quiz and receive a new book to read.

Spellings

Discovery class have been given a bookmark to write their spellings on, and to keep in their Accelerated Reader book, so they can practice spellings at home and in school. The children had five the first week and have now received a further three of their choosing. Each child’s spellings are based on their individual need. Children should be practicing these at home; we will have our spelling test on a Tuesday morning.

Maths and Creative Homework

Purplemash is back! I am excited to say that Maths and Creative homework can now be accessed through Purplemash. If you wish to send photos or documents of your homework, please send them to my Purplemash email.

If you wish to look at some extra Maths work at home, you could log onto Times Table Rock Stars or Numbots. Please see my previous Parentmail, for your child’s individual log-in.

You may wish to look at BBC Primary Catch-up sessions, which revise work from their previous years. Please see links below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zmyxxyc/year-3-and-p4-lessons

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/z63tt39/year-4-and-p5-lessons

Maths videos!