Sycamores

Welcome to Sycamores, our Year 4 and 5 class. Sycamores is taught by Mr Jackson, with support from Mrs Loynd

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English

Throughout the Autumn term, Sycamores will study a range of engaging English units designed to strengthen sentence control, vocabulary choices and confidence in writing:

  • Letter Writing — writing short, informal letters with clear greetings, a simple body and an appropriate closing.
  • Traditional Tales — retelling familiar stories with a clear beginning, middle and end, focusing on sequencing and cohesion.
  • Explanation Texts — producing simple explanation texts supported by labelled diagrams and clear, factual language.
  • Mythical Characters — describing heroes or beasts using expanded noun phrases and precise detail.
  • Instruction Writing — writing short, well‑sequenced instructions using time connectives and imperative verbs.

These units help pupils build the foundations needed for more independent writing later in the year.

Maths

Sycamores follow the White Rose scheme of learning. During Autumn, we will focus on:

  • Place Value — recognising and understanding numbers, partitioning, and comparing values.
  • Addition & Subtraction — using practical methods, number lines, and early written strategies to build accuracy and confidence.

All pupils have access to Mathletics and Times Tables Rock Stars to support fluency at home. We strongly encourage children to practice their times tables at home using Times Tables Rock Stars as a secure knowledge of times tables will help children access more challenging learning.

 

Phonics & Spelling

Some pupils continue to consolidate phonics using the Letters and Sounds programme. Once Phase 5 is secure, pupils move into structured spelling sessions that explore patterns, rules and high‑frequency words.

Reading

Reading remains central to learning in Sycamores. Pupils are expected to read or share a book at home regularly. Reading at home four times per week earns a Reading Raffle ticket, entering pupils into our termly prize draw for books, games and other exciting rewards.

Science

We will be learning all about keeping ourselves healthy during Science lessons. Including the importance of nutrition and exercise.

Geography

Geography study will be based on the topic of Manchester and how its changing. We will be studying local and OS maps to

Art

Our Art work will be linked to Manchester and we will explore sketching, colour and mixed media. We will learn about the techniques and work of Adolphe Valetta.

PE

In PE Sycamores will have a session on Tuesday afternoon working on teamwork and a cricket session on Wednesday afternoon. Both of these sessions will be run by an expert P.E coach.

We expect every child to read at home at least 4 times during the week. Children who achieve this will be rewarded with a weekly raffle ticket and will be entered into a prize draw at the end of term where there will be the opportunity to win a variety of prizes.

Geography Focus: The Mediterranean – Earthquakes & Volcanoes

We will explore the physical geography of the Mediterranean region, including:

  • locating volcanoes
  • identifying their key features
  • understanding the dangers and benefits of living near them
  • explaining how earthquakes occur
  • learning how people adapt to life in earthquake‑prone areas

This unit builds curiosity and early analytical thinking.

History Focus: Stone Age to Iron Age

Sycamores will investigate early human history, exploring:

  • daily life and survival
  • tools, homes, and early technology
  • belief systems and rituals
  • important archaeological discoveries
  • how historians use evidence to understand the past

Science Focus: Plant Adaptations & Human Impact

Pupils will observe and test how plants respond to different conditions, drawing simple conclusions from practical investigations. We will also explore how human activity affects plant life and habitats.

PE Focus: Fundamentals

Sycamores will develop core movement skills, teamwork, and simple strategies for physical activities. This term, we are lucky to have Ms Wall leading some of our PE lessons. Pupils need an outdoor PE kit (jumper, jogging bottoms, trainers) for Autumn. Kits are sent home every half term.

RE Focus

We will explore two key questions:

  • Why is the Bible important to Christians?
  • Why is Jesus inspiring to some people?

Pupils will consider how religious stories and teachings influence actions and relationships.

PSHE Focus: Respect

Through discussion and team‑building activities, pupils will learn how respect supports friendships, cooperation and positive behaviour.

Art Focus: Stone Age & Iron Age

We will explore early artistic techniques, including:

  • cave drawings
  • 3D stone circle models
  • symmetrical pottery designs
  • shield patterns
  • shading techniques for simple weapon illustrations

DT Focus: Shell Structures

Pupils will research, design, build, and evaluate a display structure, learning how to reinforce materials to make them stronger.

Computing Focus: Online Safety

Sycamores will learn how to stay safe online, make responsible choices, and understand how digital behaviour affects themselves and others.

Working Together

We look forward to a positive and purposeful term in Sycamores. Our aim is to work together as a supportive class community and strive for the prestigious Class of the Week Oakgrove Owl.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office, email us, or write in your child’s home–school diary and we will respond promptly.