Autumn 1

Mathematics – Place Value and Addition

Children will begin the term by deepening their understanding of number and place value. They will count in multiples of 6, 7, 9, 25 and 1,000, and explore number patterns by finding 1,000 more or less than a given number. As they count backwards through zero, they will develop a clearer understanding of negative numbers.

Building on this, children will recognise the place value of each digit in four-digit numbers and use this knowledge to order and compare numbers beyond 1,000. They will identify, represent and estimate numbers using a variety of representations, and round numbers to the nearest 10, 100 or 1,000. These skills will be applied to solve practical problems involving increasingly large positive numbers.

To support their historical understanding of number, children will also read Roman numerals to 100 and explore how the numeral system evolved to include the concept of zero and place value.

In addition, they will develop fluency in formal written methods for addition, estimating answers and using inverse operations to check their calculations. These strategies will be used to solve one- and two-step problems in real-life contexts, encouraging children to select appropriate methods and explain their reasoning.

 

Reading – Fiction (Inspired by Beowulf)

Through our Beowulf-inspired fiction unit, children will revisit the themes and conventions of traditional tales and heroic narratives. They will explore how authors use language to engage readers, identifying key and non-key details across longer texts and analysing how specific words or phrases capture the reader’s imagination.

This work will support their comprehension skills and help them understand character motivation, plot development, and authorial intent—skills that will also feed into their own narrative writing.

 

Reading – Non-Fiction

In their non-fiction reading, children will revisit how to identify themes and conventions across a range of texts. They will practise distinguishing between key and less important points in longer passages and use dictionaries with increasing independence to clarify unfamiliar vocabulary.

These strategies will help children extract relevant information, build subject knowledge, and read with greater confidence and purpose.

 

English – Narrative Writing Inspired by Beowulf

Building on their reading of Beowulf, children will write a first-person sequel, developing character, setting, and plot using the Boxing Clever structure. They will use expanded noun phrases with carefully chosen adjectives and modifying nouns to add detail and interest, and punctuate them accurately.

To enhance their narratives, children will include direct speech, using correct punctuation and layout to bring characters to life. Throughout the unit, they will rehearse sentences orally, proofread for grammar and clarity, and evaluate their own and others’ writing to make improvements.

 

Science – The Digestive System, Teeth, and Food Chains

Children will investigate the human digestive system, learning to describe the simple functions of its basic parts and how they work together to process food. They will identify the different types of teeth—incisors, canines, and molars—and understand their roles in breaking down food.

Later in the unit, children will construct and interpret food chains, identifying producers, predators, and prey. This will help them understand how energy flows through living things and the relationships within ecosystems.

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Geography – Locating Countries in Europe

To strengthen their geographical understanding, children will focus on locating countries across the world, with particular attention to Europe, including Russia. Using maps, atlases, globes, and digital tools, they will explore spatial relationships and learn how to gather geographical information from a range of sources.

 

History – The Invasion of the Scots

Through historical enquiry, children will investigate the invasion of the Scots from Ireland to north Britain. They will examine who the Scots were, why they migrated, and how their arrival shaped early British culture and landscape. By analysing historical sources and maps, they will gain insight into the movement of peoples and the impact of early invasions.

 

Art – Still Life Drawing and Mixed Media

Inspired by the work of Paul Cézanne and Nicole Dyer, children will refine their drawing skills by focusing on line and space in still life compositions. They will compare artistic styles and use vocabulary to describe colour, shape, texture, and pattern. Building on this, children will experiment with mixed media to create layered, expressive artwork.

 

Computing – Networks and Online Content

Children will explore how computer networks, including the internet, provide services such as the World Wide Web. They will investigate how information travels across networks and begin to understand the structure of online systems. Additionally, they will consider digital ownership and copyright, learning to make responsible choices when using online content.

 

PE – Personal Cog: Perseverance

Focusing on the Personal Cog, children will develop perseverance and a growth mindset. They will learn to keep going when faced with challenges and view setbacks as opportunities to improve. Using success criteria, they will reflect on their progress and build resilience through regular practice.

 

PE – Orienteering

In their PE lessons, children will build orienteering skills by learning how to set and orientate simple maps using known features. They will apply folding and thumbing techniques to navigate effectively, developing spatial awareness, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

 

PSHE – Me and My Relationships

Children will explore what makes a positive, healthy relationship and how to collaborate successfully with others. They will learn to express emotions appropriately, recognise qualities they admire in others, and develop assertiveness skills. Through role-play and discussion, they will also learn how to respond to bullying and identify unhealthy behaviours.

 

RE – Diwali: The Triumph of Good Over Evil

By studying the Hindu festival of Diwali, children will explore the theme of good overcoming evil. They will learn how Hindus remember this through the story of Rama and Sita and the celebrations of Diwali. Children will reflect on their own experiences and consider how this message can be meaningful in their lives and communities.

 

Languages – Spanish: Food and Feelings

Children will explore Spanish culture by learning about traditional dishes such as tapas, paella, tortilla, and churros, comparing them with familiar foods from the UK. Alongside this, they will build vocabulary around emotions using the phrase Estoy sintiendo… (I am feeling…), gaining confidence in expressing themselves in Spanish.

 

Music – Learning to Play the Recorder

Throughout this unit, children will develop their recorder-playing skills, focusing on breath control, finger placement, and musical expression. They will learn to play notes such as C, B, A, and G, explore rhythm and dynamics, and practise ensemble performance to improve timing and coordination.

 

Design & Technology – Biscuits: Designing for a Target Audience

Children will design and make their own biscuits, beginning by identifying the product’s purpose and target audience. They will plan using sketches, annotated diagrams, and recipes, and select materials based on function and appearance. Working to a budget, they will adapt their designs and present their final product for feedback and evaluation.