Class 4 is a mixed year 4 and year 5 class. In the morning, English and Maths are taught taking objectives from these year groups alongside tailor made teaching to fit individual learning needs. English is sometimes taught based on a class text. For the autumn term it is ‘The Diary of a Killer Cat’ by Anne Fine. English is also taught using ‘Talk for Writing’ by Pie Corbett. Topics include non-fiction, persuasion and instructions. Interventions take place using Rapid Reading and Rapid Maths. Phonics is taught using Rapid Phonics and some Letters and Sounds.
In the afternoon, foundation subjects are taught using an exciting and hands on approach. For example, in Geography we are looking at the countries of the United Kingdom and making messy maps with the playdoh. Our Art for the autumn term is looking at colour and shape through the work of Paul Klee. The children are working with pastels and using computer skills to create their reproductions of Paul Klee’s work. For more information on this, click on the curriculum link. Wider curriculum opportunities are incorporated by class visits; where possible; to museums, gardens and places of interest.
External professionals, Future Steps are used to deliver occupational therapy to the children and we also follow the handwriting programme ‘Earth’ which was devised by the physiotherapists. This helps to develop fine and gross motor skills. Specialist support from a CAMHs key worker to support emotional regulation is also available for children.
P.E. is taught on a Wednesday afternoon. In the autumn term we are working on invasion games, dance and gymnastics. This year the school is taking part in Active 30 to help the children become more active. During the week we have ‘active maths lessons’ and an exciting programme including circuits, skipping and hula-hooping. Hopefully, in the spring term, children will attend swimming lessons on a Friday morning. On a Monday afternoon we have time in the school kitchen. Children cook a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes which they can then take home with them. Specialist music lessons will be delivered to the children by Durham Specialist Music Service during the year.
Every effort is made to make the curriculum as creative and hands on as possible. To support this, a variety of school trips are planned which are designed to stimulate children’s learning, develop their team work and promote new experiences. Please click on our gallery to see what we have been up to.
Mrs van der Gucht, Miss Tomlinson and Mr Houlahan
For further information about our curriculum or long term plans please visit the curriculum section of our website.
