Autumn 2 Curriculum Update

Maths – Early Calculations and 2D Shapes
This term, children will be developing their early calculation skills within 5. They will explore totals, partitioning numbers and begin to understand addition and subtraction through practical activities, games and everyday experiences. They will also spend time exploring 2D shapes, learning to recognise, name and describe their properties and noticing shapes in the world around them.

Reading – Rhyme and Rhythm
Our focus this term will be on rhythm and rhyme, using the much-loved story Stick Man by Julia Donaldson. Children will enjoy listening to and joining in with familiar rhymes, noticing patterns in words and exploring the rhythm of language. Through stories, songs and rhyming activities, they will develop their phonological awareness and continue to build a love of reading.

Writing – Accurate Letter Formation
This term, we will be focusing on developing accurate letter formation. Children will explore letters through their different letter families, learning how letters are formed and recognising similarities in their shapes and movements. They will practise forming letters correctly, developing their pencil control and building confidence in their early writing.

History – Our Community and Where We Live
In history, children will be exploring their community and the places and homes we live in. They will think about the different places that make up our local area, the people who live and work there and the roles they play in our community. Through discussion, photographs and exploration, children will begin to develop an understanding of the people and places that are important in their everyday lives.

Geography – Villages, Towns and Cities
This term, children will be comparing villages, towns and cities, looking at the similarities and differences between these different types of settlements. They will explore the buildings, facilities, transport and features found in each place and begin to understand what makes somewhere a village, town or city.

Science – Changing Seasons
Our young scientists will be exploring the changing seasons and how these affect the natural world around us. They will observe changes in the weather, plants and trees throughout the year and discover how seasonal changes affect animals and their habitats. Through outdoor exploration and practical activities, children will develop their observation skills and begin to understand how plants and animals respond to changes in their environment.

Art – Exploring Paint and Portraits
This term, our art focus will be all about paint! Children will explore different artists who use paint as their chosen medium, looking at how they use colour, brushstrokes and different techniques to create their artwork. They will also begin to explore portraits, thinking about how we represent people through art, including the features and details that help us create a recognisable picture of ourselves and others.

Design & Technology – Healthy Eating
In DT, children will be exploring food and healthy choices. They will think about the foods we eat and what makes them good choices for our bodies. Through practical activities, they will investigate different ingredients and consider how to make a healthy sandwich, exploring what might make a sandwich more or less healthy. They will have opportunities to discuss ingredients, make choices and create their own sandwich combinations.

Religious Education – Birthdays and the Christmas Story
This term, we will be exploring birthdays and how different people celebrate these special occasions. Children will have opportunities to talk about their own birthdays, share how they celebrate and think about what makes these occasions special. We will then make links to the Christian celebration of Christmas, learning about the birth of Jesus and why this is an important celebration for Christians.

PSHE – Valuing Differences
Our PSHE focus this half term is all about valuing differences and celebrating what makes each of us special. Children will explore the ways in which we are similar and different, comparing ourselves with our friends and people from around the world. Through stories, discussions and activities, they will develop an understanding that everyone is unique and that our differences should be celebrated. We will encourage children to show kindness, respect and appreciation for others.