Maths

Year 3 will start this term by focusing on extending their knowledge of multiplication and division by multiplying and dividing 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers with and without exchanges. They will be using their multiplication and division facts, learnt in the autumn term, to solve reasoning and problem solving questions. Year 3 will next be exploring how to answer length and perimeter questions. They will practice how to accurately measure in metres, centimetres and millimetres, and consider the appropriateness of different units of measurement. They will also be introduced to perimeter, where they will use their understanding of the properties of different shapes to calculate the perimeter of simple 2-D shapes. In their fractions unit, Year 3 will compare and order non-unit fractions, count in fractions on a number line, and find equivalent fractions on number lines and as bar models. Finally, Year 3 will practice using scales to measure mass in grams and kilograms. They will also explore measuring capacity and volume in millilitres and litres, as well as adding and subtracting.

Year 4 will start this term by focusing on extending their knowledge of multiplication and division by finding and using factor pairs, multiplying and dividing by 10 and 100, and finding informal written methods for multiplying a 2-digit numbers by a 1-digit number. The children will progress to using formal written methods, including short multiplication with none, one and two exchanges. They will then use their division facts from the autumn term, to build on their knowledge of dividing a 2-digit and 3-digit number by a 1-digit number. The children will then move on to length and perimeter, where they will practice measuring in kilometres and meters. They will also focus on finding the perimeter of a rectangle, rectilinear shapes and polygons. The next topic Year 4 will explore, is fractions, where they will further develop their understanding of mixed numbers and how to convert into improper fractions, where the denominator is greater than or equal to the denominator. They will add fractions and mixed numbers, as well as subtract from whole amounts. Finally, Year 4 will be introduced to decimals through different representations of tenths and hundredths. They will divide a 1-digit and 2-digit number by 10 and 100, and use these skills to answer reasoning and problem solving questions.

English

Willows will be looking at a variety of texts across the spring term to continue their developing writing in English. The first text they will be exploring is Letters from the Lighthouse, where they will be learning to write a letter to discuss whether children should have been evacuated in World World War. Their next text is The Abominables, where they will be writing to inform in a newspaper style, using direct speech punctuated with inverted commas.

After half term, the children will be reading Zoo, where they will continue to develop their use of direct speech punctuated with inverted commas, as well as commas after fronted adverbials. Next, Willows will be reading The Big Blue Whale, where they will be writing to inform, by using and understanding grammatical features such as prepositions, conjunctions, and subordinate clauses.

Geography

In Geography this term, the children will be investigating the question, where does our food come from? They will be finding out how our food choices can impact the environment, by making connections between the biomes where certain foods grow and the conditions they need to flourish. Next, they will explore importance of responsible trading considering the benefits and drawbacks of importing food. They will explore how we get our chocolate, discuss opinions on responsible trade and look at the journey and process of a cocoa bean from a farm to chocolate bar on a shop shelf. Willows will be finding out where our food comes from by mapping and measuring the distance food travels to reach the UK and using a scale bar to convert measurements. Finally, they will be using all the knowledge they have found, to write a balanced argument, on the advantages and disadvantages of buying local and imported food.

Science

This term in science, the children will be investigating the big question how does the body get nutrients from food into the bloodstream? Across the unit, Willows will conduct various investigations to support the substantive knowledge:

Animals need a variety of foods to help them grow and survive. The main food groups are:

· Meat, dairy and pulses provide protein for muscles. 

· Grains and root vegetables provide carbohydrates for energy. 

· Fat for insulation and energy. 

· Fruit and vegetables for minerals, vitamins and fibre. These are essential to keep our bodies working well and protect us from illnesses.

The children will also be investigating the big question what is classification? Across the unit, Willows will conduct various investigations to support the substantive knowledge:

· Animals need a variety of foods to help them grow and survive. The main food groups are: 

· Meat, dairy and pulses provide protein for muscles. 

· Grains and root vegetables provide carbohydrates for energy. 

· Fat for insulation and energy. 

· Fruit and vegetables for minerals, vitamins and fibre. These are essential to keep our bodies working well and protect us from illnesses.

Music

In music, the children will be developing their listening skills, by investigating how unique music is in creating dramatic effect and atmosphere. They will be exploring the use of pitch, melody, texture and timbre in the piece Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland. Willow class will practice improvising fanfare melodies based around three notes and repeated rhythms, and compose a short fanfare piece for a special occasion.

In Spring 2, Willow class will be using habanera, which is a rhythm most closely and instantly associated with Spain. The children will be learning to count and play together by listening to the pulse of the music. They will invent their own melodies, and structure musical ideas into their own compositions.

RE

This term in RE, Willows will be exploring the key concept Devotion and why worship is important to Hindus. Most children will be able to describe their own and others ideas about the concept of devotion, and describe The children will also be able to describe examples of how responses to good and evil affect their own and others’ lives, through role play and circle time.

After half term, Willows will be exploring the key concept Suffering linked to the key events of Easter. Most pupils will be able to describe and evaluate in simple terms the suffering experienced by Jesus in the Easter story, and the value of Jesus’ suffering at Easter to Christians. Most children will be able to describe in simple terms their own responses to suffering and identify how their responses relate to their own and others’ lives.