What we are learning this week in Lilac Class for the week beginning 14.10.24

In Maths this week in Lilac Class, we are adding and subtracting four-digit numbers using column method and applying the inverse operation to solve calculations using bar models and part-whole models.  Lilac class are using bar models and part-whole models to establish families of facts that can be found from one calculation and use the inverse to check for accuracy.  We are then solving multi-step addition and subtraction problems where Lilac Class are thinking about the key information that is in the question.  What can you work out straight away and how does this help you to answer the question?  We will also be comparing calculations and finding missing numbers in a sequence. 

In English this week, we are drawing on our ‘Hot Seating’ and role play to plan our diary account of a Conquistador in 1519 trudging through the tropical rainforest of Mesoamerica in search of gold and glory.  Lilac Class will explore setting and characterisation, writing about what their character hears, sees, smells and feels and describing their journey sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.  We will then be considering what questions are going through their mind when they find the gigantic abandoned ruins.

For our Whole Class Guided Reading ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ by C.S. Lewis we are reading Chapter Seven this week.  Lilac Class are finding words and phrases that show the children were excited at the prospect of food and will be exploring their relationship with the beavers.  We are also examining Edmund’s character in more depth and identifying another side to his personality.  In RE, we are learning to understand the importance of confession and penance.  Why do Christians believe that confessing their sins to God is important?  How can we show it in and out of school?  We will then re-visit our Big Question ‘What does it mean if God is loving and holy? This is our opportunity to demonstrate everything that we have learnt.  For Time and Place, we are learning about how Mayan society was structured and the differences between an absolute and constitutional Monarchy. 

For Science in Lilac Class, we are visiting the Science Observatory at Herstmonceux.  We  will be taking part in an Earth, Moon and Sun Workshop and will have a Telescope Tour.  There are many hands-on activities based on space, gravity and forces and experts in the field are there to answer any questions! 

For ICT, we are finishing our webpage designs of St Barnabas School and completing a summative assessment of the unit of work we have covered this term about computing systems and networks.

In Art, Lilac Class will be making Mayan pottery based on original Mayan artefacts.  This week we will be sketching the shape of our pottery and what design it will be decorated with, examining real Mayan pottery for inspiration!