Hornbill House Team Points – Term 2
Week beginning 17th March
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and communication. Well done, a really brilliant effort.
Maths
Maths will continue with the unit on decimals:
I can divide a 2-digit number by 10.
I can explore hundredths as fractions.
I can explore hundredths as decimals.
I can represent hundredths on a place value chart.
I can divide a 1- or 2-digit number by 100.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having written a shared brochure promoting the areas of Seria and Kuala Belait, the children will independently write persuasive texts of our own, with the focus being on:
I can independently write an introduction and subsequent paragraphs for a persuasive leaflet using AFOREST.
I can write a persuasive leaflet, independently.
I can edit and redraft my leaflet.
I can publish a leaflet.
VIPERS: the focus will be on inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are continuing to read for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading. Congratulations on gaining your reading rewards. A really fantastic effort! Well done.
Spelling
Possessive apostrophes
PE – Monday
Swimming – Tuesday
Enjoy your weekend.
PE Blog – Racquet Club
Week beginning 10th March
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and confident communication. Well done, a really brilliant effort!
Maths
Maths over the next week will initially continue to focus on fractions:
I can subtract from mixed numbers.
… then we will continue with a new unit on decimals:
I can explore tenths as fractions.
I can represent tenths as decimals.
I can represent tenths on a place value chart.
I can explore tenths on a number line.
I can divide a 1-digit number by 10.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having analysed a range of tv adverts and holiday brochures, we will now start to write persuasive texts of our own, with the focus being on:
I can plan a shared leaflet to include persuasive devices.
I can write shared sections of a leaflet focusing on the introduction and initial reasons, using pronouns and expanded noun phrases.
I can write shared sections of a leaflet that focus on variation in AFOREST.
I can write shared sections of a conclusion.
I can independently plan a leaflet.
VIPERS
The focus next week will be on inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are continuing to read for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Prefixes
PE – Monday
Swimming – Tuesday
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 3rd March
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and communication. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Maths
Maths will continue to focus on fractions:
I can add two or more fractions.
I can add fractions and mixed numbers.
I can subtract two fractions.
I can subtract from whole numbers.
I can subtract from mixed numbers.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having completed the unit on newspapers, we will now explore persuasive texts with the focus being on:
I can express and justify preferences about adverts.
I can begin to identify features of persuasive adverts.
I can identify key points with evidence from the text.
I can identify the language of persuasion and persuasive devices.
I can research information for a brochure to support.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Prefixes
PE – Monday
Swimming – Tuesday
Enjoy your weekend.
KIRFs Term 2.2
Websites to support learning
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
https://www.timestables.co.uk
https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
Week beginning 24th February
Reminder: swimming will start on Tuesday 25th. Please refer to Mr Sherwin’s letter for further details.
Maths
Maths will continue to focus on fractions:
I can compare and order mixed numbers.
I can understand improper fractions.
I can convert mixed numbers to improper fractions.
I can convert improper fractions to mixed numbers.
I can find equivalent fractions on a number line.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
The unit on newspapers continues with the focus being on:
I can independently plan an article.
I can independently write an opening paragraph and subsequent paragraphs for an article.
I can independently write a conclusion for an article and include captions, illustrations and a heading.
I can edit and redraft my work.
I can publish my work.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
ough.
PE – Monday, Swimming – Tuesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Week beginning 18th February
Reminder: swimming will start on Tuesday 25th. Please refer to Mr Sherwin’s letter for further details.
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and communication. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Maths
Having completed the unit on length and perimeter, over the next three weeks, we will be focusing on fractions:
I can understand the whole.
I can count beyond 1.
I can partition a mixed number.
I can understand number lines with mixed numbers.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
The unit on newspapers continues with the focus being on:
I can explain how paragraphs are organised in a newspaper report.
I can plan a shared article.
I can write a shared opening paragraph and subsequent paragraphs.
I can write a shared conclusion to a shared article and include a heading, captions and illustrations.
VIPERS: the focus will be on explanation and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
ough.
PE – Monday + Wednesday
Enjoy your long weekend.
Week beginning 10th February
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and effective communication. Well done, you always make a really fantastic effort!
Next Week
Thursday 13th February
As per the letter, we have arranged a visit to the temple to explore aspects of RE.
Maths
We will continue to investigate length and perimeter in maths. Over the next week, we will be focusing on:
I can calculate the perimeter of rectilinear shapes.
I can find the perimeter of regular polygons.
I can find the perimeter of polygons.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having completed the unit on fairy tales we will now be exploring the genre of newspapers. The focus will now be on:
I can identify that information is presented via a news report.
I can read, discuss and retrieve information from a newspaper text.
I can generate and answer questions with reference to the text.
I can analyse and identify the structure of a newspaper.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Congratulations on being awarded your reading pencil. Well done – a fantastic effort.
Spelling
Prefixes.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 3rd February
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and developing communication. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Due to the unexpected flooding across the local area this week, and the planned Tee Ball event on Thursday, we are continuing with the learning detailed in the previous blog post, to ensure that we are all confident across the curriculum.
Maths
We will continue to investigate length and perimeter in maths. Over the next week, we will be focusing on:
I can find the perimeter of a grid.
I can find the perimeter of a rectangle.
I can find the perimeter of rectilinear shapes.
I can find missing lengths in rectilinear shapes.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
To complete the unit on fairy tales, we will focus on:
I can publish a fairy tale.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Prefixes.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
BJSL Cross Country
Week beginning 27th January
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and developing communication. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Maths
After assessing the multiplication and division unit, we will move on to exploring length and perimeter. Over the next week, we will be focusing on:
I can measure in km and cm.
I can find equivalent lengths.
I can find the perimeter of a grid.
I can find the perimeter of a rectangle.
Please continue to practise your times tables. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having written a fairy tale independently, the next step is for the children to edit then publish their work. The focus will now be on:
I can edit and redraft a fairy tale.
I can publish a fairy tale.
VIPERS
The focus this week will be on vocabulary and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Words with ous.
PE
Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 20th January
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his abundant energy. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Maths
We are continuing with the second unit of multiplication and division. Over the next week, we will be focusing on:
I can divide a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number.
I can divide a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number.
I can solve correspondence problems.
I can use efficient methods.
Please continue to practise your times tables. Posted with this blog is further information about the Yr 4 Statutory test of multiplication knowledge, completed by all Yr 4 pupils attending an English school. The statutory test is scheduled for the beginning of June. There is still plenty of time to secure a good recall. Little and often is the best strategy. Mathsframe mirrors the actual test: https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/477/Multiplication-Tables-Check
English
Having written a shared fairy tale, the next step is for the children to write their own tale, independently. The focus will now be on:
I can independently plan a fairy tale.
I can write a setting and build up to a fairy tale independently with a focus on the use of dialogue and fronted adverbials for cohesion.
I can write a dilemma to a fairy tale independently.
VIPERS
The focus will be on retrieval and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Congratulations to our super readers below who have been reading regularly and have achieved a reading bag and a pencil in recognition of this.
Keep up the wonderful effort!
Spelling
Words with ous.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Please see the attached STA Parent information leaflets, for your information:
Phonics Screening Check for parents
Multiplication Tables Check for parents
Key stage 2 National Curriculum tests
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 13th January
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her great communication. Well done, a really fantastic effort!
Maths
We have begun the second unit of multiplication and division. We will be focusing on:
I can divide by 100.
I can explore related facts.
I can use informal methods of multiplication.
I can multiply a 2-digit number by a 1-digit number.
I can multiply a 3-digit number by a 1-digit number.
English
We have begun to explore fairy tales in English – initially the Pied Piper of Hamelin. We examined the key features and structures of this genre. The focus will now be on:
I can plan a shared fairy tale with a focus on fronted adverbials to link paragraphs.
I can write a shared setting and build up with the focus on dialogue.
I can write a shared dilemma with the focus on character development.
I can write a shared resolution.
I can independently plan a fairy tale.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child/children. Please use/continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Congratulations on getting your reading pencil / bookmark. Keep up the wonderful effort! on getting their reading bookmark. Keep up the great effort!
Spelling
Common exception words.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend.
KIRFs Introduction
What are KIRFs?
They are specific to each year group, building on your child’s prior learning whilst linking to the national curriculum. To support your child’s fluency and mental maths skills, we are introducing KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) throughout school from FS2 to Y6. KIRFS are a way of helping your child to learn by heart, key facts and information which they need to have instant recall of. They contain number facts such as number bonds and times tables that need constant practise and rehearsal, so children can recall them quickly and accurately.
Instant recall of facts helps enormously with mental agility and flexibility in maths lessons. When children move onto written calculations, knowing these key facts is very beneficial. For your child to become more efficient in recalling them easily, they need to be practised frequently and for short periods of time.
How can we access the KIRFs at home?
Each half term, children will focus on a Key Instant Recall Fact (KIRF) to practise and learn at home for the half term. They will be available on our school website, on the class blog. At the end of each half term there will be a fluency champion chosen from each class and they will be given a badge for maths. Children will be rewarded for their commitment to their learning and the progress they have made with their KIRFs that term.
How do we practise the KIRFs?
They are not designed to be a time-consuming task and can be practised anywhere – in the car, walking to school, etc. Regular practice – little and often – helps children to retain these facts and keep their skills sharp. The KIRFs include key vocabulary and examples of the key skills, as well as practical ideas to assist your child in grasping the key facts. Each KIRF also contains helpful suggestions of ways in which you could make this learning interesting.
How are the KIRFs developed in school?
Throughout the half term, the KIRFs will also be practised regularly and in short bursts in school. Over their time at primary school, we believe that – if the KIRFs are developed fully – children will be more confident when working with number, understand its relevance, and be able to access the curriculum much more easily.
How are the KIRFs developed in school?
Throughout the half term, the KIRFs will also be practised regularly and in short bursts in school. Over their time at primary school, we believe that – if the KIRFs are developed fully – children will be more confident when working with number, understand its relevance, and be able to access the curriculum much more easily.
Things to try
Everyday objects- gather together objects and separate them into groups of 7.
https://ttrockstars.com
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-buttonhttps://www.timestables.co.uk
https://www.timestables.co.uk
Websites to support learning
Learn a times table song
7 Times Table Song (Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran) Laugh Along and Learn – YouTube
Hit the Button – Quick fire maths practise for 6-11 year olds
Whack A Mole || Counting in steps of 1, 2, 3….12
Times tables games – Learn them all here!
Multiplication Tables Check – Mathsframe
Hornbill House Point Trophy Term 1.2
Year 4
This week’s two High Flyers were chosen by their classmates for their energy and curiosity. Well done, a really fantastic effort to both of you. Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to both children this week as they move onto their new schools. We wish them all the best in their new adventures.
I would like to thank all the children for their efforts this term. They all thoroughly deserve to have a well-earned rest and should feel proud of their progress and achievements.
I would like to wish those who celebrate Christmas, a very Merry Christmas, and to all, a Happy New Year.
Enjoy your holidays.
Week beginning 9th December
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and curiosity. Well done, a really fantastic effort.
Maths
We have completed the prescribed units for this term and will continue with consolidating understanding. We will revisit multiplication and division. The emphasis will be on explaining and applying the concepts.
English
The emphasis over the next week will be on exploring dialogue and how to punctuate direct speech when the reporting clause is in different parts of the sentence.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Will recap spellings covered over the course of this term.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 25th November
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his fantastic energy. Well done, a really fantastic effort!
Maths
We have completed the prescribed units for this term and will now have 3 weeks of consolidation. We will revisit place value, then move on to addition and subtraction. The emphasis will be on explaining and applying the concepts.
English
Having written an independent narrative based on Bill’s New Frock, the final unit of term is on classic poetry. As part of the Christmas production, Year 4 will be performing a poem. This poem will be the focus of the English unit.
- I can listen to, read and discuss a classic narrative poem.
- I can explain the meaning of key vocabulary within the context of the text.
- I can learn a poem by heart and rehearse for performance.
- I can prepare a poem to read aloud, showing understanding through intonation, tone, volume and action.
- I can identify, discuss and collect effective words and phrases which capture the reader’s interest and imagination.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary and inference.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Congratulations to our superstars below on getting their reading bookmark. Keep up the great effort!
Spelling
Common exception words with silent letters.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Week beginning 18th November
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and great communication. Well done, you always make a really fantastic effort.
Maths
Maths will continue with the focus on multiplication and division.
The learning objectives are:
I can multiply by 1 and 0.
I can divide a number by 1 and itself.
I can multiply 3 numbers together.
English
Having written a shared narrative based on Bill’s New Frock, the next stage is for the children to independently write their own narrative:
I can write a setting and build up, independently, with the focus on modified expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials for where, when and how.
I can write a dilemma and resolution, independently, ensuring links between paragraphs.
I can write an ending, independently, with the focus on dialogue.
I can edit and redraft a narrative.
I can publish a narrative.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
SPAG:
I can create modified expanded noun phrases.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Congratulations on your 50 reads!
Spelling
Words spelt with the spelling /ture/ at the end of the word.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Week beginning 11th November
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and communication. Well done, you always make a really fantastic effort.
Maths
Maths will continue with the focus on multiplication and division.
The learning objectives are:
I can recall the 3,6, and 9 times tables.
I can multiply and divide by 7.
I can recall the 7 times tables.
I can recall the 11 times tables.
I can recall the 12 times tables.
English
Having planned a shared narrative based on Bill’s New Frock, the next stage is to write the story together, followed by the children independently planning their own narrative:
I can write a shared build up with the focus on modified expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials of when, where and how, whilst ensuring paragraphs are linked.
I can write a shared dilemma ensuring paragraphs are linked and dialogue is used to advance the plot.
I can write a shared resolution, ensuring paragraphs are linked.
I can write a shared ending.
I can independently plan a narrative.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary.
SPAG
I can create modified expanded noun phrases.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Words spelt with the spelling /ture/ at the end of the word.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Halloween Discos Thanks
Hornbill House Point Trophy Term 1.1
Please find below the total number of house points received by each house team during the first half term this year. House points are awarded in recognition of each child’s hard work, particularly focussing on the school’s learning powers of: Reflection, Communication, Creativity, Courage, Curiosity, Exploration, Energy and Resilience.
Congratulations to every child for their contribution towards these totals!
Week beginning 4th November
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her resilience and communication – two qualities that she possesses in abundance. Well done!
Maths
Having completed the unit of learning about area this week, the next block of work will focus on multiplication and division.
The learning objectives are:
I can find multiples of 3.
I can multiply and divide by 6.
I can recall the 6 times tables.
I can multiply and divide by 9.
I can recall the 9 times tables.
English
Having analysed the plot structure of Bill’s New Frock, the next stage in the learning will focus on:
I can use hot seating to explore the dilemma.
I can find and create fronted adverbials for where, when and how.
I can plan a shared narrative.
I can create modified expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials for effect.
I can write a shared setting with the focus on modified expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials of when, where and how.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
SPAG
I can create modified expanded noun phrases.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
We are delighted to congratulate the below children on gaining their bookmark and a bookworm badge for reading! A fantastic effort, well done to both of you.
Spelling
Words spelt with the spelling /sure/ at the end of the word.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Week beginning 28th October
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his reflection and communication. I fully agree with both of those, but feel that a further area should also be celebrated, and that is courage. He displays this in abundance. Well done, you have had a fantastic week!
Learning powers / behaviours
Mr Magerison, the DCS School Improvement Advisor, recently observed the class, and was very impressed by the children’s learning behaviours. He made a special point to thank the children. All credit to the children for their continued focus and commitment.
Maths
After half term we will be starting a short unit on area.
The learning objectives will be:
I can explain what area is.
I can count squares.
I can make shapes.
I can compare areas.
English
Having published our recounts on The Passover, we will be starting a theme based on a novel. The novel is Bill’s New Frock. The focus is on:
I can generate interest.
I can use active reading strategies (KWL grid) to understand a text.
I can use active reading strategies to draw the setting.
I can explore new vocabulary and modified expanded noun phrases to describe the setting.
I can summarise the key points in the text, analyse the plot structure and identify how paragraphs are linked.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval and inference.
SPAG
I can create modified expanded noun phrases.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Words spelt with the spelling /sure/ at the end of the word.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your well-deserved half term break.
Hornbill School Council 2024-2025
We would like to thank all of the children who participated in our elections, particularly the children who presented to their class and put their names forward as potential candidates. We were incredibly impressed with the way you presented your ideas to your classmates. You all showed great courage, enthusiasm, communication skills and resilience.
Votes have now been counted and we are delighted to announce our Hornbill School Council for 2024-2025. I am sure that they are going to be a fantastic team and we are looking forward to working with them over the next year.
Well done everyone!
Football Fun Day
Week beginning 14th October
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and resilience. We are unable to display her image but she knows who she is. Well done! I have been very impressed by your courage and creativity, too.
Maths
The next steps in our addition and subtraction unit are:
I can estimate answers.
I can check strategies.
Many of the children will require further practice using materials to represent exchanging, as this understanding is not yet secure and embedded. We will review their understanding before the unit assessment later in the week.
English
Having written the first draft of their independent write, the children will be editing, redrafting then publishing their recount. The focus is on:
I can edit and redraft my work.
I can publish my work.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary.
SPAG
I can build single clause sentences (pronouns) – stage 1.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Remembering the spellings that we do not pronounce CEW words.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Hornbill School House Team Football
Week beginning 7th October
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and ability to reflect. Through reflection, you are taking ownership of your next steps in your learning. Well done!
Maths
The next steps in our addition and subtraction unit are:
I can subtract 2 four-digit numbers with no exchange.
I can subtract 2 four-digit numbers with one exchange.
I can subtract 2 four-digit numbers with more than one exchange.
I can use efficient subtraction strategies.
The use of physical materials – place value counters etc. – and digital representations, will continue to be a central element in developing understanding. Explaining the process and the use of mathematical language will also be a focus. The layout of the work (in columns for the ones, tens, hundreds and thousands) is crucial to ensuring accuracy.
English
Having independently planned a recount about Moses and Passover, the children will be writing the recount independently. The focus is on cohesion, the use of fronted adverbials of where, when and how, expanded noun phrases, paragraphs and strategies for linking strategies.
I can, independently, write a setting and build up with a focus on expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials for where, when and how.
I can, independently, write a dilemma and resolution with a focus on linking paragraphs.
VIPERS: the focus will be on vocabulary.
SPAG
I can build single clause sentences – stage 1.
I can build single clause sentences (pronouns) – stage 1.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Remembering the spellings that we do not pronounce CEW words.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend and Happy Dashain!
Mile-A-Thon
BJSL Football Tournament
Week beginning 30th September
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and communication. We are also focusing on developing reflection and resilience – two qualities that she has really engaged with. Well done!
I am very pleased that the children, when proposing a High Flyer, recognise the importance of our Learning Behaviours – curiosity, creativity, courage, energy, communication, exploration, reflection and resilience.
Maths
Having completed the unit on place value, we will now focus on addition and subtraction:
I can add and subtract 1s, 10s, 100s and 1,000s.
I can add up to 2 four-digit numbers with no exchange.
I can add two 2 four-digit numbers with one exchange.
I can add two 2 four-digit numbers with more than one exchange.
The use of physical materials – place value counters etc. – and digital representations, will be a central element in developing understanding. Explaining the process and the use of mathematical language will also be a focus.
English
We are continuing to focus on recounts – with an emphasis on employing strategies to engage the reader. The expectation is that the children will able to articulate which strategies they have used and why.
I can write a shared ending.
I can plan a recount, independently.
VIPERS: the focus will be on summarising questions.
SPAG
I can review verbs.
I can identify what is a subject.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. I also politely ask that parents please sign the reading diary every day to record their child’s reading outside of school and use the grid at the back of the book to record each day of reading.
Spelling
Adding the suffix ation.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Hornbill School Council 2024-2025
I am delighted to announce that we are looking for a new Hornbill School Council team for this academic year. Last year, our School Council worked incredibly hard to share some great ideas, organise events and make improvements across the school.
I have already spoken to the children in assembly about the responsibilities around becoming a member of our School Council Team. We are looking for 2 representatives from each year in Years 2- 5. Year 6 will have 3 representatives as we will need a Chairperson, a Treasurer and a Secretary.
We are planning to hold elections on Thursday 10th of October, which will take place in the Gill Theatre during the school day. If your child is interested in becoming a school council member they will be asked to share a short presentation with their class during the week leading up to the elections (Monday 30th September – Friday 4th October). They will need to explain to their class why they would be a great member of our Hornbill School Council. We are looking for children who are keen to listen to the ideas of their classmates and to share these in regular school council meetings.
If your child is interested in this opportunity, please support them in preparing for a talk for their class. If you have any further questions, please speak to yourclass teacher or Mrs Cunningham.
Thank you for your support.
Week beginning 23rd September
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by his classmates for his energy and communication. I have also been very impressed by your ability to reflect. Well done – a great start to the year.
Next Week’s Learning…
Maths
In maths, we will complete the unit on place value by focusing on rounding numbers to the nearest 10,100 and 1,000.
English
Having begun to explore paragraphs and the strategies for linking them, we will now begin to write a shared recount about Romulus and Remus. The focus will be on employing strategies with which to engage the reader – the use of fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases, subordinate conjunctions etc.
VIPERS: the focus will be on retrieval questions.
SPAG will focus on using regular and irregular action verbs.
Reading – Assessment
All those children who joined Hornbill School at the beginning of the term have been assessed for reading using PM Benchmarking. As a result, we have identified key areas for development / extension for each of the children. We will post these in their reading diaries next week. I ask that you support this. Please also continue to use the VIPERS questions at the start of the diary.
Please note that some children will be asked to change their book band colours. As you may know, the expected level for the end of Year 3 is Brown / Grey, whilst the expected level for the end of Year 4 is Grey / Dark Blue.
Spelling
Adding suffixes.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Week beginning 16th September
This week’s High Flyer was chosen by her classmates for her energy and communication. Congratulations – a great start to the year!
Our Learning Over The Coming Week
Maths
In maths, we will continue to explore place value. We will revisit number lines – placing numbers up to 10,000 on a number line. We will reinforce the 3-step process of working out the value of each of the intervals. The next step is to compare and order numbers to 10,000.
English
Having created a storyboard, highlighting the structure of Escape from Pompeii, we will now recount the story whilst developing writing strategies with which to engage the reader –including the use of fronted adverbials and expanded noun phrases. We will also explore how paragraphs are linked to aid understanding.
VIPERS (Reading): the focus will be on explaining.
SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) the focus will be on using ‘being verbs’.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day.
Spelling
Remembering the /e/ at the end of a word.
PE – PE kits is required on Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
Year 4 PE
Week beginning 9th September
Maths
In maths, we will continue to explore place value. The learning will focus on flexible partitioning – using base ten, place value counters and bead strings – before finding 1,10,100 and 1,000 more than a given number.
English
Having read and analysed part of Escape from Pompeii, we will now examine the structure of a recount. This structure will be represented using a storyboard. The storyboard will then be populated with adventurous expanded noun phrases. We will be embedding the SPAG from last week – common and proper nouns.
VIPERS (our reading programme)
The focus will be on retrieval questions.
SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)
This week, we will focus on collective nouns.
Reading
Thank you to all those children and parents who are reading for at least twenty minutes each day with their child / children. Please use / continue to use the Vipers questions at the start of the reading diary as a prompt to initiate a discussion about the text. Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day.Thank you to those children who are answering the questions that are stuck in the reading diaries. Please could I ask parents to ensure that the questions are answered. Also, please sign the reading diary every day.
Spelling
Having explored the meanings of the words, during week two we will investigate the spellings of the words. Please practise spellings at home.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
Enjoy your weekend!
High Flyer
Congratulations on being elected ‘High Flyer’ by your classmates for being communicative and energetic. Well done!
Week beginning 2nd September
Maths
In maths, over the next four weeks, the focus will be on place value. Initially we will explore different ways of representing and partitioning numbers, before moving on to representing numbers on a number line.
English
Over the next two months, English will use the story Escape from Pompeii, to write a recount. The writing will be interspersed and supported by a heavy focus on Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar – SpaG. The SPaG will revisit learning from previous years – building clauses, nouns, verbs etc. and will introduce / develop the use of expanded noun phrases and fronted adverbials. The aim is to equip the children with a wide range of strategies with which to engage their readers. As the year progresses, the children will be expected to take ownership of their writing and make deliberate choices about how to make their writing interesting. They will also need to explain and justify their choices.
VIPERS: the focus will be on exploring vocabulary
SPAG will focus on common and proper nouns and expanded noun phrases
Reading
The expectation is that children will read, at home, for at least twenty minutes each day. Central to this is involving dad / mum in discussing the text, modelling inference, explanations, justifications etc. We very much encourage an interactive, discursive approach. To support this, please use the Vipers questions / prompts provided at the start of the reading diaries as a basis for initial discussions. Please sign and comment in the reading diaries, and complete the grid at the back of the book.
Please also practise spellings.
Science
We will begin the unit on Living Things and their Habitats by exploring what features are common to all living things.
PE – Monday and Wednesday
As you may know, all Year 4 children will sit a statutory times table check in June. By then the children will need to know all their tables up to 12 x. To support this, you can use this which replicates the test. The children have been introduced to the programme which can be modified to focus on specific tables etc.
Please note that we have plenty of time to practise these and I am not expecting the children to know their tables at this point in the year. I do not want the children / parents to feel burdened by this.
A little and often is an effective way to practise. We will teach / practise tables in class each week.
Enjoy your weekend.
Week beginning 28th August
I’d like to welcome you to Year 4 and Gibbon class. Those who are new / newly returned to Brunei, I hope you are settling in well. I trust you have all enjoyed a relaxing, restful holiday and are ready for the year ahead. For those who have not yet met me, I am Mike Crichton. I will be teaching Gibbons this year, supported by Ms Rusmi, our LSA.
Over the remainder of this week, we will be engaging in getting to know you activities, and establishing routines and expectations. We will also be encouraging the children to become more independent in respect of their thinking and how they organise themselves.
Please note:
PE – Monday and Wednesday – please wear your PE kit to school. You will remain in it all day, so please do not bring your school uniform to change into.
As per Mrs Neal’s letter, reading books will be sent home from next week. Over the next few weeks, we will be assessing the children’s reading and will continue to do so to ensure that each child reads at the correct level to support their on-going development in this key area of learning.