This week in maths we have been revisiting our learning. We have started thinking about the physical and human features of geography ready to consider the impact of human settlement on the land.  Pupils were interested in the idea of a time capsule, so we have been investigating historical finds and explaining what they would place in a time capsule at this moment in time and justifying their ideas. Please ask your child what they chose and why.

Following the announcement that the BBC Concert Orchestra will be taking up residency in Great Yarmouth, the class enjoyed a Zoom meeting with Matthew Lee, a cellist with the Orchestra.  Pupils listened to several pieces played by Mr Lee and were able to appreciate what the music was aiming to convey and ask questions.  The orchestra will be working with us in the future which is exciting news!

We have continued exploring Viking History where the pupils created a playscript about a family who were considering moving away from their homeland.  This was with the intention of pupils working together to create an effective roleplay.  We also built on our persuasive writing from last week to create an advertising poster selling the benefits of moving to Britain. In reading this week, we have been summarising by ordering events and discussing how characters change in the piece we have read, using evidence by quoting from the text.  When reading at home, please ask your child to summarise what they have read.

Would you like to live in a well-equipped, modern home in a welcoming environment?  This is one of the questions Lynx Class Estate Agents posed to people considering a move.  However, in a twist, we analysed persuasive language in housing adverts to create a text inviting Vikings to live here!  We were able to use much of the language we discovered and apply it in our writing to tempt Vikings to make the move.

In maths, we have been converting fractions using multiplication and division.  Quick recall of multiplication tables is so important, so please continue to practise this with your child, along with telling the time.

We have started reading ‘Stig of the Dump’ together and answering questions.  In writing, we have learned about miracles and wrote a diary entry as an observer.   We have been exploring water resistance through the development of Viking vessels, adapting our designs to make improvements.  Additionally, we have written as if we were Vikings to explain how our ships were constructed in order to travel further and invade!

Our concept is Change – Is it possible to always produce a positive consequence from change?

This term, we have studied Earth and Space, describing the movements of the Earth, Moon and other planets relative to the Sun, analysing previous beliefs that the Earth was the centre and how early mathematicians and astronomers gradually changed opinions.

We have explored the properties of materials which has enabled us to make predictions and discuss the suitability about the use of certain materials in boats.  We had a go at making our own boats, adapting a design with flat edges.  This has further supported us to offer considered comments regarding Anglo-Saxon artefacts and their purpose, and why our knowledge of settlers changes as we discover more.

In Geography, we have thought about the reason for the movement of settlers – did they choose to leave or did they have to leave?  We have also talked about the consequences of change as new settlers come to a land – why they would choose a place, what they would need to survive and how they would adapt the land.

We have interviewed ‘Banksy’ and debated the consequences of his artwork appearing in Great Yarmouth.  We have just applied to be Trainee Astronauts by writing a persuasive letter.

In Art, we have learned how to control pencil width and depth, to create perspective and compositions when sketching the artefacts and painting poppies using the medium of watercolors.

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Time and Tide Museum on Friday 26th November.  The lives of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings were brought to life by the staff at the Museum and greatly supported the learning of the pupils.  The experience enabled them to engage with the activities of: archaeology where they used a metal detector and debated the value of finds; creating a settlement by deciding what to take on a voyage (and becoming a ship!); brooch making using symbols; how weapons were utilised to support successful campaigns;  and taking part in the story of St. Edmund.