Pirates
Spring term
During the Spring term, the children in Middle School will be learning all about Pirates. In English, they will be learning to write a Pirate adventure. They will be shown how to create suspense and tension, use cliffhangers and flashbacks to write their own pirate themed adventure. Later in the term, they will create an information text about a creature that lives under the sea. Finally, they will use their knowledge of what life was like on board a ship to write a Pirate’s diary.
In theme lessons, they will be finding out where Pirates were usually found and where they were in the world. They will learn the names of different seas and oceans. Also, they will find and use evidence to discover exactly what life was like for a Pirate, when they were at their height (the Golden Age), what they wore, what they ate and how they fought their enemies. During outdoor learning sessions, they will create a treasure map with instructions that lead to hidden treasure.
Through art and design lessons, the children will use sketching techniques to design and produce their own Jolly Roger flags with moving parts and an underwater seascape. They will also produce their own Wanted poster for a famous Pirate. using Purple Mash. The children will be developing their programming skills by creating an electronic quiz about sea creatures.
In our science lessons, we will be learning about forces. We will learn about the effects that forces had on pirate ships when they were in the water.
Towards the end of the term, we will have a special Pirate day. The children will get to spend the whole day dressed as a Pirate and will take part in a series of Pirate activities. We will also be visiting the beach when the weather is warmer to dig for buried treasure and to build a Pirate ship picture or sculpture out of sand and shells.
During the Spring term, the children in Middle School will be learning all about Pirates. In English, they will be learning to write a Pirate adventure. They will be shown how to create suspense and tension, use cliffhangers and flashbacks to write their own pirate themed adventure. Later in the term, they will create an information text about a creature that lives under the sea. Finally, they will use their knowledge of what life was like on board a ship to write a Pirate’s diary.
In theme lessons, they will be finding out where Pirates were usually found and where they were in the world. They will learn the names of different seas and oceans. Also, they will find and use evidence to discover exactly what life was like for a Pirate, when they were at their height (the Golden Age), what they wore, what they ate and how they fought their enemies. During outdoor learning sessions, they will create a treasure map with instructions that lead to hidden treasure.
Through art and design lessons, the children will use sketching techniques to design and produce their own Jolly Roger flags with moving parts and an underwater seascape. They will also produce their own Wanted poster for a famous Pirate. using Purple Mash. The children will be developing their programming skills by creating an electronic quiz about sea creatures.
In our science lessons, we will be learning about forces. We will learn about the effects that forces had on pirate ships when they were in the water.
Towards the end of the term, we will have a special Pirate day. The children will get to spend the whole day dressed as a Pirate and will take part in a series of Pirate activities. We will also be visiting the beach when the weather is warmer to dig for buried treasure and to build a Pirate ship picture or sculpture out of sand and shells.
Parent Pupil Projects
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Autumn Term
This term, our theme will be ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl. In our English lessons, we will be writing our own versions of the story, as well as writing a range of non-fiction texts based on chocolate. In Geography, we will be learning about where in the world cocoa is grown and the journey it takes to become chocolate. For Science, our lessons will focus on the digestive system and teeth. We will look at how our bodies digest chocolate and the impact sugary foods have on our teeth. In Art, we will study Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl’s famous illustrator. We will examine some of his fantastic illustrations and then attempt to recreate some examples of his artwork. In our Philosophy lessons, we will look at the dilemmas that the children in the story faced as we learn about rules and responsibilities. As well as reading the book, we will watch scenes from the film and in Music we will create a soundtrack to accompany a scene from the film.
Some lessons do not easily fit within a theme and so will be taught discretely. This term, our discrete subjects are PE, RE and Computing.
In PE, children will learn to develop their fundamental PE skills through ‘REAL PE’ lessons. They will also learn to develop their attacking and defending skills as well as how to apply tactics successfully in game play situations.
In Computing, the children will be learning how to stay safe online. They will learn how to make safe connections online as well as learning about plagiarism and malware. This term, the children will also learn about coding. These lessons will be taught using the online learning platform ‘Purple Mash.’
In RE, the children will be learning about Special Books in different religions and also learning about the Christmas story
This term, our theme will be ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl. In our English lessons, we will be writing our own versions of the story, as well as writing a range of non-fiction texts based on chocolate. In Geography, we will be learning about where in the world cocoa is grown and the journey it takes to become chocolate. For Science, our lessons will focus on the digestive system and teeth. We will look at how our bodies digest chocolate and the impact sugary foods have on our teeth. In Art, we will study Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl’s famous illustrator. We will examine some of his fantastic illustrations and then attempt to recreate some examples of his artwork. In our Philosophy lessons, we will look at the dilemmas that the children in the story faced as we learn about rules and responsibilities. As well as reading the book, we will watch scenes from the film and in Music we will create a soundtrack to accompany a scene from the film.
Some lessons do not easily fit within a theme and so will be taught discretely. This term, our discrete subjects are PE, RE and Computing.
In PE, children will learn to develop their fundamental PE skills through ‘REAL PE’ lessons. They will also learn to develop their attacking and defending skills as well as how to apply tactics successfully in game play situations.
In Computing, the children will be learning how to stay safe online. They will learn how to make safe connections online as well as learning about plagiarism and malware. This term, the children will also learn about coding. These lessons will be taught using the online learning platform ‘Purple Mash.’
In RE, the children will be learning about Special Books in different religions and also learning about the Christmas story
We also use YETI he helps us with our Growth Mindset and the Power of Yet!
PE
Our PE sessions are on Tuesday morning (indoors) and Thursday afternoons (outdoors). Please ensure your child arrives in the correct kit. Jumpers should be clearly named. If your child has their ears pierced, they must be removed before school if they cannot take them out by themselves. Long hair must also be tied back.
Spellings and Times Tables
Spellings and times tables will be tested on a weekly basis. Children do have the opportunity to practise these in school, however, there is an expectation that practising will continue at home to boost their success. Children receive stickers, certificates and rewards when they achieve their individual targets.
Homework
Homework is due in on Mondays. There will be a rotation of Maths, English and Learning log style homework with a week to practise times tables and spellings. Reading records can be found in the small books and should be signed to show how many times your child has read - at least four times a week. Homework is given out again on Tuesdays.
Each term we also invite children and parents to join together for a parent - pupil project. It is a great opportunity to create something special with your child.