Autumn 2: American Road Trip Children will learn about the continent of North America and the 23 countries that make it up. They will use maps and research to find out about the contrasting countries. They will then look at the USA in detail to find out why it has such a big impact on the rest of the world.
Create A Spark
Each unit of work will begin with a stimulating activity to inspire curiosity and launch the unit.
Steps To Success
- Friendship: what makes the UK such good friends with the USA? What do we have in common? How are we different? What makes the USA so diverse? What rules help everyone to get along?
- Love: What things do we love about America? What do we love about the UK? What makes somewhere home?
Mathematics
We follow the White Rose Maths Hub scheme of work.
National Curriculum Objectives covered throughout the second half of the Autumn term:
To follow
Science
Habitats
Working scientifically:
- Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
- Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
- Recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables
- Using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
- Identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
National Curriculum Objectives:
- Recognise that living things can be grouped in a variety of ways
- Explore and use classification keys to help group, identify and name a variety of living things in their local and wider environment
- Recognise that environments can change and that this can sometimes pose dangers to living things.
RE & SMSC
Key Biblical Teachings:
- Romans 6:6-7: What is sin?
- Seven deadly sins
- Psalm 119:25-29
- Matthew 23:23-24
- James 4:17-21
Spiritual: What makes somewhere home? I have a dream- what is your dream?
Moral: What are American values? How do they compare with British values?
Social: What makes the USA so diverse? What rules help everyone to get along?
Cultural: What makes the UK such good friends with the USA? What do we have in common? How are we different? What things do we love about America? What do we love about the UK?
What faiths are shared in our country?
- Explore and describe ways beliefs and values are expressed in different religions through symbols and actions
- Give examples of ways in which people show they belong
- Explain why belonging to a community may be valuable but also challenging
Computing
Programming with Probots
National Curriculum objectives:
- design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts
- use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
- use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs
French
On The Move
National Curriculum objectives:
- To present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences
- To understand basic grammar appropriate to the language
(conjugation of high-frequency verbs) - To develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others
understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words
and phrases - To describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing
- To engage in conversations; ask and answer questions
WE Schools
No specific focus during this half term.
English
Texts used in Year 4:
- The Matchbox Diary, Paul Fleischman (Dialogue, diary entry, retelling (oral dictation), mini-autobiography, ship’s log, non-chronological report)
- Tar Beach, Faith Ringgold (Playscript (own version), character descriptions, book review, dialogue (direct speech), retelling)
- Weslandia, Paul Fleishman (Report (prospectus), retelling, character description, book review)
English National Curriculum Objectives (click to expand)
Geography
North America
National Curriculum Objectives:
- Locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe (including the location of Russia) and North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities
- Identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle, the Prime/Greenwich Meridian and time zones (including day and night)
- Understand geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region of the United Kingdom, a region in a European country, and a region within North or South America
Essential skills:
- I can explain why people may be attracted to live in cities.
- I can explain why people may choose to live in one place rather than another.
- I can locate the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
- I can plan a journey to a place in another part of the world, taking account of distance and time.
- I can explain why many cities are situated on or close to rivers.
- I can explain how a location fits into its wider geographical location with reference to human and economical features.
Music
Charanga: Glockenspiel, Stage 2
National Curriculum objectives:
- Play and perform in solo and ensemble contexts, using their voices and playing musical instruments with increasing accuracy, fluency, control and expression
- Improvise and compose music for a range of purposes using the inter-related dimensions of music
- Use and understand staff and other musical notations
Essential Skills:
- I can perform a simple part rhythmically.
- I can improvise using repeated patterns.
- I can use notation to record and interpret sequences of pitches.
- I can use notation to record compositions in a small group or on my own.
- I can explain why silence is often needed in music and explain what effect it has.
Art
Artist Study: Andy Warhol & Roy Lichtenstein
National Curriculum Objectives:
- Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history.
Essential skills:
- I can show facial expressions and body language in sketches and paintings.
- I can print onto different materials using at least four colours.
- I can integrate my digital images into my art.
- I can experiment with the styles used by other artists.
- I can explain some of the features of art from historical periods.
- I can use images which I have created, scanned and found; altering them where necessary to create art.
- I can research the work of an artist and use their work to replicate a style.
PE
To follow
Enrich Drivers
- Experiences: Visit to a faith centre
- Preparedness for modern life & independence: British values- are they similar to American values?
- Wellbeing: Why is diversity and tolerance so important? How can we live in harmony?
- Aspiration & Curiosity: Printing, art and graphics as a career, Lydia Wrightson
Let Your Light Shine
The unit will culminate with a piece of work designed to celebrate the pupils’ learning.
