In English learning we have travelled with Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica, reading Shackleton's Journey by William Grill writing diaries as members of the crew at different points and developing character descriptions. We then moved onto Saving Species by Jess French. Woodpecker Class have been very engaged by research on endangered species and have created non-chronological reports.

Children focused on key grammar and spelling objectives including using nouns and pronouns for clarity, understanding consonants and vowels, applying the suffix -ly, writing in the past tense, using subordinate clauses, recognising singular and plural nouns, using Standard English, identifying compound words and using adverbs to express time and place.

These areas of learning support the Year 3 and Year 4 National Curriculum programmes of study for English, developing pupils' writing composition, grammar, punctuation and spelling skills.

In mathematics, Year 3 pupils have developed their understanding of place value to 1,000, including partitioning numbers, comparing and ordering numbers, estimating on number lines and counting in 50s. They also began addition and subtraction strategies involving crossing tens and hundreds. Year 4 pupils extended their place value knowledge to 10,000, exploring flexible partitioning and rounding. We all loved learning to use Roman numerals. They will apply these skills when adding and subtracting up to two four-digit numbers using a range of formal and mental methods. These units link directly to the National Curriculum objectives for Number and Place Value and Addition and Subtraction.

Our history unit asked: "Would you prefer to live in the Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age?" To begin with, a timeline was added to our wall so we could see the chronology of Britain. We have been intrigued by Skara Brae, explored the significance of the Bronze Age and now understand how trade transformed life during the Iron Age. They compared settlements across different periods and identified continuity and change over time.

In science, Woodpecker Class really enjoyed investigating rocks and soils. They have grouped rocks according to their appearance and physical properties, learnt about fossil formation, identified different rock groups and compared soil types. Children have also developed their scientific enquiry skills by making predictions, presenting research and explaining observations.

In PE, children have shown great skill, developed teamwork, communication and game skills through Tag Rugby. They learnt ball control, passing, catching, attacking, defending and tagging techniques before applying these skills in competitive situations.

Our sports coach sessions have focused on Invasion Games, helping children improve ball control, aiming, dodging and tactical awareness through fun and engaging activities.

The children have been exploring landscape art, learning how to sketch realistic landscapes, and have then painted watercolours of the view from the playground. experimenting with watercolours and acrylic paints while developing their understanding of artistic vocabulary such as colour wash, stippling and landscape.

This term's computing unit is Connecting Computers. Pupils have learnt about input and output devices, computer networks and how digital devices communicate and share information. They also investigated the physical components of networks and consider how technology changes the way we work. At the beginning of term the children created colourful posters for online safety through our focus on being kind and responsible online.

Year 3 pupils have begun French this year with basic greetings in French, while Year 4 pupils will focus on learning vocabulary for family members, building confidence in speaking and listening to another language.

In RE, both this term and next are dedicated to the study of Hinduism, exploring the concepts of Dharma, Deity and Atman. They learnt about Hindu beliefs, worship and identity, as well as the significance of Diwali. We have explored the story of Rama and Sita and consider how Hindu beliefs influence daily life and celebrations today.

A huge thrill this term has been Year 3 and Year 4 starting strings lessons on a Friday. The children are currently playing either violin or cello and will swap instruments after Christmas.

Our PSHE learning has focused on Connecting with Others: What Helps Us Feel Safe and Included? Children explored their strengths, qualities and personal boundaries. They discussed how friendships and families provide support, learn strategies for repairing friendships and understand how to recognise and respond to different types of bullying. On Yellow Day, when we recognised the importance of looking after our mental health, we created our own personal star constellations.

We are looking forward to an exciting and productive second term filled with curiosity, creativity and collaboration as the children continue to develop both academically and personally.