Hello, my name is Miss Islam and I am so excited to be teaching the Spring 2 class. I am really looking forward to getting to know the children and supporting them throughout the term.

Mrs Shuttleworth and I are always happy to speak to you about your child. Please feel free to catch us at the door at drop off or home time, or contact the school office to make an appointment.

English – Exploring Vivid Settings with Pirate Tom

This term in English, our main text will be Pirate Tom. Through this exciting story, pupils will dive into the adventurous world of pirates and learn how to create vivid, engaging settings in their own writing. Using our Setting Toolkit, children will explore how to bring scenes to life with powerful vocabulary, sensory details, and expanded noun phrases.

Pupils will:

• Analyse descriptive language in the text to understand how authors paint a picture for the reader.

• Experiment with expanded noun phrases and adjectives, using commas to add rich detail.

• Develop their own setting descriptions, imagining pirate ships, golden beaches, and hidden treasures.

• Use figurative language such as similes and personification to make their writing more creative and immersive.

By the end of the unit, children will be able to craft settings that transport readers into the heart of their stories—whether it’s a bustling pirate ship, a mysterious island, or a treasure-filled cave.

This term we are focusing on developing a deep understanding of subtraction through a variety of strategies. Pupils will learn to subtract using number bond diagrams as well as the standard column method, ensuring they build strong conceptual knowledge alongside procedural fluency.

Children will:

• Explore subtraction using number bonds, which helps them see the relationship between numbers and understand how parts make a whole.

• Practise the column method step by step, reinforcing accuracy and place value understanding.

• Apply subtraction to real-life contexts, solving word problems and reasoning tasks to deepen understanding.

• Recognise patterns and connections between addition and subtraction, strengthening mental strategies.

Each lesson will include slight variations in learning objectives, allowing pupils to progress at their own pace and achieve mastery. By combining visual models, practical activities, and formal written methods, children will gain confidence and flexibility in their approach to subtraction.

History

We’ll be asking: “When and why did my family move to Accrington?” This will help children understand local history and personal connections.

RE

Our focus will be Hindu Dharma, learning about beliefs and practices in Hinduism.

Computing

We’ll work on Programming A – Robot Algorithms, developing logical thinking and sequencing skills.

Design & Technology

How do vehicles move? Pupils will design and make a vehicle.

Please save two small boxes (square or rectangular) for this activity.

Science –

Our topic is Materials and Their Uses. Pupils will explore:

What objects are made from and why certain materials suit their uses.

How the shape of some solid objects can be changed.

Comparing the suitability and strength of different materials.

We’ll also carry out investigations and record our findings.

History

We’ll be asking: “When and why did my family move to Accrington?” This will help children understand local history and personal connections.

RE

Our focus will be Hindu Dharma, learning about beliefs and practices in Hinduism.

Computing

We’ll work on Programming A – Robot Algorithms, developing logical thinking and sequencing skills.

P.E. and Forest School – Spring 2

Our P.E. days this half term are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so please make sure children come to school in their P.E. kits on those days, ready for active and fun sessions.

Forest School is on Thursday, please bring in appropriate clothing and footwear.