To all our wonderful Highflyer families 

And so, ends our fantastic Term 3 :) … with HUGE thanks, as always, for all your continued and kind support (especially during Mrs Shrimpton’s planned absence); however, we are now eagerly looking ahead to an equally exciting/fun-packed Term 4 – full of wonderful activities and learning opportunities – therefore, here’s to another lovely term ‘together’ … heralding the much-anticipated arrival of Spring! 

Science 

This week we have focused on materials and their properties; exploring how different materials can be classified into various groups e.g. transparency, magnetism and conductivity. Key groupings included rigid/flexible, waterproof/absorbent as well as transparent/opaque/translucent; with soft materials of clay and foam also being easily altered. We also considered why specific materials are chosen for everyday objects, like metal for strength or fabric for warmth; and also why they are important for keeping objects, structures and products viable. By sorting materials into groups, it not only helped us to identify their characteristics but additionally recognise similarities and differences. 

We also conducted several experiments e.g. to investigate which of four classroom items (plastic ruler, wooden stick, large elastic band and rubber) bent or stretched – observing if they returned to their original shape – and using magnets to test which things were attracted to them! The children made predictions beforehand using their prior knowledge and experience; with most, of course, predicting that the largest magnet would absolutely LOVE picking up an enormous number of paper clips :) 

Homework 

As we begin our new History topic (for Term 4), “How Did We Learn to Fly?”, it would be really super if any of the children might like to carry out some initial research to support their understanding and even encourage them to gently take ownership of their own ‘independent’ learning. We will be looking at historic attempts to ‘get off the ground’ and learn about the patience and resilience of the Wright brothers to design a aircraft; before finding out about different pioneers (in aviation) in the early part of the 20th century. Therefore, PLEASE do feel free to look out any information/story books, fun facts or even models/toys – and, if appropriate, pop them into school at your convenience … as we would be delighted to offer them a safe ‘space’ for any length of duration! 

Maths homework will begin again after half term – however, if the children wish to continue with their mastering of recent times tables then this shall certainly help before we take a supported step towards halving (and early division) following our unit on money. 

Please also remember to have great fun ‘reading for pleasure’ daily/when at all possible … as usual! 

Our new curriculum newsletter/timetable will shortly be available on our class page; including our phonic focus for Week 1 as Adverbs ending in –ly (including to split digraph and –y words), Common Exception words: plant*, bath, path    (* May be tricky words according to regional accent) and Apostrophes for possession  - 's; but until then, wishing you all a very restful break before warmly welcoming you back to our exciting fourth term! 

With very best wishes – as always 

Mrs Winters and the 'HF' Team