September 2009
Croeso i ddosbarth 9
We’ve already had a busy start to the term and the children are working very hard. They all enjoyed their teambuilding day and are looking forward to their groupwork this term.
PE Days are;
Mondays - Cardiff Blues training for the first four weeks and then games.
Tracksuit/shorts and trainers needed
Thursdays – gymnastics
White T-shirts and plain navy shorts. Trainers are needed for Games lessons and barefeet for gymnastics and dance. Children with verrucas needn’t keep trainers on. Long hair needs to be tied back and watches and earrings other than studs removed.
English
Spelling will be given weekly on a Monday and tested each Friday. The spelling each week will be supported by teaching in class. The children will need to learn the rules and apply them as well as learn specific words. Please help your child learn them throughout the week, the words will be on the blog.
Mathematics
Please help your child learn their times tables. Quick recall of these facts will help your child in many other areas of maths.
Reading
Improving standards in reading continues to be a focus for us again this year. We recommend that you listen to your child read little and often, and comment in the reading diary. We value your comments and follow up in class. Depending on the age and ability of the child, the duration will vary but 5 minutes regularly will make a big difference. Older children who are fluent readers can discuss characters, plot and favourite parts with you which you can comment upon. Their reading books and diaries need to be in school each day, as reading time is set aside each day.
Homework (as outlined in the school policy)
‘Pupils will be given homework once every fortnight. Homework will usually be given on a Monday and collected in on the following Monday. This will give all children time to complete the homework even though many of them may attend clubs during the weekends or evenings.
Homework will be marked, as necessary, by the teachers and returned to the pupils with their new homework tasks the following Monday.’
Children can use their homework books from last year. Please could the sheets be trimmed and glued in to their books so they are kept neatly and a record of the work done.
Topic for the term
This term our topic title is ‘Black Gold’ most of the subject skills and many of the thinking skills will be taught through and linked to this theme. There will be two trips to support this theme. The first is trip to investigate the development of the Rhondda from early times to the present day. The other will focus on conditions in a mine and mining communities, for this we hope to visit the Big Pit.
It would be useful for our theme to have in class as many artefacts and resources as possible. If you happen to have any replica Victorian/coal items please would it be possible to borrow (only if they are not valuable of course).
An information evening based on the New Curriculum and how we are implementing it has been planned for Wednesday the 30th September at 6pm. Please come along.
Class Rules
The children have written their own class rules which are;
Do look after resources and leave them neat and tidy.
Do listen so that you can learn and improve.
Do consider the feelings of others.
Do be yourself.
Do encourage and support others.
Do be polite and speak kindly to others.
Do work hard to improve and reach your goals.
Please discuss these with your child and ask them about the rewards and consequences which we have in place, as part of our assertive discipline policy.
Parents’ evenings have been arranged for this term in October, but if there are any problems or concerns before then please don’t hesitate to ask or make an appointment to see me.
Best Wishes
Mrs Morgan
