Welcome to Sycamore Class! There are 34 wonderful children in our class. Our teachers are Mrs Watson and Miss Compton.

Term 6- Why are some places safer to live than others?

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the heart of England, lived a curious young girl. One evening, while watching the news, she saw harrowing footage of an earthquake devastating a far-off land. Puzzled, she pondered why such catastrophic events never occurred in her peaceful homeland. Intrigued, Alice delved into research and discovered the science behind tectonic plates and earthquake-prone regions. She learned that certain areas, due to their location on fault lines, were more susceptible to seismic activity. Understanding the geographical factors that make some places safer to reside in than others, Alice appreciated the serene stability of her home and empathised with those who dwelled in such precarious terrains.

In our geography learning this term, children will investigate the question ‘Why are some places safer to live than others?’ Children will learn that below the surface of Earth are tectonic plates, which meet at fault lines, and are responsible for some of the natural disasters experienced by people who live there. Children will learn about the features of Earthquakes and Volcanoes and what makes them so dangerous; we will consider whether there are positives to living in areas where such disasters exist and how they affect people who live in such places.

Term 5- What can other cultures bring to our country?

As I stood by the dock, watching the grand ship, Empire Windrush, glide in gracefully, my eyes widened in amazement. Hundreds of passengers streamed down the gangplank, each carrying their hopes and dreams in battered suitcases. Their faces were etched with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a tinge of apprehension. I couldn't help but marvel at how different they all looked compared to me, their clothes vibrant with colours I had never seen before.

I pondered upon the promise that their arrival held for England. What changes would they bring? What wonders would unfold with their presence on our shores? Only time would tell, but one thing was for certain - the arrival of the Windrush passengers marked the beginning of a new chapter for us all.

This term, we will explore the historical links between Britain and the Caribbean. Children will use their knowledge of WW2 from term four to understand what its ongoing impacts were on Britain.

Throughout the term, the children will learn about the Windrush movement and how it is commemorated in modern day events. They will learn about why people immigrated to England post-war and what it was like to live here during this time.

Term 5 timetable- subject to change

Term 4- What does it mean to be a hero?

This term, children in Sycamore Class will learn about World War Two. We will learn about how the war is remembered in the modern day, who key leaders were during this period, how life changed for British citizens during the war and why victory for Britain was so significant. 

In our English studies, we will look at the unique conditions of the blitz through newspaper writing, and the significant contribution made by the Oxfordshire and Buckingham Light Infantry during Operation Deadstick, which has close links to our local area, through a flashback story. 

Term 4 timetable (subject to change)

Term 3- Is the Earth fragile?

'Curious, he weaved through the throng, coming face to face with a sea of colourful signs. The messages pierced through him: "Protect our planet", "Climate change is real", "The Earth is fragile". Sam felt a surge of emotion—confusion, concern, and a spark of determination. Was the world truly in danger?'

This term in geography, we will learn about the different biomes. We will learn about the difference between weather and climate, how climate zones create different biomes with their own unique and biodiverse eco-systems, study major biomes in detail, looking at their position and the significance of longitude and the Equator, simulate a rainforest habitat thinking about the role of the water cycle; consider the threats affecting world biomes, and how to reduce them; and think about deforestation, debating whether there is a need for this to continue. 

We will use our learning to consider the question, is the Earth Fragile?

Term 2- How can we make the most of where we live?

Welcome back! This term we will develop our Geography fieldwork skills by exploring our local area. We will explore all things Chilton, using our map-reading skills to distinguish our location and surrounding features, before becoming cartographers and making our own maps relevant to our studies. We will use newly acquired geographical vocabulary to describe our local area and lead our peers on walks through it. With our new-found knowledge each session, we will be asking ourselves ‘How can we make the most of where we live?’. 

Term 1- Was Greek democracy a success?

Welcome back to school and to a brand-new school year. This term we will be learning about the Ancient Greeks, considering what democracy looked like then and comparing it to the modern day. 

In our topic lessons, we will investigate what democracy is, what it looked like in Ancient Greece and who did and did not have a voice. We will then compare it with today. This term, we will explore other legacies of Ancient Greece such as architecture, sport and language.

Term 1 timetable (subject to change)

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