Spring Term 2026

 

Maths

Year 3

In the Spring term, Year 3 pupils will build on their understanding of multiplication and division, developing fluency with times tables and learning how to solve problems using different methods. Children will also explore length and perimeter, fractions, and mass and capacity, using practical activities to support reasoning and problem-solving. Throughout the term, pupils will be encouraged to explain their thinking and apply their maths skills to real-life situations.

 

Year 4

In the Spring term, Year 4 pupils will deepen their understanding of multiplication and division, including learning and applying times tables to support problem-solving. They will explore length and perimeter, develop their knowledge of fractions, and learn about decimals, including tenths and hundredths. Children will also work with area and measurement, using practical activities to strengthen reasoning skills and apply their learning to everyday contexts.

 

English

The first book for Spring 1 uses The Barnabus Project as inspiration to design their own imaginative “failed pet”. Children will develop their descriptive and informative writing skills by creating guides that explain how to care for their pet, using clear language and key features of non-fiction writing. The next text the children will be reading is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Children will write their own Howlers for a class collection, focusing on writing for impact and performance. They will develop their grammar skills by using the present perfect tense, and their finished pieces will be read aloud to practise expression and confidence.

In Spring 2, the children will read The Iron Man by Ted Hughes, a modern children’s classic. Through reading and discussion, children will develop their ability to make inferences about characters and build empathy by exploring different viewpoints, including those of characters who may be misunderstood. In the next text, the pupils will explore Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister. Children will use rich description and imaginative language to create a descriptive narrative about the mysterious place “between”, writing to describe and entertain. They will consider audience and purpose as they write for Leon and other non-believers, and combine their writing with thoughtful illustrations to bring their ideas to life.

 

Science

In Spring 1, the children will be investigating the big question why do we have a skeleton? Across the unit, Willow class will conduct various investigations to support their substantive knowledge:

• All vertebrates have internal skeletons that protect vital organs. 
• Invertebrates have exoskeletons that protect vital organs.
• Skeletons support the weight of land animals. 
• Stronger bones can support a greater mass.
• Bones are connected (but can move relative to each other) at joints. 
• Muscles connect to bones and move them when they contract. 
• Stronger bones can anchor stronger muscles.

In Spring 2, the children will be investigating the question how do plants make their food? Across the unit, Willow class will conduct various investigations to support their substantive knowledge:

• Plants do not eat food so have to make their own.
• This food provides then with energy, and materials to grow
• To make the food (sugar) plants need water from the ground, carbon dioxide from the air and light from the sun.
• The water is taken up through the roots from the soil
• The carbon dioxide is taken in through the leaves 
• As well as food, plants also make oxygen which is given out back into the air through the leaves

 

RE

In Spring 1, the children will explore the importance of water as a symbol in both Hinduism and Christianity. Children will learn how water is used in religious stories, rituals and practices, and what it represents for believers, such as cleansing, life and belonging. Through discussion and reflection, pupils will develop their understanding of how symbols help people express beliefs and values.

In Spring 2, pupils will explore the theme of changing emotions through the Christian story of Holy Week and Easter. Children will learn about the key events of Holy Week and reflect on the different emotions experienced by Jesus, his followers and Christians today. Through discussion and reflection, they will develop their understanding of Christian beliefs and how religious stories can help people make sense of feelings such as sadness, hope and joy.

 

Geography

In this geography unit, Willow class will learn about volcanoes and where they are found in the world. They explore how volcanoes are formed, why people choose to live near them, and the benefits and risks involved. Through map work and real-life examples, children develop their understanding of physical geography and how people interact with natural environments.

History

In History, the children will learn about the impact of the Roman Empire on Britain and how Roman ideas still influence our lives today. Pupils will explore why the Romans invaded Britain and what life was like during Roman times. Children will also compare Roman Britain with life today, develop their understanding of chronology, and use historical evidence such as artefacts and buildings to ask and answer questions about the past.

Art

In Art, the children will be learning how to cut complex shapes from a range of materials, to produce their own Roman collage Mosaics. They will think carefully choose, cute arrange and apply materials with a focus on colour, shape, patter and the purpose of their collage. This cross-curricular topic links to their History, where the children will be studying the Roman Civilisation.

 

Music

In Spring 1, the children will explore music by Tchaikovsky. The focus of the unit is on the piece ‘March’ from The Nutcracker which follows rondo form structure, embracing its repeating nature of musical themes. They will explore the character and flow of each musical section and focuses on showing how the music might look or move if it were visible. Drawing on different pieces of art, as well as varying styles of movement, children will discover how the abstract nature of music can be analysed and experienced.

In Spring 2, the children will take a musical journey and explore the relationship between words and music through listening and composing using a variety of stimuli including music, poetry, and works of art – all featuring trains and railways. They will create a piece of music using Benjamin Britten’s Night Mail as a starting point. Willow class will also compose a piece using a poem and a painting as inspiration, as well as use word patterns to create a geographical rhythm rap.

 

Computing

In this computing unit, Willow class will learn how websites are designed and created. They explore what makes a website effective, including layout, navigation and audience, before planning and designing their own simple web pages. Children develop key digital skills while learning how to create content that is clear, purposeful and suitable for different users.

 

PSHE

In this PSHE unit, Willow class will learn about belonging to a community and the importance of rules and laws in everyday life. They will explore rights, freedoms and responsibilities, and develop their understanding of media literacy and digital resilience, including how data is shared and used online. Children will also learn about money and work by exploring different jobs and skills, challenging job stereotypes, and beginning to set personal goals for the future.

 

French

In these French units, Willow class will explore two key topics. In the Playground Games, Numbers and Age unit, children will learn to count, talk about their age and take part in simple playground games using French vocabulary and phrases. In the In a French Classroom unit, pupils will learn and use everyday classroom language, developing their listening and speaking skills and building confidence in understanding and responding in French.

 

PE

Willow class will take part in Quidditch-inspired games, developing key physical skills including flexibility, control, balance, and technique. They will also explore dance and movement, performing sequences individually and in groups. Children will have opportunities to evaluate their own and others’ performances, helping them improve skills, coordination, and confidence in competitive and creative activities.