Curriculum Newsletter
2024/25
Embedded Files
Please see the curriculum overview for your child's year group. This will give you a summary of the topics being taught for each area of the curriculum each half term.
General Information
General Information
Reading Records and Passports
Please check your child’s book bag for a reading diary, books and reading passport. The reading diary needs to be signed and handed in EVERY DAY the same as their reading passport. Please date and initial (not just tick) their reading passport for every five minutes of reading inside the small box. Children will be working towards achieving their bronze passport initially. Please also continue to read the Big Cat books that the children bring home each week.
Water Bottles
Children are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to keep in class which they can access throughout the day. Please make sure your child’s name is written clearly on their water bottle.
Clothing
Please make sure your child’s name is written clearly on their school uniform and coats.
Homework and Handwriting
Children will be given either an English or maths homework task weekly to be handed in by the following Wednesday. In addition, children are also expected to complete two activities on the topic menu linked to our global theme every half term. They will also be expected to practise their given times table every week.
We encourage children to take care with their presentation and use joined cursive handwriting from Year 2. Handwriting practice will take place throughout the week.
Home Learning
CENTURY is ideal for independent learning at home. Each child in Years 2 -6 has an indivisualised pathway in English, maths and science learning. Once your child has completed the 'nugets' (mini lessons) set by their teacher, the learning doesn't stop there. CENTURY instantly identifies gaps in learning and remedies misconception, supporting and stretching your child at a pace that is right for them.
Children in Year 2 - 6 can access their CENTURY account by clicking here and signing in using their school Google username and password. You can learn more about CENTURY by clicking here.
Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) is a fun and engaging platform designed to boost your child's multiplication and division skills through rhythmic challenges. It transforms learning times tables into a thrilling experience. Numbots focuses on developing early mathematical skills, making numbers more accessible and enjoyable for our young learners. Both platforms provide a supportive and interactive environment for your child to strengthen their numeracy abilities.
We encourage you to explore these resources with your children and witness the positive impact they can have on their educational journey. Happy learning!
Reading for Pleasure
At Forest Academy we are continuing our drive to encourage all children to read for pleasure. Research shows a positive link between reading frequency, enjoyment and educational attainment. Furthermore, reading for pleasure has positive emotional and social benefits, improves text comprehension and grammar skills and increases general knowledge.
All children are able to choose books to read in school and to take home for our Big Cat library and from class reading areas. We set clear expectations for reading at home in each year group and Reading Records are monitored to track this. We have many initiatives that are taking place in school over this academic year to further encourage reading for pleasure.
Things you can do at home:
Ensure your child reads daily minimum of 20 minutes and record their reading in their reading record.
Talk about what books they are currently reading.
Ask questions when listening to your child read aloud
Read books to your child / read books together.
Visit local libraries and bookshops.
Stuck for what to read?
If your child is finding it difficult to know what they want to read, here are some ideas:
Access Big Cat phonics ebooks (ask your child's class teacher for more details)
Register on the CLPE’s Core Books website for free to view regularly updated book lists sorted by age-range, genre, author or publisher.
We greatly appreciate all the support you give in supporting and encouraging your children to read at home and we are looking forward to an exciting year full of reading ahead!
Key Dates
To see some of our fantastic learning follow us on X
Report abuse