Base 8 - The Octopi

Welcome to Base 8’s webpage.

In Base 8 the class teacher is Miss Goring, accompanied by Mrs Garrett (TA) and Mrs Whitehouse (HLTA). 

The purpose of this page is to provide you with an insight with regards to what we have been learning and planned future activities. Additionally, you will be able to view homework activities for the week along with the spelling and times tables focus.

In Base 8 we view learning as a journey and along the way it might be tricky, but we are learning to view problems as a challenge to be conquered rather than an obstacle in our path. We are proud to promote an inclusive classroom environment whereby differences are celebrated. Furthermore, a safe and secure learning environment is ensured at all times.

We hope you visit our webpage regularly for updates on how we are growing as learners and to see some of the fun learning opportunities that we have been taking part in.

Value of the Season

Our value of the season is Responsibility. Children will explore what this means through assemblies and topical questions. Tokens are given to children who demonstrate equality and patience around school and then one name will be drawn to be our values champion.

We are also exploring the country of China as part of our Flag of the Month whereby we will be exploring and retelling a traditional Chinese folk tale. 

Geography Subject Focus

During the term we will be focusing on the geography topic of 'Climate, Biomes and Vegetation Belts' in the first half of the Autumn term, moving onto 'Rivers' for the second half. Throughout our Climate topic, the children will focus on answering the big question: 'What are the effects of climate change on plants and animals in a biome?'.    

To answer the big question this half term we will be learning about the significance of the Arctic and Antarctic circle, where and what the worlds main climate zones are, the main biomes found across the world, vegetation belts and the effects of climate change on different biomes. 

Reading 

As part of our guided reading lessons we will be reading Song of the River by Gill Lewis.  This is an exciting, fun read and we can’t wait to read it. In addition to our guided reading sessions, we will be enjoying our reading for pleasure sessions where we can enjoy reading a range of diverse and inclusive texts. Reading is at the heart of everything – we love reading!

This Week's Homework

All homework will be provided within the child’s homework folder. This will link to our learning for the week and the past week so that children have the opportunity to revisit their knowledge and embed this into their long term memory.

Please note that it is important to encourage your children to be prioritising homework. It is important that homework is completed in full and on time. Not only is it crucial that learning is     consolidated in support of academic progression, but it will also support the children as they progress onto secondary school.

Weekly homework expectations include: reading (at least 4 times per week), Times Tables Rockstar's, maths arithmetic and handwriting/spelling practise. 

Reading- Reading should be recorded within the children's reading records, these are then checked weekly by the classroom teaching team and a record is made of children who are not consistently reading at home. Please endeavour to read with your child daily where possible, however, this should take place at least four times per week as a minimum requirement.

TTRS- The children should aim to practise on TTRS regularly. This Weeks TTRS focus is developing fluency and speed on the 3 times tables and squared times tables.   

Handwriting/Spellings- A worksheet has been provided within the children's homework books to support their handwriting/spelling practise. The words have been taken from the year 5/6 common exception word list.