Rubies Time Travel to …
Information about our Spring Half Term Learning in Rubies
Children in Rubies have asked lots of questions to begin our creative curriculum topic this half term: The Romans.
These questions are hanging in our topic learning area as well as some of them being recorded below:
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What did they eat?
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What did the Emperor wear? What was he called?
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Where did they live?
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What did the furniture feel and look like?
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Did they live in castles? If so what were their homes/buildings made out of?
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What did the ladies wear compared to the men?
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What weapons did they use? What were their shields made out of?
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How did they travel?
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Where did they come from?
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Did they have to hunt for their food?
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Did they ever start a war?
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How long were the Romans alive for?
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How did they keep warm?
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What did they like to do?
These questions will be answered during themed learning. Children also have the opportunity to pose further questions
during our Spring Term – these will be placed on our ‘I wonder’ board in our topic learning area.
Why ‘The Romans’?
This topic was selected by the children, but also links with our WW1 topic, as children develop their understanding of timelines and way of life in the past,
compared to their lives now. It is also a key area within the new national curriculum, for History and Maths in particular, where children are expected to be
taught about ‘Julius Caesar’s invasion, power of the Roman army, Claudius’ invasion and conquest, British resistance and the Romanisation of Britain’ as well as
‘using Roman numerals to tell the time, and to read and write roman numerals within maths situations’. Romans play an important part in all the children’s
history, and therefore this topic is an exciting way to teach this.
Do you have what it takes to be a Gladiator? Would you have been a fine Roman citizen? We will be learning all about what life was like in Ancient Rome and what
happened when the Romans came to Britain across all subjects:
As Historians
We will learn who the Ancient Romans were. We will be able to discuss significant Ancient Roman Emperors. We will be able to place significant events on a
timeline, including invasions into other countries and continents. We will learn when the Romans invaded Britain. We will look at the work of Archaeologists
and know that we have found out so much about Ancient Rome because of their work. We will learn about Roman Gods and religion within roman times,
within our R.E. learning, which will include early Christianity. We are also going to have a talk by Imogen Noyes, who currently gives talks within Dorchester
Museum about her ‘archaeology learning’ at a local site.
As Geologists
We will learn about volcanoes, especially a significant historical event caused by Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. We will create our own volcanoes using paper
mache. We will learn how volcanoes are formed, and what makes them explode. We will be able to locate and identify Rome on a map of Italy, and on a world
map. We will know what continent it is in, and locate all the countries conquered by Ancient Rome. We will be able to name and identify the seas and oceans
surrounding Europe.
As Artists and Designers
We will learn about Ancient Roman mosaics and what they were for. We will design and make our own mosaic patterns inspired by Ancient Rome and in
preparation of an art enrichment activity which will be happening first week back after half term, with thanks to Mrs Harvey and Mrs Lewis. We will look at and
design and make our own shields, which will link to learning about the ‘power of the Roman army’.
As Writers and Readers
We will read primary and secondary sources of information collected by archaeologists. We will write our own stories based on key historic events or periods of
time, based around the text ‘Racing with Gladiators’. We will write our stories using past tense and a wider range of punctuation. We will write nonchronological reports about key historical events or periods of time based on our topic learning.
As Mathematicians
We will be able to read dates in BC and AD. Some will understand negative numbers in terms of the years BC. We will be able to read dates and understand
roman numerals through our number and place value learning. We will identify 2D and 3D shapes in ancient structures and discuss how and why they were
used. We will also measure, using time as well as other units of measure such as length. We will use problem solving throughout our learning.
As Scientists
In addition to the Science curriculum for Year 2 and Year 3 (Rocks – comparing and grouping rocks, describing fossils and recognising soils), we will look at the
inventions brought to the civilised world by the Ancient Romans. We will discover how the ideas of the Ancient Roman are used today and the science behind
their success.
As computing experts
We will continue to develop our keyboard skills and knowledge of using computers, programmes and I Pads. Through topic learning, we will use the internet to
research. Linked to our Geography learning, we will sequence instructions for robots.
As musicians
We will continue our Samba learning in preparation for a concert as well as learn Roman and Celtic songs.
As gymnasts
We will learn about different rolls and balances, whilst using all the equipment. Children will learn about performing as a gymnast.
Modern Foreign Languages
Our language we are learning is French, which will now be taught by Mrs Crumpler on a Monday afternoon. We will also look at how words and numbers were
written in Ancient Rome. In our spelling work we will discover how modern English words are made from pre-fixes and suffixes from other languages including
ancient civilizations such as Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece.
How to support your child at home:
Please continue to support your child in reading regularly – children will be working towards their reading reward presentation in April, and as a class we are
targeting 100% to achieve it this term... but the children need your support with this. For more information please ask your child, Mrs Crumpler or myself.
Encourage writing everywhere - specifically using accurate pencil grip and letter formation. A handwriting support sheet is within your child’s home learning
book.
Continue to focus on spelling rules and key words at home. If you would like a list of high frequency words I can provide this – just ask!
During maths, remember to remain positive about it and that whether you are recognising shapes on a drive to school or counting out the peas at dinner… you
are still using maths! Children’s ability to recall their addition facts, times tables and tell the time is so valuable, so please support them regularly and
specifically with this at home.
If your child partakes in classes outside of school, please keep us aware of any personal achievements that we can celebrate with your child in school. We
would really love to share our amazing achievements from home in school, especially as there is a whole section for this in our achievement files!
If you have anything that could aid us in our learning, or go in our role play, please let me know as we would love to borrow it. Likewise, if you have any
expertise that you would be happy to share with the children, please let me know – may be you have visited Rome or are a Roman expert… if so WE NEED
YOU!!!
Our gem powers will continue this term, and our first target is to have a pyjama party! Children will learn to persevere, support others, challenge themselves,
be responsible, keep focused and collaborate. At home, please talk about children’s responsibilities and focus on positive behaviours.
We are mostly having PE on a Monday and Tuesday, however we do have extracurricular activities such as enrichment, therefore it is best for the PE kit to be in
school every day.
I hope you all received the home learning project for this half term – if you have not, please contact me asap or this can be found on our school website 
Thank you for taking the time to read this booklet – it is much appreciated and I hope it goes a little way in introducing you to our class learning this half term 
Lots of opportunities will be happening in class, from our Roman Day in School (Friday 6th February 2015) to visiting The Roman Baths in
Bath to experience what life was like in the past. More information about these two events will be sent out in a couple of weeks,
however, for your information before hand:
Roman Baths – Bath, Somerset
Waiting for confirmation of activities and bus company to finalise
day and time, however we are hopefully going to be going at some
point this half term… I will let you know date and confirmation of
going asap!
Voluntary contribution is likely to be around the £20 mark per
child (so start saving!)
It will be an ‘early to start’ and ‘late to finish’ day, so get the
sleep in now and plan the alarm clock!
Roman Day – All Saints School
Friday 6th February – ALL DAY
Children to come dressed as a Roman (this could be as simple as
using a sheet as a toga and wearing sandals!) Please ensure children
also come with their school uniform and coat, as during playtimes
and other activities, they will be outside and it is likely to be cold
at this time of year.
If you are available to help at any point during the day, please let
me know and I will endeavour to get a timetable together 
We are also really excited to showcase our learning in our celebration assembly which is Tuesday 10th February at 2:45pm.
Please remember to keep in touch with me about anything positive or indeed any concerns.
I continue to feel privileged to teach your children and I look forward to working alongside you all for the benefit of your child.
Ruby team this half term:
Mrs Regan – class teacher
Mrs Pape – Science teacher (Thursday pm)
Teaching assistants – Miss Scott, Mrs Harris, Mrs Green and Mrs James