Key Stage 2
Spring 3
History:
Literacy/Communication:
As communicators we will be retelling Mayan myths and quest stories. We
will be „hotseating‟ key characters from Mayan culture to really understand
their thoughts and beliefs.
As writers we will be writing reports about Mexico and about the Mayan
culture. We will write discussion texts comparing ancient civilisations with
each other and with modern society. Our own Mayan myths and stories will
be created and recounted.
As readers we will be continue to read as a whole class, in guided groups
and independently. We will read for pleasure and research using electronic
and print media. We will use our school library to research and develop our
interest. We will continue to develop our spelling, punctuation and grammar
skills.
The Mystery of
the Mayans
As Historians we will be learning about the ancient Mayan civilisation and culture,
comparing it to our existing knowledge . We will investigate the mysterious decline of
the Mayan empire and the subsequent conquest by European nations. We will use a
variety of resources and evidence to develop our historical skills. We will look explore
Mexican artefacts and re-create our own pottery, jewellery and textiles. Children will
experience being archaeologists.
Geography:
Atlases and globes will be used as a starting point to locate Mexico within America and
the wider world. We will investigate which aspects of Mexican geography have changed
and which have remained the same since Mayan times. We will identify key physical &
human geographical characteristics of Mexico and its surroundings.
Numeracy:
As mathematicians we will continue to develop our calculating strategies
linked to geographical facts about Mexico and the surrounding localities.
Through looking at climate graphs for Mexico/Leek and the surrounding
countries we will develop our data handling skills using an assortment of
graphs and charts. We will continue to build on our understanding of
fractions, decimals and percentages and apply this understanding to a variety of practical problems.
Lessons will have a mental maths focused section with a short assessment
carried out on regular basis.
Science:
Living things and their habitats will be closely looked at during this themed
topic with the children studying the various habitats around the Mayan
locality. They will compare the types of animals found in each habitat and
discuss how they have adapted to suit the environment in which they are
found. We will classify different plant/animals found in these areas.
We will also learn about the human body in particular the heart, lungs and
circulatory system. This will tie in with our work in PSHCE helping the
children to recognise the impact that diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle have
on their bodies.
Computing:
We will be using ICT to research and create projects about Mexico and the
Mayans. We will use programming software to design and make our own
games based on a Mayan character. We will continue to learn about how to
use the internet and social media safely.
MFL:
We will learn some basic words in Spanish - speaking and listening through
conversation, games, songs and music. We will have a whole school
Mexican “WOW” day.
Art and design:
Using a range of materials the children will create Mayan mosaics/ pottery /jewellery &
textiles. They will get the opportunity to design their own Mayan death mask, consider
what items they would take with them to the after life and design then make them using
a medium of their choice.
WHY?
Children will learn about life &
culture from a different continent.
They will compare the physical
and human geography of Mexico
and its surrounding countries
with Europe and the UK. They will
learn about how an ancient
civilisation developed comparing
it to what they already know
about ancient European
civilisations.
SMSC
Children will have the
opportunity to work
collaboratively thinking about the
morals and ideas behind ancient
religions. They will consider
Mayan attitudes to each other
and their attitudes to death and
grief, comparing them to their
own thoughts on these issues.
Design & Technology:
The design and construction of Mayan pyramids will be our major focus. Firstly we will
look at the design process, moving onto building, testing and evaluating. We will also
prepare traditional foods eaten by Mexicans and have our own Mexican banquet.
RE:
Mayan beliefs will be compared to those of the 6 main religions we follow through the
Staffordshire agreed syllabus.
Music:
As musicians we will be looking at Mayan drumming. They rattled turtle shells and
pottery flutes. Mayans also performed a variety of dances.
PE:
We will learn routines and perform these to each other. We will also continue our
weekly competitive games and swimming lessons.