Welcome to Oak

Teacher - Oak Colin Heinink
Photo of Colin Heinink

Welcome to Oak class!

In Oak we follow a thematic learning scheme to enable pupils to readily access an interesting and relevant curriculum whilst ensuring pupils make maximum progress. Pupils follow a diverse timetable comprising of English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Art, DT, Geography, History, ICT, MFL and Music. Within the classroom there is a strong influence on preparing pupils for a more independent post-school life.

In Oak we believe learning experiences outside the classroom are essential to a fun and effective curriculum. Over the past year pupils have enjoyed many trips out including The Countryside Classroom event at Reepham, several sporting events at UEA Sportspark, surveying the public in Sheringham town, Den building at Sheringham Park, debating and voting at the NNDC offices and much more. In addition to these we visit the school’s smallholding, The Patch, weekly. Pupils also participate in weekly cooking sessions in our school kitchen and frequent visits to the school library.

Currently Oak team comprises of a teacher, two TAs and nine pupils. In the classroom we have six computers, a newly installed Clevertouch board, a kitchen with a food preparation and eating area, a work station, a relaxed zone and a comfy, but formal area around the IWB.

Oak Timetable – Spring Term 2 – 23/24

Spring Term 2 23/24 Curriculum profiles and ideas for continued learning at home
SubjectProfilesIdeas for home
Maths Maths is about measuring. We will sometimes study this in the context of cooking to make our learning applicable to real life. We will total shopping lists and weigh out ingredients, including reading scales.Helping with shopping for cooking ingredients. Measuring ingredients when cooking at home.
EnglishIn English we will read Charlie and The Chocolate factory as a basis for studying interesting vocabulary such as description.We will then write our own stories using adventurous adjectives and revise last half term’s work on story structure. Reading the book and watching the films at home. Highlighting descriptive language in any books they read. Identifying story problems and resolutions.
DTIn DT we are making a torch. This will allow us to think about elements of design and also revise Science work on completed circuits and light waves. Look at torches you may have at home and consider how they work. Internet/library research on light and circuits.
PSHEIn PSHE we are learning about being safe on and offline. We will begin by looking at internet safety including keeping personal information confidential. We will also consider how to deal with cyber bullying. Lastly we look at being safe in relationships with others, establishing what is appropriate and considering boundary setting.Talking through these topics with your child, considering if there is anything on or off line that is causing anxiety and offering strategies to manage these.
HistoryHistory is learning about famous figures from the 20th century. We will be placing these figures on a timeline and researching them on the internet.Reading books about 20th Century history and thinking about the key people from sport, politics and the arts.
Library (Tracey D) Our focus in Library time will be on developing Library skills and independence in using the school library and reading books for pleasure.Enjoy reading and browsing books with you child just for pleasure. Have books and magazines around the house, if possible make reading and listening to stories part of your usual routine.
ScienceScience is being safe with chemicals. We will begin with looking at medicines and household products before looking at the potential dangers of tobacco and alcohol. We will look at the dangers of some illegal drugs in an age appropriate way.Conversations about these topics at home. Consider which chemicals and medicines the children need an adult’s support with.
MFLWe are completing our learning about Germany in MFL. We will continue to cook German dishes which will also help with our functional Maths and English skills. There will also be a focus on learning some key German phrases. Internet and book research. Cooking at home. Practising the phrases learnt.