Maths
The first part of each lesson begins with some basic arithmetic questions. These are taken from a variety of sources such as the tests that you will have seen over the half-term. I spend a lot of time analysing mistakes and then generating different calculations to try to stretch these concepts further. Decimals such as 4 – 1.15 and some place value multiplications such as 70 x 500 seem to be causing some hiccups as well as some fraction work
We have largely finished the input and fluency work on percentages and are now applying it into deeper problem solving. For this we are learning how to use the bar-model to represent different problems which not only helps to unpack the question and establish the correct calculation but also helps to avoid missing key parts of the solution. It is a work in progress that relies on exposure and rehearsal rather than constant re-teaching so we are covering this every day at the beginning of each lesson.
Meanwhile we are starting t explore ratio and proportion which has gone very well so far although I have ensured a very gentle start.
English
By studying the book Reckless, I can already see a change in the way the class are structuring their work, thinking more about the way they use description to create images, the reason why different sentence structures could be used. We have taken this even further now by looking at the way whole pages are structured. In doing so, we have established that narratives can be sorted into three main sections: development (of settings, characters and plot lines), action (where the character directly interacts with its environment, and speech / thought.
We have taken these headings and used them to analyse the way in which characters are used to develop the plot as living entities rather than just two-dimensional suggestions. We are learning that by having a really clear image as to the personality and motivation of a character, the action, speech and development is guided in different directions.
I think it has started well and is certainly providing as much inspiration as it is challenge which is no bad thing.
