Home learning tasks:
Reading
Read the passage and answer the questions fully:
The Deep Ocean Ecosystem
The deep ocean, starting roughly 200 meters below the surface, is an environment of extremes. It is completely dark, nearly freezing, and subject to crushing pressure. Despite these harsh conditions, a remarkable variety of life thrives here. Scientists divide this zone into layers, including the Midnight Zone (200m to 4,000m) and the Abyssal Zone (4,000m to 6,000m). Temperatures here hover just above freezing, usually between 1°C and 4°C.
To survive without sunlight, many organisms rely on bioluminescence—the ability to produce their own light through chemical reactions. For instance, the Anglerfish uses a glowing lure dangling above its head to attract prey. Deep-sea creatures have also adapted structurally; many have soft, gel-like bodies to prevent them from being crushed by the intense hydrostatic pressure. In 1977, researchers discovered hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. These vents spew mineral-rich water heated to over 400°C, supporting unique ecosystems that do not rely on solar energy.
Level 1: Scanning Questions (Find the exact details)
- At what depth does the deep ocean environment officially begin?
- What is the specific temperature range typically found in the Midnight and Abyssal zones?
- In what year were hydrothermal vents first discovered by researchers?
Skimming Questions (Find the main point)
4. Read the text quickly. In one short sentence, what is the main idea of the second paragraph?
Level 2: Intermediate (Focus: Strategy Identification & Speed)
Scanning Questions (Find the exact details)
- Scan the text to locate two specific zones of the deep ocean mentioned by name.
- What temperature can the mineral-rich water spewing from hydrothermal vents reach?
- Which specific creature is named as an example of an organism using a glowing lure?
Skimming Questions (Find the main point)
4. If you only look at the first sentence of each paragraph, what summary best captures the whole text?
- A) A history of deep-sea exploration vehicles.
- B) The extreme conditions of the deep ocean and how life adapts to survive there.
- C) The dangers of ocean pollution and melting ice caps.
Level 3: Advanced (Focus: Rapid Discrimination & Technical Integration)
Scanning Questions (Find the exact details)
- Locate and write down the exact scientific term used in the text to describe the process where animals generate their own light.
- What specific physical trait helps deep-sea creatures avoid being crushed by the intense hydrostatic pressure?
Skimming Questions (Find the main point)
3. Skim the entire text in 10 seconds. Is this text meant to persuade you to protect the oceans, inform you about deep-sea biology, or instruct you on how to build a submarine?
4. Based on a quick read, what alternative title best fits the entire passage?
Numeracy
Non -standard Addition
Complete the following non-standard additions using what we’ve learned in class this week.
Level 1:
113 + 454 349+ 230 761+101 274 + 723 628 + 234
Challenge round your answers to the nearest 100!
Level 2:
1453 + 6544 2654 +8765 9087 + 2654 8732 + 2453 6654+ 2099
Challenge round your answers to the nearest 1000!
Level 3:
18453 + 60544 32654 +87965 90987 + 26554 38732 + 24533
26654+ 20899 28764+ 10999 65223 + 67662 89772 + 64220
Challenge round your answers to the nearest 10000!
IDL-Old Edinburgh
Based on our learning in school over the last few weeks design a poster all about the plague, include the following information:
-details of how the plague was caused
-details of symptoms of the plague
-consequences of catching the plague
HT Home Learning Challenge (Hot) Due Monday 19th October
It’s time for our annual Autumn Photography Competition. Simply email 1 autumn photograph, taken in the local area, to the school admin account along with your name and class before 19th October 2026. Three prizes up for grabs! Good luck and happy Autumn Watching!
Read this passage. Can you answer the questions?
Questions:
Listening and Talking
Listening and Talking
What are you looking forward to doing at Almond Valley? Talk to your adults about it.
Spelling
Practise reading and spelling these words containing the ‘ous’ spelling pattern from your chosen list. Remember to challenge yourself! Can you use these words correctly in a sentence?
Practise spelling and grammar of your choice on BBC Bitesize Crystal Explorers.
Numeracy:
Can you work out the missing angles? Remember, a full turn is 360°.
Sumdog – attempt the Sumdog challenges set for you.
Hot task:
Celebrating Achievements! We want to have an achievement from out of school celebrated for every single child (and staff member) in our school.
Achievements will be shared on our new electronic display board in the centre of the school, so please take a few seconds to share your achievement with us by clicking here:
https://forms.office.com/e/UPLpBWPPz