Year 5 Blog

Hello, Year 5 pupils and adults! It is already the start of another term. We cannot quite believe we have already completed two terms! The pupils are doing so well and continue to impress us as the year goes by. We have lots of exciting things planned this half term - please read on to find out exactly what is in store.  

English

In writing this term, we're excited to continue our focus on spelling and handwriting, helping our pupils refine their skills. We're working hard to ensure that they grasp spelling rules and correctly join their letters, making their writing both legible and accurate.

In addition to this, we’ll be focusing on successfully producing non-chronological reports. The children will learn how to structure their writing effectively using sub-headings and paragraphs, which will make their reports clear and informative. They'll also be introduced to the use of technical vocabulary and facts presented in bullet points. We’ll explore parenthesis and modal verbs to help them convey meaning more precisely. We can’t wait to see how your child develops their writing skills!

In our reading sessions, we will be reading the classic spy caper, ‘Stormbreaker’, by Anthony Horowitz. In our reciprocal reading lessons, we will be exploring different question types, with a focus on inference. We will read a variety of texts, including poetry, narrative excerpts and non-chronological reports.

Things to do at home:

Sharing a book together or encouraging independent reading, will support your child to foster a love for stories and will further support their comprehension skills. Even a short daily session can make a big difference!

Additionally, practicing writing at home is essential for improving your child’s legibility and cohesion. Simple activities like keeping a diary, writing letters to family or friends, or even creating stories can really help. Encourage your child to express their thoughts on paper, and don’t hesitate to provide guidance on spelling and grammar when needed.

Maths

In Maths, 5W and 5JW will be starting off the term with understanding percentages, which can be a bit tricky.  After that, we’ll explore how percentages relate to fractions and decimals – this is where things really start to come together. Next up, we’ll delve into perimeter and area, working with a variety of shapes, so your child can see how maths is all around us. Lastly, we’ll wrap up the term by looking at statistics, focusing on how to interpret data using graphs and tables.

5P and 5D will be starting the term off by learning more about statistics. We will be drawing and examining line graphs and interpreting timetables and tables of data. We will learn how to read data, linking our learning with what we may come across in everyday situations. We will then move onto geometry and classifying angles up to 360 degrees. We will also look at the properties of 2-D and 3-D shapes.

Things to do at home:

You can get involved in your child’s maths learning at home. One great way to do this is by continuing to practice the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Encourage your children to explain how they arrived at their answers; this will help them clarify their thought process and enhance their understanding of reasoning questions. Working through these types of questions is beneficial for all pupils, as it allows them to select the appropriate method to solve calculations. So, whether it’s helping with homework or creating fun maths games, your support can make a real difference in building their confidence and skills in maths.

Science

In Science, we will be continuing our work on the human life cycle, looking at the different stages. Then we will be looking at and researching different animals and plant lifecycles. We will use researching skills and look at patterns in data to draw conclusions.

Foundation Subjects

In Computing, we will be doing some more work on Kodu, creating a game of our choice in an interactive world. We will enjoy getting creative, using codes to create an alternate world. In addition, the children will use Kodu to create movement in Lego constructions. We will also do some lessons on Digital Safety, where we will have discussions about how to stay safe online.

In Music, we will be learning how to play a simple looped rhythm from notation. It’s a great way to get them comfortable with reading music. Pupils will explore how sound can be layered using loops, which is perfect for those budding producers out there. As they progress, they'll work on playing a melody line accurately and fluently, building their confidence along the way. They'll even select a section of a tune to perform as a loop and, to top it all off, combine different loops to create their very own remix.

In Art, we’ll be focusing on sculptures through engaging interactive installations. The pupils will be identifying and comparing the features of various art installations, allowing them to appreciate the creativity involved. They'll also investigate how space and scale affect the creation of 3D artworks, which is sure to spark their imagination. Problem-solving skills will come into play as they construct their own 3D pieces.

In R.E., we’ll be discussing who should be in charge, exploring the creation of laws and teachings within various communities. A highlight will be understanding the different views on succession in the Muslim faith, as well as how certain religious laws come to be within that worldview. We’ll delve into the selection of Sikh Gurus, examining the qualities that are highly valued in Sikh teachings. Additionally, there will be an exploration of leadership qualities through the lives of notable historical and religious leaders.

In P.S.H.E., your child will be diving into the fascinating world of economic wellbeing! We'll start by distinguishing between needs and wants, helping them grasp the importance of prioritising what truly matters. They'll also learn how to create a weekly budget, a skill that will serve them well in the future. We’ll discuss the significance of borrowing and loaning money, ensuring the pupils understand the responsibilities that come with it. Additionally, we'll tackle the issue of stereotyping in the workplace and how to challenge these notions. Finally, we’ll explore how personal interests and skills can align with various career paths.

In P.E., we’re kicking things off with athletics to prepare for our exciting sports day. The children will be honing their skills in running, jumping and throwing, embracing the spirit of competition and teamwork. After, we'll switch gears and focus on basketball. We'll work on dribbling, shooting and understanding the rules of the game. It’s all about building confidence and having fun! I can’t wait to see the progress they make and the joy they’ll bring to these activities.

Our P.E. days are as follows: 

• 5D - Tuesday and Friday 

• 5W - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5JW - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5P – Tuesday and Friday 

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

All classes are on X (formerly Twitter) so please do follow us for updates - use the buttons below.

The latest 'Learning At Home’ pack will be available to download soon using the button below.  You can also visit our Learning Hub using the button below.

The Year 5 team 😊 

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)!

Don’t forget to follow our classes on X.  Click a button below to find your child's class on X.

Aspire

The writing produced in English this term has been of a remarkably high standard, including a diary entry based upon the Pixar short ‘La Luna’.

In Maths, we have been expanding upon our knowledge of fractions and exploring decimals and percentages. I have been really impressed by the children’s ability to learn new Maths skills and have noticed lots of improvement in presentation.

Inspire

In D.T., we have been exploring links with Computing by programming a circuit to perform a function, using our coding skills. This has required the pupils to show enormous resilience and determination as in draws upon knowledge from across the curriculum.

In Geography, it has been really encouraging to hear the pupils discuss a wide array of ideas relating to how we can improve the plight of the world’s oceans and simultaneously learned about the sea’s importance to the people of the world. I was particularly struck by the pupils' maturity on our field work in Oaklands Recreation Ground.

Teamwork

5D have displayed teamwork across the curriculum this half term. In music they have worked in groups to understand the use of graphic scores in composition and produce their own original pieces of music. They have also explored the Outdoor Learning space in groups, working together to create bridges and narratives set in the forest.

In P.E., we have learned how to play Hockey and Cricket, working hard to learn new rules and to function as a team to compete in a constructive way.

Mr Duveen

Aspire

Another term over! This has again been a busy time. In Science, we have continued to develop our curiosity. We have looked at reversible changes, planning investigations and being decisive with our choice of variables. We have observed the changes that occurred when burning a variety of different materials and how different chemical reactions can create gasses. In Maths, we have continued to show lots of determination and resilience, whilst continuing to develop our use of written methods and our understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages.

Inspire

During our English and Design/Technology lessons, we have been able to show our creativity. In English, we used the short film clip ‘La Luna’ to create a diary entry. Pupils worked hard to show how their chosen character felt and responded to the events using interesting vocabulary and a range of punctuation. In D.T., pupils took on the challenge of using the Crumble equipment and software to programme responses, such as, flashing coloured lights or buzzers. Pupils then showed great ingenuity to add this equipment to a product, such as an alarm clock or night light. Pupils have shown great positivity on our trips this half term. The class showed lots of enthusiasm on our visit to The Brighouse working together as a team and supporting each other. For those who went to Bell Heath, they again had to trust their partners in some of the challenges they faced.

Teamwork

During R.E. there has been many opportunities for pupils to show their consideration and respect to other members of the class. We have looked at how different faiths deal with death and how these different aspects can support members of that community and the families. In P.S.H.E., Geography and Outdoor Learning we have considered the effect humans can have on the environment and how by showing consideration and respect to the world around us we can help improve areas close by and further afield.

Have a lovely break and for those celebrating Easter, have a great time. See you for a super-short Summer 1 half term.

Mrs. Wainwright 

Hello everyone. I can’t quite believe we’ve gotten to the end of yet another half-term! It has been a long one, but equally as fabulous, like 5P are.

Aspire

In Design and Technology, we have been enjoying exploring a programme called Crumble. With it, we have created functional circuits that include lights and buzzers, to go inside a product of our choice. We made lamps, alarm clocks and safety lights and showed enormous amounts of resilience, determination and curiosity!

In Maths, the children have enjoyed learning about fractions, decimals and percentages as well as area and perimeter.  The children showed determination, curiosity and dedication towards their work. The children have converted fractions into decimals and percentages (and vice versa). The children’s hard work and thorough intrigue during Maths lessons has really kept me on my toes as they are always after reasoning and problem-solving challenges to further support their learning!

Inspire

In Geography, we have learnt about the importance of our oceans. We learnt what risks the oceans face as well as what we can do to be more mindful of how much rubbish ends up in our water. The enthusiasm and interest the children showed whilst learning about this topic was inspiring and lovely to see.  

In English, we have worked hard to write a legend (a story with a moral) and a diary entry based upon a short animation. We have tried hard to include lots of different grammatical skills, such as parenthesis and commas before and after adverbials. The children have showed great levels of imagination and creativity. I have been impressed with the quality of the children’s work and how much they have tried to work on their individual targets.

Teamwork

In P.E., we have enjoyed playing hockey and cricket. We have worked as a team to score goals and field/bat effectively and positively. We have supported each other and worked on our control, balance and co-ordination skills. The respectful behaviour the children showed towards one another was lovely to see.

It really has been a fabulous half-term and I cannot wait for the next one! Have a wonderful two weeks off for the Easter break, everyone!

Miss Perkins x

What a fantastic and busy term it has been for 5W! The pupils have shown incredible determination and enthusiasm in their learning. From engaging projects to collaborative activities, it’s been a delight to witness their progress and energy.  

Aspire

The children who attended Bell Heath demonstrated incredible resilience and determination during their residential trip. Despite encountering some rather daunting activities, they consistently rallied together, supporting one another and enthusiastically embracing each challenge. It was truly heartwarming to witness their commitment to giving everything a go!

Back at school, our students who stayed behind were equally impressive, diving into a variety of exciting activities centred around the theme of Wallace and Gromit. Their curiosity shone brightly as they explored everything from animation techniques to creative storytelling.

Inspire

The children's enthusiasm and creativity truly shone through during our class assembly focused on protecting our oceans. They took great pleasure in designing their own vibrant sea creature posters, showcasing their artistic flair while demonstrating positivity as they crafted messages on how to make a change.

Additionally, I was absolutely wowed by the diary entries the pupils created, inspired by the enchanting Disney Pixar clip 'La Luna'. They not only displayed their imaginative storytelling but also showcased their writing skills, incorporating relative clauses, past tense, and a delightful range of vocabulary.

Teamwork

In our R.E. lessons, we delved into the profound ways different faiths celebrate and cope with death. It was heartening to see the pupils show such brilliant consideration for one another during these discussions. During our Geography topic on how our oceans are affected by human actions, the pupils demonstrated great respect for our surroundings and brainstormed what they can do to make a positive change. As part of this topic on our recent field trip, it was wonderful to witness the pupils’ sense of community as they expressed their upset concerning the amount of litter in our local area. Finally, the teamwork displayed during our P.E. sessions while playing hockey and cricket truly embodied the spirit of equality.

Well done, 5W! Keep shining bright!

Miss Wood 😊

Hello everyone! As we kick off the new term, we’re excited to share what Year 5 will be up to this spring. We are continuing to read the book, Cogheart, together as a class. We’ll also be exploring some truly fascinating topics, including the importance of oceans and why they matter to our planet. Additionally, we’re gearing up for our composition project for the Festival of Colour, where creativity will shine bright! We’re looking forward to an engaging term filled with learning and fun! 

English 

In writing this term, we have an exciting adventure lined up for our learners! We'll start things off with a diary entry report from a character's perspective from a delightful short Disney Pixar movie. The children will be honing their writing skills by focusing on using the past tense, relative clauses, rhetorical questions, and the first-person perspective. They'll also learn to organise their thoughts in chronological order and structure their work using paragraphs—oh, and don’t forget brackets for parenthesis! To cap it all off, we'll dive into our geography lessons, where the students will create a non-chronological report about the ocean. It’s going to be a fantastic term filled with creativity and discovery! 

In our reading sessions, we will continue to delve into a wide range of texts to enhance your children's vocabulary and foster a genuine enjoyment for reading. Each week, we'll be unpicking different pieces of literature using our key reading skills: clarification, prediction, summarising, and questioning. These skills not only help in understanding the texts better but also encourage critical thinking.   

Things to do at home:  

It was wonderful to see many of you at the workshop last term. Thank you for your continued support in helping your children with their spellings and joined, legible handwriting. This practice will be invaluable as they prepare to transition into Year 6 and beyond.  

We encourage you to keep reading with your child at home. Reading together not only nurtures a love for books but also enhances their understanding and confidence. Remember, we have those fantastic reading challenges at school! Each time your child reads for 50 days, they can earn themselves a brand-new book. It's a brilliant way to motivate them and expand their collection! 

Maths 

In Maths, 5W and 5JW will begin with short division, exploring how to handle remainders, which I’m sure the children will find engaging. After that, we will revisit fractions, using the multiplication and division skills we've picked up to multiply and convert them effectively. Once we’re comfortable with that, we’ll dive into decimals and percentages, where our understanding of place value and fractions will really come into play. 

5P and 5D will be learning about ‘Decimals and Percentages’ and ‘Area and Perimeter’. We will look at fractions, decimals and percentages as equivalents and rounding them to the nearest whole number. We will be reinforcing our place value knowledge whilst doing so. We will be calculating the area and perimeter of regular and compound shapes. We will spend time recapping previously taught skills such as the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) via lesson starters. 

Things to do at home:  

As we move through the school year, we want to remind you of the importance of practising the four operations at home: multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Ensuring that your children are secure in these fundamental skills is vital for their overall mathematical confidence and success. Please continue to encourage them to engage with these concepts daily; whether it’s through fun games, worksheets, or real-life scenarios, your support at home makes a huge difference. 

 
Science 

In Science, we are finishing our topic on changing materials and their properties and then we’re diving into the fascinating world of life cycles! We’ll explore how a mammal, like a dog, has a direct life cycle, developing from a baby pup into an adult. In contrast, an amphibian, such as a frog, starts life as a tadpole before becoming a fully-formed frog. Insects, like butterflies, undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from egg to larva to pupa and then to adult. Birds, on the other hand, hatch from eggs laid by their parents. We’ll also touch upon reproduction processes in plants and animals, revealing how they ensure the continuation of their species.  
 

Foundation Subjects 

In Computing, we will build on our knowledge of online safety that we've developed in previous years. This foundation is crucial as it helps our children understand how to navigate the online world responsibly. We’ll focus on how to behave respectfully and communicate any worries they might have while using the internet. Ensuring our children feel safe and empowered online is a top priority. Together, we can reinforce these important lessons at home, enabling our children to make safer choices in their digital lives. Thank you for your continued support!
 

In Music, we’re exploring the vibrant world of music and colours. The children are learning how music can be represented with colours and will create their own graphic scores to depict a piece of music. We'll also be working on vocal compositions inspired by pictures, and students will compose pieces based on a single colour. To top it off, they’ll collaborate as a group to perform their musical creations.
 

In Design Technology, we’re diving into the exciting world of crumble programming. This fun and engaging area of study will allow the children to understand the basics of coding while bringing their creative ideas to life. We'll start with some interactive lessons where the pupils will learn how to use crumble boards to create their own projects. They’ll have the chance to get hands-on experience and develop problem-solving skills as they work through the programming process. 

In Geography, we will be looking at the importance of our oceans and delving into the Great Barrier Reef, discussing its significance to marine life. We’ll also look at the impact of human activity on coral reefs and our oceans, highlighting the pressing need for conservation. Additionally, we will plan a fieldwork enquiry to collect data on the types of litter polluting our marine environment. We believe this will help the children understand how to keep our oceans healthy for future generations.
 

In R.E., we are continuing our exploration of the concept of death, which includes discussing various beliefs and practices surrounding it. We understand that this topic can be quite sensitive and may cause some upset among the children. Therefore, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. 

This term, we will be delving into Dharmic beliefs about the soul and examining concepts such as samsara and reincarnation. It's essential that the children recognise the factors that might break the cycle of reincarnation and understand how certain practices can help a Sikh individual cope with the loss of a loved one. Additionally, we will express ideas surrounding enlightenment from a Buddhist perspective. 

In P.S.H.E., we have some exciting topics lined up for our students! We’ll begin by exploring what happens when the law is broken, which is a great way for them to understand the importance of rules in our society. We'll also delve into the links between rights and responsibilities, helping them appreciate their role as active citizens. Additionally, we’ll discuss how reducing our use of materials and energy can significantly benefit the environment, encouraging eco-friendly habits early on. 

We’re excited to share what we’ll be focusing on in our Physical Education lessons this term. We will kick off by continuing to hone our hockey skills, building on the foundations we've established over the previous years. This will allow us to refine techniques and ensure that everyone feels confident and capable on the pitch. As we progress further into the term, we’ll be shifting our attention to cricket. We'll explore the fundamentals of batting, bowling, and fielding while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. 

Our P.E. days are as follows: 

• 5D - Tuesday and Friday 

• 5W - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5JW - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5P – Tuesday and Friday 

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

All classes are on X (formerly Twitter) so please do follow us for updates - use the buttons below.

The latest 'Learning At Home’ pack will be available to download soon using the button below.  You can also visit our Learning Hub using the button below.

The Year 5 team 😊 

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)!

Don’t forget to follow our classes on X.  Click a button below to find your child's class on X.

Aspire 

It has been another excellent half term in 5D. The children have shown a lot of resilience and determination, particularly in Maths. We have covered a lot of new learning, including how to do long division and short multiplication. In P.E., the children have learned 2 new sports in Netball and Tennis and have thrown themselves whole-heartedly into both. 

The children have also demonstrated their curiosity in History by becoming experts in the Ancient Maya by comparing aspects of their civilisation to the Anglo-Saxons. 

Inspire 

The children demonstrated their powers of inspiration in Art. They had the opportunity to create 2 pieces of mixed media art, a ‘Poem Portrait’, and a self-portrait utilising photography, collage and painting.  The children have also done well to create their own original legends in English, and in doing so have studied a wide variety of existing tales. 

In computing, the children have created their own computer game. They have designed and coded these using our coding software, Scratch. 

Teamwork 

The children have demonstrated admirable teamwork in Music, when they have worked together to perform the South African song ‘Shosholoza’ in a variety of different ways. These have included singing, playing the chords on their glockenspiels, and using djembe to drum along. They have also developed their ensemble skills by performing these different elements simultaneously. 

It has been a pleasure to teach 5D for over half a school year now, and to watch them grow and mature in that time. I am sure the next term and a half will be just as positive and enjoyable! 

Mr. Duveen.

Another half term has flown by and we are already halfway through the year. We have had a real variety of topics this half term which have challenged our creativity and inspired us. 

Aspire

In English, we have continued to develop our grammar, punctuation and spelling skills. We have utilised our use of relative clauses and expanded noun phrases in some fantastic biographical poems, which also supported our art work. We then moved on to planning and writing our own legends. We considered how paragraphs can be used to group ideas and showed lots of determination, whilst developing cohesion and flow through our legends.

In Maths, we have shown lots of resilience during our work on fractions. Calculating equivalent fractions, ordering fractions and adding and subtracting fractions (including mixed numbers and improper fractions). This determination to make progress has continued with our new multiplication and division.

In Science and History, we have shown lots of curiosity looking at different properties of materials and the similarities and differences between The Maya and Anglo-Saxon civilisations. 

Inspire

I’ve been really impressed with 5JWs positivity whilst creating a variety of self portraits in Art. They have been creative and produced some incredible portraits including a word portrait using their poem to create the lines of the face and using mixed media to create imaginative representations of themselves.  In Music, pupils have shown lots of enthusiasm in singing and playing an African song ‘Shosholoza’. 

Teamwork

During our lessons in R.E., we have been considering what happens when we die through the beliefs of different religions. Pupils have shown a great deal of respect and maturity during these lessons. 5JW have shown themselves to be keen team players during our Netball topic, showing great teamwork. 

Have a lovely half term see you on Monday 24th February. 

Aspire 

It is the end of yet another half term and it’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the academic year! The children have showed great determination and are flourishing both personally and academically. They have aspired to be their very best and I am very proud of their achievements.  

In Art, we have made some fabulous mixed-media self-portraits. After drawing a self-portrait with a pencil, we then used different materials to make a unique self-portrait that represents us and our aspirations. We used charcoal, paint, pastels, glitter, water colours and photographs to build our final piece. 

In Maths, we have been focusing on Multiplication and Division and have just started our new Fractions topic. In Multiplication and Division, we have learnt the long multiplication method where we have multiplied up to a four-digit number by a two-digit number. In addition to this, we have used the bus stop method to divide up to a four-digit number by a one-digit number. We then impressed Miss Perkins with our perseverance whilst answering reasoning and problem-solving questions. 

Inspire 

In English, we showed great enthusiasm whilst writing biographical poems and exploring the different skills needed to do this effectively. We created a poem with one stanza and were able to think of interesting vocabulary and relative clauses to describe ourselves accordingly. At the end, we were able to perform our poems to the rest of the class, which was great fun! We enjoyed giving positive feedback and constructive criticism. We have also been planning, organising and writing a legend, using our knowledge of myths and legends to help us create. A legend is largely historical but with some fictional yet believable elements – Miss Perkins has really enjoyed reading our ideas. 

In History, we have started learning about the Ancient Maya. We have compared this period to the Anglo-Saxons (which we learnt about in Year 4) and learnt how the Mayans lived in a rainforest environment, which was interesting as it helped us retrieve and use our learning from Year 4. 

Teamwork 

In P.E., we enjoyed working in teams to play netball against our peers. We demonstrated good teamwork and used a variety of passes (shoulder, chest and bounce pass) before trying to score a goal. We have also enjoyed learning how to serve in tennis, before playing matches in groups of four. 

In Science, we have learnt lots in our topic – ‘Properties and Changes of Materials’. We have enjoyed conducting many experiments which showed us what thermal and electrical insulators and conductors are, as well as their functions. We also enjoyed looking at magnetic properties. 

It has been a fabulous half term, and I cannot wait to see what the next half term brings! Have a restful break and I will see you all back in school on Monday 24th February. 

Miss Perkins J x 

Can you believe it? We're already halfway through the school year! I hope you've all had a fantastic start to 2025 so far. This term has been an absolute joy, full of creativity and learning! We’ve all embraced our artistic sides, whether through some exciting projects or engaging discussions. It's wonderful to see the enthusiasm in the classroom, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us. 

Aspire 

In P.E., the pupils have shown resilience, at mastering netball and tennis. Initially, it seemed like a bit of a challenge; some of them weren’t quite sure about the positions necessary for a successful game. But oh, how they have improved! It has been fantastic to see them not only grasp the basics but also work together as a team. They even had to embody our school value of decisiveness by making quick decisions on how to attack the ball—sometimes it's a quick pass, other times it's a dash forward. 

In Science, we explored various materials, focusing particularly on thermal conductors and electric conductors. The pupils’ enthusiasm for learning was notable, especially during our hands-on experiments. They absolutely loved the chance to investigate how different materials reacted to heat and electricity. From making their own circuits to testing which materials were best for keeping their drinks warm—every little experiment sparked their curiosity and eagerness to learn more. 

Inspire 

This term, our budding authors truly blew me away with their work in English. When it came to crafting their biographical poems, they radiated enthusiasm and positivity. Watching them perform their poems to their peers was a highlight; they embraced the challenge, focusing on intonation, tone, and volume with such confidence. It was a joy to see them express their unique voices and stories. 

But that’s not all! The children showcased their creative flair when they dove into planning their very own legends. They didn't just write a story; they fully immersed themselves in their characters, exploring their feelings and actions in a way that brought their tales to life. It was fascinating to see how they morphed into their characters, allowing their imaginations to run wild. 

Teamwork 

This term has been particularly profound as we navigated the sensitive topic of death in our Religious Education lessons. I’ve been super impressed by how the children have approached this subject with such maturity and consideration for one another. Additionally, they have embraced each other's perspectives with openness and respect, highlighting the importance of equality in our diverse classroom. 

Keep up the great work, everyone, and let’s continue to make our learning fun and inspiring together! 

Miss Wood 

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s that time again—welcome back to the spring term! I hope you all had a lovely break. Please read on to discover all the exciting things your children will be learning about this term. From engaging topics to fun activities, there’s so much for them to look forward to. Let’s make this term a fantastic one together!  

We're excited to invite you to our Spelling and Handwriting Workshop on Wednesday, 5th February 2025! It promises to be a fun and engaging session aimed at enhancing our skills. We hope to see many of you there—let’s make learning enjoyable together! 

English 

In Writing, we'll dive into the exciting world of poetry by crafting poems about ourselves. Once we've penned our masterpieces, we'll perform our compositions, paying close attention to intonation, volume, and movement to ensure our meanings shine through. We'll also embark on writing narratives about a legend, exploring how authors bring characters and settings to life through their choices. As we write, we’ll focus on our spellings, identifying key rules to enhance our accuracy. We'll select appropriate grammar and vocabulary to enrich our narratives, weaving in dialogue to breathe life into our characters and keep the story flowing beautifully!  

The children will continue to be encouraged to deliver a high standard of presentation and take pride in the development of their writing. We're focusing on forming joins correctly, ensuring each child feels confident and excited about showcasing their work. It’s all about making writing enjoyable! 

In our Reading sessions, we’re going to dive into a delightful variety of texts! It's so important for children to experience a wide range of writing styles. This not only keeps things exciting but also helps to develop their appreciation for literature. We’ll be focusing on the vital skills of retrieval, inference, and vocabulary understanding, ensuring that our young readers build a strong foundation for their future learning. So, whether we’re tackling tales, poems, or non-fiction, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s get reading and unleashing those imaginations! 

Things to do at home:  

Encouraging your child to read at home is a fantastic way to boost their concentration and independence. Share a book together; it’s a lovely way to bond! As you read, ask questions to check their understanding and spark discussions about the story. This not only helps with their comprehension but makes reading a fun and engaging activity. Remember, every little bit helps! Happy reading! 

Maths 

In Maths, we will continue to focus on securing our understanding of fractions, which are fundamental in understanding ratios, proportions, and various applications in real-life contexts. We will learn to order, compare, add, and subtract fractions, which are essential skills for advanced mathematical concepts. Following this, we will progress to multiplying and dividing using formal methods. For example, we will tackle problems involving the multiplication of a four-digit number by a two-digit number. Additionally, we will incorporate short division techniques, addressing calculations that result in remainders, thereby enhancing our numerical fluency and problem-solving abilities. 

Things to do at home:  

To enhance maths fluency at home, it is essential to regularly practise times tables, as this builds a strong foundation for further mathematical understanding. Encourage your child to add and subtract numbers using both formal methods, such as column addition, and informal strategies, such as using number lines or visual aids. Engaging in daily discussions around these topics can also greatly reinforce their mathematical skills and confidence. 

 
Science 

In Science, we're diving into the fascinating world of materials! We’ll be comparing and grouping materials based on whether they’re solids, liquids, or gases. You'll also get to observe how some materials can change state when they’re heated or cooled. Plus, we’ll measure or research the temperatures at which these changes occur in degrees Celsius. Get ready for some exciting experiments and discoveries!
 

Foundation Subjects 

In Computing, the children will embark on a thrilling adventure as they use Scratch to create their very own crab maze game! They will utilise their understanding of computer science, mastering the art of giving precise commands to the computer. This hands-on experience will not only ignite their creativity but also enhance their problem-solving skills as they design intricate mazes and programme their crabs to navigate through challenges!
 

In Music, we’re diving into the vibrant world of South and West African traditions! We’ll discover how songs in other languages can surprise us with unfamiliar sounds, like the clicks found in Xhosa. One highlight will be ‘The Click Song,’ known for bringing good luck at weddings. We’ll also explore how major chords create a bright, happy vibe and learn about poly-rhythms—where multiple rhythms dance together.
 

In our exciting Art unit on Painting & Mixed Media: Portraits, pupils will embark on a creative journey! They will outline portrait drawings using words, varying size, shape, and placement for added interest. Experimentation with diverse materials for backgrounds will spark inspiration. Collaborating with partners, they'll communicate their visions for photo portraits, make thoughtful decisions about composition, and ultimately create self-portraits that express their unique identities, reflecting on material choices and techniques.
 

In RE, we are learning about what happens when we die by interpreting various sources of wisdom and beliefs. Throughout our lessons, we will explore the concept of the soul and its connection to eternal life while examining different Jewish perspectives on death. Furthermore, we will discuss how forgiveness is integral to beliefs around death and draw links between Muslim views on Jannah and their historical geography. We will also acknowledge the diversity of funerals within and between worldviews, examine Christian sacraments related to death, and reflect on the broader similarities and differences in beliefs. As death is a topic that will undoubtedly affect all children at some point in their lives, it is imperative that we create a safe space for them to discuss and explore their thoughts and feelings. Please be aware that some children may find this topic tricky and need some further support from you at home. 
 

In PSHE, we’re diving into some really important topics! We’ll explore the risks of sun exposure and how to protect ourselves. Plus, we’ll learn how to plan scrumptious, healthy meals! And let's not forget about taking charge of our feelings and actions, using the right vocabulary to express ourselves clearly. 
 

In PE, we're kicking off with Netball before bouncing over to Tennis! The children will develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and agility while mastering passing, shooting, and movement on the court. Get ready for some fun and friendly competition as we work on our techniques and enjoy the games! 

Here is a remainder of our PE days:  

Our PE days are as follows: 

• 5D - Tuesday and Friday 

• 5W - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5JW - Monday and Wednesday 

• 5P – Tuesday and Friday 

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

All classes are on X (formerly Twitter) so please do follow us for updates - use the buttons below.

The latest 'Learning At Home’ pack will be available to download soon using the button below.  You can also visit our Learning Hub using the button below.

To help your child with their learning at home, please read with them whenever possible and encourage them to keep practising times tables.  We also encourage the use of websites such as Times Table Rockstars.

Thank you so much for your support in engaging with your child's learning! It truly makes a difference. We are excited for the upcoming term that is sure to be filled with positivity and enriching experiences. Together, we can help your child thrive and enjoy their educational journey. 

The Year 5 team 😊  

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)!

Don’t forget to follow our classes on X.  Click a button below to find your child's class on X.

Aspire

It has been a wonderfully exciting half-term in 5D. The class have achieved a huge amount both academically and outside of the curriculum. They have shown resilience and determination in P.E., taking on the significant challenge of trying boxercise for the first time, and recalling and building upon their previous learning about gymnastics. The children have shown curiosity this term too, in learning all about how the Alps compare to our local area in Geography, and discovering how the civilisations of the Ancient Greeks impact on our modern world. 5D then revisited this topic when we put on our own class assembly ‘It’s all Greek to Me’, singing and acting their way through the myths, legends and fables that they had learned about in class.

Inspire

In Maths, we have continued to build upon the good work done in half term 1. The children have been learning new skills in multiplication and division, showing enthusiasm when learning about fractions and how they can be used to represent parts of a whole. English has often given the children an opportunity to show their creativity. Whether writing persuasive letters inspired by the dramatic events of ‘The Highwayman’ by Alfred Noyes, or re-imagining an advert for the Spanish lottery ‘El Gordo’ as a third person narrative, their positivity tackling a difficult task is always inspiring.

Teamwork

In Music, we have been learning about the Blues. The children have shown teamwork when learning to play the 12-bar blues together as a class, and respect when learning about the difficult lives of the genre’s pioneers. We have helped our school community by engaging enthusiastically with the Junior Leadership Team’s meetings, offering our opinions on how to improve the school in a considerate and respectful manner. In R.E. we have shown respect when learning about different faiths, delving into the world of Christianity through learning about the religions origins and how it is followed today by learning about the features of a Catholic church. 

Aspire

It has been another busy half term and 5JW has shown lots of curiosity through different subjects. In History, we enjoyed researching many different aspects of the lives of the Ancient Greek society from the Greek Gods to Greek philosophers and democracy. More recently we have been comparing our local area to Alpine areas finding out about the difference in climate, leisure, and transport.  In English, 5JW has shown lots of determination to continue to develop their writing skills building on work from previous years. We have recapped work on different clauses, such as, relative clauses and fronted adverbials.  Lots of resilience has been seen in Maths, with everyone working hard to continue to develop their understanding of multiplication and division, as well as Square, Cubed and Prime numbers.

Inspire

I’ve been really impressed with 5JWs enthusiasm during Science. This half term we have been looking at forces, and pupils have worked hard to investigate friction, air and water resistance and simple mechanisms such as pulleys, levers and gears in a practical way. Pupils have been working hard in English showing their creativity and their ability to write in different genres from persuasive letters to non-chronological reports. Whilst learning all about the Blues style of music, pupils have shown lots of positivity supporting each other whilst using glockenspiels to play chords and the Blues scale.

Teamwork

5JW has shown lots of respect during P.S.H.E. and R.E. where we have looked at relationships and the changes and origins of Christianity. We have used teamwork in Outdoor Learning, working together to build structures. In P.E. we have created group and individual balances working together to develop sequences of rolls, jumps and balances.

Aspire

During our maths lessons we have been learning about fractions, we have practised ordering and converting them. There have been several steps to learn for each, but we have worked hard, shown resilience and aced it! We have been learning about The Highwayman during our English lessons. We have analysed the language used in the poem, looked at unfamiliar words, and thought about the key events in the text. We have learnt about the different tenses that we can use in our writing; some have been a little tricky to grasp but we have been determined to learn them and use them correctly.  During our Geography lessons we have been learning about the Alps, we were curious about where exactly they were located so we used atlases to find them and identify them on a map. We have also learnt about the physical and human features surrounding them- to help us understand what it is like in that region.

Inspire

In our P.S.H.E. lessons we have been learning about relaxation and meditation. We have practised yoga and evaluated its effects on the body. We have been positive and willing when learning new poses and when evaluating its effectiveness. During our gymnastics topic we have been practicing rolls and balances. We have been inspired by the Olympics gymnastics performances and created some Gold medal worthy sequences. It has been especially nice to watch one another’s performances and evaluate them- giving inspiration to those who felt a little shy and hearing positive feedback was lovely. During our science lessons, we have been asking a lot of questions about forces. We have made predictions about what will happen, using our scientific knowledge. We have been very creative and enthusiastic in solving key problems such as: which shape submarine would reach the bottom of the water first or which parachute would fall the fastest. 

Teamwork

Our R.E. lessons have been about Christianity and its core beliefs. We have watched videos and completed activities about the key features of a church, we have thought about what churches are in our community and asked our friends to share any experience they have had in a church. We have shown respect when learning about what specific features are used for and been considerate when giving suggestions about possible uses of the features.

Aspire

What a fantastic half term it has been! We’ve been buzzing with energy, and the children's enthusiasm truly shone through. It was certainly a busy half term, but one filled with joy and learning! During assessment week, I was incredibly proud to see the children demonstrate remarkable perseverance and resilience. They tackled each task with confidence, showing just how much they’ve grown this term. In Geography, their curiosity was ignited as they explored the majestic Alps, learning not only about the breathtaking landscapes but also the vital role these mountains play in our environment. Equally fascinating was our study of the ancient Greeks, where the children engaged deeply with the profound impacts this historical civilisation has had on our modern society.

 Inspire

In P.E., the children demonstrated remarkable trust in their partners while mastering counter balances in gymnastics. It was a joy to witness their excitement as they created their own unique sequences of movements! Meanwhile, in maths, the pupils embraced a positive attitude whilst tackling new concepts such as prime numbers, factors, squared numbers, and cubed numbers. Their determination and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring. Additionally, in English, the children showcased their creativity by crafting persuasive letters about the classic poem ‘The Highwayman’, employing fantastic modal verbs that brought their arguments to life. And let's not forget the enthusiasm displayed in music! The children had a fantastic time learning the 12-bar blues on the glockenspiel, filling the classroom with their vibrant melodies.

 Teamwork

In Religious Education, we've been exploring Christianity, where we've learnt the importance of respecting the beliefs of others. It was inspiring to see everyone engage in discussions, appreciating the diversity of thought around us. Outside the classroom, our outdoor learning area has been a treasure trove of adventures! We’ve shown great consideration whilst exploring, we've been mindful of creatures' habitats, ensuring we leave no trace behind. It’s a wonderful way to foster a sense of responsibility towards nature among the children. In P.S.H.E., we've delved into discussions around equality and the impact of stereotyping. It's inspiring to see 5W recognising how their words and actions affect others, fostering a community of empathy and understanding.

That's our first full term complete!  The children have worked super hard and have really impressed me with their focus and dedication to their learning and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has to hold for them!

I think they all deserve a lovely rest this festive season, although I am sure it will be filled with lots of cheer!

See you all in 2025!

Miss Wood 😊

Welcome to the new half term! We're excited to share what your children will be diving into in their classes this term. We are also looking forward to meeting many of you when you join us for the Maths workshop on Tuesday 12th November.  

In English, we will have plenty of opportunities to showcase our fantastic knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spellings whilst writing elaborate texts such as a non-chronological report (at the start of the term). To do this effectively, we will be learning about the difference between facts and opinions and use coordinating conjunctions (alongside subordinate ones) to make our sentences longer and our writing more cohesive. The children will be encouraged to deliver a high standard of presentation and take pride in the development of their writing. 

In our reading sessions, we'll unpick the classic poem “The Highwayman” and explore other intriguing extracts. These texts will provide a great opportunity for discussions and insights. Additionally, we'll focus on essential reading skills such as retrieval, inferring, sequencing, fact versus opinion, and summarising. We encourage you to discuss what they are learning at home and foster their love for reading.  

In Maths, we will continue to focus on securing our understanding of addition and subtraction, building a solid foundation upon which to develop further skills. This will be crucial as we progress to the next topic of multiplication and division. Our aim is to ensure that all students feel confident and competent in these essential mathematical operations. Towards the end of the term, we will introduce the concept of fractions. This topic will not only enhance their number sense but also provide opportunities for practical applications in real-life scenarios. 

In Science, we will be looking at forces such as air resistance, water resistance, gravity, pulleys and gears and using practical investigations to develop our skills and knowledge. 

In Computing, we will continue to develop our 3D modelling skills to create buildings using Sketchup and then move on to looking at how computer networks are controlled and how to use search engines. 

In Design and Technology, the children have successfully created their designs for frame structures in small groups. The next step involves building these frame structures, allowing students to apply their planning and teamwork skills effectively. This hands-on project not only fosters collaboration but also enhances their understanding of stability and design. We look forward to seeing their exciting creations come to life! 

In History, we will embark on an exciting journey into ancient Greece! We'll uncover the fascinating features of this remarkable civilisation and identify its key periods. Our pupils will make inferences about the Greek gods and delve into research on a specific god of their choice. Furthermore, we will compare the city-states of Athens and Sparta, understanding the different types of democracy, including how Athenian democracy functioned. 

In RE, we are focusing on Christianity. We'll explore why many believe Jesus was the Messiah and examine how Christianity spread as a major world religion. Students will identify features of a Catholic church and discuss their various uses, while also looking into why some Christians practise their faith differently. 

In PSHE, we’re focusing on health and wellbeing. The children will explore the benefits of yoga through guided videos, reflecting on the calming effects it has on their minds and bodies. Our discussions will cover the importance of a good night’s sleep, strategies for embracing failure, and ways to persevere when challenges arise. We’ll encourage them to set personal goals and recognise a wide range of feelings, equipping them with tools to navigate tough situations.   

In Spanish, we will be concentrating on the months of the year, enabling students to communicate important dates and events effectively. 

In PE, we’ll be getting our hearts racing with Boxercise! This dynamic workout not only boosts fitness levels and builds strength but also helps our coordination. As we round off the term, we will be flipping into Gymnastics! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their flexibility, coordination, and confidence. 

Here is a remainder of our PE days: 

Our PE days are as follows:

• 5D - Tuesday and Friday

• 5W - Monday and Wednesday

• 5JW - Monday and Wednesday

• 5P – Tuesday and Friday

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

All classes are on X (formerly Twitter) so please do follow us for updates - use the buttons below.

The latest 'Learning At Home’ pack will be available to download soon using the button below.  You can also visit our Learning Hub using the button below.

To help your child with their learning at home, please read with them whenever possible and encourage them to keep practising times tables.  We also encourage the use of websites such as Times Table Rockstars.

Yardley Fundraisers (our PTFA) will be holding a Winter Disco for Years 5 and 6 on the following date:

• Monday 2nd December 2024 / 5.30pm to 6.45pm

Click here for further information and how to book.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. We look forward to an enriching half term filled with exploration and discovery.

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)!

Don’t forget to follow our classes on X.  Click a button below to find your child's class on X.

In English, we have written a series of short pieces focussing on recapping some of the skills learnt in previous years. For example, flexing our descriptive muscles by describing both setting and character in the Amazon Rainforest, and bringing the darkest depths of space to life in text. The children have also begun to explore new ways of expressing themselves through our focus on parenthesis and modal verbs.

In Maths, the group have solidified their grasp of place value, which underpins their entire understanding of the subject. They have also shown a lot of determination in recent weeks as we tackle trickier problems in addition and subtraction with an ever sharpening focus on reasoning and problem solving.

We have enjoyed reading our class text – ‘The Explorer’ by Katherine Rundell. At the same time we have been exposed to a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts in our reciprocal reading lessons, sometimes even utilising pictures and videos to practise our inference, retrieval, summarising and questioning.

Learning about Earth and Space in science has been particularly fascinating. We have discovered a great deal about the planets of our solar system, the phases of the moon, why we experience night and day and even had the privilege of learning even more through our afternoon spent in the ‘Space Dome’. 

Art went hand in hand with science as we explored new drawing techniques with a space theme through our focus on ‘Retrofuturism’. The children used printing to produce incredibly creative and thought-provoking final pieces. We have moved onto design and technology, with the children producing designs to create a prototype for a frame structure.

In PE, we have improved our teamwork skills through team building and our rhythm through street dance, and look forward to moving on to Boxercise.

Thank you for a wonderful first few weeks 5D. I look forward to watching the whole class grow together over the rest of the year.

The first half term is already over and we have covered so many things. 

In English we started the term by looking at descriptive writing and developing some incredible story settings, making sure we used fantastic expanded noun phrases and even figurative language. We moved on to writing instructions and including parenthesis. After this we looked at using powerful emotive language in diary writing. We have been using our class novel The Explorer to support us with this.

In Maths, we have look at place value to 1 million as well as rounding numbers and identifying numbers that are greater than, less than and equal to. We even had a look at Roman numerals and have now moved on to written methods such as addition and subtraction.

In Science, we have found some amazing information about the solar system and the relationships between the Earth, the Sun and the Moon. We also looked at their relative sizes and shapes and this was also consolidated with our Class Assembly, where everyone made a valuable contribution.

In Art, we looked at space as well, looking at retrofuturism and futurism, with children using callograms to create printed backgrounds for their own futuristic ideas.

We are currently working on our designs and plans for our framed structures in Design Technology, where we make a piece of playground equipment using wood as the framed structure.

It is now time for a rest and to chill. Have a healthy, sae holiday and see you in November.

Hello everyone! It is the end of the first 8 weeks of Year 5 and 5P have certainly made an excellent start. They have transitioned from Year 4 beautifully and continue to be mindful of our school rules and values. They have started as they mean to go on with a hard-working and dedicated attitude. 

In English, we have been writing a variety of short pieces to recap our previous learning whilst at YPS. Whilst writing a setting description, a character description, a set of instructions and a diary entry, we have been able to showcase our fabulous, existing understanding of grammar such as expanded noun phrases and correct comma usage around subordinate clause use in our writing. We have recently been learning about parenthesis and how this can further enhance our writing as a Year 5 writer.

In Maths, we have consolidated our place value understanding and have completed our topic on addition and subtraction. The children have wowed me with their ability to retrieve previous learning and take part in mathematical discussions regarding reasoning and problem solving questions. The children are all eager to improve and learn as much as they can, which is a delight to see.

In Reading, we have enjoyed reading our class text – ‘The Explorer’. Alongside this, we have been exposed to several different texts in our reciprocal reading lessons. We have confidently recalled our understanding of our four key reading skills and have answered lots of retrieval questions whilst using the skimming and scanning technique.

In Science, we have learnt all about Space and its planets. We discovered how the Earth orbits the sun, alongside all seven other planets. We conducted fun experiments that explained this to us easily, too!

In Design and Technology, we looked at frame structures. We looked at many different structures beforehand and decided and planned in groups before we build our structures at the beginning of Autumn 2. 

In PE, we have enjoyed working in teams to team build and break dance. We have confidently created sequences in groups and have performed them to our classes.

Thank you for an excellent start, 5P. You should be so proud of yourselves, I sure am! I look forward to watching you progress and I will see you on Monday 4th November 2024. 

Miss Perkins :)

A Good Start to Year 5: Celebrating the First Half Term 🎉 

As we reach the end of the first half term, it's a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey 5W has embarked upon so far this academic year. Their transition into Year 5 has been brilliant and I am thrilled to say how well the pupils have embraced moving to upper KS2 and showing their commitment to our school values and rules.  

In English this term our writers have been experimenting with a variety of text types that not only hone their writing skills but also ignite their creativity! Starting off the year with vivid character descriptions to captivating setting descriptions that transport readers to new worlds. We then moved onto instructional writing and the use of parenthesis to instruct and inform our readers of how to build a sturdy raft. Finally, we finished this term with a diary entry focusing on our use of emotive language.  

Our young mathematicians have been hard at work consolidating their understanding of place value. This foundational concept is essential, as it sets the stage for their journey across maths this upcoming year and beyond. We are now beginning to tackle addition and subtraction, using practical and written methods to find solutions. I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and enthusiasm!  

This term, we have been diving into the captivating world of ""The Explorer""! Alongside this text, we have also been exposed to several different texts in our reciprocal reading lessons where the children have had an opportunity to share their thoughts and insights. We have also been focusing on our four key reading skills; predicting, clarifying, questioning and summarising. 

In Science, we have been exploring all about the Solar System and how fascinating the world beyond our atmosphere really is. We have engaged in activities, such as creating modelled examples of the Sun, Moon and Earth to compare their size differences. We even become young astronomers discovering the unique characteristics of each planet and the magnificent roles they play in our cosmic neighbourhood when we had a visit from the Explorer Dome. 

In Art, our theme, “I Need Space,” encouraged us to delve into the vast realms of creativity that come with exploring the cosmos and beyond. We looked at Retro-futurism art which is an artistic movement that takes inspiration from how past generations envisioned the future. We used this as inspiration to create and interpret our own vision of what the future universe will look like. 

In PE, we began the year by focusing on a series of exciting team-building activities designed to foster collaboration, communication, and resilient team members. We then further developed these skills by working in small groups to showcase creativity, rhythm and coordination through sequencing a street dance routine.  

As we move forward, there are even more exciting events on the horizon, including our upcoming maths workshop, where you can work alongside your child to solve some fluency questions.  

Thank you for a wonderful start to Year 5! 5W you should be super proud of the achievements you have made so far this year. Let’s continue to make this year remarkable together.

What a wonderful start to Year 5 the children have had! The children impressed all four teachers with their hard work and dedication, and we are certain they have started as they mean to go on.

In English, we are developing our descriptive writing building on from our skills in Year 4. Then moving onto other forms of writing including diary writing and non-chronological reports. We will be developing our range of punctuation and continue to focus on our presentation. Our class novel this term is The Explorer.

In Reading, we will recap the four key reading skills: clarifying, questioning, summarising and predicting. We will complete lots of retrieval and comprehension tasks based around different texts, such as fiction, non-fiction and poetry. We shall deliver the lessons to the children in the style of reciprocal reading so that lots of discussions and questioning can take place, allowing the children to thrive. 

In Maths, we will focus upon our place value knowledge and discuss our understanding of each digit within a number. In small steps, the children will begin to revise and learn numbers to 100,000 and then 1,000,000 using place value columns to support. Children will then apply this knowledge to successfully partition numbers to support methods for addition and subtraction that will be reviewed in the next block.

In Science, we will be learning about Space. There is a very exciting opportunity for the children as the Space Dome will be visiting us. The children will have an immersive opportunity to learn about Space with an external agency. The children enjoyed the Sound Dome last year, so will know exactly how exciting this is! We will learn about the solar system and its eight planets. 

In Computing, we will start off by discussing digital safety and have insightful discussions about how to stay safe whilst using technology and exploring the wonderful online world. 

In Art, we have started a topic called ‘I need Space’, all about retro-futuristic art. The children will have to opportunity to express themselves through several mediums, such as drawing, print making and painting. Creating a final piece in the retro-futuristic style.

In PE, we will start by doing team building activities. We will discuss the importance of working as a team and how this helps us complete activities positively. Later in the half term, we will start our Dance topic. We will practise street dancing and learn different techniques and routines. 

Our PE days are as follows:

• 5D - Tuesday and Friday

• 5W - Monday and Wednesday

• 5JW - Monday and Wednesday

• 5P – Tuesday and Friday

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

All Year 5 teachers welcome you to approach us about anything in relation to your child’s learning or school life.

All classes are on X (formerly Twitter) so please do follow us for updates - use the buttons below.

The latest 'Learning At Home’ pack will be available to download soon using the button below.  You can also visit our Learning Hub using the button below.

To help your child with their learning at home, please read with them whenever possible and encourage them to keep practising times tables.  We also encourage the use of websites such as Times Table Rockstars.

We look forward to watching the children blossom as they settle further into Year 5! 

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)!

Don’t forget to follow our classes on X.  Click a button below to find your child's class on X.

What a way to finish Year 5! We have not stopped this half-term. 

Mr. Argyle’s Maths set have worked on developing our understanding of statistics with information being presented in tables and graphs for us to decipher. We have studied place values on the smaller side of the decimal point and been linking that back to our work on fractions earlier in the year. We have also studied both two- and three-dimensional shapes and developed our technical vocabulary for describing them. 

To my Maths set – you have all worked amazingly hard this year and your thirst for knowledge and your determination to improve does you all credit. Good luck as you move up into Year 6 and beyond. You will be amazing and I will miss you all. 

Back in 5A, during English we have completed our last two big pieces of writing – a fable and then a narrative crafted entirely using our own ideas. We have been revisiting skills, checking that we have a solid understanding and impressing Mr. Argyle with our fantastic subject knowledge. We have finished reading both Cogheart and Stormbreaker; we even found the time to watch the film of Stormbreaker so that we could compare the two. 

In the Foundation subjects, we have been all over the world and delved into diverse topics. During History, we looked at the Dyche photo collection which celebrates the multi-cultural heritage of our city. In Geography we travelled all over the globe to look at life in deserts, especially the Mojave Desert. We learned that not all deserts are hot! Did you know that? 

We studied the ideas of seasonal and sustainable food before creating our own salads during D.T. lessons. They were colourful, aromatic and, most importantly, contained no fingers! 

In Art, we studied architecture and used the work of Zaha Hadid and Hundertwasser as inspiration for designing our own buildings and monuments. We learned about single- and two-point perspective drawings and took all these great ideas outside to create some abstract monuments celebrating our time in Year 5. This idea of celebrating Year 5 has also been a theme in our Music lessons, which culminated in us writing a rap – call out to the 5A crew!

To 5A – It has been a wonderful year and I have never had the pleasure of teaching a class with so many strong and diverse characters. You are all fantastic and it has been my privilege to be part of your journey through Yardley Primary School. You will no doubt be amazing in whatever you choose to do and remember: you are always going to be 5A and we are UNSTOPPABLE!

In English this half term, we have finished our book, ‘Stormbreaker’ and we really enjoyed learning how determined and courageous Alex Rider was. We have worked hard to recap grammar we have learnt throughout the year, as well as new grammar to include in our writing. We have also really enjoyed reading ‘Who Let The Gods Out’, and writing some interesting pieces based on this. 

In Maths, we started off the term with learning about perimeter and area, and moved onto shape, including translation of shape. We have also learnt new skills, such as adding and subtracting decimals, as well as recapping fractions. 

In Science, we have been looking at Animals including Humans. We have explored the life cycle stages of humans, and what happens to us as we grow older. 

In Computing, we have been practising our coding skills by using Kodu – a programme where we use Kodu to create and play a game in a virtual world. We have also recapped our typing skills, and learnt more about digital safety and how to stay safe online. 

In our wider curriculum lessons, we completed our Seasonality and Culture day, where we made seasonal salads. We also completed our architectural Art topic, which allowed us to design our own buildings using floor plans, 3D views and front on views. We also completed our Geography topic, where we explored the Mojave Desert and the features it has.

In PE, we have learnt how to play Rounders and Football, and it was great to see the children working in teams. 

I can’t believe that this year is over. I am so incredibly proud of every single one of you for the knowledge and confidence you’ve gained over the past year. We’ve had our struggles and tough times, but I am beyond proud to have been your teacher for Year 5. I will always have fond memories of our laughs and interesting times throughout the year! You are all incredible children, and should always keep being your wonderful selves! 

I wish you all the very best of luck for Year 6, and I hope you will come and tell me about the fun that you have!

Have a well-deserved summer everyone!

We have had a busy but brilliant, fun-filled last half term.

In our wider curriculum topics, we loved going on a virtual field trip to the Mojave Desert. We learned about the different ways the Mojave Desert is used, and we can now name and describe the physical features found in a desert. In D&T, we thoroughly enjoyed learning about which fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer, and then making our own salads. In our final Art lessons, we applied composition skills to develop a drawing into a print.

In English, we finished reading ""Stormbreaker"" and started ""Who Let the Gods Out."" Based on the themes of these books, we have produced some lovely work. We also wrote our own fables and comedy stories. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our class reads this year, and I hope that 5H has been inspired to pick up a book over the summer and get engrossed in a gripping story.

In P.E., we learned the skills required to play rounders and football. We also had our year group Sports Day. Thank you to all parents who attended and cheered on all the children. Special thanks go to those who competed in the teacher and parent egg-and-spoon race.

We have been very busy in Maths this term. We had lessons on negative numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages, and area and perimeter. Once again, I have been mightily impressed with the determination and resilience shown by my maths class. Please keep up the good work in Year 6, and keep practising your times tables!

We really enjoyed our Science topics this term. We learned about the life cycles of humans and animals, the different stages of life we go through, and how they can affect us. We particularly enjoyed a lesson where we created our own investigations to find whether our reaction times change as we get older. 5H discovered that I still have good reaction times and therefore I am (despite the grey hair) ''...not old just yet.”

5H have had an excellent term and school year. It has been a pleasure to be part of their learning journey. I am proud to have been their teacher, and I am proud of the progress they have made. 

I would like to thank all parents for their support throughout the year, and I wish every member of 5H the very best in Year 6 and beyond. Enjoy the summer, get some rest, and make sure you come and say hello to me in September.

Mr Hogarth

What a wonderful half term it has been in 5JD. 

In English, the class have thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Who Let the Gods Out?’, and have based a lot of our writing on this fantastically entertaining book. The children have exceeded my expectations over and over again with the great work they have produced, including writing a job advert, a fable, and a creative story.

The Mojave Desert was the focus of our Geography topic at the start of the half term. The class were fascinated by the different features of a desert, and were particularly intrigued by looking at the world’s time zones, and why they exist.

In July, we studied the impact of seasonality and culture on the food we eat by designing and creating our own summer salads. This was done over one school day, and afforded the children the opportunity to practice their chopping skills. The class displayed commendable maturity by using appropriate kitchen tools safely, and with correct technique.

Our Art topic has been ‘Architecture’, in which the children explored the work of Freidenreich Hunterwasser, a prominent artist and architect. The children also developed their observational drawing skills by sketching the outside of our school building before using their work to create a screen print.

My Maths group have worked extremely hard this term, covering decimals, negative numbers, statistics, shape and position and direction. They also show great resilience and determination in completing their end of year 5 assessments to the best of their ability.

Our final 2 topics of the school year in P.E. have been rounders and football. These topics have given the class the opportunity to practice their teamwork skills, and to develop their ability to compete against each other respectfully. The children have risen to these challenges admirably and have shown me that they are reaching the level of maturity that will be needed in year 6.

It has been a pleasure teach and get to know the children this year, and I can’t wait to see how the continue to develop in year 6. Well done 5JD!

Hello everyone, it’s good to have you back after a week’s rest. We hope you’re ready for the final half term of year 5! 

In English, we are moving onto our new class text, ‘Who Let The Gods Out’, and we will be composing many different pieces of work, like a fable. We will also be developing our spelling and grammar, and incorporating these into our final pieces. 

In Maths, we will be finishing our Geometry topic, and we will be recapping all the skills we have learnt this year, and applying to fluency and reasoning/problem solving questions. 

In Science we are continuing our Animals Including Humans topic, and we will be carrying out different experiments to do with humans and the way in which we grow. We will also have a recap of all topics and skills learnt this year, before we finish Year 5.  

In PE, we will be moving onto Rounders and Football. We are hoping that the weather continues to be nice and clear, so that we can develop our skills and complete games against each other, helping us build communication and teamwork.

On the days of P.E. lessons, pupils should come to school in their P.E. kit.  Details of kit required for P.E. can be found here.

Please remember, if your child wears earrings, there are three options on P.E. days:

1. Children do not wear their earrings on the day that they have a P.E. lesson.  This is the safest option.

2. Children have plasters put on at home so that their earrings are already covered for their P.E lesson.

3. Send plasters in so that their earrings can be covered.  Children will need to do this themselves, staff are not able to.

In Computing, we will be continuing with Kodu, which will allow us to code and program a game for us to play. We will also be covering a brief Digital Safety topic, educating the children on the news and how we can perceive information online. 

We will be finishing off our Geography topic of ‘Deserts’ and moving onto an Art topic, where we will be exploring how different buildings are made within the realm of ‘Architecture’. After that, we will be moving onto final topic of Design Technology, where will be creating a salad which is celebrating seasonality and culture. 

We are carrying on with our ‘Citizenship’ topic in PSHE, where we will look at the impact of energy on the planet and contributing to the community

We also have our trip to Cockshut Hill on Wednesday 10th July, which will be an exciting chance for pupils to see the school, as well as engage with activities in Science, Computer Science and Maths.

We hope you enjoy your final half term in Year 5! 

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