English

In English this week, the children began our text for the term, When the Mountains Roared. They have been writing diary entries from the perspective of the main character, Ruby, and have worked carefully to use parenthesis to add further detail and precision to their writing. This has enabled them to capture Ruby’s thoughts and experiences with increasing maturity and control.

Next week, the children will write a comparative setting description. They will focus on contrasting the jungle in India with the rundown hotel high in the mountains. Their writing will place particular emphasis on ambitious descriptive vocabulary and on varying sentence length for effect, in order to create atmosphere and engage the reader more effectively.

Maths

In maths this week, the children have been developing their understanding of the properties of 2D and 3D shapes. They have learnt to identify and describe key features, including parallel and perpendicular lines, as well as lines of symmetry. Through careful investigation, they sorted triangles and quadrilaterals according to their properties, demonstrating increasing confidence in mathematical vocabulary and classification.

Their work has shown excellent attention to detail and a growing ability to justify their decisions using precise language. This learning has supported both reasoning and discussion in the classroom, enabling the children to compare shapes thoughtfully and accurately.

Next week, the children will continue their work on shape, with a particular focus on circles and the nets of 3D shapes. This will further strengthen their spatial awareness and deepen their understanding of how shapes are represented and constructed.

Thematic

The week commenced with a productive PD day, which provided a valuable opportunity for professional reflection and preparation. We began the day with puberty talks for the children, delivered in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner to support their understanding of personal development and wellbeing. Following this, we examined how another continent might influence the environment, with particular attention given to Asia and its environmental impact. This enquiry encouraged the children to consider the relationship between human activity, geography, and sustainability.

During the later part of the week, we researched charities and explored the important role they play in society. The children then created their own charities, choosing to support animals, people, or the environment. This task inspired thoughtful discussion, creativity, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

STEAM event

The children visited Chatham and Clarendon to take part in a highly engaging STEAM event, and the day proved to be both enriching and enjoyable. Throughout the visit, they participated in a diverse range of activities designed to develop creativity, problem-solving and practical skills.

The children explored screen printing, experienced the challenge of welding, and demonstrated their mathematical thinking through engaging maths loop cards. They also had the opportunity to bake traditional rock cakes and, to the delight of many, dig for gold. Each activity offered a valuable blend of learning and discovery, encouraging curiosity and collaboration.

The children had a fantastic day, and it was wonderful to see the excitement and buzz throughout the event. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate reflected the success of the experience and the lasting impression it made on everyone involved.

Homework

- Please read with your child at least 3 times a week.

- All children have been given a ZPD to help them identify the correct books for their reading level. Once your child has read their book, they will need to complete a quiz on it before getting a new one. These quizzes can be done either in school or at home on Accelerated Reader using the log-in codes found in their reading records.

Welcome (renaissance-go.com) 

- Children should be playing TTRS at least 3 times a week to build their confidence and fluency with time-tables knowledge.

- Mathletics homework has also been set for the children to complete by next Friday.

- Please see the homework menu attached for our thematic homework. This can be completed in the homework book provided if you wish.

- Please choose ten spellings each week to practice with your child at home. They can use the format shown in the book.

The Year 5 team