Welcome to Year 5!

Welcome to Year 5! Below is a little bit about the things that we are going to learn.

Empowering English

In English this term, we will explore a range of quality texts - both fiction and non-fiction!  We will use the Write Stuff approaches developed by Jane Considine to improve our writing.  Our first fiction unit will be based on the story Gorilla by Anthony Browne.  We will then develop our understanding of the features of recount to write a journal. 

We will also be focusing on reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Our English Targets for the term will be:

• I can indicate degrees of possibility using adverbs, e.g., perhaps, surely, etc.
• I can use modal verbs, e.g., might, should, could, will, must, etc.
• I can use past tense accurately.  I can use sentence punctuation accurately.
• I can use relative clauses beginning with who, which, where, when whose, that, e.g., Maisie, who was extremely tired, finished the race.
• I can use subordinating conjunctions, e.g., although, whilst, because, even though.
• I can use brackets, dashes and commas to indicate parenthesis.
• I can create vivid images using similes, personification, alliteration or onomatopoeia.
• I can use expanded noun phrases.
• I can use inverted commas for speech.

Marvellous Maths

In Maths, we will be revising place value and learning to round larger numbers.  We will learn more about negative numbers.  We will continue to develop the use of written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  We will practise using these methods to solve written problems.  We will also practise our times tables daily in class.  We will extend our knowledge of Roman numerals.

Our Maths targets for the term will be:

• I can read, write, order and compare numbers to at least 1,000,000 and determine the value of each digit.
• I can count forwards or backwards in steps of powers of 10 for any number up to 1,000,000.
• I can interpret negative numbers, counting forwards and backwards with positive and negative whole numbers, including through zero.
• I can round any number to the nearest 10, 100, 1000, 10000 and 100000.
• I can read Roman numerals up to 1000 and recognise years written in Roman numerals.
• I can add and subtract whole numbers with more than 4 digits, including using formal written methods.
• I can use rounding to check my answers to calculations. 

Sensational Science

Forces

In Science, we will learn about Forces.  We will learn about balanced and unbalanced forces, gravity, friction and the use of mechanisms such as levers, gears and pulleys.  We will identify forces and complete force diagrams.  We will find out about Isaac Newton and his discoveries about gravity, completing a comprehension about his life and his work.  We will look for patterns and links between the mass and weight of objects, using newton metres to measure the force of gravity.  Furthermore, we will work collaboratively to investigate air and water resistance, participating in challenges to design the best parachute and boat. Finally, we will find out about different mechanisms, including levers, gears and pulleys, and will design our own marvellous machine. 

Hair-Raising History

Tudors

In History, we will study the Tudor period.  We will:

• Extract information about Henry VIII from sources and explain and justify their interpretation of Henry VIII using evidence from sources.
• Make deductions from sources about Anne Boleyn, interpret historical sources and supporting interpretations with evidence.
• Use sources to make deductions about Henry VIII’s wives and use evidence to support deductions, evaluating which of his wives best met his requirements.
• Identify primary sources, highlighting evidence in a source and make historical deductions from evidence.
• Select the relevant evidence required from sources and recreate Elizabeth’s entrance into Worcester.
• Make deductions using inventories and making judgements as to whether a person was rich or poor.
• Explain how inventories are useful to historians and create a realistic inventory.

Globe-Trotting Geography

The Alps

In Geography, we will learn all about The Alps.  We will:

• Locate the Alps on a world map and identify and label the eight countries they spread through.
• Locate three physical and three human characteristics in the Alps.
• Research and describe the physical and human features of Innsbruck.
• Use a variety of data collection methods including completing a questionnaire, mapping routes and recording findings in sketches or photographs.
• Compare the human and physical geography of our local area and Innsbruck.
• Describe at least four of the key aspects of the human and physical geography of the Alps to answer the enquiry question, ‘What is life like in the Alps?’

Pacey PE

There will be plenty of opportunities for sport during the week. PE will be outside where possible, so please wear warm clothes. 

Showbie

Showbie is a program which allows children to upload, save and share their work in class and at home whilst also receiving interactive feedback from their teacher.  Everyone will be given a Showbie username and password and it is available on iPads, tablets and computers.  We will be using this regularly within lessons and for homework each week.

Showbie has proven to be a valuable communication tool for children, parents/carers and teachers to keep in touch.  The Showbie App includes a range of features which have been utilisied by all:

• Messaging communication
• Sharing / Uploading work
• Instant feedback
• Voice Notes
• Video Uploads
• Class Discussions (Key Stage 2)

Walford uses Showbie as a clear channel of communication between home and school.

I will continue to set and mark homework via the Showbie App on a weekly basis.  Extra (optional) learning activities will be provided where appropriate in order to consolidate learning in school.  Showbie will be used as the new home-school link for reading.  Every child will have a reading folder in their assignments where all reading and comments can be recorded on a nightly basis.

There will also be a general communication folder where any important messages can be shared with class teachers.  Class teachers will endeavour to respond to these messages as soon as possible.  It is important to remember that children will also be able to see this, so anything of a sensitive nature should be dealt with via telephone or email. 

Helpful Homework

Homework is set on a Thursday and should be returned every Monday.  Homework will be linked to the work that we are covering in class.  Remember homework will be set and uploaded to Showbie.  Paper copies can be provided if required.  

Showbie will be used for you to record any learning that you complete at home, including:

• reading
• times table practise
• spelling practise
• Education City
• Times Tables Rock Stars
• MyOn

As you move through KS2, you should be encouraged to become more and more independent at recording the work completed on Showbie each evening.  I will check Showbie every day to see what you have been doing.

You should also encourage your child to explore www.bbc.co.uk/ks2bitesize.

For photographs of class and school activities, please see below or click on 'WALFORD TV'.  Also, remember to keep checking Twitter: @WalfordSchool for regular updates too.

All letters and class reminders will be sent via emails.  Please ensure that the school office have your preferred email address.  Let us know if you think you are not receiving any updates.

My door is always open and I am happy to chat with parents about our topics and any work that we are covering in class.  Please don’t hesitate to come and find me if you wish to discuss anything!

Many thanks!

Miss Read