Welcome to Year 5!

Welcome back Year 5! Our topic will be ‘Anglo-Saxons’. 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 narrative unit, will be non-fiction based and we will write non-chronological reports on Emperor Penguins. We will then develop our understanding of the features of biography writing before writing our own, using the inspiration of Hatshepsut Egypt.  After half term, we will then be exploring a novel, 'Cosmic', by Frank Cottrell Boyce where we will further refine our understanding and writing of narrative. Then, we will be exploring journal writing. We will analyse the layout, purposes and content of journals before writing one of our own!

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 continue to develop the use of written methods for multiplication and division. We will learn about multiples, factors and prime numbers and use this knowledge to help us when multiplying and dividing larger numbers.  We will also learn about square numbers and cube numbers.  We will interpret and draw different graphs and tables, including line graphs.  We will explore the difference between area and perimeter.  Using place value charts we will consolidate our understanding of multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000.  After this, we will focus on learning about fractions, recognising equivalent fractions and converting mixed numbers and improper fractions.  We will also learn to multiply fractions and mixed numbers.  We will also focus on decimal numbers and their relationship with fractions and percentages.

Our Maths Targets for the term will be:

• I can use written methods for multiplication and division.
• I can solve comparison, sum and difference problems using information presented in a line graph.
• I can multiply and divide by 10, 100 or 1000 and by multiples of 10, 100 or 1000.
• I can recognise and find multiples and factors.
• I can recognise and identify prime numbers.
• I can calculate square and cube numbers.

Sensational Science 

In Science, we will learn about Earth and space.  We will describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun in the solar system.  We will describe the movement of the Moon in relation to Earth.  We will know that the Sun, Earth and Moon are approximately spherical bodies.  We will use the idea of the Earth's rotation to explain day and night and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky.

Hair-Raising History

Ancient Greece

This term, we will study Ancient Greece, including Greek life, achievements and their lasting influence on the Western World. We will investigate the timeline and four main periods of the Greek Empire and explore different kinds of historical sources and evaluate their usefulness.  We will discover when and where the ancient Greeks lived, how they lived in separate city states, how their armies fought and were structured, the gods they worshipped and much more.  We will look at Alexander the Great and the empire under his leadership, learn about trading and design, research lifestyle and clothing, and study key Ancient Greek buildings. In English sessions, we will study the historical background of Aesop and his fables. In addition, we will learn about the roles and rights of free men, women, children and slaves in Ancient Greece and research democracy. Finally, we will examine the exciting Olympics and its modern legacy.

In Art, we will carve our own ancient Greek busts using soap, paint ancient Greek pottery and create comedy and tragedy masks.

In DT, the story of Theseus and the Minotaur sets the scene as we find out what labyrinths are and how to design, create and evaluate our own model labyrinth.  The Parthenon is an iconic image of ancient Greece and we will look at its design and structure in more detail and explore different ways of using a variety of materials to create a model of the Parthenon.  We will then use what we have learnt to design, build and evaluate a final model.

Globe-Trotting Geography

In Geography, we will learn all about the European country of Greece.  We will explore the physical Geography of modern Greece, looking at aspects such as size, location, landscape, rivers, mountains, and climate. We will explore what Greece is like as a country today and learn some interesting facts about its geography.  We will look at the population and culture of Greece today and use a variety of different sources to find out about areas such as food, music, clothes and leisure.  We will consider what we already know about Greek culture before carrying out some of our own research to further our understanding of this fascinating country.  Finally, we will plan a journey / holiday to Greece, exploring distance, time and cost. 

Pacey PE

There will be plenty of opportunities for sport during the week.  We will also enjoy a weekly PE session with Mr Rogers from Worcester Warriors.  Year 5 will have P.E on Thursday and we ask that children wear their P.E kit to school for the day (white P.E t-shirt, black or navy shorts / jogging bottoms, trainers and their school jumper).  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 during the enforced school closure in order 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)

From September, Walford will continue to use 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.

As a result of these changes, your child will no longer bring home a Home-School Diary (KS2).  

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.

Talk Homework will help you to prepare for your Big Write each week.  This can be found on Showbie too.  Please spend 5-10 minutes chatting with a family member at home in order to feel more confident about your written task the following day.

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday, 20th April 2021:  Back to school

Wednesday 28th April and Thursday 29th April 2021:  Parents’ Evening

Friday, 7th May 2021:  NSPCC Number Day

Monday, 31st May – Friday, 4th June 2021: Half Term

Monday, 7th June 2021:  Back to school

Tuesday 20th July 2021: Last day of the Summer Term

To support your learning at home, you will be able to find lots of

English and Maths activities on Education City.

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 ‘CHILDREN’ and then ‘GALLERY’ or '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!

Mrs Hanham