Browne Class

Term 1

What have we been learning? 
This term we have been answering the question, ‘How do the human and physical features of England compare with those in Mexico?” We looked at the Maya and how they lived, what their social systems were like, and how they used the land. We then compared their land use to ours.  

In Writing lessons, we have written a number of text genres within the broad topic of the Maya including a setting description, a character description using dialogue and a suspense piece of writing focusing on an intense game of Pok-a-tok. 

We have been working hard in maths to extend our knowledge of decimal fractions and to apply this to money. 

In Science we have looked at living things and the differences between birds, reptiles and mammals. We used our enquiry skills to dissect a hen’s egg and identify its key parts. 

Wow moments: 
We have started year 5 with weekly swimming lessons in addition to our PE lessons, which we have thoroughly enjoyed. 

We had a visit from the head teacher of Merchants Academy to talk to us about all the exciting opportunities that secondary school has to offer. 

As part of our Maya topic, we recreated a war mask using clay and decorated in vivid colours inspired by Dan Fenlon. 

Home Learning: 
Our year five homework is handed out on a Friday and is two pieces. A SPAG/Reading based worksheet and a math’s sheet, which is to be handed in by the following Friday – children are aware that they can come and ask a member of the year 5 team to support if they need any help with this.  

A reminder that the children are expected to read at least four times a week at home and sign their diary to show they have done so. They can sign their diary themselves if they read independently.  

To support children with their fractions, decimals and converting between units of measure, children need to be secure on both their times table and division facts. We practice this twice daily through our multiplication booklets and Number Sense maths, but in addition, children should also look to play Time Tables Rockstars for ten minutes four times a week. 

 (Other): 

• We have elected school council members.
• Did our first year 5 assessments.
• Both classes had their class assemblies

Tan Class

Term 2

What have we been learning? 
In order to explore the Tudors we did a deep dive into  dynasty through our experience day with Lauren from ‘Portals to the Past’. We learned about the monarchy, different illnesses and their treatments and how to joust! 

In Math’s we have been working on money, negative numbers and column multiplication. 

In science we have been looking at forces. We have performed experiments to identify the impact of gravity, water resistance and air resistance. 

Wow moments: 
We also planned and made a Tudor stew using seasonal vegetables for DT. 

We have really enjoyed preparing for our Christmas carol service and carols around the Christmas tree. The children have really enjoyed singing Feliz Navidad to support our Spanish lessons.  

This term we had an internet safety day, which prompted lots of fabulous discussions about how to stay safe online. 

Home Learning: 
A reminder that the children are expected to read at least four times a week at home and sign their diary to show they have done so. They can sign their diary themselves if they read independently, however it is also important to hear your child read aloud regularly (and it’s lovely to share stories together!). 

Children will also have one piece of SPAG (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and maths homework that will be handed out on a Friday and collected in the following Friday. Children are able to ask class adults for help throughout the week with their homework if needed. Children also have times tables rockstars and spellings to practice.