Year 5

In Year 5, we have had a busy and exciting start to the half term, with lots of new learning across the curriculum.

In English, we have begun reading the fantastic novel The Boy at the Back of the Classroom by Onjali Q. Raúf. The children have been exploring the characters and discussing some of the key themes within the story. They are now preparing to write an internal monologue from the perspective of the main character, carefully considering their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

In maths, we have been focusing on perimeter, exploring how to calculate the lengths of rectilinear shapes and other polygons. The children have been challenged to find missing lengths and apply their knowledge to a range of reasoning and problem-solving activities.

Our new science unit is all about living things, including humans. We have started by exploring parts of a plant and will continue to build our understanding of how humans and other living organisms grow and develop. 

In DT, we have begun our sewing topic by exploring and evaluating existing pencil cases and other small sewn items. The children carefully considered the design, materials and purpose of these products before researching other examples on the computers to help inspire their own initial ideas. In history, we are exploring the origins of The Ancient Greeks, uncovering their achievements and legacy.

In PE, teamwork has been our focus as the children worked together to complete a range of cooperative games. They showed fantastic communication and collaboration skills, while supporting one another to achieve shared goals.

We also enjoyed an exciting trip to the Science Museum last week. The children loved exploring the Wonderlab, taking part in hands-on investigations and building on their knowledge of space and forces. It was a fantastic day full of curiosity, discovery and plenty of excitement!

It is a short but jam-packed half-term ahead – and one we are very much looking forward to.

  

                                 

This week: 02/03/26	Next week: 09/03/26
Spelling rule:  Words with an /or/ sound spelt ‘au’   pause cause sauce fraud launch author August applaud astronaut restaurant   Key words: area, perimeter, monologue, evaluate, research, product, cooperation, stigma, stamen, Ancient Greece, Diwali	Spelling rule:  Convert nouns or adjectives into verbs using the suffix -ate   pollinate captivate activate motivate communicate medicate elasticate hyphenate alienate validate   Key words: century, millennia, empire, city state, axes, vertical, horizontal, rows, columns, conquer

 

Key messages: 

• Please ensure your child’s homework and reading record is completed with at least 5 comments each week. 

 

Key dates: 

• 06/02 - Book Day dress up
• 09/03 - Juniper Hall residential meeting in school hall 08:50am
• 17/03 & 19/03 - Family/Teacher meetings
• 27/03 - Last day of term. Finish at 1:30pm 
• 13/04 - First day of Summer Term 
• 14/04 - 5M Trip to Holly Lodge
• 15/04 - 5S Trip to Holly Lodge
• 17/04 - 5P Trip to Holly Lodge

 

Year 6

In Year 6, we have wasted no time diving straight back into our learning and SATs preparations since half term. In English, we have been exploring the thought-provoking novel Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo. The children took part in a lively debate discussing whether Michael – and children in general – should be taken out of school to embark on a year-long voyage around the world. This engaging discussion has supported the class in writing a balanced discursive piece, carefully weighing up both sides of the argument before reaching an informed conclusion (no matter how desperately some of them wanted to say yes!).

In maths, we have gone shape crazy! We have been revisiting area and perimeter before moving on to the properties of 3D shapes. The children enjoyed clarifying the difference between a face and a curved surface - an important distinction! How many 3D shapes with curved surfaces can you name?

Our exciting new science, DT and history topics have allowed us to step into the worlds of electricians, chefs and Maya historians. In history, we are delving into the fascinating civilisation of the Maya civilization, uncovering their achievements and legacy. DT has been especially inspiring, with great enthusiasm building as the children prepare to design (and eventually evaluate!) their own burgers.

It is a short but jam-packed half-term ahead – and one we are very much looking forward to.

  

  

                        

This week: 02/03/26	Next week: 09/03/26
Spelling rule:  Words with endings which sound like /shuhl/ after a consonant letter   partial confidential essential substantial torrential sequential potential spatial martial influential   thorough sufficient   Key words: area, perimeter, circumference, radius, diameter, vertices, faces, edges, benefits, drawbacks, conclusion, components, circuit, complete, incomplete	Spelling rule:  Words with a ‘soft c’ spelt /ce/   cemetery certificate celebrate necessary deceased December sacrifice hindrance nuisance prejudice   secretary leisure   Key words: base, height, length, width, formula, narrative, description, dialogue, plot, ending, legacy, lifestyle, sweet, sour, umami, bitter, salty

 

Key messages: 

• If you haven’t already, please complete the PGL medical form as soon as possible.

• It is mock SATs week next week. Results will be shared with parents at the Family/Teacher meetings.

• For Family/Teacher meetings in Week 4, please attend with your child.

 

Key dates: 

• 02/03 - Year 6 Holi festival
• 04/02 - Tag Rugby Vs St Mary Mags
• 05/02 - Netball Tournament - Barnes
• 06/02 - Book Day dress up
• WB 09/03 - mock SATs week
• 16/03 - Junior Citizen trip at Holly Lodge 8:50-12:30
• 17/03 - Boys Football away vs Heathfield
• 17/03 - Music curriculum performance 2.30
• 17/03 - Family/Teacher meetings
• 18/03 - Flag Football Tournament
• 19/03 - Family/Teacher meetings
• 23/03 - SATs meeting for parents
• 23/03 - 6K Burger Day
• 25/03 - 6J Burger Day
• 26/03 - 6G Burger Day