Year 5

This week, Year 5 stepped out of the classroom and into the great outdoors for an unforgettable three-day residential at Juniper Hall, nestled beneath the beautiful Box Hill. After much anticipation, Monday finally arrived and the excitement was palpable! The short coach journey flew by and the children were thrilled as the impressive manor house came into view.

After a quick lunch, we met the knowledgeable and friendly tutors who guided us throughout our stay. Each group had a base room to return to, before heading off for the first afternoon activity. Later, the children eagerly settled into their dorms; definitely a highlight of the trip! Following a delicious pasta bake, we enjoyed a peaceful evening walk, learning about nocturnal animals and watching the sunset from the top of a hill. For many, this was a truly special moment and a perfect end to a busy first day.

Day two was full of adventure. After breakfast, groups headed out for their morning activities, regrouping at lunchtime before setting off again in the afternoon. A short rest before dinner was much appreciated, but energy levels soon picked up again for the evening activity, landscape painting, which allowed the children to reflect creatively on their surroundings. After some evening playtime, everyone settled down for their final night.

On our last morning, the children completed their final activity before enjoying lunch and saying goodbye to Juniper Hall and the wonderful tutors. Many were reluctant to leave, having had such a memorable experience!

We’re sure the children shared plenty of stories when they returned home on Wednesday and perhaps enjoyed a well-earned rest the following day.

The activities at Juniper Hall linked brilliantly with our current science topic, Living Things and Their Habitats. Over the three days, the children explored a range of environments, including meadows, woodlands and ponds, gaining valuable hands-on experience. They had the opportunity to get up close to invertebrates, identifying different species and observing them in their natural habitats. Even those who were initially unsure or a little nervous showed great courage and gave it a try; something we were incredibly impressed by.

During the Geo Journey, the children walked through contrasting habitats, learning about different types of trees, sustainable woodland management and the importance of biodiversity. They were fascinated to discover how even the smallest creatures, such as the Yellow Meadow Ant, play a vital role in maintaining an ecosystem and how their absence could have a significant impact.

One particularly memorable moment was moving from the calming “meet the tree” activity in a lush green forest to the darker, more atmospheric yew woodland. The children were both intrigued and surprised to learn that yew trees are poisonous, adding an extra sense of mystery to the experience.

We are incredibly proud of how Year 5 conducted themselves throughout the trip. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and teamwork were fantastic to see, and the memories made will stay with them for a long time to come. 

You can find some pictures below!

   

  

  

For more information on your child’s learning, please click here to find the latest half-termly learning bulletin on our website.
Test w/b 27th April Spelling rule - Convert nouns or adjectives into verbs using the suffix -en   blacken brighten flatten lengthen mistaken straighten shorten thicken tighten toughen	Test w/b 4th May Words containing the letter string ‘ough’   though although dough doughnut through cough trough rough tough enough

 

Key dates: 

• 30/04/26 - Mini Marathon 2 mile colour run
• 07/05/26 - Open Classrooms 8:45-9:15
• 08/05/26 - Family Picnic 3.30-6pm

 

Year 6

Welcome back to school following the Easter holidays - it’s been wonderful to see everyone return refreshed and ready to learn, and what a start we’ve had, diving straight into an exciting STEM Week! The children amazed us with the creativity and effort shown in their science projects, which were proudly shared across their classes during ‘show and tell’. They also enjoyed hands-on experiences with visiting animals as part of an engaging session on evolution with Zoolab, took part in a fascinating workshop led by a neuroscientist, and immersed themselves in a range of activities across maths, computing and science. Alongside this, pupils explored diversity within STEM careers through British Science Week’s ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign, helping to broaden their understanding of the many different pathways and people that shape the world of science and technology.

As we move further into the term, our focus is gradually turning towards the upcoming SATs exams. The children have been building their confidence through revision of key skills, including word classes and tenses in English, alongside Roman numerals, rounding, multiples and factors in maths. This preparation has been approached in a calm and supportive way, with pupils using their revision books to record helpful notes and strategies to guide them. Alongside this, it’s certainly not been all exam practice - learning has remained varied and engaging. We have begun our new class novel, Skellig, sparking curiosity as we explore the mystery of what might be hiding in Michael’s garage. In art, we’ve been introduced to Favianna Rodriguez, whose vibrant work will inspire our upcoming scrape art projects. Meanwhile, excitement is building for the Festival of Sport, with pupils already starting to develop their sprint techniques in preparation.

Thank you for your continued support at home with their studies and homework. Over the coming weeks, your encouragement, alongside ensuring plenty of rest and recovery, will help them feel confident, balanced and ready to do their best.

  

                 

  

For more information on your child’s learning, please click here to find the latest half-termly learning bulletin on our website.
This week: 13/04/26	Next week: 20/04/26
Spelling rule:  Children are recapping the Y5/6 statutory spellings, spelling rules and common exceptions with daily spelling tests. List of possible SATs spellings shared with parents and sent home.   Key words: factor, multiple, rounding, numeral, noun, verb, adverb, adjective, past progressive present progressive.

 

Key messages: 

• Thank you to all children who shared their science projects! 

 

Key dates: 

• 4/5  - Bank holiday Monday
• 8/5 - David Attenborough community picnic after school
• 11/5 - SATs Week
• 15/5 - Year 6 trip to Terrace Gardens 
• 25/5 - Half term holiday
• 8/6 - PGL