Year 5

In history this week, we have begun exploring life in the trenches during World War I. The children learned about the daily challenges soldiers faced and discussed the differences between primary and secondary sources, thinking carefully about which types of sources are most reliable. We also explored how propaganda influenced public opinion and why so many soldiers believed the war would be “over by Christmas.” This learning links beautifully to our reading book ‘War Game’ by Michael Foreman, which follows a group of young men as they enter the war. The children enjoyed discovering new vocabulary such as seize, territory, and recruitment, deepening their understanding of the period.

In English, the children have been studying The Christmas Truce by Carol Ann Duffy. They have been fully immersed in the text and even acted out several scenes to help them understand the emotions and experiences of the soldiers. Drawing on their history knowledge, they planned and wrote the first part of a diary entry from a soldier’s perspective, weaving together empathy, historical detail, and rich descriptive language.

In maths, we have continued our work on fractions. Using models to support their understanding, the children have practised converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa. They explored the whole, unit fractions, and non-unit fractions, using the draw it, write it, explain it approach to deepen their learning. The children also learned strategies for ordering fractions in ascending and descending order, including finding a common denominator to compare them accurately.

Science has been particularly hands-on this week as the children had a lot of independence in their learning. Each child researched and became an expert on a specific planet, gathering key facts and information they will present, in their groups, during our class performance. They have also been practising hard for the big event! 

In RE, the children explored Islamic religious clothing, focusing on the significance of the hijab. Through discussion and reflection, they learned about its meaning within the faith and how clothing can express identity and belief.

Excitement is building in D&T as we prepare for our upcoming practical sessions. We hope to welcome parent volunteers to help ensure every child gets the chance to safely use hammers and saws as they develop the skills needed to build their own bridges. Next week, the children will move on to designing their bridge structures.

The definite highlight of the week was, of course, the snow! Just below are some pictures of the children enjoying this!

    

                        

                       

Children acting out 'The Christmas Truce'

                        

 

w/b 17.11.24	w/b 24.11.25
Spelling rule: Modal verbs   Key words: can could may might must shall should will would ought	Spelling rule: Words ending in ‘ment’    Key words: equipment environment government parliament  enjoyment document  management  movement replacement  statement

 

Key Messages: 

• 24th November - Moonstone Class Assembly 9am
• 25th November - Peridot Class Assembly 9am
• 26th November - Starlite Class Assembly 9am
• w/c 1st December - Assessment week
• w/c 1st December - Road safety week

 

Year 6

As we move further into the autumn term, with darker days and colder weather setting in, it’s been wonderful to see everyone continue with such energy and focus. The children are settled back in their rhythm of our busy final year at primary school, showing real maturity as they tackle their new topics - now becoming even more challenging and exciting. Their determination, teamwork, and curiosity continue to shine, setting us up for another fantastic half term of learning and achievement!

In maths, Year 6 are now using ratio to solve increasingly challenging problems and beginning to move into algebra. These new areas can be demanding, but the children have shown excellent perseverance and a strong willingness to learn.

We’ve been exploring a variety of approaches to support different learning styles, from visual representations and practical tasks to more formal written methods. Through comparing and discussing these strategies, pupils are developing a deeper understanding of how ratio and algebra work and how these concepts connect across different types of problems.

In English, Year 6 have begun exploring Macbeth through drama, recital and rich discussion, delving into the play’s powerful themes and complex characters. The children have brought the story to life with impressive expression and creativity, using performance to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language and the tension within the plot. Building on this, we have started to transform key scenes into narrative writing, focusing carefully on sentence length, vocabulary choice and structure to create a suspenseful and engaging effect. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they experiment with ways to capture the dark atmosphere of the play in their own words

In our wider curriculum, Year 6 has been busy exploring a range of fascinating topics. In science, we’ve been learning about variation and how traits are inherited through genes, using investigations and discussion to understand why living things differ from one another. In design and technology, the children have begun planning their own birdhouse designs, thinking carefully about purpose, structure, and materials as they prepare to bring their ideas to life in woodwork. Meanwhile, in history, pupils have been creating detailed story maps to help them understand the key events leading up to the Battle of Britain. These visual timelines have supported their knowledge of the Second World War and sparked thoughtful conversations about its impact.

  

                           

                           

 

w/b 17/11/25	w/b 24/11/25
Words ending in ably   adorably valuably believably considerably tolerably changeably noticeably dependably comfotably reasonably   Key words:  Ratio, scale factor, enlarge, reduce, inheritance, variation, RAF, luftwaffe.	Words families   temperature temper temperament tempered variety vary variation varied variable variance   Key words:  Ratio, scale factor, enlarge, reduce, inheritance, variation, RAF, luftwaffe.

 

Key Messages: 

• Please support your child with their homework where necessary, and ensure they are not leaving it to the last minute.

• Please remind your child, if they bring a mobile to school, that they must hand it in every morning to their teacher and collect it at the end of the day. 

 

Key Dates:

• Wednesday 26th November - Jet Class RAF bunker trip. 
• Friday 5th December - Garnet Class RAF bunker trip. 
• Monday 8th December - Kyanite Class RAF bunker trip.