Year 5

Over the past two weeks, Year 5 have thrown themselves into their learning with energy, curiosity and a great sense of pride. It has been a busy fortnight and the children have shown fantastic focus across all subjects. Class discussions have been lively and thoughtful and it has been lovely to see pupils increasingly confident to share ideas, ask questions and learn from one another.

In English, we have been exploring the topic of zoos through balanced argument writing. The children considered reasons why zoos can be beneficial such as conservation and education as well as concerns around animal welfare and ethics. They worked hard to present both sides fairly, using formal language, clear paragraphs and evidence to support their points. Many pupils really enjoyed debating the topic and demonstrated maturity in understanding that important issues often have more than one viewpoint.

Maths lessons have focused on long multiplication and short division. We have been building accuracy and confidence with written methods while also encouraging pupils to explain their thinking clearly. Estimation has played an important role as a way to check answers and spot mistakes. The children have risen well to the challenge and it has been great to see them persevere with trickier calculations and celebrate their progress.

In science, the classroom turned into a hub of investigation as we carried out experiments linked to friction and conductivity. The children tested how different surfaces affect movement and explored which materials allow electricity to pass through them. They worked collaboratively, recorded results carefully and made sensible predictions. There was lots of excitement when experiments worked as expected and valuable discussion when results surprised us.

Art lessons have been a highlight for many pupils as we explored weaving using paper and yarn. The children experimented with colour, pattern and texture to create eye-catching woven designs. This project required patience and fine motor skills and the finished pieces show real creativity and care.

Thank you for your continued support. Please keep chatting with your child about what they are learning as it makes a huge difference to confidence and enjoyment at school.

            

  

w/b 19.01.26	w/b 26.01.26
Spelling rule:  Creating nouns using -ness suffix   happiness hardness madness  nastiness silliness tidiness childishness willingness carelessness foolishness   Key words:  Import, export, manufactured, weave, warp weft, long multiplication, placeholder, short division, balanced argument.	Spelling rule: Creating nouns using -ship suffix   membership ownership partnership dictatorship championship craftsmanship fellowship apprenticeship citizenship sponsorship   Key words:  Friction, gravity,water resistance, consumer, producer, willow, segregation, persuasive, engineer.

 

Key messages: 

• If you are DBS checked and available to come on the school trips, please can you volunteer by contacting the office.

• Just a reminder that only simple stud earrings are to be worn to school.

• With the weather being rainy and cold, please can children ensure that they have a waterproof jacket and warm weather items like hats and gloves.

 

Key dates: 

• 22.01.26 Y5/6 Tag Rugby Fixture away at Kew Riverside. Leaving 2:15pm
• 22.01.26 - Open Classrooms 8.45-9.15
• 30.01.26 - International Day (pm) - please let your class rep know if you could offer an activity based on your national food/music/language

 

Year 6

Welcome back and happy new year (we think we can just about still say that). We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable Christmas break. It has been lovely to welcome the children back to school and we are delighted with how quickly Year 6 have settled back into routines and learning. They have returned with a positive attitude and are already working hard across all subjects.

In English, we have completed our work on Macbeth. The children finished the unit by writing a newspaper report about the death of King Duncan, impressing us with their formal journalistic tone, use of eye-witness accounts and ambitious vocabulary. It was fantastic to see how confidently they drew on their understanding of the text and characters. After completing mock SATs next week, we are looking forward to starting Kensuke’s Kingdom.

We have also begun our new class reading book, The Final Year. The pupils are already fascinated by the story and eager to discuss the characters and themes, leading to thoughtful and mature conversations. As the book is written in poetry, it has also allowed us to explore a range of poetic styles.

In science, we have launched our new topic on light. The children have been learning how light travels, how we see objects and how reflection works. They have enjoyed practical investigations and have asked lots of curious questions, including about how rainbows are formed.

Our new geography topic focuses on the Galapagos Islands. The children have begun exploring their location and used ‘Digimaps’ to locate physical features such as volcanoes. We can’t wait to dive deeper into this new topic! 

Next week, we will complete our second set of mock SATs. These will be sent home once marked so you can see your child’s progress. We are sure they will impress us with their focus and resilience. 

We also hope to see many of you at the open classrooms next Thursday. The children always love to show off their work with great pride.

  

           

w/b 12.01.26	w/b 19.01.26
Spelling rule:  Words with a long /e/ sound spelt ‘ie’  or ‘ei’ after c (and exceptions)   siege  niece grief chief fiend shriek believe achieve convenience mischievous    dictionary environment    Key words:  percentages, equivalence, poetry, Hokusai, printing, islet, archipelago, island, passive voice, reflection	Spelling rule: Words with a long /e/ sound spelt ‘ie’  or ‘ei’ after c (and exceptions)   deceive conceive receive perceive ceiling  receipt protein  caffeine  seize  neither   appreciate  persuade   Key words:  perseverance, assessment, resilience, percentages, mono printing, block printing, impressions, refraction, predictions

 

Key messages: 

• Reading comprehension is now also set on a Monday and due the following Monday.

• Just a reminder that only simple stud earrings are to be worn to school.

• We will be taking our 2nd set of mock SA

 

Key dates: 

• w/b 19.01 26 - 23.1.26 - mock SATs tests in class
• 22.01.26 - Open Classrooms 8.45-9.15
• 30.01.26 - International Day (pm) - please let your class rep know if you could offer an activity based on your national food/music/language