Year 5

As we come to the end of another full and productive half term, it has been a pleasure to see how much progress the children have made across the curriculum. Their positive attitudes and willingness to challenge themselves have really stood out in recent weeks.

This week, we completed our final weaving pieces in art. The children have worked incredibly hard on these projects and the finished results are fantastic. Weaving has certainly tested their patience and determination as well as their artistic flair. It has been wonderful to see them persevere when techniques became tricky and to watch their confidence grow as their designs took shape.

We have also been marking Mental Health Week, spending additional time reflecting on what makes us happy and how we can support our own emotions. Through thoughtful discussions and activities the children explored strategies for managing worries, celebrating achievements and being supportive friends. It has been a valuable opportunity to pause and think about wellbeing during a busy term.

In English, we completed our persuasive arguments written in the role of Mary Jackson. The children worked hard to ensure their language reflected both the historical setting of our class text and the determination of Mary’s character. They carefully considered vocabulary, tone and audience, producing some powerful and convincing pieces of writing.

In PE, we enjoyed a special Winter Olympics lesson. The children had great fun trying curling, tackling the skeleton course and competing in a lively ‘bobsleigh’ race. It was fantastic to see such teamwork, encouragement and resilience on display.

We hope the break provides an opportunity for everyone to recharge and we look forward to welcoming the children back refreshed for the next half term.

  

  

This week: 09.02.26	Next week: 23.02.26 (after half term)
Spelling rule: homophones and near homophones:   alter altar ascent assent bridal bridle cereal serial compliment complement   Key words:  tenth, hundredth, thousandth, partition, je voudrais, la nourriture, judge, segregation, persuasive, contracted word, conclusion, mental health.	Spelling rule: homophones and near homophones:   principal principle profit prophet descent dissent desert dessert draft draught   Key words:  Ancient Greek, democracy, percent, runners, bulbs, tubers, amphibians, insects, running stitch, whip stitch, over stitch, narrative, tourist guide.

 

Key messages:

• Please can children bring their own packed lunch for the trip to the Science Museum on the 24th February following the normal guidelines of no nuts.

• The non-uniform day for 5th March is book themed. Children can either dress up as their favourite character or something they feel comfortable reading in.

• If you would like to purchase a book to be signed by an author, please can you remember to purchase through the PTA’s link.

 

Key messages:

• Please can children bring their own packed lunch for the trip to the Science Museum on the 24th February following the normal guidelines of no nuts.

• The non-uniform day for 5th March is book themed. Children can either dress up as their favourite character or something they feel comfortable reading in.

• If you would like to purchase a book to be signed by an author, please can you remember to purchase through the PTA’s link.

Key dates: 

• 24.02.26 - Y5 Trip to the Science Museum Wonderlab
• 04.03.26 - Thomas Taylor author workshop in class
• 04.03.26 - Yr5/6 Netball Tournament
• 05.03.26 - World Book week dress up day 
• 17.03.26 and 19.03.26 from 3.30pm - Family/teacher meetings

 

Year 6

The past two weeks in Year 6 have been packed with engaging learning and memorable experiences across the curriculum. It is hard to believe we are half way through our final year at The Vineyard!

To conclude our science topic on light, pupils explored shadows, investigating how they are formed and how their size and shape change depending on the position of the light source. Children worked scientifically and used accurate vocabulary to explain their observations.

Our class novel in English remains Kensuke’s Kingdom, where we continued to follow Michael’s journey before his accident. Pupils wrote thoughtful informal letters to Gran, imagining they were writing during the voyage. These showed strong empathy, detailed description and a clear understanding of purpose and audience. We then read about his unfortunate accident and have learnt about Kensuke - we can’t wait to keep reading after term. 

A new topic has begun in maths, focusing on shape in particular angles. Children have been identifying, measuring and calculating angles. There are lots of rules to learn and we have been really accurate when using a protractor. Creativity was on full display in art as the children all completed their final Hokusai-inspired prints. The finished pieces were impressive and the process was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, with lots of experimentation and fun along the way.

Alongside our lessons, we also took part in two exciting enrichment days. Number Day offered fun, hands-on activities that helped bring maths to life and we loved working alongside Year 4. We then ended the half term with Express Yourself Day for Children’s Mental Health week. The children thoroughly enjoyed creating their own islands. 

Well done, Year 6 for another excellent fortnight of learning and enthusiasm!

   

   

This week: 09.02.26	Next week: 23.02.26 (after half term)
Spelling rule:Y5/6 statutory words: attached available average competition conscience controversy correspond embarrass especially exaggerate explanation  pronunciation   Key words:  description, evaluation, biodiversity, protection, wilding, theories, mental health, compliments, e-safety, protractor, degrees	Spelling rule: Words with endings  which sound like /shuhl/ after a vowel letter   official special artificial social  racial crucial facial beneficial superficial antisocial   shoulder programme Key words:  Maya, civilisation, electricity, circuit, symbol, healthy, nutrients, discursive, permitted

 

Key messages: 

• Homework has been set over half term - 3 online maths, spelling and a reading comprehension - we advise children to spread this out into little and often chunks. 

• The non-uniform day for 5th March is book themed. Children can either dress up as their favourite character or wear something they feel comfortable reading in.

 

Key dates: 

• 6.3.26 - World Book Day - dress up 
• 4.3.26 - Mother, daughter workshop for Y6 3.30pm
• 17.03.26 and 19.03.26 from 3.30pm - Family/teacher meetings