Year 5 – Spring 

     Miss McArdle, Mrs Bailey, Mrs Griffin,

Mrs Woodcock and Mrs Kemp

                                                                

This term, our theme for geography and history will be based on WW2. Our writing will centre around the book “Carrie’s War” by Nina Bawden.

During World War II, Carrie and her younger brother Nick are evacuated to Wales and billeted with the fierce old shopkeeper Mr Evans and his mousy sister, Louise. Unhappy in their new home, they are delighted to have the chance to visit fellow evacuee Albert Sandwich at Druid's Bottom, the strange household of Hepzibah Green, who knows magical stories, and Mister Johnny, who speaks a language all his own. But then Carrie makes a mistake - which has terrible, unforseen consequences...

Click on the picture to find out more!

 

                                                                           

 

In our geography and history lessons, we will learn about:    

• How and why the war started
• Who led Britain through the war
• Countries who were our allies and those who worked against us
• What evacuation was and what it was like for the children of Britain
• Key events that took place such as The Blitz, The Battle of Britain and Dunkirk
• Areas in the UK that were bombed and reasons why those areas were chosen
• Anderson and Morrison Shelters
• Propaganda
• Food rationing and what it meant for people during the war
• Bletchley Park and code breaking!
• VE day
• A study of Alsager, pre and post war compared to modern day

 

In art, we will  explore and create artwork based on 'Remembrance Day" and create a piece of work to reflect emotions and symbolism of war.  

                            

                                       

We will also be studying an artist called Michael Craig-Martin and creating artwork in his style, using WW2 as a theme.

 

         

Maths             

This term, we will be learning about: Multiples, factors, prime numbers, square and cube numbers and roots. Perimeter and area by counting squares, of rectangles, of rectilinear shapes, compound shapes and irregular shapes. Comparing and ordering fractions whose denominators are all multiples of the same number. Mixed numbers and improper fractions Adding and subtracting fractions. Multiplying proper fractions and mixed number fractions by whole numbers. Multiplying a 4 digit number by a 1 digit and a 4 digit number by a 2 digit. Dividing a 4 digit number by a 1 digit number. Reading and writing decimal numbers as fractions. Recognising and using thousandths. Rounding decimal numbers. Reading, writing and ordering decimal numbers with up to 3 decimal places.

These skills will be extended and applied in forms of reasoning and problem solving. 

 

Please be aware that if you would like to further support your child with any of these areas of maths, you will find a ‘Workbook for Parents’ for each unit on our homepage under ‘Curriculum’ then ‘Maths’.  

http://www.excalibur.cheshire.sch.uk/page/maths-workbooks-for-parents/86832

 

In maths, mental recall, including times tables, doubling and halving numbers and number bonds is vitally important if children are going to make good progress. Using the internet, games or board games can help reinforce the maths needed for Year 5 in a fun and enjoyable way. Please click on the links below to support bothe written and mental maths.

 

     

 

 

 

Science

                                                 

This term, we will be studying Earth and Space. There will be a focus on developing scientific skills through the application of the five types of scientific enquiry:

• Observation over time
• Pattern seeking
• Identifying, classifying and grouping                          
• Comparative and fair testing
• Research using secondary resources

During our Earth and Space topic, we will learn about: 

• The movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun.
• The movement of the Moon relative to the Earth.
• That the Sun, Earth and Moon are approximately spherical bodies.
• The Earth's rotation.
• That the Sun is a star and has eight planets.
• That a moon is a celestial body that orbits a planet.

 

 

 

Brass Instruments

For the next ten weeks, Year 5 will be receiving tuition for a brass instrument.  Every child will have the opportunity to practise their instrument at home after a loan agreement has been completed.  (Further details to follow.)

 

 

Reminders and Information

Staff in Year 5:

Miss McArdle - class teacher (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday am plus Friday)

Mrs Bailey - class teacher (Monday and Tuesday pm)

Mrs Griffin - class teacher (Wednesday and Thursday pm)

Mrs Woodcock - teaching assistant (Wednesday pm)

Mrs Kemp - welfare assistant

 

PE

Our PE lessons will be on a Monday and Friday this term.  We are still asking that the children come to school in their PE kit on the appropriate days. Also, all PE sessions will continue to take place outside. If there is heavy rain, we will be unable to partake in a practical session.  However, if there is light rain, we shall endeavour to have an outdoor session so a light raincoat would be beneficial.  As the weather is really cold at the moment, I recommend that the children come to school in warm tracksuits and layers of clothes for PE.  They may also want to wear a hat and gloves.  I would be grateful if you could make sure that long hair is tied back and that earrings are removed or covered with micro-pore or similar on PE days. 

Practical information

We are still staggering the start and end times of the day for each class.  Year 5 will start at 8:55 and finish at 3:10 pm.  Siblings can be dropped off together at the earliest time and stay until the latest time.  

Again, due to extra safety measures in school at this time, pupils will not be able to buy a snack at break time. Therefore, can you please make sure that your child brings in a healthy snack for their break.

Water Bottles

It is important for children to drink water throughout the day.  Therefore, children may bring in bottles of water each day so long as the bottle has a secure lid. It is also really helpful if every bottle is clearly labelled.  Please can you remind your child to take their bottle home every night for washing and refilling.  

Homework

                                  

Every week, you child will be set the following tasks: 

• Maths - Set each Friday on MyMaths 
• Mental Maths - a mental maths focus to support learning in class
• Guided Reading - questions set from a short text or from a book
• Spellings - either a spelling rule or words from the statutory Y5/6 spelling list

Occasionally there may be some theme based homework or a few words of French vocabulary.

             Recommended homework time is half an hour per day for Years 5 and 6.

Planners should be in school every day and children are encouraged to make comments about what they are reading in them. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate in contacting us or you could leave a note in your child’s planner. We will check each child’s planner at least once a week.

 

We look forward to a fabulous spring term with you and your child. Finally, should you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate in contacting either myself, Mrs Bailey or Mrs Harris through our contact email address (contact@excalibur.cheshire.sch.uk) or using your child's school planner. We look forward to a fabulous year working with you and your child.

 

Thank you for your continued support.