Welcome to Year 5/ 6

Our class motto is:

“Success is in our hands"

Year 5/6 Team:

• Mrs Warren - Rowan Class teacher
• Mr Hill - Willow Class teacher
• Miss Layzell  -  Pine Class teacher
• Mr Latkowski - Year 6 English and Maths
• Miss Marshall - Teaching Assistant
• Miss Blewitt - 1:1 support
• Miss Barnes - 1:1 support

Please look out for our termly newsletter which will keep you updated and will include all key dates and events.

This term, Year 5/6 have explored the enquiry question, “How can we learn from our mistakes?” by investigating the causes, events, and consequences of World War II. Through activities such as creating timelines, analysing propaganda, and writing letters and speeches, the children have learned about key events and figures during the war. These included, Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, the Battle of Britain, and the mistreatment of people throughout the war. They explored important themes such as rationing, evacuation, and the significant roles played by diverse groups, including local figures like Eleanor Wadsworth. By examining multiple perspectives and evaluating historical sources, the children developed their critical thinking skills and reflected on how understanding the mistakes of the past can help build a better future. These engaging activities not only enhanced their historical knowledge but also emphasised the importance of values such as fairness, resilience, and teamwork, which remain relevant today.

Authentic Outcome 

All our Year 5/6 classes used spoken language to explain and showcase their understand from throughout our enquiry. We used some of our examples to create our own Eqnuiry Podcast. In our podcast, you will hear about all our learning from each week of our enquiry. This includes the key knowledge, key vocabulary and the activities the children engaged with.

In Spring term, the children in UKS2 answered the question 'What is our planet trying to tell us?' through their geographical enquiry. During this enquiry, children explored the characteristics of different climate zones and the factors influencing them, such as latitude, altitude, and ocean currents. They learned how climate change impacts weather patterns, human populations, and animal habitats, as well as the role of human activities in accelerating these changes. Through interpreting data, they identified trends in global temperature rise and extreme weather events, predicting future climate impacts. They investigated how climate change threatens endangered animals by destroying their habitats, such as melting ice caps and rising sea levels. Children also researched key climate activists, including Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate, understanding how they inspire global action. Additionally, they explored ways to reduce their carbon footprint, discussing sustainable lifestyle choices at local, national, and global levels. Finally, they consolidated their learning by creating summaries that demonstrated their understanding of the urgency and importance of combating climate change.

Authentic Outcome

This term, the children have been busy working on a Design and Technology project to create sustainable bird feeders using eco-friendly materials. With the guidance of our local RSPB expert, John, they learned about the importance of supporting our local sparrow community and how small actions can help protect wildlife. The children carefully designed and built their feeders, ready to be placed around the forest school and in their gardens to provide a safe feeding space for birds. At the end of the term the children presented their bird feeders to John, who helped them evaluate their projects.

During their authentic outcome assembly, the children confidently shared their knowledge from their climate change enquiry with the LKS2 classes. They explained the causes and effects of climate change, discussed ways to reduce carbon footprints, and showcased their creative projects highlighting solutions for a more sustainable future. Through presentations and interactive discussions, they inspired younger pupils to take action and become climate-conscious citizens.

Year 5/6 homework expectations

Year 5 are required to read to a parent/carer (or sustained silent reading) at least five times a week for a period of 20 – 30 minutes (this time scale includes time to talk about the book). Each reading session is to be recorded in the pupil's organiser by the parent, 10 new spellings are set to learn each week, which are then tested in consecutive weeks. 15 spellings to be tested each week - 5 new spellings, 5 from the previous week and 5 from the week before, one Maths task set weekly that consolidates current classroom learning and one comprehension task set weekly that consolidates current classroom learning.

Year 6 are required to read to a parent/carer (or sustained silent reading) at least five times a week for a period of 20 – 30 minutes (this time scale includes time to talk about the book). Each reading session is to be recorded in the pupil's organiser. Each child has been provided with a Maths, English skills and a Spelling workbook and each week they will be provided with homework pages that match the week’s learning. The homework is in preparation for SATs and provides additional practice.

Homework is set on a Friday for collection on the following Friday. Homework will be shared on class Dojo by 3:30 pm each Friday. All homework will be a consolidation of previous learning and not new learning. 

Class Newsletters

Curriculum Journey for Year 5/6

Autumn 2024

Enquiry Question: How can we learn from our mistakes? 

View our knowledge organiser here

Spring 2025

Enquiry Question: What is our planet trying to tell us?

View our knowledge organiser here

Summer 2025

Enquiry Question: Is it better to create or destroy?

View our knowledge organiser here