Spring 1

Spring 1 has been a busy and exciting term full of creativity, curiosity and challenge across all subjects.

Maths

In Maths, we have been building confidence across a wide range of key skills. The children have worked hard on mixed operations, carefully choosing the correct methods when solving problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have explored time, including reading timetables, converting between units of time and solving real-life time problems. Our work on measurement has included centimetres, millimetres, metres and kilometres, with the children comparing, converting and applying their understanding in practical contexts. We have also learnt how to calculate area and perimeter and explored volume by measuring and comparing capacity. In fractions, the children have identified equivalent fractions and developed their ability to add and subtract fractions with different denominators. They have shown fantastic perseverance when tackling reasoning and problem-solving challenges.

English

In English, we have been fully immersed in writing playscripts inspired by Matilda by Roald Dahl. The children selected their favourite scene and transformed it into a script, learning about the key features of playscript writing along the way. They explored how to structure scenes clearly, write expressive and realistic dialogue, and use stage directions to show action, emotion and character movement. It has been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they brought well-known characters to life through performance-style writing.

Guided reading

In Reading, we have been developing our understanding of leaflets and non-fiction texts by applying a range of strategies. The children practised skimming and scanning to locate key information quickly, using headings and subheadings effectively, identifying important vocabulary and summarising main ideas. These skills are helping them become more confident and independent readers across all areas of the curriculum.

Science

In Science, we have been investigating materials and their properties. The children explored the differences between solids, liquids and gases and examined properties such as hardness, transparency, flexibility, absorbency and magnetism. They considered why certain materials are chosen for specific purposes and discussed how materials can change through processes such as heating, cooling, bending and stretching. Through practical investigations, the children developed their scientific enquiry skills by making predictions, carrying out tests and recording their findings carefully.

Project

Our project this term focused on Earth and Space and understanding how things work. The children have chosen particular areas of interest and are becoming experts in their chosen fields. They have explored concepts such as planetary movement, gravity and space technology, asking thoughtful questions and conducting research to deepen their understanding. It has been inspiring to see their curiosity grow as they confidently share their knowledge and discoveries with others.

It has truly been a fantastic Spring 1, filled with creativity, challenge and discovery, and we are excited about what the next term will bring!

Autumn 2

Wow – this half-term has absolutely flown by! Year 5 have been incredibly busy and have shown great enthusiasm across all areas of learning.

In English, the children became expert diary writers, exploring the key features of diary writing and learning how to write with emotion and detail. They enjoyed digging deep into character thoughts and feelings, writing about some eventful (and often disastrous!) school days.

In Maths, our focus has been on developing strong multiplication and division skills, before moving on to applying these in our work on fractions. The children have worked hard to build confidence, accuracy, and reasoning in their calculations.

During our Project-Based Learning, children have been exploring the fascinating history of our local area, investigating how different aspects have changed over time. They combined careful research, detailed sketches, and digital skills to create an interactive timeline, now displayed in the Yellow Quad shared area.

Both classes thoroughly enjoyed welcoming parents into school for their class assemblies, where they proudly shared their learning on forces and British history from the last 1,000 years. It was lovely to see their confidence and knowledge shine.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and progress Year 5 have made this term. We hope everyone has a restful break and we look forward to an exciting Spring term ahead!

Autumn 1 Update

What a busy and exciting start to the year it has been! The children have settled brilliantly into Year 5 and have shown fantastic enthusiasm across all subjects. Here’s a look at what we’ve been learning this half term.

Maths

This term, we explored a wide range of mathematical concepts, starting with place value—understanding numbers up to one million and using this knowledge to compare and round numbers.

We then moved on to addition and subtraction, focusing on using written methods accurately and applying them to multi-step problems.

In multiplication, pupils practised efficient written methods and explored prime numbers, square numbers, cube numbers, factors, and multiples. They particularly enjoyed spotting number patterns and tackling reasoning challenges that really made them think!

Writing

In English, we’ve been developing our creative and non-fiction writing skills through a variety of genres:

Narrative – Setting Description:

We began by learning how to create vivid settings using expanded noun phrases, varied openers, and figurative language such as similes and metaphors. The children used rich vocabulary to bring their settings to life—some even transported us to magical forests and stormy seas!

Persuasive Letters:

Next, we became persuasive writers, using modal verbs, emotive language, rhetorical questions, the rule of three, and a touch of exaggeration to convince our readers. We also focused on writing more sophisticated compound and complex sentences to make our arguments powerful and engaging.

Non-Chronological Report on Mo Farah:

To end the term, we researched and wrote detailed reports about Mo Farah. Pupils practised their research skills, organised their writing into clear paragraphs, and used technical vocabulary, fronted adverbials, and accurate verb tenses. It was wonderful to see them combine their knowledge of grammar with their curiosity about a real-life sporting hero.

Guided Reading

Our guided reading sessions have been focused on Roald Dahl’s classic, Matilda. The children have enjoyed exploring Matilda’s cleverness, bravery, and love of books while developing key reading skills such as retrieval, inference, and vocabulary understanding. The story sparked some brilliant discussions about fairness, resilience, and standing up for what’s right.

PBL: We Are Heritage Hunters

In PBL, the children became young historians and geographers, investigating how our local area has changed over time. They used maps and photographs to explore local heritage and understand how people, buildings, and landscapes evolve. 

Black History Month

We also celebrated Black History Month, where we learned about influential figures who have shaped history and culture. Our focus was on Mo Farah, and the children worked to create a fantastic showcase celebrating his achievements and perseverance. It was a wonderful celebration of diversity, resilience, and inspiration!

What a brilliant start to the school year! The children should be incredibly proud of their hard work and enthusiasm throughout Autumn 1. We can’t wait to see what next half term brings!