Year 5 Elm Class

Year 5 Elm Class Key Information

Teachers: Miss Regan and Miss Martin

Teaching Assistants: Mrs Dixon and Miss Parkin

Fortnightly Spelling Test: Every other Friday

PE day: Thursday

Brass Day: Wednesday

Mini Police Day: Friday

Long Term Plan

Please click the image to enlarge:

What’s happening in the Autumn term?

In Autumn 1, we will begin our knowledge-rich History project ‘Dynamic Dynasties’.

This project teaches children about the history of ancient China, focusing primarily on the Shang Dynasty, and explores the lasting legacy of the first five Chinese dynasties, some of which can still be seen in the world today.

We will be taking part in a performance-based educational workshop that covers essential aspects of this period in History, complete with a performance for parents at the end!

Our Class Novel for Autumn 1 is ‘Bronze and Sunflower’ by Cao Wenxuan.

Translated from Mandarin, the story meanders gracefully through the challenges that face the family, creating a timeless story of the trials of poverty and the power of love and loyalty to overcome hardship.

In Autumn 2, we will begin our knowledge-rich Geography project ‘Investigating Our World’.

This project teaches children about locating map features using a range of methods. They learn about the Prime Meridian, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and worldwide time zones and study interconnected climate zones, vegetation belts and biomes. Children learn about human geography and capital cities worldwide before looking at the UK motorway network and settlements. They carry out an enquiry to identify local settlement types.

We will end the Autumn 2 term with a trip to Buxton Opera house for our Christmas Pantomime.

Our Class Novel for Autumn 2 is ‘Dragon Rider’ by Cornelia Funke:

A dragon. A boy. A journey.

Firedrake, a brave young dragon, embarks on a magical journey to find the legendary place where silver dragons can live in peace for ever.

What’s happening in the Spring term?

In Spring 1, we will begin our knowledge-rich Geography topic ‘Sow, Grow and Farm’.

This project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas.

During this half term, we will take part in the annual Young Voices concert at the AO Arena in Manchester.

Our Class Novel for Spring 1 is ‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E. B. White:

Joyful, funny, and deeply moving, Charlotte’s Web is a story about the power of friendship, and celebrating what makes everyone special. It is rightly heralded as one of the greatest children’s books ever written.

In Spring 2, we will continue our learning. We will also begin our RE topic on Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.

We will also take part in an in-school First Aid workshop as part of our Science topic ‘Human Reproduction and Ageing’.

This project teaches children about animal life cycles, including the human life cycle. They explore human growth and development to old age, including the changes experienced during puberty and human reproduction.

Our Class Novel for Spring 2 is ‘Brightstorm’ by Vashti Hardy:

This intriguing book by Vashti Hardy engages with the reader and keeps you hooked whilst taking you on an amazing adventure. Arthur and Maudie, the Brightstorm children embark on an epic journey to find out the truth behind their father’s mysterious disappearance and at the same time, be the first to reach South Polaris.

What’s happening in the Summer term?

In Summer 1, we will finish with our knowledge-rich History project ‘Groundbreaking Greeks’.

This project teaches children about developments and changes over six periods of ancient Greek history, focusing on the city state of Athens in the Classical age, and exploring the lasting legacy of ancient Greece.

During this half term, we will take part in an in-school Ancient Greece workshop. The workshop will cover essential aspects of the civilisation, allowing children to explore artefacts and take part in drama-based activities.

Our Class Novel for Summer 1 is ‘Who Let the Gods Out?’ by Maz Evans:

This story is an exciting, laugh-out-loud hilarious and highly-acclaimed Percy Jackson-esque adventure. It is the first novel in a series centred on the Olympian gods – perfect for fans of Greek mythology!

We will also be exploring ‘Properties and Changes of Materials’ in Science during Summer 1. In D&T, we will focus on Architecture, linking our practical learning with what we know about the Ancient Greeks.

In Summer 2, we will continue our learning. In RE, we will move onto an exploration Passover and Holi – 2 significant religious holidays.

Our Class Novel for Summer 2 is ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’ by Onjali Rauf:

Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

We will finish the year with a class trip to Alton Towers, where children can put their previous knowledge of forces to the test!

Reading

At Gamesley, we believe that reading is an essential part of learning.

In class, we encourage children to choose texts that will challenge and excite them.

At home, we expect children to read at least 5 times a week for around 20 minutes. In Year 5, children should be in charge of bringing in their own reading records and ensuring they are signed by a grown up.

Spelling

Our spellings are taught on a fortnightly cycle, with a spelling test on the last Friday.

Each week, our spellings will be posted on our Class Dojo page. Please ensure that children are practising them at home where possible!

Maths

At Gamesley School, we understand “Mastery” to be the ability to fully grasp mathematical knowledge and understanding and be able to apply this confidently in different contexts. Pupils who have achieved “mastery” of a mathematical concept have not simply learned procedures. They “know why, know that, know how”.

We encourage children to practise their mathematics skills at home as often as possible. Some great websites for basic skills practice include:

Home Learning

Children are now able to take their chromebooks home to support them with their home learning. If you haven’t already, please complete a permission letter and return to school as soon as possible. Children are encouraged to access a range of learning websites, such as:

Important Dates

Tuesday 18th October: Shang Dynasty Workshop (in school)

Thursday 20th October: School photographs

WB Monday 31st October: Parents’ Evening

Thursday 15th December: Whole-school visit to Buxton Opera House

January (tbc): Young Voices Concert

Thursday 23rd March: First Aid Training for Year 5 (in school)

Thursday 4th May: Ancient Greeks Workshop (in school)

July (tbc): Alton Towers trip