Happy New Year!

We can't wait to start a new term of learning in Year Five as we continue to work as scientists, historians, geographers, coders and artists this term.

This term, we had the pleasure of leading Collective Worship for Key Stage 2 and our families. Exploring of our class virtue of tolerance, we looked at what it means to be tolerant and what we are told about it in the Bible. Using this opportunity, we shared more about the school vision too and what it means to encourage one another to overflow with hope. We led the worship thoughtfully and with confidence, great job everyone!

English

Writing to persuade

This term we are writing to persuade. Using Cloud Tea Monkeys, we began to explore the theme of fair trade and what it means. We identified a product that is not currently fair trade and set about writing to the company to try to persuade them to change their minds! Using key facts and research we were able to write informative letters.

Maths

We began this term by exploring multiplication and division, using efficient methods to work out calculations and solve problems.

Exploring division with remainders.

Science

Can the properties of materials be changed?

This term we work as chemists as we continue to build our knowledge about materials and their properties.

In our first Science lesson, we revisited the properties of materials. Retrieving vocabulary and their meaning from prior scientific learning, we were able to name objects, the materials they were made from and begin to explore their properties.

RE- Salvation

What did Jesus do to save human beings?

Working as theologists, we explore the big story of the Bible and how incarnation and salvation fit within it. 

In lesson 2 of our RE learning, we revisited The Easter Story. We discussed the significance of Jesus' actions for Christians and what they tell us about Jesus. Looking at different scenarios, we were able to identify Joshua as Jesus and make connections between the actions of Joshua in each example and how they echo the actions of Jesus. Each example helped us to begin to think about examples for answering our big question.

History- Trade

How important were the docks in Boston's past?

Exploring the local area and its rich heritage, we work as historians to learn about the link between Boston UK and Boston USA and the push and pull factors for the puritans to leave their home. 

In our first lesson, we began to explore who the Pilgrims were and why they wanted to leave England for the New World. We learnt about their religious beliefs at the time and how they wanted religious freedom that they were unable to get here. We thought about their long journey and how they would have felt moving to a new place full of great uncertainty. We took on the role of different passengers and thought about how each would feel about the new opportunities, children, adults and William Brewster, one of the leads behind it.

Geography- Place and Connections

What connects the USA to the UK?

Working as geographers, we explore North America, knowing some of the countries and states within it. Identifying significant man made landmarks and the different environments of America, we can build on our knowledge from our previous learning about climate and environments. Working as historians to learn about our home town of Boston, we can then know some of the differences between  Boston UK and Boston USA.

We began our learning by identifying the continent of North America and the countries that it contains. We were able to focus in the USA and the 50 states that make it up. Using compass directions, we began to describe each state in relation to one another.

Computing- code

How can I program output devices?

Working as coders, we learn how to control a simple circuit connected to a computer. 

Our first lesson enabled us to input commands to create an output. Using crumble we were able to make a light flash, changing its colour and the time the light flashed for.

PSHE- Health and Wellbeing

How is your personal identity created?

This term we build on our prior PSHE learning and identify ways that we can keep ourselves healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.

PE

Swimming- How can you survive in water?

We look forward to building on our swimming skills from last year as we continue to ensure we can all swim 25 metres confidently and begin to learn more about how we can be safe in water.

Gymnastics- How can communication help you succeed in a routine?

 This term we build on prior learning in gymnastics as we perform symmetrical and asymmetrical balances, perform different rolls, explore different methods of travelling and then link them to create sequences on the floor and apparatus.

Art- Visual Culture

What makes a painting "impressive"?

This term we focus on painting. Exploring the work of Banksy and Henri Rousseau, we explore how colour and space are used before creating our own pieces inspired by their styles.