Like everyone else , we in Year 5 like nothing better than bouncing …
This Week in Year 5 (12th -23rd May)
Hi Everyone,
Well, whats been happening over the last few days…
In DT, rather than just bung a few cardboard boxes together, we decided todesign our own …
In English, we have started a newBook- Origami Yoda – inspired by this, we put our own skills at putting instructions to the test by competing in the multi-link challenge – can one team recreate a structure viewed by one team but described to another team elsewhere , who then have to pass on the instructions to the builders elsewhere?
The first hand over of information:
How did we do ? (The target instruction is closest to the camera)
This Week in Year 5 (1st -12th May)
Well I think I could get used to these 4 day weeks. Still we managed to make the most of our time in school.
We had a lovely vistit from the Mayor.
In RE we were thinking about Pentecost and how the Apostles were able to get across Jesus’ message to people of all languages. Without using any speech , we had a go at putting across our own messages:
In science we have been looking at the factors affecting how far a ball on a slope will roll.
In computing , we have been looking at how messages could be sent over a distance. This is our attempt at semaphore sending our messages
This Week in Year 5 (18th-21st April)
It was so good to see everyone back after the holidays – many sporting new haircuts. We started a new book in English ‘Otto- An autobiography of a bear’. It begins with a bear in an antique shop – but what is his story ?
On Wednesday, I was able to take 8 of the boys to a football tournament – We played three games; beating Abbey 1 – nil( a cacking goal by Archie); drawing nil- nil with Skyswood and Killigrew. Although we boasted the meanest defence, we just missed out on qualifying for the finals on goal difference.
On Thursday the class was being manned by a skeleton crew while the other half were representing the school in the Quicksticks Hockey Tournament ( report by Alex, Lara, Archie and Lucy to follow).
Meanwhile, back in school, using all our scientific prowess, we managed to separate sugar and sand.
This Week in Year 5 (28th-31st March)
Another busy week in year 5. In between the lessons, we had several celebrations and a Stations of the Cross and Penitential Service. On Tuesday we had a musical feast with Rocksteady Bands performing for us.
On Friday we celebrated efforts with the Easter Bonnnnets, Easter Gardens and Easter Artwork.
And what better way to start the holiday than a banger or two?
This Week in Year 5 (20th-24th March)
This week has been a very hectic both in and out of school with so many of year 5 in the choir performing at the Alban Arena and at Vesta Lodge –
For those of us left behind we were busy solving the ‘Underground Mystery’
On Wednesday, while the choir were rehearsing , the rst of us, along with year 6, went t Mass at St Barts – raising the rafters with our own wonderful singing ( just because you’re not in the choir, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy singinging).
On Thursday, we went on a school trip to the Life Expo in Frogmore but, rather than me tell you, I’ll leave that to our very own Oscar and Enoch…
YEAR 5 AND 6 LIFE EXPO – REPORT BY ENOCH AND OLIVER
On Wednesday and Thursday this week , Year 5 and 6 went to Holy Trinity Church in Frogmore which was really fun. We went there to explore the deeper meaning of Jesus’ miracles. We also got to learn about what Jesus told his followers and discovered how Jesus’ life was predicted hundreds of years before his birth. We both liked the different learning pods because we learned how to forgive friends, family and enemies. After we explored all the different pods, we went into a big tent to watch a video about the impact of Jesus’ death. We read stories and listened to music. We had some refreshments and a quiz about all we had learnt. It was a very informative and fun afternoon.
This Week in Year 5 (13th-17th March)
They say less is more and although this week had fewer days than usual – we still packed in more than a week’s worth. We have finished our writing topic on Beowulf with the children producing their finished extract and now look to begin the “Lost Happy Endings”.
Our orienteering linked well with the maths and we made connections between decimal fraction s and six-figure grid references. You can see how they got on:
Friday was kicked off with our performance for Mothers’ Day :
Finally, what better way to end the week than to create Mothers’ Day cards whilst acknowledging our Irish roots.
This Week in Year 5 (6th-10th March)
Well we are nearing theend of the topic on fractions (should be completed by next week) and it seems to finally sticking a bit – we are all lloking forward to the next topics on decimals and percentages!
In english, we are writing our own Epics inspired by the books of Michael Morpurgo (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight; and Beowulf).
Come wind and Rain…
Some pupils may chose to spend their lunch times languishing but not so Year 5. Inspired by Mrs Porter, my hardy Year 5s were putting in the laps and steps in spite of some very inclement weather.
Our class reader, Dominics Discovery is nearly complete and we are about to start reading ‘Escape from Colditz’. To help the children put this story into context, two of our pupils spent much time researching and producing a powerpoint presentation for the pupils on the subject.
We continue investigating dissolving and were investigating the rate of solubility of various sugars.
This Week in Year 5 27 February-3rd March
We continue with our work on Beowulf in English and have started preparing our own legend stories. We have started new topics in PE – Dance and Orienteering.
While I was chatting to some of you in Parent Teacher consultations, the rest of the class were writing up the excerpts for our class book compendium – in fancy dress, of course.
For the second week running , we won the School Daily mile challenge.
This Week in Year 5 20-24 February
In English, we finished the book ‘The Island’ and have moved on to ‘Beowulf’ by Michaael Morpurgo. It is a very grusome story and the children have enjoyed writing their own Kennings ( a style of poetry made popular by the Anglo Saxons).
In Maths, we continue with our work on fractions and in RE we have also completed our work on the ‘Mission Topic’ and have been looking at Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.
Finally, we put forward some gymnastics sequences featuring rolls and balances.
This week in Year 5 ( 30 January-3rd February 2023)
Here is an update of some of the things that have been happening this week in year 5:
In Englis, we started a new book – The Island ( there is a Grid Homework based on this book) and it got the children thinking about how we treat strangers.
In RHSE , we have been learning about how we can be subjected to direct and indirect pressure and we performed our own role-plays:
We also had the delight in joining in with Electric Umbrella on THursday for an afternoon of singing and dancing:
On Friday, we all put on our numberesque outfits to enjoy numbers day. In deference to this, the curriculum was adjusted and we put our pencils away:
FINDING EQUIVELENT FRACTIONS (this is also a Grid Homework|)
TANGRAMS – Shape and Space
Anti Racism Talk from the School Council
There is an art/media competition linked to this – details from the School Council
Finally, what better than to end the day with a banger or two?
We Will Rock You – QUEEN
Another Brick in the Wall – PINK FLOYD
This week in Year 5 ( 23-27 January 2023)
This week we have completed our topic on the Lost Thing in English and the children have been busy using all manner of fronted adverbial phrases and relative clauses to do descriptions of their strange creatures justice.
In maths , we have started fractions and using manipulatives to work out how to share 7 pizzas between 4 people amongst other things.
For DT, we are starting a new topic designing a electronic greeting card. We started off by creating our own practice circuits.
In science, we have been looking at materials and the effects of insulation on the rate water cools.
On Thursday, many of the pup[ils in Year 5 were representing the school in the sportshall athletics. Many of the other schools were two and three form entry but I am sure our Year 5 and 6 pupils did us proud.
This week in Year 5 ( 15-20 Jan 23)
This week we have been completing all the work in maths looking at tables and graphs – this should stand the children in good stead when we have to analyse experimental results in science.
On Wednesday, it was like teaching in a private school when I was left with only about 15 pupils whilst the rest of the class were at the O2 Arena performing their songs. By all accounts, it was better than fantastic.
But what’s even better than something that’s better tan fantastic? That’s right, a chilled afternoon in the classroom with Mr C producing Viking inspired art but using the pointilism technique.
In music, we are studying ‘Feel My Love by Adele’. However, the song was written by Bob Dylan – some obscure artist of whom, the children had no knowledge . To remedy this pitiful state of affairs, it was incumbent upon me to play them one of Bob’s finest – Like a Rolling Stone.
Parents’Information – Spring Term
Here is an overview of all the excited things planned for Year 5 this term:
Homework Grid overview –
Spring Term Overview
Back with a Bang (Spring term )
Yes the spring term has started and we have already started many new topics. More details of the entire menu for this term will follow very shortly but as a prelude to all the ensuing hard work – what better way than to start the new term (and weekend) than a going home banger or two?
(500 Miles – Proclaimers & Come and Get Your Love – Red Bone)
Christmas and New Year.
I hope that everyone had a n enjoyable Christmas and hopefuly make time for some quiet contenpation on the true meaning of the celebration amidst all the frenetic activities and indulgence that accompany Christmas ( at least in mine).
I know I thanked you all in class, but sometimes parents have a hand in providing presents for teachers and to this end, I would like to say thank you so much to everyone for your generosity ( the vouchers for M&S were very useful).
I am looking forward to starting the New Year and wish youall a very happy and proserous Year ahead.
This Week in Year 5 5th -9th December
This week we have been very busy – although in English we have been very high-brow studying Shakespeare’s Tempest ; looking at the Reformation in History; and explaining the significance of 23 degrees and Isonation to the polar regions, all our efforts have been put into the Carol Service – Don’t miss it!
Finally, we were able to plant some trees in the field – our Eco warriors were on hand to help out.
This Week in Year 5 29th November -2nd December
As you will know from our fantastic assembly, we just love performing in Year 5. Well we had another chance to show off our singing chops when we went to the the |Abbey to perform in the Carol Service. It was a lovely way to welcome in the season of Advent. It was good that so many parents were able to join in with us.
We continue our work on Hidden Figures and, using a range of superlatives, are ready to start our memoir of Dorothy Vaughen/ Katherine Johnson. In maths, we are looking at factors and multiples (and getting them the right way round – is 4 a factor or multiple of 20 !
We have done some extremely difficult work on time zones in Geography and have started Gaelic Football and Tag Rugby in PE. and most recetly some of the class were able to represent the school at netball in a match against Killigrew.
This Week in Year 5 10-14 October 2022
October is Black History month and it is timely that this week we started a new book “Hidden Figures” which celebrates the contribution played by African American women who were employed by NASA to help do the mathematical calculations, computing and engineering needed to put the first astronauts in space and ultimately on the Moon.
Speaking of space – we had a go at mapping out our own model of the Solar System to scale (The Planets are in to scale , as are the distances between the planets but for a totally representative model, the children should be holding planets 1000 times smaller).
This Week in Year 5 25-30 September 2022
This week we have been thinking about biographies. We have written about Maximilian Kolbe and will focus next week on what so inspired him with reference to the Old and New Testament , Catholic Tradition, Sacraments and Catholic beliefs, values and Catechism..
WE have started drafting our Philippe Petit biographies, focusing on a hook for the opening paragraph.
In maths we have moved on from place value and are now learning more about addition and subtraction.
In art, we have been busy producing our own pictures which have been inspired by Arcimboldo using a variety of media.
This Week in Year 5 18-13 September 2022
This week we have continued with our work on The Man who walked between the Towers and have used modal and conditional phrases to help pepare a persuasive argument asking a judge not to prosecute Philippe Petit.
Our maths continues apace and our work with place value has moved into the realm of rounding numbers. One of our PE topics is dodgeball and this is a game which we have taken to our hearts with gusto.
In RE we have looked at the life of St Maximilian Kolbe and what influenced him.
This Week in Year 5 12 -17 September 2022
Well things areally
This Week in Year 5 5 -9 September 2022
Hi Everyone,
We had another busy week at school and the children are getting to grips with their new responsibilities and jobs within Year 5. I was very pleased to see so many of them applying for positions of responsibility to become School Prefects and part of the Chaplaincy Team.
We had a some fun during our recent science lesson where I was able to incorporate a bit of PE. Rather than tell them the Planets of the Solar System, I made them earn the information by running around and finding clues.
This Week in Year 5 5 -9 September 2022
It was lovely to see the children looking so keen to learn after their long sojourn.
So far we have started looking at place value in maths and started looking at Place Value and, for English, our new text : ‘The Man Who Walked Between the Towers’.
In RE we have been finding out about the contribution that Catherine McAuley made to help the poor, sick and especially the education of women.
I will give more details about thethe curriculum at the Parents’ Meeting next Thursday.
The children have all they need to complete the homework by way of hard copies but I have attached some spare copies on the Google Classroom.
Here is a copy of the Google Classroom Post:
Hi Everyone,
Here is the work that I would like you to do for homework
A) Read at least 10 mins each day and complete your reading record
B) Learn up to 10 spellings from the list (see attachment) and test yourself on Wednesday.
C) Complete your work on the Catherine McAuley quotations ( see attachment) – I will want to do a display with some of these on Monday so if you could get it done and bring it in by then, I would be grateful ( pleaae don’t stress if you are unable to get it done by Monday).
PS- On Thursday morning, I will have a brief meeting with your parents in school and tell them alla bout the things we will be doing in Year 5.
PPS
Don’t forget that you will need your PE kit on Monday ( bring outdoor shoes).
Have a great weekend,
Mr Creaton
This Week in Year 5 17 June-2nd July
This week we have been very, very busy.
In history we have been looking at how the power of the Monarchy has changed over the last 100 years or so. Some changes are gradual and others more marked. Similarly, the landscape of St Albans has evolved . We tried to match up old photos of St Albans with their modern counterparts.
Later on this week, we completed our DT project on Bridges and also did artwork and sculpture inspired by Degas’s ‘Little Dancer’
This Week in Year 5 20-24 June
This week we have been busy with spagetti – making our model truss bridges for DT
We also learnt about how Jewish people celebrate Passover and the symbolism behind the Seder plate.
This Week in Year 5 13-17 June
Well the summer is well and truly upon us.
We maade the most of it by improving our map skills at orienteering – This time Mr Creaton removed the labels from the marker points so we had to rely on our ability to use six-figure grid references.
We have been rehearsing for our Fathers’ Day song- Strong Love. Our performance was sensational and very emotional – not a dry eye to be seen.
Finally, I found a couple pictures of the Toy Museum from last week which should give you a flavour of the place.
Have a great weekend.
This Week in Year 5 6-10 June
We are back to school for the final push before the summer holidays.
In RE we have looked at the transforming power of The Holy Spirit at Pentecost and , inspired by the Apostles, we tried to put across a message without a shared language.
For English, we have started a new book – The High Rise Mystery- can sister Nick and Nova solve it use all their powers of deduction?
This Thursday, we all visited Montfitchet Castle and Toy Museum.
It was wonderful to see the children enjoying the sunshine and getting to feed the animals in the glorious sunshine set in the grounds of a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle which dates from 1066. The children learnt much about life in the castle and loved being able to let off a bit of steam in the open air.
After lunch and several trips to the gift shop, we were ready for the Toy Museum.
Not such an easy task as we had to pass several dinosaurs along the way. On enetering the museum it was a sheer delight with more toys than Hamleys ranging from the 1940s to about 1980 – No computer games here.
For people of a certain age, nurtured on simpler times where having to use a lot of imagination was paramount, it brought a nostalgic tear to the eye.
Just time to visit ‘The Haunted Room’ for those that were brave enough. It was very dark, things jumped out at you and, my ears are still ringing from all the squeals and screaming!
A great day was had by everyone and thanks to Mrs Kihara, Caoimhe and Cian for helping.
Below is a gallery of the day – I rarely appear in photos but, in Where’s Wally fashion, I am hidden in there somewhere. Can you spot me?
This Week in Year 5 23-27 May
Hi Everyone,
As usual we have been busy creating our newspaper articles for our class book (Otto- Autobiography of a Teddy Bear). There is a homework activity connected with this.
For science, we have been looking at how plants pollinate, reproduce and how seeds are formed.
Friday was our Jubilee Celebration and we had a great time at the Garden Party in our patriotic outfits. We also created some great poems for the Year 5 display in the hall.
On Monday our Year 5 netball team played against a seasoned year 6 team from Bowman’s Green. Although we didn’t win, we did ourselves proud.
Have a great break.
This Week in Year 5 (9th – 13th May )
Hi Everyone,
Well last weekend, some of our boys were representing the school at the Six-a-side Football Tournament. They did very well to get there after coming top in the preliminary round. How did they get on? No spoilers here ; you will have to read the separate match report. We have finally finished our work on the Lost Happy Endings and used this to wrote a prequel from an alternative point of view.
In maths, we have started a new topic : Position and Movement. We continue our work on orienteering but this time we had maps with grid references. We also start a new DT topic where we will be making our own bridges – you can see some of our preliminary investigations below.
This Week in Year 5 (3rd – 6th May )
The Coronation of Mary
We came back to school and were ready to celebrate The Coronation of Mary. Our apect was Mary Queen of Martrys. We produced some lovely artwork and Harry and Gabriel were excellent in announcing our work. After the beautiful singing, we were then treated to some maypole dancing – just the thing for May Day.
In PE we have been beginning to combine fitness with map work – orienteering- well done to the winning team.
Football
Some of class have been representing the school at football. The boys have done very well lately.
Computing-
We started a new topic today – We are Crptographers.
We learnt how messages were originally sent over distances and we had our own go at semaphore. Like all things, it’s not as easy as it seems and some groups were resorting to shouting parts of the message ( rather defeats the purpose) , but great fun was had by all.
This Week in Year 5 (25th- 30th April)
Well what a busy week again.
Inspired by the guided reading work – the class have done some additional written work on the Marwell manor Mystery and are keen to write their own version of what may have happened – was it the Earl ; or ‘apparently ‘ deaf housekeeper’, Ruth; perhapse the tragedy was a result of a bungled robbery for one of the Earl’s rare orchids? We will find out next week when the class conclude their stories.
In science we found a new use for coffee filter paper as we extracted salt from a mixture of sand, salt and sawdust.
In art, we have tried colour mixing to create our own portraits in the style of Guieseppe Acrimboldo.
On Thursday, we had a visit from Kate Grey, a paralympic athlete. We all ran (or walked some of the way) the Daily Mile. You can read more about Kate’s vist on the Sports Ambassadors/Sports Council web page (in Pupil Pages).
This Week in Year 5 (20th- 22nd April)
I do hope everyone has had a relaxing half term and made the most of the sunshine this last week.
We have started a new book ‘ The Lost Happy Endings’ which tells the story of Jub and her dealings with a rather unpleasant witch. The book has some wonderful descriptive language and we have been looking at its use of metaphors, similes, personification and imagery.
We have resumed learning about decimals and this week made links with decimals and our earlier work on fractions.
The children have really enjoyed learning about Guiseppe Acrimboldo whose conflation of still-life bowls of fruit and portraiture are quite unique.
St George’s Day
Today was St George’s day and we learnt about the man behind the myth – was the dragon real or was it symbolic? Naturally, we were all dressed in reds and whites to reflect this.
Earth Day
Since 1970, 22nd April has been designated Earth Day. This year’s theme was about investing in the planet. We looked at the implications of global warming and how we can modify our behaviour to temper it. The children then did some pamphlet style work and designed a persuasive poster.
Have a great weekend,
Mr Creaton
