In RE we have started the topic ‘Hope ‘ which focuses on Advent and preparing for Christmas. We have responded to and analysed Hollman Hunt’s painting – ‘Light of the World’
In English, we have finished reading ‘Robot Girl’ and many were taken by surprise by the M Night Shyamalan denouement. They are currently using this sci -book to write their own Science Fiction stories about intrepid teachers (and latent private investigators) Aretha Cole and Dave McClooney who are on a mission to find out just what is the nature of The Maxtel Corporation’s ‘Project X’
Prayer Week
Pupils learnt about some of the prayers and responses we say at Mass as well as traditional prayers such as the Memorare.
Hinduism Week
The children enjoyed their workshop and also learnt about the Importance of Varanasi and the River Ganges and why it is a place of pilgrimage for many Hindus.
The Museum of Computing History
This is a brilliant museum, located in Cambridge which charts the history of computing from the earliest computers. Whilst there is something there for everyone, if you went to secondary school in the 70s and 80s, I have no doubt that a nostalgic year will spring to your eye. The children enjoyed working with Raspberry Pi s to programme traffic lights and also communicated using morse code.
Although over 40 years old, it was interesting to see that many children still loved playing on the original arcade games of Space Invaders etc.
After shaking off the cobwebs from the half term break we had to roll our sleeves up and get back down to business. Lots of the children had laboured over their homework on the Sacrament of Marriage and this stood them in good stead when called upon to write an essay on the subject incorporating some conceptual and abstract ideas and connections.
Later on, we explored some of the ideas raised in Monday’s Preferential Option for the Poor, watching a fabulous video on wealth distribution and competing in races which are rigged from the start to enable certain people to win and pull away whilst others to have no chance of catching up.
25th October
Is the Year 5 Harvest Earworm still in your head – I know I find myself humming it constantly.
A great rendition given with gusto and some Flemish Signing – which I think is a first for the school.
Meanwhile in maths we have been getting our hands on with the manipulatives and have strengthened our understanding of multiples, factors and cube numbers.
Along with a renewed focus on Catholic Social Teaching, the children are preparing and leading their own class acts of worship…
It was nice to see so many of you at Parents Consultation and I was able to discuss with you how hard the children have been working. In RE, we are nearing the end of our work on the Life of St Maximilian Kolbe and how he has inspired us. Similarly, we are finishing our work on Viking art. Here is the working wall showing some of the children’s work.
4th October 2024
So much has happened this week. Have produced some wonderful work on the pioneering ladies who feature in the film ‘Hidden Figures’ . Much of the work will go on display for our celebration of Black History Month. This will alsoset us up nicely for next week when we take the book ‘Hidden Figures’ as our class reader ( originally, I had planned for ‘Coming to England’ ). In RE we started to learn about St Maximilain Kolbe and will be continuing to focus on him next week.
27th September 2024
The week started with the Mercy Mass. We were able to say fond farewells to Jackie Harrison and Ed Behan who have been stalwarts in their devotion to the school as governors. Later, we were able to let off a bit of steam in PE with some Volleyball practice.
While some of the girls in the class were putting on a fantstic display at the Tag Rugby, the rest of the class were honing their printing skills in art.
AS part of the RE work on the Ourselves Topic, we have learnt about the Sernon on the mount , producing our own mini plays to illustrate the learning. The week was finished with a pupil-led act of worship.
13th September 2024
There has been a whirlwind start to the term and we have hit the ground running. The children are already established in their reading groups and some of them have started the YARC reading focus ( my intention is that all children will have their turn at this over the year). We have learned about Catherine McAuley in RE and also found out about our new class saint (St Josephine Bakhita). In maths, we have completed the first topic (place value) and there is some additional revision support on the Google Classroom to prepare for the forthcoming assessment. In English, we have written fables inspired by The Midnight Panther and the works of Aesop. We are now learning about the daring exploits of Philippe Petit (The Man Who Walked Between the Towers).
In art, our studies have taken us to the rather niche ‘Viking Art’ – here are some photos of us designing Viking Jewellery in the Osberg and Jelling style.
Summer Reading Challenge
In our assembly this morning, our visitors told us all about the Hertfordshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge.
Over the school holidays, the children will not be bringing books home from school, so this is an ideal chance to visit your local library and join the library challenge.
You can register for the challenge in your local library and all you have to do is read six books across the holidays. The children will find a huge selection of books to choose from and earn stickers, a certificate, a medal and a special pencil as a reward for their holiday reading. You will find out more here.
Joining the library is free and children are able to borrow up to 30 items! This is a great way to try out different authors and different types of books.
We hope that as many of you as possible join in and we look forward to hearing all about your reading adventures when you return to school in September!
Rather than wind down for the end of term, in Year 5 we believe in squeezing out every bit of curriculum time that we can. We had a great time on Tuesday along the Alban Way and Sopwell Nunnery ( thanks to Mrs Parrett, Mrs Bird and Mrs Watson making this possible).
Later, back in class, we were able to complete some brilliant project work based on the trip.
Please look at the Herts Reading Challenge this summer – enjoy yourselves, relax and stay safe -come back refreshed and ready for Year 6!
Well this week was Sports Day – And what a slick opperation it was! Now these things don’t happen by accident – We made sure that we haelped the Key Stage 1 sports day go well by helping Mrs Hayes and Mrs Thompson . Later we also helped with orgaising of the Key Stage 2 Sports Day as well as competing.
Later in the week we were treated to a lovely act of worship from some of the boys in our class
This week the children were proud to display all their work at the Open Evening. Parents were treated to an array of artwork, sculpture and bridge constructions. Others tried their hand at solving some encrypted messages or identify St Albans buildings from the past. The bravest of brave even watched a selection of terrifying videos that the children had made depicting the The Marwell Murder Mystery.
Sorry – Photos refuse to load but I have put them on the Google Classroom
SPEC LATEST
Friday Morning,
A very quiet night was had by all – none of the usual disagreements over shining torches after lights out or the dreaded 3 am knock at the teacher’s door… “I can’t sleep” .
One case of fake snoring and excessively noisy trips to the shower at 6 am was all I can report.
Some quotations:
“That’s the best night’s sleep I’ve had for three years”
“Great Hot Chocolate”
“Food is great (kisses thumb and first finger)”
“I like the forsest”
“campfire was brilliant”
“Grat sharing with your mates”
“They have vegetarian hot chocolate !!!”
Now for the final room check –
Teacher: So you ‘ve all checked your room and made sure you’ve left nothing behind
Boys : (Heads nod vigorously) Yes we’ve double checked – it’s all clear.
Teacher: So why is there a sock over there, a tooth brush by the sink and a coat under the bed?
Boys: (sheepishly in unison) Oh .
Off to breakfast now – and here’s a few more photos from yesterday
Hi All,
Just to say everyone is having a great time.
Activities today have included drama’s on the lives of the saints, treasure hunts, hamma bead crosses and exposition of The Blessed Sacrament followed by fireside stories at the campfire and hot chocolate.
Now its time for bed and sleep …
This week we have started finding out about the tragic events at Marwell Manor. Lady Anne has been found murdered and many of the children are convinced it was her husband who comes into millions from her will – or does the house keeper, Ruth, have something to hide.
Yesterday we all celebrated Ascension day at the Church. Year 5 helped with Year 1. The children behaved beautifully.
I had a really hard time deciding who would go forward to deliver their speech to the school. After much deliberation, it was decided that Kane was our best bet – he delivered his speech with aplomb to the rest of the school and we are now far more aware of our excessive use of plastic and how we can remedy the situation.
We have learnt all there is to know about the perils of using too much plastic and have all prepared speeches to deliver to the rest of the school about what they should do to address this issue- they might be asking you to listen to their speeches as they practise.
May is also the month of Mary and we have produced some artwork which celebrates some famous martyrs (Mary- Queen of Martyrs).
As we finish our work on plastic we move to a new genre in English – Mystery writing.
Miss Allen, our new sports coach, has started teaching dance to the pupils.
Well this week we have been busy preparing for our Class Mass and I have to say it was a wonderful experience. The children read, served and sang beautifully and were very reverent. A big thank you to Fr Francis for celebrating the Mass and to Mrs Porter and Mrs Parrett for their in help preparing the Mass.
We have been doing lots of work for Earth Day. We wrote some poetry and did some research into reducing our carbon footprint and using single-use plastic ( Don’t be surprised if your children give you a hard time next you put a ready meal in the microwave!)
Our brave boys were in action in the Six-a-side and kept two clean sheets. Unfortunately, in a very tight competion a headed wonder goal from a Skywood striker meant that we missed out on going to the finals tournament on goal difference.
Easter Art Competition and Parade
Congratulations to the two winners from Year 5 and the wonderful contributions from Year 5
Computing
This week we have extended our crytopgraphy lessons to binary signals using morse code.
Chicks
We had a chance to see the baby chicks in reception this week.
Holy Week
In RE, we re-enacted aspects of the events of Holy Week
Computing
We have started a new topic in Computing and how messages could be sent across distances. Historically this was accomplished using semaphore.
Wow – what a week.
WORLD BOOK DAY
Every year this is an event which the children enjoy by dressing up as their favourite book characters. This year, we paired up with Year 1 and read their books to them.
And whilst on the subject of wonderful books, it has been suggested to me that children, on their birthday might wish to donate a book to the library. There is a suggested list on amazon for some titles for year 5 and the link is below:
We have been looking at personal development and how to avoid succumbing to undue pressure to do things we would rather not do – helped by some role-play.
History of St Albans.
Using Archive photos, we have identified how various views and landmarks of St Albans have changed (or not changed) and attempted to match them up with their modern counterparts.
Mothers’ Day
Not a dry eye was left in the house after our beautiful rendition of Bob Dylan/Adele ‘s ‘Make You Feel My Love’.
Well another hectic week rolls by- this week we have had more work on our bridges; internet safety; and well being so there have been sessions off timetable
Yoga and Dance and mindfulness
Investigating how we can be manipulated on the internet (Internet Safety Day)
Well this week we have been busy with science experiments – investigating insulation. This involved taking a series of temperature readings and using the chromebooks to help us analyse our results.
NSPCC Numbers Day
Following a tip off from a parent, we tried our hand at a few maths packages that are currently on the market (IXL Maths and Maths frame) – fun was had by all.
Well things are still buzzing in Year 5 and our class is still busy with Mrs Bartley- we have moved on to bridges in DT.
Whilst some of the class were away representing the school at the indoor sportshall athletics, the rest of us took some time to do some problem solving in maths.
We have been working very hard with Mrs Bartley on our electric light up boxes – much more fiddlly than it looks but it has been a great learning experience.
Well this week we have been working with fractions. Whilst some of us parents (and tutors) will know the mantra of’ times the bottom and top to get equivalent fractions’ , here is us putting theory into practice.
Wishing you all a very happy and holy Christmas and New Year.
We have been quite eclectic in our activities :
You will know from the Harvest Festival that we are a musical bunch, and here’s more evidence ….
In RE we have been having class acts of worship which have been prepared and delivered by the children. We have also learnt about the prayer that Jewish people say called the Shema and how they keep it stored in a special box called a Mezuzah.
In maths we have been calculating square and cube numbers but first get real concrete experience of what this means
Well another fun week has flown by. We have completed our Shakesprianesque plyscripts and look forward to starting our new book . Christmas will be here soon and we have started to sing some carols for the Carol Service (see home learning). Naturally, being Year 5, we were best and were awarded the singing trophy.
Friday was also Children in Need day and there was a cake sale. Naturally, being Year 5, our cakes were best.
Friday was also Multiplication Tables Day. We have taken part in a TTRS competition and did a variety of times tables related activities.
The Curriculum rolls on and now we are gearing up for some serious Times Tables work in Maths. In English, we have started learning about The Bard, and in particular , The Tempest. We are currently writing our own scripts for our Shakespearean scene based on a black and white video clip of a 1908 film version. Here we are, working in our groups, with the initial draft of our scene
THE CENTRE FOR COMPUTING HISTORY CAMBRIDGE
Our first trip of the year. This time we were off to Cambridge to sample the delights of The Centre for Computing History Cambridge. This is a fantastic museum – 0pen to the public by the way. Inside was a vast cornucopia of computing memorabillia and paraphernalia starting from even before my time – although the site of the 80s classroom and early computer and video games brought a tear to my eye. They even had the coverted ZX81 and Sinclair Spectrum. Looking at the size of the computers, the children were taken aback by the fact that they had significantly smaller computing power than a modern laptop.
Across the day, the children were treated to various workshops including a talk on the history of computing; morse code as a method of binary communication; controlling devices using programming on a Raspberry Pi; and a trip to the Game Zone which had all manner of arcade games and computer games from days of yore.
The big data disk from 1959 is about a metre across and holds onnly 4MB – roughly enough memory to send 30 emails (without attachments).
Programming with the Raspberry Pi
Using Morse Code
Fun in the Games Room (below)
Well this week we have been tackling some rather tricky maths and have got our heads around inverse operations whilst in English, we have all but completed the first draft of our (Katherine Johnson’s) memoir. We have been gearing up for our Computing Trip to Cambridge with some rather beautiful patterns produced by our algorithms (more on theactual trip to follow).
Wednesday was the Harvest Festival and it was great to see all the classes delivering songs of thanks for the harvest as well as more sobering thoughts for those that still go hungry. We did our part with our rendition of ‘In my Lifetime’
In English, after being inspired by the book, ‘Here We Are’ , we have written our own guides to lead a good life and maintain health and well-being. We are currently studying ‘Hidden Figures’ which chronicles the struggles and ultimate triumph of four African American Women working for NASA during the space race with the Soviet Union.
This makes a timely backdrop to our Black History Month celebrations, where the children learn about the contribution that Black people have made to our culture, community and development. In particular, we have been studying Baroness Benjamin (Floella Benjamin ) and her memoirs on living in Trinidad and then coming to England as part of the Windrush Generation.
In response to an initiative from the Well-being Team, we have been decorating hands with a view to making a beautiful collage.
In maths we have been learning about Place Value and playing games against each other.
Science has seen us very busy learning about the solar system – researching on laptops; doing a find the planet treasure hunt and mapping out or own scale model of the Solar System.
The Vikings had their gentler side too and, when not pillaging and plundering, loved nothing more than creating knots; printing patterns ; carving animals and mythical creatures; and producing ornate, deocrated jewellery. As a precursor to our study of the Vikings later this term, we have been studying Viking Art.
Sporting Prowess
Well as if all this wasn’t enough, members of Year 5 . Lots of the boys were in the football team playing against St Columba’s. Whilst the Year 6 Netball Team was stengthened by the inclusion of our very own Neve.
This week in Year 5 (26th -30June)
We finally completed our people in action sculptures – here was a photo from our display at the open evening. And also us investigating the power of levers in science
This week in Year 5 (19th -23rd June)
We have had a very busy day with lots of art, learning about Degas and how to use body proportions for people in action.
Many of year 5 were involved in the didtrict sports and there was also wheel chair basketball as well for everyone. ( More details on the sports page)
We took part in St Adrian’s got Talent with two groups of girls
Well done Maya , Lucy Rukksika, Abbie, Katie, Jess , Lara and thanks to Beth for helping to organise the competition.
This week in Year 5 (9th -14th June)
This week in English we were learning about the Mars Rover for our new Book, Curiosity. And Finally, we completed our fans in DT.
In Science we have been investigating air resistnce with paper helicopters and of course on Friday we sang our hearts out for our dads.
This week in Year 5 (5th -9th June)
Well we have been very busy again- with the hot weather we have been making desk fans to help cool us down as part of our DT project. The art display on Wednesday was a great way toshow case our artistic talents. And, of course, on Thursday, we all went to Mountfitchet Castle and the House on the Hill Toy Museum
SPEC 2023
(Subsequent posts will be added to the bottom of the SPEC post so that it will read chronologically)
SPEC 2023 (Wednesday morning until lunch time)
Well we’ve never been away on a school trip but don’t we look excited as we wait for the coach to arrive.
We’ve arrived safely and time for a bit of orientation and warm up games before lunch
Time for lunch – everyone was happy with the food…
Now for a bit of exploration and play after lunch in the beautiful grounds:
SPEC 2023 (Wednesday afternoon and night)
So then , after running off our lunch it was time for some games and a treasure hunt then drama in the chapel.
Then a bit more exploring…
A great way to work up an appetite- ready for tea
and a play…
Before finishing off some earlier work with hamma beads…
Then , after this, it was back to the chapel for exposition
Then to round off the evening, singing around the campfire with hot chocolate, marsh mallows, biscuits and a drama about St Joan of Arc.
9: 15 pm. Now it is bed time . The children have brushed their teeth, showered and completed their skin care regimes and settled down for the night.
10:30pm … All quiet on the western front !
Thursday Morning
All the children made it through the night and , unusually, there were no tears or children wanting to go home at 2 am. However, suffice to say, they will all probably want an early night when they get back home.
Its 7:30 am – the children are up and ready for play before breakfast. They head off to do some more exploring in the woods or climbing up steep muddy hills on this beautiful summer’s morning ; a tear springs to my eye as I’m magically transported back to my carefree childhood in the halcyon epoch that was the mid 1970s.
With appetites suitable whetted, its time for breakfast – a selection of croisant, pain au chocolat, toast, preserves, fruit, yoghurt and cereal- just like they have at home.
Thursday mid -morning
details to follow…
After breakfast was ‘Stations of Light’ where, in the serenity of the grounds, we read readings whilst walking the Stations of the Cross.
Check out the Year 5 (St Paul) page for subsequent updates.
Then time for break…
Afterwards it was off to the cinema and then preparation for Mass.
Mass in the Chapel.
Our final meal at Spec- bangers and mash
What a wonderful couple of days – Thank you to all the saff at SPEC and to our own Mrs Porter and Miss Cartwright.
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:
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.
Grandparents’ Day and sing-along
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.
Mary Queen of Martyrs
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.
St George – The man behid the myth
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.
As part of our journey through Lent, this week, we have had our own Holy Week and Easter liturgies. The week started with a very thoughtful Stations of the Cross service led by our inspiring Year Six Chaplaincy Team. They created a tableau and reflection for each Station of the Cross and the children sang beautifully as part of this service.
We are raising money for the Catholic Children’s Society
Year 6 and Year 4 lead our Stations of the Cross liturgy
Stations of the Cross
A song to finish off our liturgy
In our Easter bonnets …
… with all the frills upon it.
Our amazing Easter gardens
Inspiring artwork
Created by KS2
We used many different media.
Our school choir sings loud and proud!
With thanks to our wonderful Chaplaincy Team
In contrast, our joyful Easter Parade celebrated the children’s amazing creativity. Children from Foundation Stage made some superb Easter bonnets, Key Stage One children created brilliant Easter Gardens and the Key Stage Two children displayed their immense talents with a wonderful mix of liturgical art. The Chaplaincy Team had the unenviable task of choosing two winners for each class, but we were very pleased to celebrate everyone’s wonderful artwork. Well done to you all!
Our week started with the whole school focusing on refugees everywhere – . Mrs Porter led a very moving assembly which touched on one girl’s fraught trip to safety in England . We were all dressed in blues and yellows to show solidarity with Ukranian refugees.
Of course, this Sunday is Mothers’ Day. We rehearsed long and hard and for those of you lucky enough to witness it, were magnificent as we delivered our Mothers’ Day Song.
We have also produced some Mothers’ Day cards – En Francais and Electronic – (Remember that elecronic cells/ batteries are highly dangerous if swallowed by a child or pet)
Have a great Weekend!
This week in Year 5 (14th March- 18th March)
As well as continuing to work on our core curriculum subjects we have found lots of time to celebrate this week. The school has been awash with colours as first we celebrated St Patrick’s Day and everywhere you looked was someone wearing green or a shamrock.
On Friday, we were all dressed in red in recognition of Comic Relief – I looked respledent in my 1970s Arsenal top. Of course, this is a timely reminder of the Lenten Promises and commitments we make and our call, as Catholics, to reflect on the importance of showing charity to those less fortunate than ourselves.
We had a visit from Rock Steady Music, who enthralled the children with a chance to play musical instruments such as the electric guitar, drums, vocals and keyboards. There is a flyer which your child has which has more information.
Our electronic cards are really starting to take shape with all those lessons on electrical circuits really helping. (NB – These cards contain batteries which could be very harmful if swallowed by a small child/pet – please bear this in mind when your child brings home their electronic card).
This week in Year 5 (7th March- 11th March)
Well, this week we started our new book ‘Unspoken’. It is a wonderful book ( and not a single word of text) but has prompted much discussion between the pupils. This book, a tale from the underground railroad, linked into our research on slavery using Curriculum Vision. We were also able to link this with International Womens’ Day , when we learnt about Harriet Tubman who helped over 300 slaves escape in 19th Century America.
We learnt about how to establish emotional wellbeing this week – (the photos confirm that we all were very positively engaged).
We were also fine-tuning our ability to create electric circuits and extended this to series and parallel circuits.
Our reading area was ready this week. You can see it being road-tested below.
Finally, we were able to end the week with another child-led act of worship.
This week in Year 5 (28th February- 4th March)
Hi Everyone,
Another eventful week:
Science – this week we have had a couple of experiments investigating heat flow and insulation.
Then of course there was St David’s Day and Shrove Tuesday and the Ash Wednesday Service.
The week was crowned with our book day celebrations. Our focus was around the ‘Black Panther ‘ series of books but we also had a tutorial from our very own Teresa on how to make bookmarks – but not just any bookmark!
Of course, we all looked splendid in our assorted book character outfits – how many can you recognise?
NEW BOOKS
Mr Sallis has given the class some new books which are more reflective of the rich cultural heritages within our class.
50 BOOKS
This is a reminder of Mr Hayes’s letter which lists 50 key books for each Year group and a request for donations. We have already had a some donations to this effect. I will have the Book List in class which I will use to check off the items so children can see what books are left to buy in order to avoid duplication ( rather like a wedding.
Finally… those photos from last week.
Electronic Greetings Card – preliminary work.Like a Choir of Angels!Our pupil-led act of worship.
This week in Year 5 (20th February- 25th February)
Hi Everyone,
It was good to be able to see so many of you and discuss how well Year 5 were progressing.
We have completed our current book – ‘The Lost Thing’. The children seem to have been writing out of their skins on this and produced some excellent work.
We have had great fun working with electrical circuits for our DT project and it was glockenspiels at the ready as we played very harmoniously along to ‘Feel my Love ‘ by Adele.
Finally, we were again able to end our week with a lovely act of worship led by the children.
There are photos of all this and , when my class ipad stops being so temperamental, I will ipload them.
Have a great weekend
This week in Year 5 (7 February- 11th Feb)
So what have Year 5 been up to this week? Well we have been working hard in English on ‘The Lost Thing’ and consolidating our work on fractions in maths. In history we learnt about ( deep breath!)Alfred, his daughter Aethelfalaed, her husband Aethelred, their daughter Aelfwynn and nephew Athelstan – and how they defeated the Vikings.
We had Internet Safety Day this week and we did an Quiz which prompted much discussion and made an Internet Safety themed fortune teller.
It was lovely to end the week with an act of worship led by some of the children.
This week in Year 5 (31st Jan- 4th Feb)
Well this week has been an eventful one. As was the previous two which, owing to technical difficulties, I could not tell you about on this webpage.
So in brief, some highlights from the enforced hiatus:
More science investigations – this time investigating the effect of temperature on the rate sugar dissolves.
And when learning about everyday Viking life, we built our own Viking village
Scripture Roadshow
This week week we went on a school trip (remember them!)
We were off to the Cathedral to learn about Scripture through various media.
After scaling Holywell Hill , we entered the Cathedral and were warmly greeted. Along with other schools, we were treated to an assembly involving singing (with actions) , prayer , meditation and drama.
After this, we went to the pre-booked drama workshop.
We started off with some warm up games involving Eagles, Tigers and Snakes and a ‘Moo – Off’!
Then the children played a game where they had to get into groups of certain sizes – if you didn’t manage to join a group – then you were ‘eaten by the sharks’. It was facinating to watch the children scrambling around making and breaking parnerships – but it was all good humoured .
Next came , human sculptures where the children had to work together to form a certain object/theme. The photos are in no particular order, but can you spot an elephant, a word beginning with B, a game of netball, some X-menand a famous London landmark?
I realised the children were being taught to collaborate together. The sessione ended with tableaux of Noah’s Ark,; The Nativity; Turning Water into Wine; and The Good Samaritan.
After this was some time to wander around the cathedral looking at various exhibitions.
‘Little Pieces of God Art Exhibition’
Then it was off to eat a picnic in gthe park before swimming to round off an excellent day.
NSPCC Numbers Day
We were celebrating all things mathematical today. Who knew Albert Square could be so interesting?
Of course, we had to look the part:
Year 5 – Happy New Year
Let me first say that I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas holiday.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts, giftcards and cards.
It was so lovely to see the children back. They seem to be suitably refreshed from their holiday which is good as we have a busy term ahead.
Here is a brief overview :
In English, we are completing our work on the book: ‘Hidden Figures’ about the pioneering work of several black women engineers and mathematicians working for NASA in the 1960s during the space race who had to overcome the many prejudices that were prevelent at that time. It has been an inspirational story and I know the children have found it eye-opening. We will be moving on to ‘The Lost Thing ‘ by Shaun Tan and ‘Unspoken’ by Henry Cole.
In maths we will be working mainly on fractions and reviewing maths fluency in multiplication and divison.
In computing the children will be undertaking a unit on Blogging; in Art, printing inspired by the Vikngs; and in DT, we will be making an electronic greetings card.
In History, we will learn more about the Vikings and Danelaw; in Geography we will be looking at Global Energy and Sustainability; and in Science we are studying material properties and dissolving.
THE FEAST of the EPIPHANY
This week we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity. Our focus was to compare how Matthew focuses on the Wise men but does not mention the Shepherds. Conversely, Luke mentions Shepherds but makes no mention of the Wise Men ( he didn’t say how many incidently).
We looked at the symbolism behind the gifts of Gold , Frankincense and Myrrh but mainly on the contrast between the Shepherds and The Wise Men.
Shepherds were poor, uneducated Jews on the periphery of society ; the Wise Men were educated, wealthy men of esteem (probably gentiles).
Perhaps the importance of these two stories is to illustrate how Jesus came to save everyone from all walks of humanity not just one particular segment. Moreover, the first to be invited to see Jesus, the Shepherds, were among the very poorest and of very low status.
Today is my birthday and, unbeknownst to me, the children were aware of this and organised some lovely presents (Prosecco, Cake and a very up-market washbag from Osprey) as well as cards.
I would just like to say thank you so much for generosity – the surprise made it especially touching.
It is nearly time when we are going to go for the Easter break.
I am not setting any formal work over the holiday but suggest the following:
Do as much or as little of the following as appropriate.
The following is taken from the most recent post on the Year 5 Google Classroom (Google Class Assignment also contains some attachments and links to images to inspire etc)…
-1) Read ( If you can’t get to a library , use Curriculum Visions ( they also have a selection of fiction books too)).
2) Yesterday I gave information on how to access books on dissolving and changing materials (see yesterday’s post for details) – these books cover a lot of the National Curriculum for year 5 so it is worth being familiar with it . Also, there are lots of videos and experiments ( follow any safety guidelines) for you to try at home which are linked to these books when you open them up on Curriculum Visions.
3) Here is a link to a great website that Mrs Butterworth found
There are some great pictures that might inspire you to do your own art work or creative writing.
After the holiday, I will post anything you want to share with the class (within reason!).
EASTER
As Catholics, Easter is the most important time of the Year in the Church’s Calendar. I suggest that you and your family use some time to contenplate the true meaning of Christmas.
Here are some things that you may wish to do with your family.
Many churches have their own youtube feeds so that you can share Mass even though, at present, we are not allowed to attend. I suggest you find the website of a local Catholic church and check it out for this facility.
The Way of the Cross (revisit Jesus’s journey to Calvary )
This week I have given the children hard copies of the work I want them to complete although I have posted copies of this work on Google Classroom.
English Comprehension /RE
The reading comprehension is based around the recent RE homework. As the answer sheets ( which will be stuck in their RE books) will form part of an assessment, I suggest that the answers are written as fully as possible.
Maths
The children have got a hard copy of worksheet 11 to complete and bring back to school.
Spare copies plus extension work and less demanding tasks are posted on the google class page.
Week Beginning 5 October 2020
(This week’s homework documents are on the Year 5 Google Classroom)
For maths this week I have set a challenge based on a maths no problem task – The children can record their answers directly on the computer document using google class.
The English homework is an exercise on persuasive language.
I have recieved many wonderful collages of your families which are currently on display in my classroom. I have put the next RE Topic’s HW on the RE link (Topic is Life Choices) .
Week beginning 27 September 2020
The work is posted on the Google Classroom.
This week I have given English homework on Relative Clauses to improve sentences and some maths work on addition (worksheet 3 Maths No problem).
There is also a reminder to complete any unfinished work on the Solar System and too replenish their pencil cases if necessary.
Week beginning 20 September 2020
This week I have given English homework on prepositions to improve sentences and some maths work on rounding (worksheet 12 Maths No problem).
There is also an RE Assignment on the Ourselves Topic ( see RE Home learning)
All the relevant information for the homework has been posted on the Year 5 Google Classroom.
Week beginning Monday 7 September 2020
Most homework will be via Google Classroom or using other web based applications such as Mymaths, J2E, Sumdog and Curriculum Visions.
The home work this week will be an exercise on place value on Mymaths and some research using Curriculum Visions ( they have been asked to read up to page 7 in the “Earth in Space” text book but there are also many videos and related books which they can use if they want to do more in depth research).
They have been given paper copies of the login details for both Curriculum Visions and Mymaths.
Week Beginning Monday 18 May2020
Here is an overview of the weekly tasks:
Mr Sallis will continue to set work in Maths and British Values.
English – We will conclude our work on Carrie’s War this week with comprehension exercise and opportunities to share our artwork.
RE – On the Transformation Topic, we will do work on The Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Science- Para chutes/ spinners investigation
Geography – New York – Housing
History – Linked to Carrie’s War
Art – Linked to Carrie’s War
There will be some optional half term activities set over half term.
As a class we would like to share with you some of what we have been up to – However, for internet safety reasons and file download limitations – this work can be accessed on the Google Classroom only.
Music – Mrs Goldsmith has provided us with an optional music activity
This week, the children have been working on Sumdog and our class was overall Hertfordshire Champions.
Three of our class, Sophie, Daniella and Sophie each received a special certificate from Sumdog in recognition of their efforts. I have attached the league tables.
Science
Last week I posed a really tricky problem where the children had to come up with methods for separating a mixture of sand, salt , iron filings, marbles and sawdust.
The attachment shows some of their ingenious ideas.
Pentecost
Attached to the google classroom is a copy of a Powerpoint on Pentecost and a link for a free book from Rainbows about the Lockdown.
I have been very impressed by the work that has been coming in during what can only be described as difficult times. As I did not allocate any HTA on the last week of term I am nominating the following for consistently producing high quality work :
Joe Aidan Josh Natalie
Well done!
Here Comes the Summer!
Each morning, work will be posted on Google Classroom giving the assignments for the day but I strongly suggest that children begin each day with the Joe Wicks daily exercise video.
AS all children are now members of the Year 5 Google Classroom, this post will not be routinely updated. Most current information will be found on the Year 5 Google Classroom Stream.
IMPORTANT –These are difficult and unusual times and every household will have their own constraints and circumstances. Whilst I set these tasks to help give structure each day to your child’s learning, it is unrealistic to think that every child will be able to complete every task to a deadline. As parents, you are best placed to decide what is appropriate for your child at this time and if any task is causing anxiety, or your child has reached a bit of a ‘dead – end’ with it, then I suggest you do something much more constructive such as reading, playing, chatting, art etc.
Week Beginning 20 April 2020
This week we will have the following focii:
English – Mainly continuing with our story – Carrie’s War
Maths – Fractions – This work will be set by Mr Sallis who has also provided you with links to the Maths-No-Problem Resources.
I will also be enrolling the class into a new Sumdog challenge.
British Values – Each week there will – this week’s topic is Democracy
Geography- Continuing with our New York Project.
History – (linked with English) Looking at the lives of children evacuated during WW2.
Science – Separating substances
PE – As well as Joe Wicks, it is important that children keep active by playing and exercising. Each day on the google classroom, I will be inviting the children to update the Year 5 online Activity Tracker.
RE- We have started a new Topic – Transformation. There is lots of information about it in the attachments below.
Also, The Wednesday Word is available from the school website.
The children have also written some poems about the Seaside – attached is a selection.
Main tasks include – Evaluating and high lighting instruction ( Success Criteria Provided)
Costing the carpet tiles for a bedroom.
Main tasks include – Redrafting Tea instruction ( Success Criteria Provided)
This week’s homework and last week’s answers will be posted shortly.
Work for 26 March
Costing the skirting board for a bedroom.
Finding out what things can dissolve in water (ALWAYS CHECK WITH AN ADULT FIRST IF ACTUALLY DOING YOUR OWN EXPERIMENTS)
Mr Creaton
Work for 25 March.
As usual, today’s work is detailed on the Google Classroom.
After a Joe Wicks warm up, we are continuing with our tea-making instructions, making a bedroom plan in maths and some more work on New York in Google Slides ( for Geography). As always, I suggest you find time to read a book of your choice.
Work for 23 March
I have put an instruction writing activity (on tea) and maths problem sheet on the Google classroom.
Home Learning 20 March 2020
For home learning I have assigned on the google classroom the following:
A comprehension task on Blackpool and a maths problem around the word- ABRACADABRA.
I would also suggest that the children choose a book from our Curriculum visions virtual library to read.
These are very unusual circumstances but I hope all of you have a restful weekend.
Take care ,
Mr Creaton
I have set work for today on the google classroom:
A spelling exercise on the i before e rule and a fair-based maths problem sheet .
All but three of the children in the class have accepted the invitation to join the google classroom and I urge those three to join as soon as possible.
When posting comments on the google classroom, please be mindful of what you say. – we see everything you write. It is best to stick to commenting directly on the task.
Here is a summary of the advice for Year 5
Year 5 should remember that
they should think carefully about what they post and only post when relevant to the learning (it is not a social media platform!)
If posting comments they should be respectful and positive
What they post is seen by everyone in the class including teachers
their teacher has the power to turn off (mute) their ability to make comments should it become necessary
They are using a school system and all the usual school expectations about behaviour apply.
To keep you healthy and fit whilst at home .. Joe Wicks has announced he will be doing a live PE lesson Monday – Friday at 9am for children who are off school. It will be uploaded onto his Youtube page.
Happy Mothers’ day From Year 5
To access this video please log into your child’s St Adrian’s Google account.
Year 5 Home Learning Spring 2 Week 2 (Week beginning 13-03-2020)
Mr Sallis maths: Please complete the Worksheets provided on Line Graphs. Make sure you come and see me on either Monday or Tuesday next week if you need help and I will be happy to work with you.
Hello Everyone,
For homework this week I have provided the class with the words to our Mothers’ Day song. Here is a Youtube link to help:
I have given my Maths group a worksheet on Nick Names.
English
– Children will be writing instructions about how to make a cup of
tea. They will consider using semi colons and colons.
Maths
– Fractions – We will look at improper fractions and mixed numbers, as
well as equivalent fractions.
RE- We will study Judaism and look at what makes up the Seder Plate.
History-
We will be exploring what happened to children in World War 2 and children will
begin their own projects.
Geography
– Children will be completing research and create a powerpoint about New York.
They will begin with looking at what they already know and what they would like
to find out.
Science – We will begin a new unit based on Habitats and Life Cycles.
Children will explore the different parts of a plant or flower and look at how they reproduce.
D and T – Children will be completing an evaluation of their Anglo Saxon house.
