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!

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

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.

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.

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

Images to Inspire

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 )

https://drive.google.com/a/stadrians.herts.sch.uk/file/d/1c97WjlmFgDQVey8NUDoVO-cm5yzUTAMi/view?usp=sharing

A message from Mr Bedford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Pru-p3_uI

You could say the Rosary ( or a decade of the Rosary) – see the attachments.

You could produce  some Easter artwork/ make an Easter card or similar .

Have a safe and holy Easter Break.

You are all  in my prayers,

Mr C

WORK FOR YEAR 5

Week Beginning 9th November 2020

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

Mrs Hayes has kindly sourced some additional RE resources

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Cb5LrAlU7_MPTRDMUBcvQ?view_as=subscriber

Friday 1st May

SUMDOG CHAMPIONS

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.

Email – Kevin Creaton – Outlook https://rainbowsgb.org/2020/04/coronavirus-a-free-book-for-children/

It just remains for me to say, thank you for supporting you child through this difficult period and wishing you a happy and healthy weekend.

FRIDAY 24 April.

This week, an incident in Carrie’s War, has inspired us to write about own strange object descriptions.

Here is some of the work that was sent back to me.

HEAD TEACHER’S AWARD

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.

Thanks,

Mr Creaton

Work for 27 March

Hi Everyone

Today’s work can be found on Google Classroom .

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.

Have a great weekend,

Mr Creaton

Email – Kevin Creaton – Outlook https://rainbowsgb.org/2020/04/coronavirus-a-free-book-for-children/