Here's a roundup of what we've been getting up to across Year 5 this half term.

In English, we have been thoroughly enjoying our class novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. To help bring the story to life, the children took part in a wonderful sensory experience, tasting lemon sherbets and pomegranates,  just like those enjoyed by the characters in the book. It was a highlight of the term and really helped the children connect with the story in a meaningful way!

Our work with the School Linking Network continues to go from strength to strength. Classes 7 and 8 have thoroughly enjoyed their link days with their respective classes at Cutenhoe Road Primary School:  we've had some fantastic conversations and shared experiences as a result. Class 9 are very much looking forward to welcoming pupils from Lady Zia Wernher School to Hillborough after half term and we know it will be a wonderful occasion.

In DT, the children have been busy honing their sewing skills in preparation for an exciting project after half term, where they will design and make their very own unique bags! Through this project, they are developing a range of valuable essential skills including planning, creativity, and the ability to adapt their ideas as they go — capabilities that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support in enabling your children to attend after-school tuition sessions. The impact is clearly being felt; lots of wonderful progress is being made, and the children are growing in confidence as they prepare for their transition to Year 6.

Thank you, as always, for your support. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you after half term

It has been an incredible half term for our Year 6 pupils and one that we will all remember for a very long time!

We could not be more proud of every single one of our Year 6 children and the dedication, resilience and hard work they have shown in the lead-up to and throughout their SATs this week. They approached their assessments with maturity and determination, and they should feel immensely proud of themselves. We certainly are!

Despite all the academic focus, creativity has continued to shine in our art lessons, where the children have been exploring the work of the abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. They have produced some truly stunning pieces inspired by his bold use of colour, shape and form which has been a real testament to their artistic flair and imagination.

Continuing on the creative theme, we are very much looking forward to sharing the children's puppet shows with you after the half term break. They have put a tremendous amount of thought into them, and we think you are going to be very impressed!

This week has been a particular one to remember! Our trip to Chessington World of Adventures was a brilliant reward for all of the children's hard work, and was filled with laughter, thrills and fantastic memories. We were also delighted to host an ENO (English National Opera) Celebration Day here at school;  a truly special occasion that showcased just how talented our Year 6 pupils are.

The excitement doesn't stop there! There is still so much to look forward to in this final half term at Hillborough Junior School. We have on-site camping, leavers' celebrations and assemblies, and- of course- our much-anticipated endof-year performance.The show we will be staging will be revealed very soon… watch this space!

It is a privilege to share this special final chapter with your children. Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to finishing the year in style!