Year 5 Learning

'We are not at the pinnacle of human knowledge. We are just beginning.' 

- Katy Payne, American zoologist 

What an exuberant 8 weeks of learning it has been!  We must take a moment to commend the Year 5 pupils for their resilience during what has been a longer-than-usual first term.  They have adapted incredibly well to the heightened learning expectations and have embraced the challenge as they progress in their education.  Across all subjects, the students have shown great willingness, hard work, and a genuine desire to learn.

In Maths, pupils have honed their arithmetic skills across the four operations.  Their understanding of numbers has expanded to include six-digit figures, and they are confidently recognising the value of each.  They’ve also developed a range of problem-solving skills, including interpreting line graphs and extracting meaningful data.

In Writing, students have delved into fiction, focusing on crafting "wishing stories" with an emphasis on character development and action.  In their non-fiction work, they’ve quenched their thirst for knowledge by composing biographical texts.  One particular highlight was their cross-curricular exploration of Captain John Smith of Titanic fame, demonstrating not only their writing prowess but also their ability to retain and apply historical knowledge.

In Art, pupils have explored sculpture, concentrating on pattern and form, while in PE, they have worked diligently to improve their dexterity and movement skills.  Music was an especially enriching subject this term, with the guidance of a professional musician who mentored the students on tone, pitch, and composition.  A select group also had the exciting opportunity to participate in a workshop with Hastings International Piano, where they learned the art of song composition.

In RE, the focus has been on Judaism, where pupils have broadened their understanding of the religion and its practices.  Perhaps one of the most impressive areas of growth has been in Reading, where pupils have consistently engaged in weekly quizzes and demonstrated a solid grasp of comprehension and vocabulary.  It's been truly wonderful to witness so many students develop a genuine interest in reading and continue to grow in their literacy skills.

Thank you to all for your ongoing support.  We hope you enjoy a well-deserved half-term break, and we look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready for Term 2!

Mr. Newell and Ms. Sheldrake
Year 5 Teachers