Our final term in Year 5 was action-packed, full of learning and memorable experiences.
Pupils polished their skills in preparation for Year 6 - securing key maths strategies and refining punctuation and sentence structure in writing.
In geography, we explored the plight of refugees, and in PSHE, we learned about how our bodies develop.
Cultural highlights included a live performance by the London Philharmonic, chess finals, art gallery visits, an aspirations workshop with the Education Futures Trust, a visit from a professional artist, and an exciting sports day.
In writing, Year 5 crafted suspense stories inspired by The Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen, using a range of techniques such as cliff-hangers, vivid description and powerful vocabulary to grip the reader. They also explored non-fiction through explanation texts, learning how to write clearly and precisely about how and why things happen, ensuring their ideas were well-organised and easy to follow.
Our reading focused on The Boy in the Tower, where pupils analysed how authors build suspense, develop characters and create atmosphere. In addition, we enjoyed Andy McNab’s Ultimate Survival Handbook, which gave children the opportunity to practise extracting key facts and understanding step-by-step instructions in real-life scenarios.
In maths, we consolidated our knowledge of the four operations ahead of year 6 and deepened our understanding of fractions. We also explored percentages, developed our skills in measurement and investigated properties of shape, applying these concepts to problem-solving tasks.
In Music, the children explored Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka, enriching their understanding of this iconic ballet. The study culminated in an exciting visit to see a live production at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne on 12th June—bringing the music and story vividly to life!
In Science, we learned about Animals, including Humans, with a focus on the changes that occur as humans grow from birth to old age. The children also investigated the life cycles of other animals, exploring their gestation periods and comparing them to those of humans to better understand how different species develop and grow.
Our geography work began with exploring the meaning of migration. The children learned about Hastings’ rich history of migration and how people have moved to the area over time. They investigated what it means to be a refugee and discussed the reasons why some people are forced to leave their homes in search of safety. The topic concluded with a reflection on the brave journeys people take and how the community of Hastings is supporting refugees today.
In PSHE our theme was Changing Me. The children learned about the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and explored the importance of building positive self-esteem. Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, they developed confidence and a greater appreciation of themselves as they grow.
In art pupils participated in an inspiring workshop led by a local artist, focusing on the art of portraiture. During the session, pupils explored a range of techniques and applied them to create stunning self-portraits, all while sharpening their drawing skills and creative expression.
Sport’s day was a fantastic event full of healthy competition, challenge, resilience, and teamwork .
Pupils competed individually against others of similar ability and as teams in their colour groups 🔴🔵🟢🟡.
It was inspiring to see everyone giving their best and showing great determination.
We held four sports events across the school, with points combined to reveal the overall results.
A huge thank you to Miss Yates, our PE Lead, and Wayne, our Sports Coach, for organising such a memorable day of sporting challenge.
As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding school year, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you for all your continued support. Your involvement, encouragement, and partnership have made a real difference to your child’s learning and wellbeing.
We are incredibly proud of everything the children have achieved, and it would not have been possible without your help. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable summer break!
Ms Sheldrake and Mr Newell