Year 5
Our School Council Representatives
Art: Space Imagery
Currently in Year 5, our art lessons are focusing on understanding retrofuturism, developing skills in evaluating images and creating art through various drawing processes. In this lesson, we looked at a variety of space images and children selected which image they found the most interesting. After selecting a section of the image to draw, we experimented with drawing processes, choosing what tools and materials to try and how to use them. Looking at the section of their chosen image, Year 5 tried to replicate the colours, textures, lines and shapes they can see in six different ways, selecting and using a range of tools and drawing materials to try. The outcomes were quite impressive!
Science: Wonderdome
Today we had a special visit from the Wonderdome to enhance our learning of space. The planetarium provided us with a completely blacked out environment which was perfect for observing stars and planets in our galaxy - the Milky Way. We truly were space explorers and were fascinated by some of the new things we learnt today!
DT: Stuffed Toy Project
As part of our textiles work in DT, Year 5 completed a stuffed toys project. We first decided on a simple shape to base our design on before listing other materials we would need. Next we were introduced to the blanket stitch; this was certainly a challenge but with hard work and determination, Year 5 were very successful! Our final step was adding any extra items, decorative stitches or appendages! Enjoy taking a look at our final products! The children are very proud of their creations.
Step Inside Your Story 2024
On Thursday 10th October, Year 5 participated in the online event held by the British Library Learning - 'Step Inside Your Story.' It was wonderful to listen to a variety of authors and illustrators discuss their own journeys and inspiration for their own work. Throughout the workshop, the children were given the chance to write down or draw their own ideas. The message was simple - use what you already know... what are your own 'sparks' that a character could have? What journeys have you been on that you could refer to in a story? Which members of your family or friends have left a lasting impression on you? If you could go back in time, what era intrigues you?
Science: Testing Air Resistance, Parachute Investigation
As part of our Science unit on Forces, Year 5 were learning about air resistance, building on our knowledge of friction. We learnt that air resistance is a type of friction force on an object moving through air. We then planned and carried out a fair test to find out whether the surface area of a parachute affects the time it takes to fall to the ground. Thank you Mr Sharpe for helping out! Ask us for our results...
Artwork inspired by Jacob Lawrence
We held a Black History Wonder Day on Monday in recognition of Black History Month which takes place nationally each October. This is a celebration of the achievements of Black people throughout history right up to today. The day was an opportunity to learn about the Black community while making strides to eradicate the inequality that still exists in society today. We enjoyed creating some artwork inspired by Jacob Lawrence as part of our Wonder Day. His artwork shows the challenges and victories of Black Americans in a way that has touched people's hearts. His most famous work is a series of 60 paintings which narrate the story of Black Americans during the Great Migration. We looked at a few of these in detail and then created our own work, aiming to capture feelings and emotions.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Geography: Roundhay Park and Tropical World
On Thursday 3rd October, Year 5 visited Roundhay Park and Tropical World to gain a deeper understanding of the Geography topic about the Amazon Rainforest. Firstly, we completed a workshop in the heart of Roundhay Park. We learnt that a place must have an average annual rainfall above 250cm to be class as a rainforest and then completed a challenge to identify which trees were found in temperate climates but not in a tropical climate. Afterwards, we learnt how to estimate and height and age of a tree – our maths skills were definitely put to the test! Finally, we explored forest floor for mini-beasts and discussed which would and wouldn’t be found in a rainforest too. In the afternoon, we explored Tropical World and found more out about the fascinating animals that live in the four layers of the world’s rainforests. What a fantastic day we had!
Geography - The Amazon Rainforest
Year 5 are thoroughly enjoying their first Geography topic of the year - The Amazon Rainforest! We began by identifying where rainforests are found - primarily on or around the equator in tropical climates. Secondly, we used our atlases to locate the different South American countries along with their capital cities. In our latest lesson, we used the iPads and the Oddizzi 'Physical Features' section to research the four different layers of the rainforest. We were able to identify the animals and plants that inhabit each layer as well as the approximate height and hours of sunlight the layers receive. We are looking forward to enhancing our knowledge of the rainforest on our trip to Roundhay Park and Tropical World next week.
Mini Vinnie Mass at Leeds Cathedral
On Tuesday 17th September, Mr Whittle took four new Mini Vinnies to St Anne's Cathedral to celebrate mass with Bishop Marcus. The mass marked the 10 year anniversary of the Mini Vinnie initiative and brought hundreds of children together to commission them into this most wonderful of roles. Divine, Freya and Alina were outstanding ambassadors for the school during mass, while Evie was a picture of reverence in her privileged role as an altar server. This year, we have 20 Mini Vinnies looking to make a difference to those in need and we are looking forward to see how their work can help within our local community and beyond.
A Virtual Workshop with Katherine Rundell
Science: A Visit from Rotork Engineering
Year 5 enjoyed an exciting Career Kids and Gears workshop this morning lead by an engineer from Rotork Engineering. We explored the role of an engineer (including dressing up as one!), aiming to dispel some common misconceptions about engineering and what it entails. We then began to explore gears, talking about what is useful about gears, where they are used and why. In pairs, we built different gears to investigate rotation direction, rotation speed and ratio. For the final part of the workshop, we worked in groups to build a small part of a “machine”, which then contributed to one large “machine”. We then worked through calculating out what ratio this large “machine” is, which involved an awful lot of multiplying by 3 (into billions and beyond).
Year 5 Class Text Autumn 1: The Explorer
An Introduction to UK Parliament
Year 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a visit from the UK Parliament Outreach Team. This lively, interactive assembly introduced the children to what UK Parliament is and how it works. More importantly, the children explored what it means for their lives as citizens. We learnt about the work and role of the House of Commons and the House of Lords; the difference between UK Parliament and Government; the work of MPs and members of the House of Lords; how laws are made and how they can get their voices heard.
Welcome to Year 5!
First of all, we would like to say a huge welcome back to school; we hope you all had a wonderful rest and are ready for a busy and exciting year in Year 5. We are really looking forward to getting to know you all and helping you shine brightly every single day.
We hope you are ready because Year 5 is going to be an adventure: we have so many exciting topics, challenges and opportunities ahead of us in the coming months. A Rainforest Adventure, Space Exploration, Down the Mines and The Ancient Greeks are just some of the exciting topics in Year 5, and let's not forget Robinwood! We are looking forward to working together with you to ensure you have a happy and memorable year.
In order to achieve your potential, we ask for two key things from you: always try your best and believe in yourself. Trust us, if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Every day is a new day and a challenge!
You are going to quickly discover just how much we love reading and sharing this passion with you. Our class library is well-stocked and ready for you to dive into to discover a world of adventure and possibility. One of the best pieces of advice we can give to you in Year 5 is read, read and then read a little bit more.
This half term we are reading…
Fiction The Explorer Katherine Rundell
| Non-Fiction Great Adventurers by Alastair Humphreys
| Poetry The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane
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As you are now in Upper Key Stage 2, there may be times when our class text is sent home to read set chapters. This is a fantastic opportunity to share our class text with your family.
Suggested Reads this half term:
If you are enjoying the Explorer by Katherine Rundell (which we know you will!) why not try one of these texts at home:
Please make use of local libraries to borrow these for free!
Year 5's learning will be supported by several members of staff who are all excited to enrich your child's education, but will be primarily supported by Mrs Barton, Mrs Nicholson and Mrs Caley. If you ever wish to speak about your child's learning and time in Year 5, please feel free to ask.
We encourage you to take the time to read our Autumn curriculum newsletter. This is available on our class page (and will be every half term), and a paper copy will be shared in the first week back. This outlines PE days, key dates for the half term, along with activities, research and additional reads which will all enhance your child’s time in Year 5.
Remember, the classroom is yours. Please share any ideas you have with us - we would love to hear them! We look forward to seeing you soon!
Mrs Barton and Mrs Nicholson
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