Class Teacher - Ms K Dixon

Welcome to the Whales class.

Hello and welcome to Year 5/6 Whales class.

This page will give you all the information you need about what is happening in our class, such as PE days, homework, trips, events and the areas that we will be learning about during the term. 

Whales – term 6 

We have an exciting and busy half-term ahead! 

On 6th July, we will be visiting the Lifewise Centre in Rotherham. This is a fantastic, scenario-based learning environment where children take part in realistic situations to develop important life skills. Pupils will work through a range of safety scenarios, encouraging them to think carefully and apply their problem-solving skills. 

On 16th June, we will be travelling to the National Space Centre in Leicester to support our learning about the Space Race and the important role women played within it. In class, we will also be exploring the book Hidden Figures to deepen our understanding of equality, racism and discrimination in the context of space exploration. 

In our lessons this half-term: 

• English: We will continue studying Macbeth, working towards a collaborative performance at the Embassy Theatre. We will then move on to Hidden Figures and some space-themed poetry. 

• History: Of course! Here’s an expanded, parent-friendly version of the Space Race section that you can drop into your blurb: 

• History – The Space Race 
  In History, we will be exploring the Space Race, a fascinating period during the Cold War when the United States and the Soviet Union competed to achieve important milestones in space exploration. Children will learn about key events such as the launch of Sputnik (the first artificial satellite), the first human journey into space, and the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. 

• We will also highlight the important contributions of scientists, engineers and astronauts, including the often-overlooked role of women and people from diverse backgrounds, linking closely with our class text Hidden Figures. Pupils will consider how scientific discovery, teamwork and determination helped push the boundaries of what was possible, as well as how these achievements have had a lasting impact on the world we live in today. 

Through discussions and activities, children will develop their understanding of why the Space Race was significant and how it has influenced modern technology and space exploration. 

• Design & Technology (DT): We will be learning about pulleys and gears. 

• Art: Children will design and create their own 3D planets. 

PE Information: 

• Swimming: Tuesdays – please ensure your child brings their swimming kit. 

• PE: Thursdays – children should come to school in their PE kit. 

Thank you for your continued support! 

Kind Regards  

Mrs Dixon, Mr Rose and Miss Burrows