Class Teacher - Ms K Dixon

Welcome to the Whales class.

Welcome to Year 5 and 6 Whales Class! This page will give you information about PE days, homework, trips, events and the areas of learning that we will focus on during the term. We look forward to welcoming your child into their new year group and we have a very exciting first term ahead!

In history, we will be starting a new topic learning all about the fascinating Tudor Monarch, Richard III and the War of the Roses. The children’s learning in Term 1 will focus on gathering evidence across the curriculum subjects in order to answer an enquiry question of- Was Richard III a hero or a villain? Our geography lessons will link to this as we will be identifying and concluding whether the physical features of Bosworth field led to Richard III defeat. Our English and Guided Reading focus will include the narrative Richard III and The Queen’s Fool. Children will be using inferences to show their understanding and we will be writing a report, detailed character descriptions and a diary entry. In Art, the children will be observing Tudor portraits and how the rose was a symbol of the House and in music the children will be learning Tudor music drumming techniques!

In science, we will be covering the Electricity unit of associating the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit. Also, we will be comparing and giving reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on/off position of switches and finally we will be using recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram. The children will be working scientifically through a range of disciplinary skills and exploring different types of scientific enquiries. Please see our overview document for more details about what we will be learning in curriculum subjects.

PE will take place on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Mondays in Term 1, we are very lucky to be having a cricket coach to teach the children cricket skills and games. On Tuesday mornings, from 10th September, we are excited to access swimming lessons at Station Leisure and Learning Centre. A letter will be sent home with further details. Please arrive at school in your academy PE kit and leave earrings at home on both of those days.

Homework will continue to be set weekly. Please keep reading every day (we have lots of books in the classroom for you to take home!) and earning lots of coins on TT rock stars! If you need reminders of any of your login details, please speak to Mrs Hastings. We will also be setting weekly spellings for your child to learn during Term 1, these will include synonyms and definitions too.

We hope you have all had a very restful and happy summer break and we are looking forward to a very exciting first term with you all.

Thank you

The Year 5 and 6 team.