Maths

This term in Maths, Year 5 have deepened their understanding of number and calculation. They explored the place value of thousandths, learning to partition, order, compare, and round numbers with up to three decimal places. They also worked with negative numbers, including finding the difference between positive and negative values. In multiplication, they practised multiplying three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers using formal written methods, and developed fluency in multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1000, recognising how the value of digits changes when numbers are scaled up or down.

English

This term in English, Year 5 have been studying Macbeth, exploring the story through drama and writing. They followed the plot using a lively “whoosh” activity to bring the tale to life and used the text as inspiration for a range of writing tasks. These included writing a letter in role as Macbeth to Lady Macbeth about his encounter with the witches, a newspaper report on the murder of King Duncan, and a soliloquy from Banquo’s perspective as he wrestled with whether to confront Macbeth. They also wrote a balanced argument discussing whether Macbeth is a villain or a tragic hero, developing their analytical thinking and persuasive writing skills.

Science

To develop their investigatory and problem-solving skills, the students planned and carried out an investigation into separating soil and rocks from water. This hands-on activity allowed them to apply their scientific knowledge and employ various techniques to separate the components effectively. They were encouraged to think critically, make observations, and draw conclusions based on their findings. The concept of thermal and electrical conduction was also explored, learning the properties of conductors and insulators and being able to identify examples of each. Furthermore, they have gained an understanding of how these properties affect the transfer of heat and electricity in different materials.

RE

This term in RE, Year 5 have been learning about miracles and their significance in the Christian faith. They explored what a miracle is and applied this understanding to two stories from the Bible—Jesus healing a lame man and the feeding of the 5,000—comparing the messages and impact of each. The class also studied the events of Holy Week, deepening their understanding of the Easter story, and learned why many Christians choose to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, reflecting on the importance of this journey in their faith.

Geography

This term in Geography, Year 5 have been learning about mountains, with a particular focus on the Cambrian Mountains in Wales and mountain ranges around the world. They used maps to locate major ranges and specific peaks, including Mount Everest, and explored how fold mountains are formed. They learned about fossils—how they are formed—and investigated why Mallory and Norgay discovered sea creature fossils at the summit of Everest in 1953. The children compared the climate of the Cambrian Mountains with their own locality and explored how this affects farming and tourism. They discovered how farmers adapt to the challenges of mountain climates and why the area attracts visitors. Using 4- and 6-figure grid references, they located reservoirs and key landmarks, and learned about how dams and reservoirs are used to supply water and generate electricity through hydroelectric power.

Spanish

This term in Spanish, Year 5 have continued to build their language skills through the café topic. They have learned how to order a wider range of foods and drinks, ask politely for items, and hold a simple conversation in a café setting. Pupils also practised how to ask for the bill, helping them develop confidence in using Spanish for real-life situations.

Design and Technology

This term in Design and Technology, Year 5 have been learning about food preparation and nutrition through the theme of bolognese. They began by understanding how beef is reared and processed, before evaluating the nutritional content of different bolognese products. Pupils then adapted and designed their own bolognese recipes, considering flavour and health. They also created product labels for their dishes, thinking about presentation and marketing. Finally, they followed their adapted recipes, practising safe chopping techniques with knives and chopping boards to cook their own delicious bolognese meals.

Computing

This half term the children have looked at Computer Networks and Music Creation.

Firstly, in computer networks we learnt what the network is, including the internet, how they can provide services such as the world wide web, the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration.

Then we created online music. We investigated layering tracks using sounds and effects on BeepBox. We used various online samplers and sequences to create drums patterns and scales.

Music

The Year 5 Children have been appraising music via the Charanga Music website. We have listened to a piece of music each week in our music sessions. We have learnt new music vocabulary – Syncopated and off-beat. Whilst listening to the music we tried to identify these rhythms. We also tried to identify the style and tonality of the piece.

We have also been hard at worked learning some Easter songs for our KS2 Easter Service at St. Catherine’s Church.

PE

This term in PE, Year 5 have developed their skills in both gymnastics and hockey. In gymnastics, they explored a range of balance poses, including individual balances, counter balances, counter tension balances, and group balances, focusing on control, coordination, and teamwork. In hockey, they learned how to control the ball using the stick, change direction with accuracy, pass effectively to teammates, defend against opponents, and score goals. They began to apply these skills in small-sided games, building their confidence, cooperation, and understanding of game play.