Class 4 (Y5 and Y6)

Welcome to Class 4

Summer 2026

Welcome to Class 4

As the older children in the school, Class 4 are truly wonderful role models. They are such a delight, they are always so polite, kind and thoughtful. We feel so proud of all that they represent. Thank you to each one of the children for their positive contributions to our school community.

Our Aim High Curriculum in Class 4.

We know the importance of igniting children’s curiosity so many of our lessons start with a question. Questions are used to encourage creativity, communication and cooperation between the pupils. Oracy is at the root of all that we do! We want to give the children the skills needed to voice their opinions clearly now and into their future lives.

Our English work is driven by high quality text or it can be inspired by a class visit or other curriculum areas – the inspiration is endless. We talk about the importance of grammar as a tool for conveying meaning and provide guidance and opportunity to learn grammar explicitly. We equip the children to understand the composition and structure of their writing. Creating coherent texts relies on pupils’ firm understanding of both sentence structure and paragraph organisation. The best way to model this is through high quality text by reading lots and lots at home and school. We read everyday at school and ask that the children read 5 times a week at home.

This term we are reading the text from the Voices range of books called Son of the Circus. It is A Victorian Story that explores the life of a young boy called, Ted, who lives with his mother and poorly older brother in Victorian Bradfield.

“The superb Voices series takes unsung heroes of the past and imagines them recounting the story of their remarkable lives’ ” – The Times

When a stranger, a man the boys don’t remember ever seeing before, appears in their kitchen, Ted is hit with a shocking revelation. This man is his father – the first black circus owner in Victorian Britain, Pablo Fanque. Before Ted can recover from his shock, he is sent away with Pablo to learn the tricks of the circus trade. Pablo is determined for Ted to follow in his footsteps……..

As always, in maths, it is about securing the fundamental skills. It is so important that the children are fluent with X Tables and rapid recall of simple number bonds it gives them a huge advantage in managing the demands of the Y5/6 curriculum.

We use the CUBES math strategy as a systematic approach to solving math word problems. The acronym C.U.B.E.S stands for:

Circle key numbers & units.
Underline the question.
Box math action words.
Evaluate the problem.
Solve the problem & check your work

It will really support the children in untangling the complexities of word problems into manageable calculations. This term we will cover topics including the following topics: Percentages, fractions, Decimals. Angels in shape and position and direction.

In science this term, we will continue to develop our skills for working scientifically thinking about how to set up comparative and fair tests. These skills will be honed and developed through the topic called Animals including Humans, which looks at describing changes as humans develop to old age. We will also learn about the circulatory system. Did you know:

The human intestine, including both small and large intestines, measures approximately 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters) when fully extended.

History Enquiry asks the Key Question: Do all advances in society bring positive change? We will study the Victorian Era. As part of this, we will contextualise our learning through lived experiences and local history including, education, railways and technology. Significant people: Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Robert louis Stevenson will also be studied. Later in the term we will invite the children to a “Victorian Day.” It’s always a really successful way to impart a great detail of knowledge with a lot of fun!

In art and design, we will begin by thinking about the following disciplinary questions: What is art? How is art made? How is art judged? What is the purpose of art? How does design affect the lives of users? It is a great way to get children to think about their own perspective in art. Building on our knowledge of the Victorian period we will look at the work of William Morris and Charles Frances Annesley Voysey. Charles Voysey created the art work at The Winsford Centre.

Art and Design Enquiry is inspired by the question- How can I develop symmetry and repeated pattern through printing? Our Final Piece will include using a using a polystyrene tile to create a print that reflects the nature around them (links with science and maths) using symmetry and repeated pattern. Forging links where we can is key.

Music -in music we follow the Charanga Music Scheme. Each unit of Work consists of clearly sequenced lessons with planning, key learning and outcomes that support the National Curriculum. The Musical Spotlight is titled the Freedom to Improvise. Improvisation gives you the freedom to express yourself, to really go for it! When you improvise, we will encourage the children to use notes that lie further apart?
An ‘interval’ in music refers to the distance between two pitches. Some notes lie right next to each other (stepping motion) while other notes lie further apart (skipping motion). We link music to a social question and this will be explored as we progress through the unit. Throughout the topic we consider the question: How Does Music Shape Our Way of Life? These lovely open-ended questions encourage active and lively debate.

Computing – The Teach Computing curriculum is structured into units that enable pupils to build on prior learning. This term we will look at an introduction to Vector Graphics.

We support a worldviews approach in Religious Education. All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture, but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.

French—understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing, focused on familiar and routine matters, using their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary.

Our RSE work is embedded through CORAM SCARF materials. Coram Life Education & SCARF is the UK’s leading charity provider of PSHE and wellbeing education in primary schools.

Here is a useful link that may help support you at home:

https://www.coramlifeeducation.org.uk/family-scarf

Physical Education- this term we will explore athletics, orienteering and swimming. It is also the term where we hold our annual sports day. Teamwork and individual sports really help the children to develop a sense of sportsmanship and competitiveness.

Class Routines

Maths home learning is set on a Tuesday using the online learning platform Doodle Maths. It is important that children complete tasks set so that they have regular reinforcement and practise.

The children have a spelling journal where they record spelling from the statutory word lists, these will come home on a Wednesday. Please spend a little time at least 3 times a week practising and learning these spellings. I have lots of ideas that I will share with the children. However, as always, please do ask if you have any questions.

Reading five times a week is an expectation within the Carey Federation because we value and want to nurture in the children a love of reading. Please support your children’s learning by hearing them read, reading to them or discussing what they have read five times a week and initialling in their reading record. Take a look at the useful questions I have added to the children’s reading records.

It is a year 5/6 privilege to leave school on their own, once a permission form has been completed. Please appreciate, due to pupil safety being paramount, they are not permitted to walk younger siblings with them. The children are reminded regularly to return to school if their parent/carer is not in the usual meeting place.

Another exciting privilege in Class 4 is to bring their own pencil case! We provide the resources, but many of them like to bring a few of their own things too.

The children’s well-being is of the utmost importance, and we aim to create a happy, healthy environment for all. If you have any worries or questions, please do not hesitate in coming to see us.

Many thanks,

Miss J Miners (Class Teacher)