Class 4 (Y5 and Y6)

Welcome – Class 4

Summer Term 2024

We look forward to a busy summer term. Here is a snap shot of our Aim High Curriculum in Class 4.

As the older children in the school, Class 4 are truly wonderful role models. The children are such a delight, they are always so polite, kind and thoughtful. When ever we have visitors to school or we visit places, always and with out fail, people comment on their excellent behaviour. We feel so proud of all that they represent. Thank you to each and every one of the children for their positive contributions to our school.

English: High Quality Texts drive our curriculum and reading is integral to all that we do. Reading quality text within English and across the curriculum is vital. Our guided reading text this term is the text Street Child by Berlie Doherty. It narrates the tale of an orphan in Victorian London, whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children’s homes. It links perfectly with our Victorian topic. Writing continues to be developed through all of our different topics. We might write a description about the hideous Mr Stink in Street Child, or an explanation of the circulatory system in science. Grammar and spelling and the technical vocabulary is woven throughout all that we do, attached is a link to 2023 SPAG test just so you can take a look at the type of language and the high standard that the children are expected to reach.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.ukmdia/6464ed3fe14070000cb6e12d/2023_key_stage_2_English_grammar_punctuation_and_spelling_paper_1_questions.pdf

Maths this term is about consolidation of the skills learnt. Applying skills in multistep word problems will be a focus. We will also look at properties of shape and position and direction. Co ordinates, translation and rotation link nicely with our William Morris work in art too. It’s always great to forge cross curricular links where possible. 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.

In science we are studying: Animals Including humans: changes as humans develop to old age. We will draw a timeline to indicate stages in the growth and development of humans. As part of this we will discuss the changes experienced at each stage of development including the changes experienced during in puberty. We will also learn about the main parts of the human circulatory system. We will describe the ways in which nutrients and water are transported with animals including humans. The children will recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function. There are lots of great experiments to support this work and is a great topic to promote positive self image and caring for ourselves.

In Art we will be studying the work of William Morris and Eadweard Muybridge. Eadweard Muybridge was an English photographer important for his pioneering work in photographic studies of motion and in motion-picture. We will be looking at drawing techniques to draw people in action using a range of pencils and pens.

History is all about the Victorians. History is a great subject that enables us to look at the diverse history of this country. We use developing enquiry approach to discover more about the impact, both positive and negative, of this time period. We look at the evolution of the education system and industry and engineering. This links back to previous work on the railway in Halwill Junction.

To help us immerse ourselves in this subject we try to re enact a Victorian School Day. It’s great fun and educational too. Something the children always enjoy. Victorian day will held after half term on Friday 21st June. There is no expectation to buy new costumes etc, it is about a simple black white school uniform. I will talk to the children about this in more detail. It is such a great experience and one that we really enjoy.

Field work Studies in Geography will look at the impact of traffic in Halwill Junction. The children will, observe and map the route of traffic and surrounding human and physical features of Halwill Junction. They will study digital maps and GIS representation. They will measure data to investigate the volume and type of traffic at different times of day in a defined point in Halwill Junction. We will also gather responses from parents using Google Forms.

Through our Teach Computing scheme of work we will learn about programming and photograph editing. The children are really working hard with the application of technical vocabulary and understanding of core concepts in their subject.

The Devon Agreed syllabus is followed for our Religious World Views topics. This term we look at: Why do Hindus want to be good. We will identify and explain Hindu beliefs. We will make clear connections between Hindu beliefs about dharma, karma, samsara and moksha and ways in which Hindus live and connect the four Hindu aims of life and the four stages of life with beliefs about dharma, karma, moksha. Then finally, we will give evidence and examples to show how Hindus put their beliefs into practice in different ways.

Madame Clarke will continue to develop confidence with speaking and listening activities in French. The children show such confidence during their French lessons and are always confident in talking in French. Very impressive. This term they will learn about the seasons and associated language.

This is a term of mixed emotions for us too—the term when we have to bid a farewell to the Y6. It is always so exciting to see our Y6 prepare for their transition to Y7 and we wish them lots of success as they move forwards to their new adventures…. But of course we will miss them too.

Class Routines

Homework is set on a Tuesday. We will continue to set homework on Mathletics and Reading Buddies. 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, which they test themselves on. Adults oversee this.

Reading five times a week, practising common exception word spellings and learning times tables are all essential. 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. We ask the children to use the Reading Buddies platform at least 3 times a week. The platform is great and supports the children to develop fluency and pace. Importantly is also supports the children in developing comprehension skills. https://www.oxfordreadingbuddy.com/uk.

Children receive Fab ticks as a reward point. Rewards may link to our Carey Qualities, it may be for great work, it may be for a lovely smile…. the possibilities are endless!

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/carrer 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) and Mrs R Skinner (Teaching Assistant) Mrs S Matthews.