Curriculum Newsletter
Class 5
June-July 2015
What are we doing in our class this half term?
How has my locality changed for the better
throughout history?
English
This half term we will be focusing on poetry, explaining and commenting on poets’ use of language with a particular
focus on the different types of figurative language such as metaphors, alliteration, similes and personification. We
will also look at the techniques and styles that different poets use. There will be a
particular focus on ‘The Highwayman’ by Alfred Noyes. The children will then have the
opportunity to apply what they have learnt, by writing some verses of their own. We will
also be producing an information leaflet on Shadwell’s history for the local Historical
Society. We will continue to focus on sentence structure, using an ever wider variety of
complex sentences, to enhance our writing. Grammar and punctuation will remain an
integral part of English lessons.
Maths
This half term we will be investigating more detailed work on Measure (imperial and metric
conversions) and Area & Perimeter, applying existing knowledge to more complex word
problems. In addition, we will re-visit Maths topics from earlier in the year such as
Multiplication and Division, and look at problems involving Ratio & Proportion and basic
Algebra. There will continue to be a times tables test each week together with a Maths
investigation lesson.
Enriched Curriculum
This half term in Science, we will continue with our topic on ‘Earth & Space’. We will look closer at how seasons
occur and we will consider why there is a variation in sunrise and sunset times. We will also learn more about the
Moon. Linked to our History work and following our tour of Shadwell village, we will investigate the local history of
our area and how the village has changed over time. We will look at the reasons for these changes and how they
have benefited the community. We will be working closely with Shadwell’s Historical Society, who will assist us in
our quest for knowledge.
I.C.T.
Children will generate, amend and combine visual media from different sources for our work on the
history of Shadwell. We will also be undertaking research online for all our curriculum areas.
Art/Design & Technology
Children will be involved in building up their sketching and shading skills
before creating pencil drawings of the local area of Shadwell. We will compare
historical photographs of the village with current evidence and decide on the most
appropriate skills to produce some beautiful artwork of the village.
PSHCE
‘Changes’ is our theme for this final half term, where we will consider our feelings about moving up to Class 6 and
address any worries. It will also include Sex and Relationship Education which will support the children’s
understanding of the physical and emotional experiences they will encounter over the next few years.
Religious Education
This half term, children will use the vocabulary they have learned in R.E., such as reconciliation and forgiveness, to
show their understanding of conflicts and their resolution.
French
We will continue to follow the ‘Jolie Ronde’ scheme of work, developing our speaking
and listening skills as we improve our vocabulary and grammar knowledge. Our topics this half term will be:
hobbies, likes/dislikes and clothing. This knowledge, together with previous work from earlier in the year, will
enable children to create a piece of writing about themselves.
Physical Education and PE Kit
This half term children will be developing their Athletics skills. In addition, dance sessions with our
coach will continue on Wednesday morning, as we create routines that are linked to our Science
topic, Earth and Space. Please can you ensure that your child has the correct PE kit in school each
day.
Homework
Maths homework is given out on a Monday. It is to be returned on Thursday.
Literacy homework is given out on a Thursday. It is to be returned by Monday.
Spelling homework is given out on a Friday and will be tested the following Friday.
Learning Logs will be given out approximately twice during the half term.
Each night the children are expected to read for a minimum of 15 minutes. We are encouraging all children as we
approach year 6 to build up their reading stamina and ensure they consistently read every evening. We would
appreciate your assistance in checking this is taking place. The pages must be logged by the children in their
planner.
Planners
Please continue to sign your child’s planner each week. Final stamp certificates will soon be issued!
Reminder - Water Bottles
Many children still do not have a water bottle in school. Please ensure that your child has a water bottle in school
every day. This is especially important since the weather is starting to improve. They must remember to take it
home every evening to wash the bottle and bring it in to school already full.
Thank you
I would like to thank all parents for your support over the last year. Assisting children with their homework and
testing them each week for their spelling tests and timetable tests is a really valuable help to me which is greatly
appreciated! The children have been an absolute joy to work with and I wish them all the very best for class 6.
Mrs Kirby