Year 5
Year 5’s Viking Day!
On Tuesday 25th November, Year 5 had an exciting Viking Day. Children dressed up as Viking warriors and all our activities for the day were linked to the Vikings. In Geography, the children learnt about the physical and human features of Scandinavia and made comparisons with areas of the United Kingdom. The children made colourful shields using a variety of materials and also explored Viking names.
During the day, we also learnt about the ‘Viking Runes’ and wrote messages to each other using the runic alphabet.
Following on from our Viking Day, Year 5 are now very keen to delve even deeper into this fascinating period of British history.
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Our Year 5 children had an absolutely fantastic day at the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium! The trip was a wonderful opportunity to bring our science learning to life and to inspire curiosity about the world and universe around us. Throughout the day, the children were fully engaged, exploring a wide range of hands-on exhibits that deepened their understanding of key science topics, including forces, light, sound and space. They particularly enjoyed experimenting with interactive displays that demonstrated how pulleys, levers and magnets work, as well as investigating how light and shadows behave.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the incredible planetarium experience, where the children were taken on an immersive journey through the night sky. They learnt about the planets in our solar system, the life cycle of stars and the movements of the Earth, Moon and Sun. Many children were amazed to see constellations projected above them and to discover how astronomers use technology to explore space. The show truly captured their imaginations and linked beautifully to our current science topic.
In addition to gaining new scientific knowledge, the trip helped the children develop important life skills such as teamwork, curiosity and critical thinking. They asked thoughtful questions, shared ideas and showed great enthusiasm throughout the day. We are so proud of their excellent behaviour, positive attitudes and the excitement they brought to every activity. Overall, it was a memorable and inspiring day.
Pedestrian Training
Year 5 were given the opportunity to complete pedestrian training with a team from Hillingdon. Each pupil was given a high-vis jacket and we ventured out onto the street after discussing ‘Stop, Look, Listen, Think’. The children then, in pairs, practised crossing the road safely and assessing their surroundings. Although something most children can do, it was an important activity to emphasise the importance that if they don’t follow the steps just once, it could end badly. We also spoke about checking for reversing lights, wearing helmets on bikes and wearing seatbelts in cars.
Guided Reading
Throughout Autumn Term 1, our key text in English is 'How To Train Your Dragon' by Cressida Cowell. H
iccup Horrendous Haddock The Third, the main character, was an awesome sword fighter, a dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking Hero that ever lived. The book explores Hiccup's struggle to pass the Dragon Initiation Programme with a toothless dragon and fight the Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus before it gobbles up every Viking on the Isle of Berk. It was time for Hiccup to learn how to be a hero. The children are thoroughly enjoying the book so far and can't wait to hear what will happen next!
I
English
In English, the children are learning about instructional writing. They have studied the key features of this genre and covered a variety of activities to enable them to recognise how an excellent set of instructions should be structured. As a part of this process, the children worked in pairs to follow a set of instructions carefully and make a paper dragon. The children thoroughly enjoyed the activity and worked with resilience and enthusiasm. In Autumn two, the children have been learning about the difference between fiction and a non-chronological report. They have then written their own non-chronological reports displaying all the knowledge that they have learnt about the Vikings. 
The Vikings
This term in topic lessons, the children are finding out about who the Vikings were and how they were perceived by others. So far, they have identified where they originated from and the significant events that led to their invasion of Britain.
Earth and Space
Art
Within Art, the children created stunning collages of Viking longships using a variety of artistic techniques.
They experimented with collage to build the ships' intricate details, combining different textures and materials for a layered effect. Watercolour paints were used to create dynamic backgrounds, with salt and cling film used to add texture to represent the sea. The children also explored a range of techniques, such as stippling, shading, layering and scumbling with oil pastels to add depth and movement to their work. The final pieces showcased their creativity, skill and understanding of Viking history through art.