Year 5
Religious Education
Our Year 5 children are learning about Sikhism. The children have explored the meaning of the Guru Granth Sahib and why it is important to Sikhs. They are exploring different Sikh stories and understand that they are an important way of expressing belief and meaning.
Guided Reading
As part of our South America topic this term, the children explored the text Sports and Pastimes, which provided insight into popular activities in Brazil, including football, Grand Prix racing, capoeira, and samba. Through this text, the children developed their reading comprehension skills by identifying key information, exploring new vocabulary, and analysing the author's choice of language. They worked on retrieval skills to locate specific details and were challenged to think critically about the impact of language on the reader.
To deepen their understanding, the children participated in various activities, including using context clues to determine word meanings, comparing football with the Grand Prix using Venn diagrams, and discussing how the text connects to their own experiences. They also explored how different words influence a reader's engagement with the text. Throughout the lessons, they were encouraged to think independently, share ideas, and justify their responses, helping to build confidence in reading and analysis.
Bhangra workshop
To begin culture week, the year 5’s were immersed in a Bhangra dance workshop. It began with a quick introduction to the history of the dance and where it originated from: Punjab, India.
Before beginning the dancing, the teacher shared three key points to remember when dancing
1. Smiling is vital
2. Bounce your shoulders
3. 97% of moves start with the left foot.
The children then learned an 8 step Bhangra dance which they did in time with music and performed.
The teacher then introduced a ‘saap’ -a wooden instrument that claps together to make a sound that represents showing power. The alternative to this is shouting ‘Hoi!’
The next step the children learnt was the ‘fasla ’ which represents harvesting the crops which was done by farmers.
The children then performed their final piece and were excellent.
‘It was really fun and there were lots of cool dance moves to learn’ Ayaan
‘I liked how fun it was - it was tiring though!’ Ayo F
Pedestrian Training
This week, 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 emphasis 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.
Throughout Autumn Term 1, our key text in English is 'How To Train Your Dragon' by Cressida Cowell. Hiccup 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!
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.
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
Year 5 Visit Winchester Planetarium and Science Museum
As part of our Science topic on Earth and Space, on Thursday 7th November 2024 , Year 5 visited Winchester Planetarium and Science Museum. The day started early, with pupils arriving at school at 8.30 a.m so that we could depart promptly at 9a.m with every one on board the coaches. Although it was quite a long journey, the children enjoyed the changing scenery as we journeyed through the countryside. Once we arrived at the Museum, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and split into our four classes. Throughout the day, each class explored two fascinating exhibitions where they were able to fully interact with a variety of engaging activities. We also participated in workshop about light, where children worked collaboratively to investigate both reflection and refraction. After lunch, the children attended the ‘Planetarium Show’ which was absolutely spectacular. As the children gazed into the sky, they were given a detailed account of the planets, stars and galaxies within the universe. Finally, we left the museum for the journey home. The children thoroughly enjoyed the trip and consolidated their understanding of Earth and Space.
Art
This term, Year 5 embarked on an exciting journey into the world of art, exploring a variety of mediums and techniques to create stunning Viking-themed masterpieces. Using oil pastels, watercolours, coloured pencils, and permanent pens, the children developed a range of skills, including painting, sketching, shading, and collage.
We began our project by experimenting with oil pastels, where the children learned shading, stippling, scumbling, and layering techniques. With these new skills, they created vibrant skies for their final artwork. Next, we explored watercolour techniques such as splattering, using salt, and experimenting with cling film to produce unique textures. The children practiced horizontal brush strokes to create realistic water effects, which gave remarkable results when left to dry overnight.
For the Viking longship, the children traced a simple boat template to provide a base, but they were given creative freedom to design their own sea serpent or dragon head and tail. They sketched intricate details using pencils, such as curved wood grain lines and Viking-inspired shield designs. They then coloured their ships using a mix of coloured pencils, markers, and watercolours, ensuring every piece was unique.
Finally, it was time for collaging. The students tore their carefully painted watercolour sections into wavy strips and layered them onto their backgrounds to create a textured sea effect. With the ship and sail glued in place, the masterpieces came together.
The results were breathtaking! Each Viking ship tells its own story, and the children's creativity and hard work in their art truly shine. Whether it was the fiery skies, rippling waters, or fierce dragon heads, every detail reflected their effort and imagination.
We couldn't be prouder of Year 5's achievements—and we think they feel the same way! Well done to all the artists for bringing history to life through art.