Year 5
Mr Baker and Mrs Harding and would like to welcome you to the Year 5 page.
Link to the Year 5 Gallery page:
Topic - Alchemy Island
We’re going on a magical journey to find the gold hidden somewhere on Alchemy Island.
This half term, a mysterious visitor will arrive to present us with artefacts from the island. Reading stories set in fantasy worlds will inspire our story openings. We’ll manipulate digital photographs, adding fantastical special effects. Our geography skills will improve as we look closely at maps of Alchemy Island, plotting routes and using coordinates. We’ll examine samples from the island, explore the properties of materials and experiment with changes of state. If we’re going to find gold, we’d better find out all about it! In English we’ll write soliloquies and poems inspired by the island’s magical powers and dramatic landscape. The coding programme Scratch will help us to plot and correct errors in our route, and we’ll use technology to create beautiful digital images. We’ll compose raps and use sound effects and mood music to reflect the atmosphere on Alchemy Island.
At the end of the project, we’ll perform songs about our amazing adventure and present what we have learned. We’ll design a map for a new app and a board game based on our adventures.
Help your child prepare for their project
Start your mysterious journey to Alchemy Island at home! Why not investigate foods together that change state when they are heated or cooled? You could also visit the library to find a book to read together which is set in a fantasy world. Alternatively, create a map of your own fantasy island – what landmarks will you include?
Science - Forces
The ‘Forces’ unit will teach the class about types of forces such as gravity, friction, water resistance and air resistance. Children will also learn about the use of mechanisms such as levers, gears and pulleys. The children will identify forces and find out about Isaac Newton and his discoveries about gravity, completing a comprehension about his life and his work. The children will look for patterns and links between the mass and weight of objects, using newton meters to measure the force of gravity. They will also work collaboratively to investigate air and water resistance, participating in challenges to design the best parachute and boat. They will have the opportunity to work in a hands-on way to explore friction, developing their own brake pad for a tricycle or scooter. During some of the practical science work, the children will discuss how variables other than the one being tested can be kept the same to help make a test fair. Finally, they will find out about different mechanisms, including levers, gears and pulleys, and will design their own marvellous machine.
PE
PE is every Wednesday and Friday during this half term. Children can wear their PE kits on PE days to reduce congestion and close proximity in the areas used for changing. If possible, please don't let children wear earrings on PE days.
Home Learning
Reading
We ask that children read at home regularly at home. Children can read independently, to an adult, or to a sibling. Please ensure reading diaries are signed at least two times a week.
Maths/English
Children need to be practising times tables regularly at home, they can use TT Rockstars to help. Children also need to be using Bedrock at home to help with their grammar. Additional homework may also be set on Seesaw.
Spellings
Children will be given spellings every Monday for a spelling test on Friday. The weekly spellings are also posted on Seesaw. Please ensure children are practising their spellings at home during the week.
Useful links:
TTR
https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school
Accelerated Reader (Quizzing)
https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/2248093
Purple Mash
https://www.purplemash.com/sch/ourlady-st4
Bedrock
https://app.bedrocklearning.org/
