Dear Parents & Children – Welcome to the Autumn Term
Welcome to Year 5!
We are Westall Class 2022/2023
Welcome to Westall’s class page!
Your teacher for the year is Miss Browning and our class teaching assistant is Mrs Bissmire. Mrs Bissmire has followed you over from year 4 so already knows lots about you however, Miss Browning is looking forward to getting to know you all. This year we have two class pets, Guinea Pigs, who need all the love and support while they are getting used to the class environment!
Our Autumn topic is Dynamic Dynasties. In this project your child will be learning about periods of Chinese history. There is a knowledge organiser at the bottom of this page which we will be using in all topic lessons to help children with key words and information. Take time to have a look but there is no need to print or bring this into school.
In addition, we will be following the national curriculum requirements of English, Maths, Science, RSHE and RE. Our first topic in English surrounds a book called Small in the city. We will be exploring how to investigate what the author is writing about as well as creating our own poetry and writing using the book as inspiration. In Maths, we are starting with a place value topic. This year we have joined an amazing new scheme called White Rose Maths. There will be a chance when homework is set to explore the 1-minute Maths section and have a go at home. In RSHE we will be following the SCARF scheme. In science we will be exploring two new topics, the first being forces and mechanisms and the second called Earth and Space.
P.E.
P.E. will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please send children to school wearing their P.E. kit on these days. Their P.E kit consists of a sky-blue polo, royal blue Oaklands jumper, royal blue cotton shorts, socks and suitable sports trainers. Hair must be tied back and any jewellery much be removed at home.
Homework
Homework is a valuable opportunity for children to consolidate learning as well as get parents involved in our topics. Homework will be sent home in red A4 homework books on a Friday.
Every night:
Reading for at least 15 minutes and Doodle Maths.
Work from an area of the curriculum:
This will be given out on a Friday and to be returned the following Wednesday in homework books.
Friday times tables work:
There will be a times tables/ division facts activity set each Friday.
Doodle Maths:
Daily Maths practice ensures that gaps are continually being filled.
White Rose Maths:
White Rose Maths have a 1-minute Maths section which can be done to consolidate learning.
Contact and Support
Please do not hesitate to speak to one of the year 5 teaching and support team if you have any questions or queries about your child’s learning. You can speak with us at the gate after school, or alternatively, you can contact the school office to book a meeting. If you or anyone you know, has skills or knowledge that could enrich our in-class learning, we would love to hear from you and see if we can make use of this in our lessons.
Reading books
Please ensure you read daily with your child, as they grow it is important to foster a love of reading within them. A fantastic way to do this is to have discussions about the books they are reading and listening to them read.
When reading with your child at home it is important that they understand what they’re reading. Use these questions to help question your child:
What has happened so far?
Who are the main characters?
What have you learnt from what you have read? (Non-Fiction)
Please comment in your child's diary each time you read with them. Pupils will also have the opportunity to bring a book home from the school library. Please make sure children have their books available to read everyday.
Kind regards,
Miss E Browning & Mrs D Bissmire