Curriculum Information

 Autumn Term 2009 Year 5

Literacy

This term, in fiction, we are focusing on older literature, stories based on the Tudor period. We will also be studying a Shakespearian play and looking at stories from other cultures. In non-fiction we are analysing and writing a range of instructions, including recipes. We will be continuing to focus on extending the children's vocabulary and sentence structure, particularly focussing on sentence openers and the use of connectives. 

You can help by:

• Reading with your child and discussing the meaning of unfamiliar words
• Visiting the theatre to see a play
• Asking your child to read the instructions to a game, recipe or piece of equipment and then explain them to you. Let your child be the 'teacher'.
• Pointing out any old-fashioned language which we do not use today (Beatrix Potter stories are great for this!).

Numeracy

The main focus over the term is continuing to develop their understanding of all four number operations, alongside place value, data handling, 2D and 3D shape, space and measurements. We will also be looking at applying the children's knowledge to problem solving.  We will continue to focus heavily on improving the children's mental maths skills.  You can help by:

• Ensuring the children learn their tables, division tables and number bonds to 100. Practise makes perfect!
• Playing logical games such as '4 in a Row', chess, backgammon, draughts etc.

Science

In Science, we will be studying the sun, moon and space in the first half of term. In the second half of the term we turn to sound as our focus. You can help by watching any fantastic television programmes on planets; and listening to any musical instruments to see how the sound is made.

Topics

• Our main History Topic this term is the Tudors.  We will be visiting the Globe Theatre to undertake some work on Shakespearian plays. Parent helpers are always welcome on trips - please see me if you are able to accompany us!
• We are continuing to develop our links using our Managed Learning Environment with our partner school in Blois, France. The children will have weekly French lessons instead of Spanish.
• In Art and DT we are studying portraits and collage. The children will be painting their own Tudor portrait and framing it. 
• This term we have Black History week - where the focus will be on Benjamin Zephania and his poetry.
• In RE we will be looking at the relationship between Catholics and Protestants during the Tudor period, the Reformation and Guy Fawkes.

Homework

Homework continues to be given out every Friday and should be returned each Tuesday morning.  I expect the children to complete their homework to the highest standard and return it on the correct day.  Please could you remind your children about the importance of this, as it is part of their preparation for Secondary School (they are not too far away from that!) I also send out Reading Diaries which the children should complete nightly and hand in on Friday.

 PE

This term PE will be every Monday and Friday.  On Mondays we will be working in the hall on the large apparatus (children MUST wear shorts) and on Fridays they will be working outside, depending on the weather.  Please make sure your children have their PE kit in school from Monday to Friday.

I am really looking forward to teaching this new Year 5 and I am sure they will continue to work hard and make excellent progress as they did in Year 4.

I would be very grateful if any parents can volunteer to help with readers in school. If you can spare any time at all on a weekly basis please see me. I would also love any parents to come in who have an expertise which relates to what the children are learning. If you think you can help please come and see me!!

I would like to think that all parents will support their children in their learning and with their behaviour by ensuring they are at school on time, having had a good night's sleep and a good breakfast - it is so important!

Thank you for all your support,

Amanda Letch