In this booklet we aim to answer some of the questions you may have about your child entering Year 5.

General Housekeeping!

Expectations are high for the children moving into Y5 and they might find their day quite challenging initially as we expect them to take greater ownership of their behaviour, their learning and their belongings. Children need to arrive promptly and well equipped for school, including their full PE kit (see below) and to be smartly dressed wearing their school uniform with pride.

Upon arrival, children need to put their coats and bags in their locker, ensuring that they remember to bring their snack and water bottles into the classroom and handing any reply slips or dinner monies to the teacher. They are then encouraged to (independently) change their reading book if required, before coming into the classroom and settling to the morning Accelerated Reading. This is quite a lot for some children to manage, but they will soon get into the routine! (Your support is of course appreciated though to ensure that letters are returned.)

What lessons will my child have in Year 5?

English will continue to be taught in the same way as last year, through a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres, linked wherever possible to the theme to further the children’s understanding but also following the ‘Talk for writing’ approach. There will be a specific grammar / punctuation focus for each paragraph linked to the year’s objectives. Children may be working in groups with the teacher, the class TA or independently. Spellings and Guided Reading are taught separately and are explained later in the leaflet.

The topic headings for next year are as follows:

Maths is taught on a whole class basis. We follow the Maths-No Problem! Scheme, part of the Singapore approach to mathematics. Through this, the aim is to develop number sense as well as a ‘Can Do’ attitude. The pupils will develop their ability to reason, using and applying their skills when problem solving, therefore achieving greater resilience.

Each term’s lessons in the areas of History, Geography, Art & Design, Technology and our Values are taught through our Theme.

Music, PSHE, P.E., French, R.E, ICT. and Science will be taught separately but making links to the theme where relevant.

Will my child have homework?

Pupils in Year 5 will continue to have a Topic based homework project for the initial two terms, supporting the work we are doing in school. This project is based on the term’s work and your child will be given ideas for what they can do for their project and a date for handing it in. They are usually given a week either side of the half-term break as this offers opportunities for completion for those who have booked a holiday away.

We have found that this has offered pupils the chance to be creative in their work and to support this learning, there is the prospect for them to access the computers, books and other materials at school for some lunchtimes leading up to the deadline.

Also, your child will be given both a Maths and English (comprehension) Home Learning Task each week, which will be labelled with a 1*, 2* or 3 * rating according to the level of challenge they can complete. This is in addition to their reading books, which they are encouraged to read daily (both in class and at home) and times tables practice.

Spelling lists will be handed out every week (in class and can be viewed on the Y5 school website), focusing on a range of spelling patterns (e.g suffixes, prefixes, homophones, etc.) The children will have at least 3 spelling sessions each week, initially being taught the spelling pattern, then to practise it in the form of games and other fun activities.

Spellings will be presented in a range of forms: a paragraph, a crossword, a cloze procedure, anagrams, word searches, but also games will be played to ensure the pattern is reinforced Finally, they are encouraged to apply their understanding of the words in context in their written work - a higher order skill which demonstrates that the learning has been embedded; each child being given a booklet with the word lists for the half-term. Children will be tested weekly with the list in a random order and in a sentence, so the words are clearly defined. There will also be a list of Statutory spellings that will be available on word mats on tables that ALL children are required to recall but set out in a bronze, silver and gold format to reflect the different rates of learning and progress.

How can I help my child with their homework?

There is a fantastic article at http://www.parenting.com/article/help-kids-with-homework of which the main facts are planning, organisation, setting goals, routine and habit-forming. Little and often is the key, alongside motivation.We also have school-produced booklets on how to help your child with Reading and with Maths, which you may find helpful too.

When will my child be heard to read by the teacher?

Guided reading sessions will continue to take place each week. Your child’s group will be heard on this occasion. Parent Helpers (any volunteers would be greatly appreciated) also hear children read on a 1:1 basis where possible, but daily reading should be carried out at home with a parent as well as at school (remember it only needs to be 10 minutes each night). If your child needs to change their book they can do so every morning when they first come in to school and during registration during the Accelerated Learning session.

When will my child start writing in Pen in Y5?

When children’s handwriting is neat and following the school’s cursive, joined handwriting ideals, they will be given a pen license. This will be reassessed by us and is not based on the Y4 criteria. This license allows them to write in blue pen (NOT biro) for written work. All Maths work will be completed in pencil. Children do not require a pencil

case for school, but you may wish to get them one for home, when they are completing home learning tasks.

What will happen at playtimes for the Year 5 children?

Are there any trips / visits in Y5?

Oh yes! In the autumn term our Launch Pad is in the form of a Greek Day. The children will have the opportunity to participate in a range of Art and DT activities but also to be involved in some Greek Food Tasting. Pupils will be invited to dress up. The day offers experiences associated with the (Ancient) Greek way of life.Our ‘Landing Pad’ is in the form of ‘A Play in a Day.’ Our local Theatre in Education Practitioner; Colin Smith, has put together a performance for the children, wherein they can demonstrate all they have learnt throughout the topic. The date is Tuesday the 20th

November. The children will perform to the school at the end of the day, then after school to the parents – time to be confirmed. We ask for a contribution of £10 for the term.

In the spring term our theme is all about space and a visit from Space Dome has been booked for Friday 25th January 2019 for our launch. Our landing pad will offer the pupils the opportunity to design and make ‘Space Buggies’ over the course of a day. We ask for a contribution of £5 for the term.

During the summer term, when covering the topic of ‘Roses, Rivers and Religion,’ we plan to participate in a Re- enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury. We will be part of Tewkesbury Medfest for Children. We will ALL dress up in Medieval costumes and participate in a range of activities during the day, finishing with the Battle of Tewkesbury. It has proved to be a very enjoyable and successful experience for all involved.

Finally, our ‘Landing Pad’ allows the pupils to work in pairs to design and make their own river models (from source to sea.) We ask for a contribution of £10 for the term.

How will I know how my child is progressing?

If there are any problems, we will contact you as soon as possible, but progress will first be officially discussed at the Parent’s Evenings before the end of this term, where you will hear how your child is progressing according to age- related expectations. Should you have any concerns before this date, please do not hesitate to contact us.

And Finally...

Sex Education – at the end of the Summer Term. In year 5 there will be a meeting to provide further information for Parents to follow on from the children’s learning from last

The children will have their morning break with Years 3, 4 and 6.We do ask that you provide a piece of fruit or a healthy snack for them. It is a long day and they do benefit from a boost halfway through the morning.Also please remember your child does need a water bottle in school at all times, as they are encouraged to take regular drinks in the day to keep them hydrated.

year. (Parents can attend a briefing, which allows them to preview some of the material being covered.)

Parent helpers…

To reiterate:-

If any parent can offer an hour (or more) to come in and listen to children read on a 1:1 basis, we would be very grateful for your support.

If there are any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We look forward to working with you this coming year!

Thank you.Mrs Rouse, Mr Eveleigh, Mrs Lancaster and Mrs Lockwood