MATHS

In our maths lessons this week, we revisited translation by working with coordinates in one quadrant, helping children understand how shapes can move horizontally and vertically on a grid without changing size or orientation. The children developed fluency in describing movements using coordinate notation, such as '4 units right and 3 units up.' Once confident, they extended their skills to using a four-quadrant grid, which introduced the concept of negative numbers and allowed for translations in all directions. With lots of hard work the children have mastered translation and progressed their geometry skills!

GEOGRAPHY

In our geography lesson, we began our new topic, "Investigating Our Local Area," by exploring the effects humans have on the environment. We discussed the broader impact of human activity, such as deforestation, destruction of natural habitats for farming and construction, and global warming. We then zoomed in on how our actions affect our immediate surroundings, like our school environment, through changes to natural areas for playgrounds and playing fields, excessive use of paper and electricity, and pollution from littering. Coincidentally, the lesson aligned perfectly with Earth Day, and the children focused on the impact of littering on our playing field. We were horrified to discover just how much litter was scattered around! It served as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for the environment and opened our eyes to how small actions can have a big impact.

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Easter break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the start of the summer term! We have an exciting term ahead, full of fun activities, school trips, our play, and lots of new learning. Let’s make the most of this final, sunny term together—it’ll fly by before we know it!

HAPPY EASTER!

What a busy and exciting term it has been! The children have worked incredibly hard, showing great perseverance and enthusiasm in all they have done. From engaging lessons and creative projects to special events and fun workshops, it has truly been a term filled with learning, achievement, and joy. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and fantastic pupils for all their hard work and effort.

As we now head into the Easter break, we hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved rest, spending time with loved ones and hopefully soaking up some sunshine. Easter is a time of renewal and hope, reminding us of God’s love and the joy of new beginnings. May this season bring peace, happiness, and many blessings to you all.

Happy Easter!

EASTER SERVICE

Our KS2 Easter Service was a wonderful celebration of this important Christian event. A selection of pupils from each year group took turns reading the Easter Story, with beautiful Easter songs and hymns sung in between, creating a reflective and uplifting atmosphere. Reverend Keen then delivered an engaging and humorous summary of the story, using chocolate props and clever puns to bring the message to life in a memorable and entertaining way. The service was a joyful and meaningful way for everyone to come together in faith, reflection, and celebration.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

Hazel Class did a fantastic job leading our Year 5 Collective Worship assembly, sharing the Christian Value of 'perseverance' in a meaningful and inspiring way. They beautifully retold the Bible story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33), highlighting how faith and perseverance go hand in hand. They also read the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, a touching story about Vashti, a girl who believed she couldn’t draw but, with encouragement and determination, discovered her hidden creativity. The children then gave real-life examples of perseverance, reminding us that just like Vashti, we all face challenges where we feel like giving up. However, with belief in ourselves and consistent effort, we can achieve great things—whether in schoolwork, sports, music, or friendships. Their powerful message left everyone feeling inspired to keep trying and never give up!

HISTORY

In their final history lesson this term, the children applied their knowledge to create a double-page spread in their books, debating whether the Victorian era was a dark age or a golden age. Drawing on their studies, they explored the successes of the Industrial Revolution—such as advancements in technology, railways, and economic growth—while contrasting these with the harsh realities of child labour, poor working conditions, and extreme social inequality. Through carefully considered comparisons, they highlighted both the era’s progress and its injustices, demonstrating a deep understanding of its complexities and forming their own well-reasoned conclusions.

CRICKET WORKSHOP

We were incredibly fortunate to have Sean from Somerset Cricket lead a fantastic session with our class today. The children learned valuable skills in batting, fielding, and the art of taking a wicket, all while having an amazing time. Despite the chilly weather, their enthusiasm never wavered! A huge thank you to the Cricket Foundation for providing such an engaging and enjoyable experience.

RED NOSE DAY

Today, we celebrated Comic Relief Day in style, with children coming to school dressed in outfits that make them happy! From football kits to cosy pajamas, the school was filled with color, laughter, and joy. It was fantastic to see everyone embracing the day while raising money for such an important cause. A huge thank you to everyone who kindly donated—your generosity will make a real difference!

P.E.

After a week of assessments, the children were eager to get outside and burn off some energy! in today’s PE lesson, The focus was on developing passing skills in netball, with the children practising chest passes, shoulder passes, and bounce passes. Once they had mastered the techniques, they put their new skills to the test in a lively game of Islanders vs. Sharks. The session was full of energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm, making for a fantastic and fun-filled way to end a busy week.

'I ROCK' ASSEMBLY

Instead of their usual singing assembly, the children were treated to an exciting and inspiring assembly led by a professional musician. In just 30 minutes, they watched popular songs performed live and even got the chance to help build a band on stage! The interactive and engaging session showed how quickly they could learn to perform together, sparking enthusiasm and confidence in their musical abilities. The children absolutely loved it, leaving the assembly feeling motivated and eager to explore music further!

WORKSHOP

Today, the Year 5 children had an exciting and inspiring workshop led by students from Preston Secondary, giving them a glimpse into the world of medicine. The session was filled with hands-on activities, from listening to heartbeats with stethoscopes to testing reflexes on each other with reflex hammers. They also had fun making fortune tellers to help them decide on a future medical career! The children were fully engaged and loved the interactive experience, leaving with a newfound curiosity about the medical profession. A huge thank you to the Preston Secondary students for such a fantastic and educational session!

ART

VICTORIAN DAY

Year 5’s Victorian Day was a step back in time, immersing children and staff in the strict and disciplined world of the 1800s. Dressed in authentic attire, the classroom was run with rigid rules, monotonous tasks, and an unwavering focus on obedience.

A visiting, stern dame teacher put the children through their paces with exercise drills, hand inspections, and straight-backed line-ups, ensuring the girls were treated as lesser citizens, as was customary in the era. Handwriting practice included writing lines such as children must be seen and not heard, and silence is golden.

Breaktime saw traditional games like hula hoops, skipping ropes, and hopscotch, while the afternoon brought parlour games such as charades, Pass the Slipper, and Kit’s Game, which tested their memory. The day ended on a sweet note with a delicious serving of Victoria sponge cake.

While the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, there was no doubt they were grateful to return to modern life by the end of the day!

SCIENCE FAIR

The school Science Fair was a fantastic showcase of creativity and curiosity, where keen scientists from KS1 and KS2 proudly presented their projects. From exciting experiments to fascinating discoveries—and even some downright gross displays—there was something to amaze everyone! Children loved exploring, getting hands-on, and immersing themselves in the interactive exhibits, making it a fun and memorable experience for all.

MATHS

This week in maths lessons, the children used their times table knowledge to accurately divide larger numbers, building their confidence before moving on to short division methods with fraction and decimal remainders. We dedicated a lesson solely to short division with decimal remainders, where the children also had to apply their rounding skills to ensure accuracy. In our final lesson, they applied these skills to real-life word problems, using their understanding to determine when and how to round their answers to the next whole number. It has been great to see their growing confidence in division and problem-solving!

ENGLISH

In English this week, we completed a reading comprehension activity that focused on selecting the best evidence to support our inferences and we are pleased that the children are becoming more precise with their selections. We also dedicated two lessons to grammar, where we worked on using the correct verb tenses for singular and plural subjects. The children practiced choosing the appropriate verb between "was/were" and "is/are" to ensure grammatical accuracy. Additionally, we explored prefixes and suffixes, investigating how their addition changes the meaning of a root word or even its word class. We are also thoroughly enjoying continuing our reading of Street Child by Berlie Doherty, as it is bringing the Victorian era to life in an engaging and immersive way!

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

This year, the theme for World Day of Prayer was 'I made you wonderful'. With that in mind, Hazel Class wrote their own prayer to mark the day:

Dear God,

Thank You for making each of us in Hazel Class extraordinary, unique and wonderful. You created us with love and joy, and You know every part of us—our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts. Thank you for making us bright like a diamond, letting our light shine everyday. 

Help us to see the beauty and spirituality in ourselves and in others. When we feel unsure or not good enough, thank you for giving us strength and courage to continue and for reminding us that we are made in Your image, and we are precious to You.

Teach us to be kind and caring to everyone each day, to share Your love, and to lift others up. Let us use our gifts to let our light shine and make the world a better place, just as You planned for us.

We pray for all people around the world today, that they may know how much You love them. Thank You for making us exquisitely wonderful and for always being with us.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

ENGLISH

This week in English, Hazel class have been engaged in a variety of exciting and thought-provoking activities. We began by tackling a reading comprehension task on the Victorian workhouses, focusing on inference skills. The children carefully examined the text, providing evidence to support their answers and delving deeper into the emotions and experiences of the characters. In our grammar lesson, we explored the use of colons, learning how to use them to introduce lists, explanations, or elaborate on ideas. The highlight of the week was writing a diary entry from the perspective of a Victorian child working in harsh conditions, such as coal miners, chimney sweeps, mill workers, or domestic servants. Their writing was rich with emotion, employing figurative language like similes and metaphors, along with relative clauses and a range of fronted adverbials. The results were incredible—the children created vivid, descriptive, and passionate diary entries that truly brought to life the hardships faced by children during the Victorian era!

MATHS

In Hazel class, we started our week of maths with a variety of arithmetic questions, where the children demonstrated impressive progress and a strong understanding of key concepts. They then moved on to adding and subtracting decimal numbers mentally, using a range of strategies such as partitioning and rounding to make their calculations more efficient. Finally, the class revisited multiplying mixed number fractions by whole numbers. After practicing and refining the method, the class became more confident and accurate in their calculations, showing great improvement in both their understanding and application of these concepts. By the end of the week, they were able to tackle these challenges with confidence and precision.

WORLD BOOK DAY

World Book Day was a fantastic celebration of reading, creativity, and imagination! The children (and staff) looked amazing in their various costumes, bringing their favourite book characters to life. Each classroom door was transformed into a different book cover, and the competition between classes was tough, with incredible creativity on display. The children loved seeing their favourite stories come to life and taking part in a variety of fun World Book Day activities. They also enjoyed the opportunity to spend their £1 book tokens at the book fair, making it a truly memorable day for all!

CAREERS WEEK

As part of Careers Week, we were delighted to welcome Jane from Branston Potatoes, who gave the children a fascinating insight into the world of potatoes. She explained the growing, harvesting, and selection process and where the potatoes end up—whether in supermarkets, as chips, crisps, mash, or even animal feed. Jane also highlighted the wide variety of roles within the company and how each one plays an important part. It was an eye-opening session, and we all certainly have a new respect for potatoes!

PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLY

In our KS2 assembly, the children learned more about British Parliament and the important values that shape our democracy. They learned about the roles of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, understanding how laws are created and debated to ensure fair and effective governance. We discussed how ideas are passed between the two houses until an agreement is reached, giving them a real insight into the democratic process. The children also discovered the role of local MPs, including who represents our constituency. It was a fascinating session that deepened their understanding of how our country is governed, and they gained a great deal from the experience.

DISCO!

The Year 5 and Year 6 disco, kindly organised by our wonderful PTA, was a huge success! The children looked amazing in their smart party outfits and had a fantastic evening filled with dancing, laughter, and fun. They showed off their best moves on the dance floor, enjoyed some much-needed juice and crisps, and sang along to their favorite songs. It was wonderful to see everyone having such a great time, and we are so grateful to the PTA for putting on such a memorable event!

R.E.

In our Year 5 RE lesson, the children explored the significance of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah in the Jewish faith. They learned that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection and renewal, marked by the blowing of the shofar and the sharing of sweet foods to symbolise a good year ahead. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, observed with fasting, prayer, and asking for forgiveness. The children engaged in discussions and activities about the themes of repentance and new beginnings, deepening their understanding of these important festivals and their meaning in Jewish life.

HISTORY

In our History lesson, we began our new topic on the Victorians by exploring some of the most iconic moments of the period. We introduced the stark contrast between the suffering of the poor and the great achievements of the British Empire, including advancements in industry, infrastructure, and innovation. The children engaged in discussions about these key themes before creating their own timelines, plotting significant events from Queen Victoria’s reign. We look forward to delving deeper into these areas in the coming weeks, uncovering more about Victorian society and its lasting impact on the world.

HAPPY HALF-TERM

The children have worked exceptionally hard since returning to school in January so we hope they have a well-deserved break over the half-term week.

Homework for half-term

Your child will have brought home a copy of their Wicked Writers: Be the Change writing that they started in our English lessons. The children have been asked to edit and improve this work before bringing it back to school after half-term for us to submit their competition entries. A reminder that the writing needs to be persuasive and must not exceed 300 words.

We have introduced the children to our Year 5 play and the excitement is palpable! Auditions are underway and we will begin to learn the songs during the first week back.  We are aware that there are some keen performers out there, so for those who would like a head start they can find the songs by following the Heroes of Troy link, below:

R.E.

In our RE lesson today, we continued learning about Abraham, his deep faith in God, and the significance of the covenant in Judaism. The children explored how Abraham's trust in God shaped his journey and wrote wonderful stories to illustrate his faith and commitment. Their creativity and understanding shone through as they retold his story in their own words. It was fantastic to see such thoughtful reflections on faith and promise in their work!

INTERNET SAFETY DAY

It was Internet Safety Day on Tuesday. The children in Hazel class took part in important lessons about keeping safe online, with a particular focus on scamming and phishing. They learned how to recognise warning signs of online scams and the importance of protecting personal information. Through an interactive lesson, the children explored real-life examples of scams and discussed how to respond safely. To reinforce their learning, they created informative posters to share with others, highlighting key tips on how to identify and avoid scams. This hands-on activity helped them better understand the risks online and empowered them to make safer choices while using the internet.

SCIENCE

In today's science lesson, the children explored the fascinating concepts of evolution and adaptation. We discussed how living things change over time to survive in their environments and looked closely at Darwin’s finches, learning how their different beak shapes helped them adapt to various food sources. This led to a deeper understanding of how Charles Darwin developed his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. The children were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and making great connections to real-world examples of adaptation in nature.

ENGLISH

This week's English has focused on the works of William Shakespeare. Hazel class have been exploring reading comprehension through a Midsummer Night’s Dream dilemma diary extract, focusing on answering inference questions. This allowed the children to delve deeper into the characters' emotions and motivations, helping them to understand the complexities of the story. They then moved on to learning about comparative and superlative adjectives, enhancing our ability to describe and compare different things in more vivid detail. Inspired by Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, the children wrote their own beautiful sonnets, using nature to describe beauty in creative ways. They followed the traditional structure of three quatrains and a rhyming couplet, producing poetic works that showcased their growing skills in writing and poetry!

P.E.

During today’s PE lesson, the children were divided into their house teams and faced the exciting challenge of crossing an imaginary river using limited stepping stones and two ‘safe islands'. With strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork, each group worked together to navigate the tricky course, ensuring no one was left behind. It was fantastic to see such amazing collaboration, encouragement, and camaraderie as the teams problem-solved and supported one another to complete the challenge successfully. A brilliant display of resilience and teamwork from all!

MATHS

In our maths lessons this week, we have been learning how to convert between metric and imperial units, such as changing kilometers to miles or kilograms to pounds. We have applied this knowledge to real-life scenarios, like comparing distances or converting weights in recipes. This hands-on approach has helped the children to understand the practical uses of measurement. Additionally, they have mastered turning improper fractions into mixed number fractions and vice versa, using visual models and problem-solving strategies. Their confidence in the subject has soared which has resulted in improved accuracy when simplifying and comparing different types of fractions.

Let the Battle Commence!

The Year 5 Battle of the Bookshelves challenge has sparked incredible motivation among the children, with both classes showing fantastic enthusiasm for reading. It’s turned into a closely contested race between Hazel and Hornbeam classes, with Hazel just taking the lead in terms of the number and variety of books read so far. However, there's still plenty of time for Hornbeam to catch up this week, especially with our exciting Digital Detox challenge underway, encouraging everyone to focus even more on reading. The competition is really heating up, and it’s great to see so many children engaging with different genres and sharing their book recommendations!

ROCK BOTTOM

KS2 had a fantastic time watching the Year 3 play Rock Bottom, a hilarious prehistoric comedy that had everyone entertained from start to finish. The children were amazed by the incredible acting, expressive storytelling, and fantastic singing, which brought the Stone Age adventure to life. It was wonderful to see the confidence and enthusiasm of the Year 3 performers on stage. A highly enjoyable performance—well done, Year 3!

ENGLISH

As this week is Children's Mental Health Week, during  our reading comprehension, we shared the story The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole by Charlie Mackesy and answered inference questions to deepen our understanding of the text. In grammar, we learned about metaphors and how they are a powerful figurative language technique that can enhance our writing. We also began preparing for the Wicked Writers: Be the Change competition, organised by the National Literacy Trust and Wicked Learning. The children have been asked to write persuasively about a change that is important to them, and they’ve come up with some fantastic ideas! Some of the topics that they have felt inspired to write about include bullying, global warming, deforestation, pollution, and littering. The competition deadline is the 28th of February, so children are welcome to complete and refine their 300-word entries at home and bring them back to school for submission after half-term. We are excited to see if one of our pupils wins the main prize: a class trip to see Wicked at the Apollo Theatre in London!

MATHS

This week in maths, we have been sharpening our skills in working with time. We learned to convert times from analogue to 24-hour digital formats, which helped us to understand and read both systems accurately. The class also practiced adding and subtracting units of time, using number lines to support their calculations and ensure accuracy. In addition, the children developed their ability to read and interpret timetables, which is essential for planning and organising activities in real life. They tackled a variety of time-related word problems, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios like planning travel schedules or calculating durations for different events. This hands-on approach helped them understand the practical uses of time in everyday life.

GEOGRAPHY

This week, the children created informative travel brochures for Greece, showcasing the country's rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Using clear subheadings like History and Culture, Outdoor Activities, Greek Cuisine, and Getting Around, they provided essential travel tips and fascinating insights. Their brochures also featured vibrant illustrations of ancient ruins like the Parthenon, picturesque white-washed villages, sun-kissed beaches, and delicious Greek dishes. With eye-catching designs and persuasive language, their creations aimed to captivate travellers and highlight Greece as a must-visit destination.

SCIENCE

In today’s science lesson, we continued our fascinating topic on lifecycles, this time exploring the lifecycles of plants. We learned about sexual and asexual reproduction and discovered the three types of asexual reproduction—bulbs, runners, and tubers. The daffodils outside provided a perfect example of bulb reproduction, showing us how new plants grow from the parent bulb. The highlight of the lesson was carefully cutting off ‘baby’ spider plants from the mother plant, preparing them to root and grow into strong, independent plants. The children are incredibly excited to watch their new plants develop and thrive!

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

This morning, Preston Primary’s Well-being Ambassadors led an inspiring KS2 assembly to launch Children’s Mental Health Week. They introduced this year’s theme, ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’, which encourages children to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means for them. With the support of Here4You, The Walt Disney Company, and the Inside Out 2 characters, the ambassadors shared how understanding our emotions can help us grow. To spread positivity across the school, they also launched an exciting poster competition, inviting students to create uplifting and inspiring designs to boost mental health and self-esteem. The ambassadors did an amazing job, setting the tone for a fantastic week ahead!

R.E.

A member of the Exeter Hebrew Congregation, Stewart Raine, delivered a fascinating talk about Judaism to Year 5. In it, we explored the different branches of Judaism—Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform—and the differences in each group's approach to the religion. Stewart also provided a brief history of Judaism and shared insights into the roles of men and women within Jewish society. He brought in religious clothing, including a kippah (or yarmulke) and a tallit (a fringed prayer shawl), explaining their symbolism and significance.

It was fascinating to gain an insight into the history of the Exeter synagogue and understand why the interiors of synagogues are designed in a particular way. Stewart then introduced other items specific to Judaism and explained their purpose within the religion. The children were both intrigued and amazed to learn that the Torah is meticulously handwritten with a feathered quill on parchment, which is traditionally made from cured animal skin!

Overall, it was an engaging and insightful afternoon that has hopefully enriched our R.E. topic on Judaism.

SCIENCE

In science this week, the children explored the life cycle of humans, from foetus to old age. Working in pairs, they matched pictures to definitions, carefully identifying the key changes that occur at each stage of life. They did a fantastic job of recognising how humans develop physically and emotionally over time, from infancy and childhood to adulthood and beyond. It was wonderful to see their teamwork and discussion skills in action as they deepened their understanding of human growth and aging.

GEOGRAPHY

This week in our geography lesson, the children built on their comparison skills from last week by exploring the similarities and differences between Chania, Crete, and Banff, Canada. Using Google Earth, they examined the landscapes, climates, and key features of both locations, identifying contrasts such as Banff’s mountainous, cooler environment versus Chania’s coastal, Mediterranean setting. They also noted surprising similarities, including both places being popular tourist destinations with a strong connection to nature. The children then applied their observations to write detailed comparisons, showcasing their growing geographical understanding.

ENGLISH

This week, Hazel class have spent time learning about main and subordinate clauses, exploring how to combine ideas into more complex and detailed sentences. The class also worked on answering inference questions, carefully supporting their answers with evidence from the text. This was a valuable exercise in deepening their understanding and developing their critical thinking skills.

In addition, the children crafted modern character statements for the Big Bad Wolf, reimagining him as a misunderstood member of the community. They emphasised that while the wolf had a history of attempting to blow houses down, his asthma prevented him from doing so, leaving him more frustrated than dangerous. They highlighted his vegetarian lifestyle, showing how he’d made a conscious effort to avoid harming other creatures and was instead committed to promoting sustainable living. He was described as a pillar of the community, regularly volunteering to organise local events. The children carefully chose their words, using language that conveyed the wolf’s resilience, empathy, and commitment to personal growth. They noted his impressive qualifications, including a degree in environmental studies and a certificate in conflict resolution. The children’s writing has been wonderfully creative and a joy to read!

MATHS

Maths has been both productive and challenging in Hazel class this week. At the beginning of the week, we concentrated on place value and developed our mental strategies for adding and subtracting large numbers. We explored techniques such as partitioning, near doubles, and rounding, which allowed us to efficiently handle larger calculations. As the week progressed, we tackled more complex tasks, including arithmagons and magic squares, which provided an opportunity to apply our reasoning and problem-solving skills. Finally, we consolidated our learning by solving multi-step word problems that required the use of all four mathematical operations. It has been a week that not only tested our abilities but also enhanced our confidence in applying various mathematical strategies.

P.E.

In this week’s P.E. lesson, the children focused on improving their coordination by performing a combination of movements and actions. Rotating around various 'skill stations,' they practised skipping, balancing balls on tennis rackets, bouncing, throwing and catching balls, hula hooping, holding yoga poses, and transitioning smoothly from a burpee to a run. Throughout the session, the children demonstrated remarkable tenacity and perseverance, tackling each challenge with enthusiasm.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

In this week’s D.T. lesson, the children constructed their basic book structures and mastered the art of adding pop-up mechanisms. They worked carefully to ensure their designs were functional and creative, building the foundation for their projects. Next week, they will add further mechanisms and begin bringing their books to life with vibrant illustrations, colors, and engaging writing to complete their imaginative creations.

GEOGRAPHY

In this week’s geography lesson, the children compared Athens in Greece to Chania, near Pelion. Using Google Earth, they explored the two locations in detail and wrote insightful paragraphs on their similarities and differences. They observed that Athens was a bustling, densely populated city with a wide variety of architectural styles, while Chania was quieter, more sparsely populated, and had fewer architectural variations. The children also noted that Chania had a cooler climate compared to the hotter temperatures of Athens. Despite their differences, both locations shared a striking similarity: they were surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.

SCIENCE

This week in science, the children delved deeper into life cycles by studying the life cycle of a bird and an insect. They explored the fascinating parasitic behavior of the cuckoo bird, learning how it lays its eggs in other birds’ nests. They also compared complete and incomplete metamorphosis, discovering the distinct stages in the life cycles of different insects. Through interactive discussions and thoughtful observations, the children gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of life cycles in nature.

MATHS

In our maths lessons, Hazel class have been focusing on fabulous fractions! The children have learned how to add and subtract fractions, multiply fractions by whole numbers, and tackle mixed number fractions. Additionally, they've practiced converting improper fractions into mixed number fractions, developing their skills and understanding further. To make their learning even more relevant, they applied these mathematical concepts to real-life word problems, allowing them to see the practical applications of fractions in everyday situations. It's been a productive week filled with hands-on activities and collaborative learning!

ENGLISH

This week, Hazel class have been immersed in the creative world of personification (a figurative language device that gives human qualities to inanimate objects) allowing them to express emotions and actions in unique ways. They explored examples of personification in various texts and then applied their newfound knowledge by planning and writing their own fantasy tales inspired by the story of the three brothers. Encouraged to add a twist, the children swapped the gifts originally given to the brothers, leading to imaginative narratives filled with unexpected turns. Their stories not only showcased their understanding of personification but also highlighted their creativity and storytelling skills!

Year 5 Battle of the Bookshelves

The Year 5 children are currently taking part in a competition to see which class can achieve the best bookshelf! The children are being encouraged to read a variety of books and the class with the best selection will win a special prize. We are displaying the books in the cloakroom and it is great to see the bookshelves expanding already!

VISITOR

Hazel class had to be especially quiet and gentle this afternoon to welcome our tiny visitor, Bonnie, into the classroom. The children were delighted to meet the puppy and so grateful to Mrs Evans for bringing in her newest family member and giving us all a slice of puppy heaven. Bonnie was amazing, despite the terror of meeting a class full of strangers. I'm sure many children will be requesting a puppy this weekend!  

SCIENCE

In our first lesson on Lifecycles and Reproduction, the children explored the fascinating lifecycles of mammals and amphibians. They began by examining the lifecycle of a frog, answering comprehension-style questions to deepen their understanding of each stage. Following this, they drew and annotated detailed diagrams of a dog's lifecycle, highlighting key developmental phases. Comparing the two lifecycles allowed the children to identify similarities and differences, sparking thoughtful discussions.

P.E.

In our fun PE session, the children were divided into teams to compete in an exciting relay challenge. Their patience, teamwork, and balancing skills were put to the test as they tackled a series of tasks that became progressively more difficult. From balancing objects while running to coordinating team handovers, the children demonstrated great determination and cooperation. The activity was filled with energy and laughter, as everyone cheered each other on and celebrated their collective efforts.

GEOGRAPHY

In our geography lesson, the children investigated the climate of Athens and compared it to that of Yeovil. They studied the monthly average temperatures for both locations, identifying differences in seasonal patterns and overall climate. After analysing the data, the children created line graphs to visually compare the temperature trends, noting the warmer, drier climate of Athens contrasted with Yeovil's milder, wetter conditions. This activity helped the children understand how geographical location influences climate and its impact on daily life.

R.E.

This week, the children explored the history of Abraham and his pivotal role in the Jewish story. They learned about key moments in his life, such as his covenant with God, his journey to Canaan, and his role as the father of the Jewish people. Through discussions and storytelling, the children discovered Abraham’s enduring influence on faith and community. Using the facts they gathered, they created detailed timelines, visually representing the milestones of Abraham's life and deepening their understanding of his significance in Judaism.

MATHS

In Hazel Class, we have been diving into the fascinating world of negative numbers! The children have successfully mastered ordering and comparing negative numbers, demonstrating their understanding with a variety of hands-on activities. They have also gained confidence in adding and subtracting negative numbers using a number line, which has made these concepts much more approachable. Additionally, the children have tackled challenging negative number word problems, developing their problem-solving skills along the way. It has been wonderful to witness their enthusiasm and progress as they engage with this important area of mathematics!

ENGLISH

This week in Hazel Class, the children have been actively engaged in enhancing their reading comprehension skills, particularly through answering inference questions. They skillfully selected the most appropriate evidence to support their responses during our reading lessons, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the texts. Additionally, we dedicated time to learn the rules of brackets for parenthesis. This revision has helped to reinforce the children’s grasp of punctuation rules, leading to clearer writing. For our extended writing this week, the class undertook a compelling discussion and subsequent writing task on the topic “Should animals be kept in captivity?” Here, the children formulated balanced arguments both for and against the idea. Their writing was well-structured and written in the third person. Many of the children effectively incorporated causal conjunctions, fronted adverbials, and phrases for opposition, such as “on the other hand” and “in comparison,” which enriched their arguments. Interestingly, their conclusions included personal opinions expressed in the first person, allowing them to connect emotionally with the topic. Overall, it was an impressive display of their developing writing and analytical skills, which they should be proud of.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

The children began their exciting new topic on mechanisms by starting the design process for their own interactive books, which will be created for Year 1 pupils. Using sliders, levers, and pop-up mechanisms, the aim is to bring their imaginative stories to life. Today, the focus was on planning each page, with the children brainstorming captivating captions, vibrant illustrations, and creative mechanisms to engage their audience. The classroom buzzed with energy and innovation, and there are already some brilliant ideas taking shape!

MATHS

This week in maths, the children have been exploring the differences between factors and multiples, developing their understanding through a range of methods to find and identify them. They worked collaboratively to determine common multiples, common factors, and factor pairs, using visual aids like factor trees and grids to deepen their comprehension. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks, the children demonstrated great perseverance and curiosity, building a strong foundation in these key concepts.

ENGLISH

In today’s English lesson, the children wrote vivid descriptions of their favourite family Christmas traditions, incorporating relative clauses, parenthesis, descriptive vocabulary, and fronted adverbials. Their writing was brimming with warmth and personality, providing a heartwarming glimpse into the festive moments that make their families unique. The children’s creativity shone through as they crafted vivid imagery, sharing special memories that captured the magic of the holiday season.

WELCOME BACK!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the new term ahead. This term is going to be packed with exciting new topics, lots of fun things to learn, and plenty of opportunities to make amazing new memories together.

Mrs Newton and I can't wait to share these experiences with you and see all the wonderful things you'll achieve. Let's make this term one to remember!

CHRISTMAS WEEK

Christmas week in the classroom has been filled with warmth, joy, and a burst of glitter! The children have poured their creativity into crafting beautiful ornaments and keepsakes to take home, and laughter has filled the classroom over several rounds of the highly-competitive competitive Reindeer Game! Hazel class also enjoyed some well-deserved relaxation with sweet treats while watching a festive film together. After such a fun and chaotic week, I think both the children and staff are ready for a much-needed break! I wish each of you a Christmas filled with love, peace, and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025, ready to make even more fantastic memories together.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE

The KS2 Christmas Service at St. James' Church was a wonderful celebration of the season. The children delivered fantastic readings, retelling the Christmas story with clarity and confidence. Rev. David Keen led us in prayer, offering important reminders of the true values behind Christmas. The service was rounded off with the beautiful singing of Christmas carols, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. The children behaved beautifully throughout, and the readers did an excellent job, making the service truly special for everyone.

PANTOMIME!

The children had a thrilling time at the pantomime, thoroughly enjoying the lively performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. They reveled in the chaos, fun, and laughter, with everyone joining in the excitement. It was a fabulous experience filled with memorable moments. A huge thank you to the PTA for generously providing the tickets, as well as the delicious sweets and Freddos, which made the trip even more special!

ANCIENT GREEK DAY

After a gruelling week of assessments, Year 5 was transported back to the world of Ancient Greece for a day of immersive learning and fun! The children designed and crafted Greek Story vases, showcasing their artistic talents, and brought mythical creatures to life through junk modelling. In the afternoon, the playground became an Olympic arena, with shotput, discus, and standing long jump competitions. It was an insightful and educational experience that fostered a deeper understanding of this fascinating era.

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Christmas Dinner Day brought festive cheer to the hall, which was filled with the sounds of laughter and cheery Christmas music. The children enjoyed their delicious Christmas lunch, pulling crackers and sharing jokes, while the room buzzed with excitement. It was a joyful celebration, capturing the true spirit of the season.

HISTORY

In our final Ancient Greek history lesson, the children explored the profound impact the Ancient Greeks had on the modern world. They discovered contributions in science and medicine, the foundations of maths, and the enduring influence of Greek art, theatre, and architecture. They also learned about the origins of the Olympic Games and how Greek ideas about democracy shaped modern governance. By the end of the lesson, the children were amazed by the incredible legacy of the Ancient Greeks and their lasting influence on so many aspects of contemporary life.

R.E.

In this week’s RE lesson, the children explored why Christmas is important to Christians. They learned about the Nativity story, discussing its key events and the significance of Jesus’ birth as a symbol of hope and God’s love. Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, the children reflected on how Christians celebrate Christmas as a time of joy, gratitude, and giving, connecting the traditions to their deeper religious meaning.

SCIENCE

In this week’s science lesson, the children investigated various methods of separating mixtures and solutions. They explored techniques such as sieving, filtering, and evaporating to separate solids, liquids, and dissolved substances. Working in small groups, they conducted hands-on experiments, like filtering sand from water and using evaporation to recover salt from a solution. Through observation and discussion, they developed a deeper understanding of how different methods work and when to apply them, linking their findings to real-world examples.

ENGLISH

This week’s English activities were filled with Christmas cheer! The children began with a reading comprehension based on the beloved poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, honing their understanding of its vivid imagery and festive themes. They then delved into Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, planning and writing detailed setting descriptions inspired by the story’s evocative scenes. Their writing included descriptive sentences covering the five senses, similes, personification, and powerful adjectives, as well as advanced techniques like parenthesis and relative clauses. By incorporating exciting verbs and adverbs, the children created rich, atmospheric descriptions that brought the Victorian Christmas to life.

MATHS

In today's maths lesson, children explored Roman numerals up to 1000, converting between Roman and Arabic numerals and solving problems in contexts such as clocks, coins and dates. Through hands-on activities, they confidently tackled questions in various formats, deepening their understanding of the ancient numeral system.

LEONARDO'S EVENT

KS2 pupils had a fantastic time at the Leonardo's Presents from the Skies: How a Helicopter Flies event. Santa’s Helpers from Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil shared how helicopters fly and the importance of engineering in Santa’s Workshop, inspiring both DT and STEM students. Interactive booths with hands-on activities captivated the children, making it a fun and educational evening for budding designers and engineers alike!

FESTIVE HELICOPTER VISIT

The children were overjoyed as Father Christmas made an action-packed entrance, arriving by helicopter! Excitement filled the air as the helicopter circled and landed on the playing field. Santa, accompanied by his trusty elf, jumped out to greet the children and collect their letters. After spreading festive cheer, they climbed back aboard and were whisked away in the aircraft. It was a magical and unforgettable experience for everyone!

R.E.

In our Year 5 RE lesson, we celebrated Mitzvah Day, learning about its significance in the Jewish faith as a time to perform good deeds and help others. The children made thoughtful connections with World Kindness Day, which we recently celebrated, recognising that kindness and helping others transcend religious boundaries. To contribute to the community and care for the environment, the class made bird feeders, which will be hung in the garden of a local care home. This activity reminded us all of the power of small acts of kindness in making a big difference.

SPONSORED RUN

Today, the children braved the frosty air and muddy field for our sponsored run, showing incredible determination as they completed laps to raise money for our chosen charity, School in a Bag. Their admirable efforts have helped to raise a phenomenal amount for this worthy cause, and they should all feel incredibly proud of themselves for making such a positive difference!

SCIENCE

This week, as part of our science topic on the properties of materials, we investigated and tested various materials to determine whether they were conductors or insulators. The children enjoyed making predictions about different objects and discovering which allowed electricity to flow through and which blocked it. It was an exciting hands-on activity that deepened their understanding of how materials are used in everyday life.

MATHS

This week in maths, the focus was all about angles! The children learned how to measure angles accurately using a protractor, carefully lining it up to get the right readings. Once confident, they moved on to drawing angles themselves, practising precision and steady hands. Finally, they used their growing knowledge to calculate missing angles in shapes and straight lines. It was a week that demanded concentration and attention to detail, but with perseverance, we got there in the end!

HISTORY

In today’s history lesson, the Year 5 students explored the fascinating contrasts between Athens and Sparta in Ancient Greece. They learned that Athens was a centre of culture and education, where boys enjoyed greater freedom to study subjects like philosophy and the arts. In contrast, Sparta was a militaristic society where boys underwent rigorous training to become soldiers and even Spartan women were expected to be strong and physically trained to ensure they could bear healthy warriors. The children were captivated by the stark differences between the two city-states and enjoyed comparing their lifestyles, values, and roles in Greek society.

ENGLISH

This week, the children reimagined the classic tale of King Midas and his Golden Touch with a modern twist. Replacing King Midas with themselves, they reinvented the satyr and Dionysus to fit their updated versions of the story. Instead of turning everything to gold, their powers led to quirky transformations, such as turning everything into footballs, ferrets, or candyfloss—just to name a few! These creative and highly entertaining tales took a serious turn at the end, as the children explored the catastrophic consequences of their wishes, reflecting on the importance of being careful what you wish for.

CAREERS ASSEMBLY

In an inspiring KS2 assembly, the Arts Community Engagement Programmer from Westfield captivated the children with a fascinating talk on creative careers in theatre. He highlighted a wide range of opportunities, from makeup artists and light and sound designers to set designers, prop makers, and front-of-house and hospitality roles. The session was both entertaining and insightful, showcasing the diversity of roles within a single creative venue. It opened the children’s eyes to the many pathways available in the arts, sparking curiosity and excitement about future possibilities.

CHILDREN IN NEED

The school was a vibrant sea of Pudsey ears and polka dots as everyone came together to support Children in Need. From fun activities to generous contributions, the day was filled with excitement and a shared sense of purpose. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated and helped raise money for this incredible cause, making a real difference in the lives of those in need.

ENGLISH

In an engaging English lesson, the children wrote persuasive letters to Mrs. Hodgson, urging her to allow a day off school to help the community for World Kindness Day. They skillfully used persuasive techniques, including rhetorical questions, groups of three, emotive language, exaggeration, and repetition, to make compelling arguments. Alongside honing their writing skills and mastering the correct format and layout of a formal letter, the children learned about the importance of spreading kindness and making a positive impact. Their thoughtful and creative ideas showcased their enthusiasm for both the cause and the art of persuasion.

HISTORY

In a fascinating history lesson, the children delved into what life was like for women in Ancient Greece, comparing the lifestyles of rich and poor women and discussing the pros and cons of each. They became keenly aware of the stark gender disparities and the limited freedoms women endured. The highlight of the lesson was a role-play activity that transported them to the bustling agora of Athens in 550 BC. Each child was given a unique character, ranging from government officials and young soldiers to water-fetching servants and wealthy schoolboys. They mingled in character, uncovering details about life in the ancient marketplace. This immersive activity brought the past to life, setting the scene for a creative writing task where they penned diary entries as either a rich or poor woman. The lesson was a dynamic blend of empathy, critical thinking, and hands-on learning.

MATHS

This week we have been exploring the concepts of reflection and translation of shapes as part of our geometry lessons. The children learned how to identify and perform reflections by flipping shapes across a line of symmetry, ensuring each point on the shape was mirrored accurately. They also practised translating shapes by sliding them across a grid in different directions, maintaining their size and orientation. Through hands-on activities and interactive digital tools, the children developed a deeper understanding of how these transformations work, enhancing their spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

SHOW AND TELL

In a recent show and tell session, Lexi captivated the class with her heartfelt talk about attending the Remembrance service at the Yeovilton Air Station Headquarters. She shared the moving details of the service and gave an insightful account of squadron life, highlighting her dad's impressive role and experiences in the Navy. Lexi proudly displayed her special Navy coin, awarded to her by the Second in Command, which fascinated everyone. The children were also eager to learn about the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, which she described with great enthusiasm. Speaking with remarkable confidence, maturity, and a delightful sense of humour, Lexi brought the session to life. Her presentation was so engaging and well-delivered that it’s clear she’s a teacher in the making!

REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Remembrance Day, our Year 5 children deepened their understanding of this important day through a reading comprehension that explored the significance of poppies as symbols of remembrance. They created their own blackout poetry, inspired by In Flanders Fields, carefully selecting words to craft meaningful, reflective poems. The entire school gathered for a remembrance service, where everyone showed profound respect. Moving readings were shared, with the highlight being a powerful, emotional poem written by our Invincibles children. It was a memorable and heartfelt occasion, honoring those who served with dignity and gratitude.

INTERFAITH WEEK

To kick off Interfaith Week, the children took part in a lively Jewish dance workshop, where they learned traditional Jewish dances and discovered more about Jewish culture and faith. This engaging start to the week was also a great introduction to their upcoming topic on Judaism in the summer term. Following the workshop, the children wrote letters to students at the Hare Krishna School in India. In their letters, they shared their hobbies, a bit about our school, and what it’s like to be a Church of England school. They explained how they take part in assemblies, collective worship, daily prayers, and enjoy regular visits with our local church. It was a wonderful way to celebrate diversity, understanding, and connection across different faiths.

R.E.

In this RE lesson, the children explored the two nativity stories found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. They looked closely at each story, identifying similarities, such as the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and differences, like the visit from the shepherds in Luke and the wise men in Matthew. Through group discussions, they considered why each story might focus on different details and talked about how both narratives are significant in celebrating and understanding the meaning of Jesus' birth. This comparison helped the children see the nativity from two perspectives, deepening their understanding of this important event in Christianity.

ENGLISH

In this exciting English lesson, the children wrote their entries for BBC's 500 Words competition. Inspired by advice from published authors and the professionally acted performances of past winning stories, they eagerly set to work, crafting their own creative narratives. With imaginations running wild, each child developed a unique and playful story, showcasing their individual ideas and voices. From adventurous tales to nail-biting horrors, every entry was a joy to read. Good luck, young writers—we can’t wait to see if we have any winners in Preston!

MATHS

In this maths lesson, the children put their time skills to the test by reading and interpreting timetables. Building on their previous lesson on reading and interpreting graphs, they applied similar skills to understand how information is presented in a different format. Working with various bus and train timetables, the children practised finding specific times, calculating journey durations, and identifying the best routes to reach a destination. This lesson helped them see how interpreting timetables is an important everyday skill, reinforcing their understanding of time and data in practical situations.

HISTORY

In our history lesson on Ancient Greece, we began our new topic by exploring who the Ancient Greeks were and how life in Greece back then was very different from modern Greece. The children learned that Ancient Greece was divided into independently governed city-states, known as polis, each with its own rules and culture. We discussed how the rugged landscape of Greece made it difficult for people to farm and travel by land, which led the Greeks to rely heavily on trade for resources. Living close to the sea, the Ancient Greeks became expert sailors and boatbuilders, using their skills to trade with neighboring lands and expand their influence across the Mediterranean. This introduction gave us a glimpse into the fascinating world of Ancient Greece and its people.

ENGLISH

In this English lesson, the children wrote a non-chronological report about The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). They began their reports with an introduction using the 5 W's (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) to give a clear overview of the celebration. With the use of subheadings such as "Origins and History," "Traditions," and "Food and Decorations," they organised their information logically. The children used their knowledge from a reading comprehension exercise on the Day of the Dead, as well as fact sheets, to gather interesting and accurate details for their reports. This activity allowed them to practise structuring information clearly and sharing facts in an engaging way.

MATHS

In this maths lesson, the children used multi-link cubes to explore the concept of volume for cubes and cuboids. Building on their previous learning about finding the perimeter and area of 2D compound shapes, the class moved from measuring flat surfaces to understanding 3D space. The children constructed different cubes and cuboids using the multi-link cubes, counting the number of cubes used to fill each shape completely. They discovered that volume can be calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of a cuboid. This hands-on activity helped them visualise how volume works, making it easier to understand the shift from area in 2D shapes to volume in 3D shapes.

PARLIAMENT TALK

This morning, KS2 had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a Teams meeting with Baroness Garden of Frognal. We asked her some fantastic questions and learned a great deal from her. She shared how she was involved in the bill that introduced Pupil Premium into schools, and spoke about her contributions to the Rwanda debate and her upcoming involvement in the assisted dying debate. Baroness Garden explained the key differences between the House of Lords and the House of Commons and shared that, in her opinion, the biggest issues facing the UK are the Health Service and Education. She also encouraged young people to get involved in politics, advising that it is important to develop a skill first.

ENGLISH

This week in English, we began by learning about direct and reported speech. The students explored how to use quotation marks correctly for direct speech and how to convert these into reported speech. Building on this knowledge, the children then applied their skills to write a newspaper report, which included both direct and reported quotes. To tie in with Black History Month, their reports focused on Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s achievement of winning a silver medal in the heptathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This provided a great opportunity to celebrate her success while practising their journalistic writing skills.

SCIENCE

In science this week, we brought together everything we have learned during our Space topic in science to create informative PowerPoint presentations. Each group worked hard to organise their knowledge about planets, stars, and the solar system into engaging slides. After completing the presentations, we had the opportunity to share them with the rest of the class, confidently presenting our findings and demonstrating our understanding of the fascinating subject of Space. It was a great way to showcase our learning and teamwork!

CHURCH VISIT

Today we visited Reverend David Keen at St James' Church as part of our RE studies, focusing on the Christian belief that God is both holy and loving. Reverend Keen warmly welcomed the pupils and talked them through what happens at St James' Church, explaining the services, traditions, and the role the church plays in the local community. He also engaged the children in thoughtful discussions about how Christians see God's holiness reflected in His perfect nature, while His love is shown through His care and compassion for all people. The visit brought their classroom learning to life, offering the pupils a deeper understanding of these important aspects of Christian faith in a meaningful and reflective environment.

HELLO YELLOW

On Hello Yellow Day, we made World Mental Health Day a little brighter by wearing something yellow and donating to YoungMinds. In a world where it's tough for children and young people to grow up, we want to remind them that they are not alone and that things can get better. The school was a wash of sunshine, with bright clothing everywhere, making it impossible not to feel positive. Together, we stand brighter, supporting each other and showing that there’s always hope for a better tomorrow.

SCIENCE

In today's science lesson, the children learned about the movement of the Moon in relation to the Earth. We explored how the Moon orbits the Earth, taking approximately 28 days to complete one full cycle. The class discussed how this movement explains the phases of the Moon and its appearance from Earth. The children engaged well, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating a strong understanding of the Moon's orbit and its relationship with both the Earth and the Sun. It was a fun and informative session!

ENGLISH

In today's Year 5 English lesson, we extended our study of key Black British athlete Nicola Adams by writing an information text about her remarkable achievements. The children used clear subheadings to organise their work, ensuring the information flowed logically and was easy to follow. They thoroughly enjoyed researching Nicola Adams and learning about her journey to becoming an Olympic boxing champion and her impact on sport and the LGBTQ+ community.  The class did a fantastic job, showing great enthusiasm and focus while crafting well-structured texts on such an inspiring figure.

GEOGRAPHY

In our recent geography lesson, the children wrote recounts of their exciting trip to Ashford Water Works. They included fascinating facts about the river, the reservoir, and the factory tour, highlighting how much they learned. It was a joy to read their unique accounts, each child focusing on different aspects of the trip, showing the valuable experiences they took away from the day.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, the children engaged in a reading comprehension lesson centered on Nicola Adams, the trailblazing Black female boxer who made history with her Olympic victories. Through the text, they learned about her determination, resilience, and the barriers she broke in sports. This activity is part of our broader effort to expose children to iconic Black figures across various curriculum subjects, enriching their understanding of history and diversity. To further embed these celebrations, we end each day by watching a short video on a key figure, deepening their appreciation for the contributions of Black individuals to society.

P.E.

In an exciting PE session, the children showcased their competitive spirit and teamwork in a lively game of "Tails," with the Blues facing off against the Reds. The afternoon was action-packed, filled with thrilling chases, quick footwork, and clever strategies as each team tried to grab as many "tails" as possible. There were wonderful displays of camaraderie, speed, and skill, with children encouraging their teammates and celebrating every victory. The game brought out their best, highlighting both their competitive edge and their ability to work together with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

In a beautiful collective worship session led by the children in Hazel Class, the theme of love took center stage. The children shared the story of the Good Samaritan, emphasising the importance of showing kindness to others, even strangers. They led prayers about love, read meaningful quotes from the Bible, and uplifted everyone with a heartfelt song. The session also made thoughtful connections to yesterday’s RE lesson, where they reflected on how Mother Teresa showed her devotion to God through acts of kindness and love, inspiring the class to live with compassion and care for others.

ENGLISH

In celebration of National Poetry Day, the children explored different styles of poetry before focusing on free verse, inspired by their recent trip to the reservoir, river, and water factory at Ashford. Drawing from their experiences, they created beautiful poems filled with vivid imagery and personification. Their writing brought the water's journey to life—rivers whispering secrets, reservoirs shimmering with calm, and the water factory humming with purpose. The lesson allowed them to express their reflections through rich, descriptive language, capturing the essence of the natural and industrial landscapes they visited.

R.E.

In our RE lesson, the children explored the beliefs and actions of Christian figure Mother Teresa, learning about her deep commitment to kindness, compassion, and generosity of spirit. We discussed how she believed in serving others selflessly, especially the poor and underprivileged, as a way of living out her faith in God’s love. The children were amazed by the incredible impact she had on countless lives through her dedication to caring for the sick, orphaned, and marginalised. Her life inspired thoughtful reflections on how they too could embody these values in their own actions and relationships.

ASHFORD TRIP

Year 5 had a fantastic trip to Ashford Water Works, where we enjoyed an insightful tour of the facility. We were fascinated by the flocculators, learning how chemicals in the water act like magnets, gathering dirt into clusters called "flocs." We also observed how they test the water's pH and use sand as a natural filter. Interestingly, the factory once used crushed coconut shells for filtration, but to reduce their carbon footprint, they’ve switched to small carbon particles.

One of our favourite activities was measuring the flow of the river. We timed how long it took a cork to float down various sections and compared the results, discovering how river flow constantly changes. Afterwards, we had an absolute blast building dams with rocks—a clear highlight of the day!

We also took a walk around the reservoir, where 50 million litres of water are stored. Along the way, we became wildlife detectives, spotting signs of animals. While the ducks and swans put on quite a show, we managed to see a giant worm, cormorants, a badger sett, and plenty of animal tracks!

The day was a huge success, and the guides were impressed by our knowledge of water cycles and our enthusiasm in answering their questions.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

In today’s collective worship, we continued exploring the Christian value of respect by looking at Matthew 21:12-16, where the children praise Jesus in the temple. We learned about priests Ebenezer and Silas, who showed little respect toward the children, Jesus, or the sick, reminding us of the importance of treating everyone with respect. This story highlighted that respect is not just for the young toward the old, but also for adults toward children. We were reminded to follow Jesus’ example, always respecting others regardless of their age or status.

ENGLISH

In Year 5, we had an engaging lesson on relative clauses, learning how they can add extra detail to our sentences. The children discovered how to use relative pronouns like "who," "which," and "that" to connect ideas and make their writing more interesting. Through a variety of fun activities, they practiced adding relative clauses to sentences, helping to make their descriptions more vivid and informative. It was great to see everyone confidently using this new skill in their writing!

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Today’s Harvest Festival assembly was a wonderful celebration of God’s bounty, reminding us of the many blessings we enjoy and encouraging us to think of those less fortunate. Rev. Keen shared an eye-opening presentation on the cost of feeding a family in different countries, which helped the children understand just how fortunate we truly are. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously donated food for the Lord’s Larder; your kindness and contributions are greatly appreciated and will make a real difference to those in need.

HUMANISM ASSEMBLY

In today's KS2 assembly, the children learned about Humanism, exploring a different perspective on how people find meaning and purpose in life without following a particular religion. As a Christian school that embraces multi-faith understanding, it was a valuable opportunity for the children to expand their knowledge of world views and appreciate the diversity of beliefs around them. They learned that Humanists do not have a religion, but believe in being kind, thinking for themselves, and making the most of life. This provided an interesting insight into an alternative way of looking at the world. The assembly encouraged respectful curiosity and open-mindedness, helping the children to understand and respect different paths people choose in life.

SCIENCE

This week in Science, we explored the fascinating concept of gravity—what it is and how it affects our solar system. Our discussions focused on the differences in gravitational force between planets of varying masses, sparking curiosity about how gravity shapes the universe. To bring the concept to life, we watched a video of astronaut Chris Hadfield wringing out a washcloth aboard the International Space Station. The children were amazed by what happened to the water in a zero-gravity environment, making the lesson both engaging and memorable!

GEOGRAPHY

In today's geography lesson, the children learned about the important features of a river as it travels from its source to the sea. They explored how rivers change along their journey and discovered key vocabulary such as source, tributary, meander, and oxbow lake. They also learned about the floodplain and how rivers can form wide areas that flood, as well as the delta where the river spreads out before reaching the mouth and entering the sea. The concept of an estuary, where fresh and saltwater mix, was also discussed. The lesson helped the children gain a deeper understanding of how rivers can transform and shape the landscape.

P.S.H.E.

In today's P.S.H.E lesson, the children explored the concepts of negotiation and compromise. They learned that negotiation involves discussing issues to reach a mutual agreement, while compromise means finding a middle ground where each person gives up something to resolve a disagreement. Through role-play activities and group discussions, the students practiced using these skills in various scenarios, developing strategies to resolve difficult situations by listening to others, expressing their viewpoints calmly, and finding solutions that everyone could agree on. This helped them understand the importance of empathy, cooperation, and effective communication in resolving conflicts.

OWL VISIT

This week, Hazel Class had the exciting opportunity to meet some very special visitors—three beautiful owls named Fudge, Woody, and Perdy. The children were fascinated to learn about the unique features of different owl species, including their eye colors—black, orange, and light—and the reasons behind these variations. Our knowledgeable owl handler shared many interesting facts, and the children were thrilled to observe the owls up close, stroke their soft feathers, and even see the impressive wingspan of these amazing birds. It was a wonderful, hands-on learning experience for everyone!

WELL DONE!

Well done, Ariana! Congratulations on winning the poetry section of Mrs. Cashmore's KS2 writing competition. Your heartfelt poem about your grandad was so beautiful and emotionally moving, and it clearly stood out. We’re all so proud of you and this great achievement! Keep up the great work!

P.E.

To celebrate Youth Mental Health Day yesterday, we practised yoga to help manage anxiety and promote relaxation. Not only did we leave the session feeling calm and centered, but we also learned some valuable strategies to help us better understand and manage our emotions. It was a great way to focus on both mental and physical wellbeing.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

In RE this week, we explored how Christians use miracles to support their belief in God. The children did a fantastic job of reminding each other of parables they already knew that included miracles. We then selected a few key parables to study in greater depth, focusing on the context of the miracle, the reactions of the witnesses, and the lessons these stories are thought to teach Christians. It was a great opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of faith and belief in the Christian tradition.

YEOVIL TOWN F.C WORKSHOP

Today, we held our second team-building workshop with Yeovil F.C., and the children had an amazing time tackling fun challenges and solving problems together. The session was full of energy, with the children learning valuable skills in teamwork, collaboration, and supporting one another. These workshops will continue over the coming weeks, giving every Year 5 child the chance to enjoy and benefit from this exciting experience!

GEOGRAPHY

In Geography, we used atlases to locate and identify the longest rivers in the world as well as the longest rivers in Britain. The children enjoyed exploring different regions and learning more about the importance of rivers to the surrounding landscapes and communities. This activity helped develop their map-reading skills while deepening their understanding of geography.

Virtual Author Visit - Katherine Rundell

We were fortunate to have a virtual author visit from the renowned Katherine Rundell. She shared fascinating insights into her writing process, offered tips on overcoming writer's block, and provided us with fantastic ideas for crafting future stories. The session was truly inspiring, giving both students and staff a deeper appreciation for creative writing and the perseverance needed to bring stories to life.

ENGLISH

As part of our English curriculum, students have been exploring persuasive techniques through the exciting theme of Jurassic World. Recently, they designed persuasive posters, incorporating elements like rhetorical questions, word play, impactful quotes, catchy slogans, and rhymes to engage their audience. This hands-on activity is preparing them for an upcoming extended writing task, where they will create persuasive brochures aimed at convincing others to visit their very own version of Jurassic World.

P.E.

In today's orienteering lesson, the children continued to build on their knowledge of using a compass. Working in teams, they created sets of instructions for each other to follow, practicing their navigation skills. The children demonstrated excellent teamwork, helping one another follow the steps and successfully reach their final destinations. It was a fun and practical way to apply their compass skills while encouraging cooperation and problem-solving.

YEOVIL F.C. WORKSHOP

Today, we had our first team-building skills workshop with Yeovil F.C., and the children had a fantastic time working together to solve problems and overcome fun challenges. The session was filled with energy and teamwork, as the children learned how to collaborate and support one another. These workshops will continue over the next few weeks, ensuring that every Year 5 child has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the experience!

SCIENCE

In our Year 5 Science lesson, we explored the vastness of the universe and gained a deeper understanding of how incredibly big and old it is. The children were tasked with calculating how long it would take to travel certain distances using the formula: distance divided by speed equals time. For example, we worked out how long it would take to walk from Earth to the Sun at 3mph! It was a fun and engaging lesson, and by the end, the children had a much clearer insight into just how immense the universe truly is.

ART

In our lesson on architecture in art, we imagined ourselves as architects tasked with designing a new building. We started by considering the purpose of the building and how it would be used, thinking about the needs of the people who would interact with the space. Special features like accessibility, natural light, and eco-friendly design were also taken into account. We then visualised the shape, size, and how the building would fit into its surroundings, paying attention to details such as surface finishes and aesthetic choices. After selecting the materials we would use, like concrete, glass, or wood, we drew front elevation sketches of our buildings, annotating them to explain key design features.

GEOGRAPHY

In our first Geography lesson to introduce the Rivers topic, the children worked together to match key words with their definitions, such as "source," "tributary," and "estuary." This collaborative activity helped them understand important terms we'll be using throughout the topic. We also watched an engaging video that illustrated the diversity of rivers and how they change and transform along their course, giving the children a clearer understanding of the dynamic nature of rivers from source to mouth.

P.E.

Today in PE, the children took on the role of explorers as they learned to navigate using compasses. They practiced following bearings, moving around the room with a sense of adventure and discovery. Next week, they’ll take it a step further by creating their own set of navigation instructions for their friends to follow, building both teamwork and problem-solving skills.

ENGLISH

In today's English lesson, the children wrote summer recounts with a creative twist—they had to describe what they didn't do this summer! Their imaginations took over as they crafted all sorts of weird and wonderful scenarios. From playing rugby with Michael Jackson to flying to space with aliens who emerged from their cereal bowls, the fake events of their summers were both hilarious and wildly inventive. The children's stories were incredibly entertaining, filled with humour and creativity, making for a truly fun and engaging writing session!

R.E.

In today's RE lesson, the children learned about the story of Moses and the early struggles of the Israelites in Egypt. We discussed how the Israelites were initially welcomed into Egypt by a kind Pharaoh when their homeland faced famine, but after this Pharaoh's death, his successor grew to hate the Israelites and saw them as a threat to his power. This led to their harsh enslavement. The lesson then focused on Moses, who fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian guard, and how, while living in Midian, he received a divine message from God through a burning bush, calling him to rescue the Israelites from their suffering.

SCIENCE

In our first Science lesson on the topic of space, the children embarked on an exciting journey through our solar system. They researched the planets, learning fascinating facts about each one, and used their findings to write informative paragraphs that complemented their beautiful illustrations of the planets. To help them remember the order of the planets, we explored fun mnemonics like "My Very Easy Method Just Speeds Up Naming Planets" and "My Very Excited Mother Just Served Us Noodles." The class enjoyed getting creative while deepening their understanding of the solar system's structure.

ENGLISH

In our Year 5 English lesson, we focused on revising word classes and deconstructing sentences to better understand how each word functions. We began by reviewing the main word classes—nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs—discussing their roles within a sentence. Then, we practiced identifying these word classes by breaking down sentences, analysing each word, and determining its purpose. Through this exercise, the students became more confident in recognising patterns and clues, such as how adjectives describe nouns and how verbs express actions, helping them to understand sentence structure more deeply.

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome back, Year 5! 

I hope you all had an amazing summer full of fun, adventure, and relaxation. Now it's time to dive into a brand-new school year, and we’ve got so many exciting things planned for you! This year, we’ll be exploring new topics, tackling challenges together, and making fantastic memories along the way.

As you step back into the classroom, remember that each one of you brings something special to our team. So let’s work hard, support each other, and most importantly, enjoy learning together.

Here’s to a brilliant year ahead!