Year 5 Computing - Exploring and Analysing Video Games!
Year 5 has launched into their new Computing unit on Game Creation by critically exploring video games developed using Purple Mash 2DIY3D. Students engaged in rigorous evaluation, analysing what constitutes a high-quality game, including its graphics, audio design, and core action. They then applied this analytical process to the sample games, identifying any shortcomings and brainstorming precise ways their own upcoming game designs could innovatively address these flaws.
Year 5 and 6 PSHE - Knife Crime Workshop
This week, Year 5 and 6 welcomed a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) to our PSHE lesson for a crucial talk on the dangers of knife crime. Students engaged actively, learning essential strategies for personal safety and understanding the legal and ethical reality: there is never a justified reason to carry a knife. The officer also provided vital guidance on critically evaluating social media content that may pose risks. Following the session, the children created clear and impactful information posters to educate the wider school community about the dangers they had learned.
Online Safety - Tracking Devices
Tracking devices were designed to help people find lost belongings, but they’ve also opened the door to worrying forms of misuse. This week’s #WakeUpWednesday explores how Bluetooth trackers like AirTags and SmartTags can be misused for stalking, bullying and invading young people’s privacy. Download your FREE copy here >> https://vist.ly/4f4u2
Year 5 DT - Meet the Doodlers!
In this week's lesson, Year 5 became design detectives as we met some amazing doodling machines! We explored how these fantastic devices are built and studied the different mechanisms (the moving parts) they use to create their unique, colourful patterns. We analysed how the clever arrangement of motors, levers, and linkages makes each doodler special, preparing Year 5 to design their own creative, moving invention!
Year 5 PSHE - The Compassion Workshop
This week, Year 5 welcomed Tom from Everfi for a special workshop focused on compassion and kindness. As "Be Kind" is one of our key school rules, students could contribute knowledgeably to discussions about practical ways to demonstrate kindness toward others. We completed the interactive workshop online, culminating in an assessment where successful completion earned the children a well-deserved certificate!
Year 5 English - Beowulf
Our study of the legendary poem, Beowulf, has successfully inspired Year 5 to embark on writing their own heroic tales. Following the narrative structure of the original, students devoted today's lesson to deep design and planning. They used a combination of imaginative thinking, name generators, and online image searches to meticulously create and describe the key components of their legends: the vivid settings, the noble heroes, and the terrifying monsters.
Year 5 RE - Sorting Details from the Nativity Story into the Correct Gospel
This week, Year 5 started a fascinating RE unit on the Nativity. Our goal is to become Bible detectives, meticulously studying the Gospels of Luke and Matthew to pinpoint the origins of the story's famous scenes. Students were amazed by the fact that certain traditional details, such as the donkey and the stable, are absent from the biblical text! We reinforced this learning with a fun, hands-on activity, sorting pictures of the Nativity story according to whether the scene is described by Matthew or by Luke.
Year 5 Science - Exploring Transparency
Year 5 deepened their understanding of materials in Science this week by exploring transparency. We learned that a transparent material allows light to pass straight through, enabling clear vision. To investigate this concept, students conducted a practical experiment: using a light meter and a torch, they tested a variety of objects to accurately classify them as transparent, translucent (allowing some light through), or opaque (blocking all light).
Year 5 Maths - Recognising Equivalent Fractions
Year 5 cemented their understanding of equivalent fractions through a highly engaging, practical game. Working in pairs, students used two dice to randomly generate fractions, with their partner then challenged to quickly create a correct equivalent. This activity proved successful not only in generating many examples but also in allowing the children to peer-assess each other's work, providing instant feedback and solidifying their conceptual grasp of fraction equivalence.
Online Safety - Fortnite
Fortnite continues to reign supreme in the gaming world, drawing in millions of players with its bold graphics, fast-paced action and constant stream of new content. This guide looks at the latest developments in the game – such as themed updates, crossover characters and limited-edition cosmetics – and what they mean for young players and the adults who support them. It also unpacks some of the key online safety risks associated with Fortnite. With in-game purchases, cross-platform communication and regular seasonal updates creating an ‘always on’ experience, it’s vital that trusted adults understand how to help children and young people enjoy the game without being exposed to unnecessary risks.
Year 5 Maths - Exploring Equivalent Fractions with Pizza!
Year 5 has launched into their new Fractions unit in Maths this week! To build a strong foundation, we used cooked pizzas to visually explore equivalent fractions. This engaging, hands-on activity successfully helped the children consolidate the vital connection between different fractional parts. By manipulating the slices, students confidently identified equivalents for halves, quarters, eighths, thirds and sixths. This understanding allowed them to move on to finding equivalent fractions for both unit and non-unit fractions with ease. We also enjoyed eating the pizza slices!
Year 5 English - Independent Writing Based on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Year 5 has successfully completed a comprehensive unit on The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this term. Our focus was on narrative innovation, where students wrote independent stories that mirrored the structure of Lucy's first journey into Narnia. They significantly adapted the setting by replacing the lamppost with highly original objects (such as the Statue of Liberty or a Lamborghini). We innovated the character of Mr Tumnus by replacing him with a different mythical creature of our choice. This creative writing followed earlier work where children researched and wrote non-chronological reports on their own selected mythical creatures, including the Naga, Zenko, and Panotti, before placing them into their narratives.
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