HIGH ERCALL PRIMARY SCHOOL

CLASS 5 SPRING TERM LETTER

January 2018

Dear Parents/Carers,

During this term,Class 5 are exploring a history theme looking at the historic African Kingdom of Benin. We will be learning about culture and society in that civilisation. We will also be studying Geography skills: continents; oceans and countries of the world; capital cities and major landmarks as well as developing mapping skills using our school grounds and the village of High Ercall as a basis for map work. Our class book is ‘The Unforgotten Coat’ by Frank Cottrell Boyce.

To support your child you can help them in the following study areas:

EnglishThis term,all classes will be using the book ‘Tuesday,’ by David Wiesner, as a stimulus for writing. Some of our written work will also be based on history, science and other foundation subjects. There will be a particular focus on using a range of sentence structures including a variety of openers, more advanced punctuation and applying spelling rules. Cohesion within writing will be a focus this term. In preparation for end of Primary assessments, we will also be giving extra time to securing knowledge of grammar and answering SATs style questions as well as ensuring children have a good understanding of spelling rules and strategies to help them spell accurately both in tests and in their written work.

MathematicsWe will be working onsecuring children’s arithmetic skills in order to enable them to work quickly and efficiently.The children will be aiming to complete the next levelof the medal maths programme and be able to use and apply that knowledge of times tables and other related facts. Classwork will follow a programme of revision of KS2 topics in addition to the Year 6 coverage of decimals, percentages, algebra, measures and ratio. As well as continuing to practise key skills (number bonds, doubles etc.), children should also be practising formal written methods for calculations at home as part of their ongoing regular homework.

ScienceWe will be studying evolution and inheritance as well as learning about Charles Darwin himself. From 5th-25th February, it is the Darwin Shrewsbury Festival which is an annual event with art, music, dance, theatre, lectures and workshops taking place across the town- this might be a fun way to learn more. We will be investigating natural selection. Any practical opportunities you can provide to enable your child to investigate and question everyday scientific processes will help them to develop greater understanding.

PE will usually take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. However,this may vary and we will do physical activities at other times so pupils should always havecorrect kit in school. Please ensure all items of kit are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

RSEFor our relationship and sex education (RSE), pupils will be studying how boys and girls bodies change during puberty, and relationships. Parents and carers will be given prior notice to the teaching of any unit.

On-going weekly activities:

  • Class spelling – spelling lists each Friday, a spelling task due the following Fridaywhen there will also be an opportunity for self-assessment
  • Daily reading and making entries in reading journals at least 5 times a week
  • Daily practise of key mathematics skills including calculation methods
  • Handwriting practise through focused effort in reading journals and spelling practise

Homework

Homework is set on a Tuesday and due back the following Monday; the task is always recorded in purple homework books. Spelling homework is given out on a Friday and due in the following Friday. Please sign each homework task that is set so that we knowthat your child is sharing their work with you at home.

We hope that you find this summary helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss the ways in which you can support your child.

Mrs Ward (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

Mrs Edwards (Thursday, Friday)