Term 5: What a State! (Year 5) Evolution and Inheritance (Year 6)

Welcome to Term 5! This term, Year 5 and Year 6 are both focusing on some very exciting science-based topics. 

What a State: Our new science-based topic focuses on how materials can change state. We will be investigating reversible and irreversible changes and how this can result in the formation of new materials. As well as this, we will explore how materials can be separated through a variety of different ways. Developing our understanding of soluble and insoluble materials will help us to explore dissolving and how this can affect the state of materials too.

Evolution and Inheritance: Our new science-based topic explores the key concepts of evolution and inheritance by building upon previous topics, including animal characteristics and fossils. We will learn about inherited traits and apply knowledge to various animals and plants, before exploring the work of Mary Anning and Charles Darwin. We will also learn about the fascinating history of the human race and discover links between extinct animals and those which are still living today. 

In reading, for both Year 5 and 6, our class text is 'Goldfish Boy.' This fiction book tells the story of Matthew, a 12 year old boy with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He is an extremely observant boy, and when a toddler from next door goes missing he and his friends, Jake and Melody, attempt to solve the mystery facing many difficulties on the way. In reading lessons, we will be focusing on inference and drawing on evidence from the text to support our understanding. We will also be reading a variety of other texts during our reciprocal reading week where we use different 'roles' to deepen our understanding. 

In English, Year 5 will begin the term looking at newspaper reports. We will be learning about the features of a newspaper report and how to use a variety of skills alongside maintaining formality. Year 6 will be writing eye-witness reports based off of a story about an intruder on an island. During this block of learning, we will focus on formality as well as the use of quotes within writing.

Year 5 Maths: Geometry - properties of shape

Year 6 Maths: Fractions, statistics 

PE

Our PE days remain the same:

Year 5 days: Monday and Friday

Year 6 days: Monday and Tuesday 

Both year groups will be doing athletics on one of their PE days. In their second part of PE, the children will be focusing on their movement in creative combat.

Kind Regards, 

Year 5/6 team

Term 4 - Ancient Greece

In this topic, we will learn about the lasting influence the Ancient Greek Empire has had upon us today. We will explore Ancient Greek democracy and compare it to contemporary UK parliament, as well as learning about the lasting effect the Ancient Greek civilisation has had on our language, science, maths and art.
Following this, we will find out about Greek Gods and how their mythology has affected storytelling today.
Next, we will explore the legacy of the Olympic Games and find out how and when the games began, before learning about Alexander the Great’s impact upon the world. Finally, we will learn about how the Roman Empire overtook the Ancient Greek empire, and how Ancient Greek culture influenced the Romans. 

Please check out the useful links below with some great bits of information to help support your children at home:

BBC History: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z87tn39

Ducksters: https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greece.php

Below, please find the Knowledge Organiser for this term and a printable PDF copy.

PE

Our PE days remain the same:

Year 5 days: Monday and Friday

Year 6 days: Monday and Tuesday 

Both year groups will continuing with Tag Rugby on one of their PE days, looking at the tactics and skills side of the sport. In their second part of PE, the children will be focusing on their rhythm and movement in Dance.

Following on from last year, we will be looking to push PE kit standards, sticking to the school uniform guidelines (please check this on the school website). We thank you for your continued support with ensuring children wear the correct clothing for PE days and avoiding the wearing of branded clothing. Whilst they are not yet compulsory, it is great to see some of the new St Bart's branded PE hoodies being worn!

Homework

All homework will continue to be sent out digitally via Showbie, this will be set on a Monday. We expect all pieces of homework to be completed.

Kind regards,

Year 5/6 Team