This week in Maths, Year 5 learned how to divide numbers by 10, 100 and 1,000, developing their understanding of how digits move within the place-value system. With their learning partners, they practised multiplying and dividing using multiples of 10, 100 and 1,000, noticing number patterns and applying these to calculations. Meanwhile, the Year 4 children focused on learning and applying the multiples of 6 and 7, using this knowledge to solve simple problems and strengthen their times-table fluency.
In English, the Year 5 children explored the key features of autobiographical writing and focused on developing and expanding their sentences using subordinate clauses and a wider range of subordinating conjunctions. They enthusiastically wrote their autobiographies, sharing details about their birth, early life, and school years and proudly presenting their achievements. Meanwhile, the Year 4 children worked on using fronted adverbials and expanded noun phrases to create clear, detailed and engaging Christmas-themed news writing.
In Geography, the children learned how to locate the UK’s National Parks on a map and explain what a National Park is. They also located the Lake District and identified its key human and physical features using geographical language and maps. In addition, they explored some of the natural processes—including glaciation—that have shaped its dramatic landscape of mountains and lakes.
One highlight of the week was watching and participating in the Solar Express performance. Through this engaging experience, the children learned about the 6Rs, including recycling, repairing and reducing waste, and reflected on how they can make positive choices to help protect the environment. This experience linked with our learning on children’s rights by helping them understand their responsibility to care for the environment and make choices that protect the planet, supporting the principles of a Rights Respecting School (UNCRC Article 24: the right to health).
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Learning Together morning last week. It was lovely to see so many of you in the hall, working alongside the children. We took on an Area and Perimeter Escape Room with six different challenges to solve, and I’m pleased to say that all the children managed to “escape” in the end—certificates and big smiles all round!
In Computing, we’ve started our STEAM challenges (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), working together in teams. Last week, the children designed a piece of wearable technology fit for 007. We had spy glasses with hidden sensors, high-tech watches with some very imaginative features, and a few other clever gadgets that would definitely impress any secret agent.
This week, our focus was engineering. The children were challenged to build a sturdy bridge, 10cm wide, using only 20 sheets of paper—no glue, no Sellotape and nothing to lean it against. They worked brilliantly together, testing out ideas, adjusting designs, and really thinking like engineers.
