This week, Year 5 launched their exciting new topic, Pole to Pole. Using a range of topic books, we explored photographs, facts and information about the Arctic and Antarctic, helping us develop our sense of wonder about these unique environments.

As we researched, we used our enquiring minds to ask questions and share what we were curious to learn. We discussed the animals, landscapes and people connected to the polar regions and thought about what we might discover throughout the topic. Applying the knowledge we discovered, we created colourful title pages inspired by our research and the amazing polar worlds we will be studying over the coming weeks.

As part of our observation of Black History Month, 5J have been learning about black poets and authors. We talked about the importance of equal opportunities after listening to a poem by Lemn Sissay. We then updated our reading lists with Benjamin Zephaniah’s ‘Windrush Child’. A few of us plan to head to the library over the half-term break!

This week Year 5 took some time out of the classroom and immersed ourselves in the historical world of the Royal Armouries. We explored artefacts in line with our topic on Ancient Greece, previous learning and simply took in the large scale of the place! A highlight for many of the class was observing the Hall of Steel and noticing the many patterns created within it. A great day all round!

Enterprise is an important part of the PSHE curriculum, helping pupils develop creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and financial awareness while preparing them for future opportunities in education, employment, and life. After having learnt about the risks and needs of borrowing, the children then went onto developing their own business plans. We enjoyed taking time out to share our plans with one another.

This half term Year 5 have been learning about pilgrimages across different religions. As well as developing our knowledge of what a pilgrimage is and what pilgrims do, we have practised making links and deepening our ability to reflect. This week we have considered what we would write if we were to post a message into the Western Wall. We then developed our oracy skills by sharing our ideas.

5J celebrated their hard work with a wonderful afternoon filled with dance, drama, art, writing and food tasting- what a way to finish the fortnight! Our families came to support us and got involved in the work too, producing labyrinth designs and creative writing pieces. A huge thank you to all the staff that helped make this the success it was- it really does take a village! Well done 5J. You were aMAZEing.

We’re in the very lucky position in 5J to have the first Arts Fortnight of the year. Immersed in the world of Ancient Greece, the children have designed and created labyrinths, learnt a dance based on Theseus and the Minotaur and began to write a wonderful, action-packed piece of creative writing. Collaboration has been at the centre of all we have done this week and it has paid off! We can’t wait for next week to showcase our amazing talents to our families.

As part of our ACE foundations week, 5J have been figuring out exactly what it takes to be a lead learner! Here at ACE our key behaviours are: resilient spirit, enquiring mind, open heart, sense of wonder, responsible steps and helping hands. There have been many examples shown but a few stand out people so far who have been awarded with oue lead learner lanyards. Well done!

What a great start to the year we have had. We have spent these first few important days getting to know one another and finding out about all that we learn this year. Here’s to an exciting year ahead. We have also signed our Class Code of Conduct to help us create a safe and respectful school for us all!