Welcome to Year 5 – Hawthorne

Miss Mason

Learning Update

In Year 5, pupils have been finishing their class novel The Tempest in Literacy and using it as inspiration to write their own imaginative play scripts set on a deserted island during a powerful storm. As part of this unit, the children have practised key Year 5 writing skills, including using ambitious vocabulary, organising their ideas into cohesive paragraphs, punctuating dialogue accurately, and adding stage directions to guide performers. After planning, drafting, and editing their work, the class proudly published their final scripts on the computers, creating polished pieces they are excited to share.

In Maths, Year 5 have been continuing their work on fractions, focusing on adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators. They have also used their understanding of equivalent fractions to convert fractions where needed before carrying out calculations. They have been practising key skills such as finding fractions of amounts, comparing and ordering fractions, simplifying fractions, and recognising improper fractions and mixed numbers. These important skills have been applied to a range of problem-solving questions, helping pupils deepen their reasoning, explain their methods clearly, and become more confident in selecting efficient strategies.

In Science, Year 5 have been completing their project on forces and mechanisms. They explored how pulleys work by using carabiners to create their own pulley systems, testing how effectively they could lift different objects from around the classroom. Building on their knowledge of friction, air resistance, gears, and mechanisms, the pupils then applied their understanding to design and create informative posters describing the features of the perfect bike for professional cyclists. Their work showed great curiosity, creativity, and a strong grasp of how forces influence movement in the real world.

In Art, Year 5 have been exploring creative techniques involving casting plaster and mould-making. They began by pressing small objects into plasticine to form detailed moulds, then carefully mixed and poured casting plaster to fill their designs. Once set, the pupils revealed their casts and reflected on the textures and shapes they had created. This practical work is all in preparation for the exciting next step—designing and making their own Taotie, inspired by ancient Chinese art.

In the following weeks, we will be learning:

• Literacy: The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries
• Maths: Fractions and end-of-unit assessments
• Art: Designing and making Taoties
• Science: Earth and Space

Autumn Term 2025

Click on the links below to see what the children in Year 5 will be learning in the Autumn Term.