Welcome to Year 5 – Hawthorne

 

Miss Mason

 

Learning Update

Leading up to the October half term, Year 5 have continued with their fantastic learning!

In Literacy, we explored Hidden Figures, researching the inspiring lives of Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Christine Darden. The children discovered how these remarkable women overcame discrimination and barriers to achieve success in the worlds of mathematics, computing and space exploration at NASA. Using facts from their research, they wrote detailed biographies, including information about their early lives, education, careers and significant achievements. They developed their use of adverbial phrases to add detail and used abstract nouns, such as courage, determination and perseverance, to describe the qualities that helped these women succeed. To bring their biographies to life, the children also researched and selected their own pictures to include, as well as adding a personal touch with their own illustrations.

In Maths, we continued our multiplication and division topic, exploring square numbers, cube numbers, factors, prime numbers and multiples. We looked at misconceptions, such as thinking that finding a square number means multiplying a number by 2, rather than multiplying it by itself. The children developed their understanding of number relationships and practised identifying patterns and properties of numbers. We then moved on to multiplying and dividing numbers by 10, 100 and 1,000, using place value charts to support our learning and help us understand how the value of each digit changes. The children have been developing their mathematical reasoning, accuracy and confidence when solving a range of calculations and problems.

In Science, we explored levers and pulley systems as part of our learning about forces and mechanisms. The children discovered how levers help us lift heavy objects by using a rigid bar and a pivot, known as a fulcrum, to make the task easier. We put our knowledge into practice by using levers to lift objects and investigating how they work. We also experimented with different pulley systems, using them to lift cartons of water and comparing how easily we could raise the loads. The children learned that pulleys use a wheel and rope to help lift objects and that using multiple pulleys can reduce the effort needed. Through these practical investigations, we explored how simple machines make everyday tasks easier and developed our scientific enquiry skills by testing ideas and observing the results.

In History, we explored warfare during the Shang Dynasty, investigating why the Shang were so successful in battle. The children discovered that they used bronze weapons, which were strong and effective, including spears, axes and dagger-axes. They also learned about the use of chariots, which allowed warriors to move quickly across the battlefield, and how large, well-organised armies helped the Shang defend their territory and defeat their enemies. We discussed how advances in bronze-working, military organisation and battle tactics gave the Shang an advantage over their opponents. Through our learning, the children developed their understanding of how weapons, technology and military strength contributed to the power and success of the Shang Dynasty.

This week in Year 5 Art, we began our new topic exploring Taotie motifs, linking to our learning about the Shang Dynasty. Taotie are mysterious, mask-like designs, often featuring symmetrical faces, bold patterns and animal-like features, which were commonly used to decorate ancient Chinese bronze vessels. The Shang people created these intricate designs using bronze casting, a technique in which molten bronze was poured into moulds to create detailed objects. The children explored a range of Taotie motifs, carefully observing and labelling their key features, including shapes, patterns, symmetry and facial details. They then had the opportunity to sketch their own designs, experimenting with different features and patterns to develop their artistic skills and prepare for their next stage of learning.

After half term, we will be learning:

• Literacy: The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries
• Maths: Equivalent fractions
• Art: Casting plaster (moulds)
• Science: Earth and Space
• Computing: Creating games
• Geography: Capital cities and tourism

Autumn Term 2026

Watch this space for our first learning update on Friday 25th September.