Welcome to Year 5 – Hawthorne

Miss Mason

Learning Update

In Literacy, we have been studying Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, using the text to inspire our own creative writing. The children planned and wrote their own predicted chapter, carefully considering plot development, characterisation and descriptive language to match the style of the author. We have also begun reading Children of the Benin Kingdom, which has sparked thoughtful discussions about culture, history and different perspectives. Alongside this, the children have been developing their grammar skills by using relative clauses to add extra detail to their sentences, modal verbs to give advice and suggestions, and contrasting verbs to clearly show shifts in characters’ moods and emotions. We have also been focusing on editing and improving our work to ensure it is clear, accurate and engaging for the reader.

In Maths, we have been building our understanding of measurement by converting between different units, including metres and centimetres, as well as litres and millilitres. The children have also explored the differences between metric and imperial units, developing their awareness of when each might be used in real-life contexts. In addition, we have been applying our knowledge to practical problems, such as reading and interpreting timetables. The class has practised calculating durations of time, including working out how long journeys take using bus timetables, which has helped to strengthen both their arithmetic skills and their problem-solving abilities. We have also continued to encourage the children to explain their reasoning clearly.

In Science, we have been investigating evaporation through hands-on experiments using coffee and water, and salt and water. The children set up their own investigations and made predictions about what might happen over time. Throughout the week, they carefully observed how the volume of water decreased and recorded the changes they noticed. They were particularly interested in examining the residue left behind once the water had evaporated, leading to discussions about dissolving, separation and changes of state. The children have been developing their scientific enquiry skills by observing closely, recording results and drawing simple conclusions from their findings.

In History, we have been learning about significant individuals from Ancient Greece, including Socrates, Plato, Cleisthenes and Pericles. The children explored who these figures were, what they believed, and how their ideas and actions influenced society. We discussed the development of democracy and the impact these individuals have had on the modern world. The class has enjoyed comparing life in Ancient Greece to life today and thinking about why these people are still remembered. They have also been developing their skills in asking questions and interpreting historical information.

In Computing, the children have been developing important digital skills. They have been practising touch typing using both hands, focusing on accuracy and speed to improve their confidence when using a keyboard. In addition, they have been creating their own animations using Purple Mash. The children have planned their animations carefully and brought them to life by adding backgrounds, characters and sound effects. This has helped them to understand how digital content is created and how different elements can be combined to create engaging pieces of work.

In Art, we have been preparing for our final ‘Innovate’ project based on the theme of expression. The children worked collaboratively to take photographs of each other using Chromebooks, focusing on capturing a range of facial expressions. They have begun analysing these images, thinking carefully about how emotions can be shown through facial features. These photographs will be used as inspiration for their final pieces, where the children will sketch, paint and creatively exaggerate expressions to produce powerful and imaginative artwork. We are looking forward to seeing their final outcomes.

Well done to all of Year 5 for their fantastic effort and enthusiasm this term. We are very proud of all they have achieved!

In the following weeks we will be learning:
Literacy: Parenthesis and adverbial phrases (Children of the Benin Kingdom)
Maths: Volume and capacity
Art: Mixed media (starting with paper art)
French: Ordering at a café
History: Greek philosophy

Summer Term 2025

Links to Summer Term learning are in the process of being uploaded.