We will also be learning about Space and the Solar system in science, and using space as a theme for some of our animation work.

Language, literacy and communication 

Throughout the term, as usual, we shall continue to develop our speaking and listening, reading and writing skills in all areas of the curriculum.  The children are constantly encouraged to develop their communication skills throughout the school day, in many situations including role play, debate, presentation and philosophical enquiry.  We place a strong emphasis on collaborative learning in the classroom and the children are encouraged to develop their language skills at these times through discussion, negotiation, persuasion and compromise.  We have group reading time once a day on a rota basis, when the children will either read with myself, work on their own targets, learn through ICT or read independently.  The children also have weekly spelling words to practise in school time.

The development of Welsh as a second language is also very important to us and our literacy and communication skills are developing rapidly here also.  Though we place the greatest emphasis on speaking Welsh, the children in Year 5 and 6 are quickly improving their writing and reading skills. 

Mathematical development

Our mathematics will continue to build, for both year groups, into work involving larger numbers this year and at the other end of the scale into learning more about fractions and decimals.  We continue to focus on basic skills, place value and the four main operations and revisit these themes regularly.  As a school we are continuing to develop mathematical understanding initially though the use of practical ‘hands on’ materials before moving on to pictures and other 2D tools and then to more abstract number work.  Again, it is vital that children gain a solid grasp of their tables by year 5 and 6, and any support you can provide for your child in this area at home can make a big difference to success in this mathematics in the classroom.

P.E.

Our P.E. sessions now consist of Swimming on a Wednesday and Active Kids on Thursdays.  Please could the children bring a P.E. kit on Thursday consisting of shorts/tracksuit bottoms, T-shirts/sweatshirt and trainers.  The children have already been grouped for swimming and they will be working towards various targets in a structured progamme over the coming weeks.   For health and safety reasons, please could you make sure that children do not bring aerosols to school. 

Outdoor learning

This year, again, we shall be learning outside every Tuesday afternoon, usually in the woods behind the school or in the nature reserve.  These sessions will continue to involve a broad range of activities such as gardening, bug hunting, scavenger and treasure hunting, fire making, knot tying, environmental art and team problem solving.  Children will need to be dressed in suitable clothing for this afternoon session – including waterproof clothing if the ground is wet.  They are still welcome to leave old macs / wellies etc. in a bag in school for these days if you would prefer.  I again need to stress that this session will go ahead with all pupils in all but the most extreme weather conditions and I am sure you can appreciate how tempting a muddy puddle is to children of this age, so could you please ensure they come suitably prepared!

Fruit

Fruit is on sale every morning breaktime, 20p a day or £1 for the week.

Many thanks for your kind support.

Mr. Paul Trotman

Y5/6Teacher