Orca Class
This term, we will be celebrating our school value ‘Creativity’ with the children, exploring this in a number of fun ways.
The month of May also marks the time when Year 6 will take their SATs. Having shown a fantastic attitude to learning throughout the year, our pupils will undoubtedly make us all proud during the test week, which begins on Monday 12th May (see Google Classroom for further details). Other important dates include the Opal ‘Stay and Play’ Session and the Orca Class Cake Sale both on 22nd May.
This page will be updated throughout the year with information about our topics and the learning that we will be focusing on. Please do check out our school Twitter page to see regular photos of our incredible learning.
Our Learning Environment
Learning in Term 5
During the fifth term, our ‘driver’ topic will be ‘Maafa’.
English
Over the next 6 weeks, Orca Class will be studying a thrilling adventure called ‘The Explorers’ by Katherine Rundell. Set in the 1940s, this story follows the experiences of four children, who crash-land in the Amazon rainforest after a plane malfunction. They must learn to survive in the wild, facing challenges like finding food and shelter. The story explores themes of survival, friendship and the importance of the environment. In connection with the whole school value of ‘Creativity’, the children will participate in a series of drama workshops linked to parts of the story, before creating their own narratives.
To support this, each Monday, the class will have separate grammar and spelling sessions, in which they will explore new aspects of grammar and KS2 spelling patterns. Each week, the children will also be given spellings to learn and given links to Spelling Shed, so that they can practise these words in preparation for a weekly spelling test.
Reading
As well-developed reading skills are vital to enable children to access all areas of the primary curriculum, this term, the children will use their reading skills to answer a range of VIPER linked to non-fiction and poetry. Year 6 will also be exploring a selection of Reading SATs style questions and familiarising themselves with the expectations of this test.
Your child will also continue to bring home a reading folder, which will contain a Homework Diary and a fiction/non-fiction book. We ask that they read for 20 mins each day and we would be grateful if the record could be signed to show that this has taken place. In this way, we hope to enthuse the children and make them realise that books can open up a world of endless possibilities.
Maths
In Maths this term, Years 5 and 6 will continue their Power Maths Learning.
Year 5
This term, Year 5 children will be exploring two topics: Statistics and Geometry, where they will
- Solve comparison, sum and difference problems, using information presented in a line graph
- Complete, read and interpret information in tables, including timetables
- Identify 3D shapes, including cubes and other cuboids, from 2D representations
- Know angles are measured in degrees: estimate and compare acute, obtuse and reflex angles
- Draw given angles and measure them in degrees
- Use the properties of rectangles to deduce related facts and find missing lengths and angles
- Distinguish between regular and irregular polygons based on reasoning about equal sides and angles
In preparation for their upcoming SATs, Year 6 will explore Statistics, before revising mathematical topics which they have studied across the year. During these sessions, the children will be supported to solve a range of question types, including arithmetic and reasoning, in preparation for the Year 6 SATs. They will be encouraged to use a range of manipulatives during these sessions, as well as to use mathematical language to explain their answers.
Following the tests, the children will undertake a range of problem-solving challenges, designed to encourage them to use and apply their mathematical skills.
As the Yr 5 children are now entering the latter part of Key Stage Two, it is even more important that they have a secure understanding of their times tables and can use the four operations to calculate mental arithmetic questions.
You can access TT Rockstars via this link: https://ttrockstars.com/
Wider Learning
This year we will continue to use the ‘Cornerstones Curriculum’ to support our wider learning.
History: Maafa
History in Terms 5 and 6 focuses on the unit ‘Maafa’. This project focuses on ‘Africa Past and Present’, with a particular focus on Benin. It traces the development of the slave trade and explores Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, the causes and consequences of the European colonisation of Africa and the worldwide communities that make up the African diaspora.
Science: The Circulatory System
Our Science topic this term has a biology focus, as we learn about the circulatory system. We will explore and model the purpose and structure of the circulatory system, blood vessels and blood. We will conduct experiments to test heart rate and will learn about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and the impact that unhealthy choices can have on our bodies.
Art: Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers
In Art, we will explore ‘Trailblazers, Barrier Breakers’. This project teaches us about significant black artists and their work, and provides opportunities to analyse and create artwork inspired by them. In Term 6, we will build on our knowledge of tints, tones and shades. We will think about colour theory by studying the colour-wheel and exploring mixing tints, shades and tones. Then, learn about significant landscape artworks and features of landscapes, before using this knowledge to create landscape paintings influenced by the Brazilian Artist, Beatriz Milhazes.
Computing
This unit explores the concept of variables in programming through games in Scratch. First, learners find out what variables are and relate them to real-world examples of values that can be set and changed. Then they use variables to create a simulation of a scoreboard. In Lessons 2, 3, and 5, which follow the Use-Modify-Create model, learners experiment with variables in an existing project, then modify them, before they create their own project. In Lesson 4, learners focus on design. Finally, in Lesson 6, learners apply their knowledge of variables and design to improve their games in Scratch.
Over the next two terms, PE sessions will take place on Wednesday. During Term 5, the children will undertake a range of orienteering activities designed to enable them to learn how to understand complex maps, design routes and scale maps effectively. Building on their experiences at PGL, they will also continue to develop their communication skills and ability to work in a team not of their choosing. In Term 6, the children will be participating in tennis lessons.
Our P.E day is Wednesday; please make sure your child comes into school wearing their full P.E. kit on this day
French: 'Chez Moi'
As well as learning a range of conversational phrases, by the end of this unit, pupils will have the knowledge and skills to present both orally and in written form. This is a unit that focuses on recycling previously learnt grammar, using it with new vocabulary and having a better understanding of the negative form, demonstrating a growing ability to create independent responses. The children will then move onto exploring phrases related to life at home.
Homework will be set on a Monday (spelling) and Friday (Atom Learning/Topic) and is to be completed by the following Friday. This will be set on Google Classroom.
Each Monday, the children will be set their weekly spellings on Spelling Shed
As part of their home learning, we encourage children to read every day to support their reading fluency and vocabulary.
Contact us
We are always available on the playground after school if you need to talk! Alternatively, if it is not urgent, you can email the families' email. This email is checked regularly and will be forwarded on to the class team. You can find the email here: families@bethersden.kent.sch.uk
We are looking forward to the exciting term ahead of us!
Orca Class Team
