Year 5 Autumn 2019-20
Self Portraits
We started Year 5 by practising and refining our sketching skills. We discussed symmetry and what parts of us were symmetrical then used measuring to make our sizes precise. Once our sketches were done we added colour with paint and pencils.
Friendships and Relationships
Year 5 had a visit from Nicola from Northumbria Police. She came to speak to us about friendships and relationships. We learned about what makes us feel sad and happy. We also learned a lot about the importance of balance in a friendship/relationship and how decisions should be fair and made together, not by one individual.
Mayans
Our History topic this half term has been the Mayans - and what an intelligent bunch they were! We have looked at some of their main achievements and were impressed to learn they were the first civilisation to create a number zero, had a pretty accurate calendar and devised their own number and writing systems!
Bikeability
In November, Bikeability instructors came to talk to us about bike safety and road safety. We practised hand signals and positions on the yard to get our level one certificates. Then we had to learn how to turn at a T-junction and perform U-turns to complete level 2. They also taught us about road signs and what they mean.
#Choose Kindness
Choosing kindness is very important in order to have a happy environment. We watched some videos about others choosing kindness and thought of random acts of kindness we could do. When we went home, some of us complimented parents or helped out at home. Kindness makes everyone feel happy. We created some posters to encourage others to choose kindness.
Party Time
Our Christmas Party was great fun! It was lovely to see all children coming to school in their party clothes. We played games, danced and had some refreshments. We had a game of Christmas charades and the children's actions were excellent.
Catching Up
After not having seen some of our friends for 6 weeks, it was good to catch up with them outside and play some games. We tested out the new decking area and had a chat on the benches. It was interesting finding out what each other had been up to over the summer holidays.
Funky Furnishings
In Design Technology we have been looking at cushion covers, their purposes and designs. We have practised our stitching, adding buttons and sequins and have designed our own cushion cover.
Durham Cathedral
Year 5 had an excellent morning at Durham Cathedral. We heard stories about the Northern Saints (Aidan, Bede, Cuthbert, Oswald and Hilda), found symbols, dressed up as them and showed our respect for them by lighting candles for the ones who were buried there.
Anti-bullying Week - Odd Socks Day
To kick off Anti-bullying week, we celebrated Odd Socks day, we discussed how we are all different so we are all our own 'odd sock'. We talked about what made us unique and how important it is to be ourselves. We created an odd sock that represents us.
Class Assembly
Year 5 performed brilliantly at their class assembly. The feedback from parents/carers was excellent. They loved the songs and could not believe how much Year 5 had managed to fit into one half term. Well done Year 5.
Christmas Dinner
We all enjoyed wearing our Christmas jumpers, listening to Christmas stories and having our Christmas lunch together. It got us in the festive spirit and excited for the big day itself.
The Northern Saints
In R.E. we have begun to learn about the Northern Saints and Christian beliefs. We used the ipads to do some research into saints. We found out the last saint to be canonized was a man called Oscar Romero and the first ever saint was Saint Ulrich.
Explanation Texts
In Literacy we have been learning about explanation texts and their features. We have planned an explanation of planet Earth, the Sun and the Moon. In Computing we found useful diagrams that we wanted to use for our explanation text to give more information for our reader.
Making Cushions
Year 5 have been making their patches for the cushion this week, and have done a fantastic job. The children all had a go at sewing at least one element on their patch and used other skills they had learnt to decorate it. The children have helped each other to complete their designs and teach each other new skills.
Change Starts With Us
One of the main messages of anti-bullying week was 'Change Starts With Us'. Using this message, in groups we came up with some things we could do to start making a change. After that we put these into a rap and performed for the class.
People in Action
This half term year 5 have started a new Art project called 'People in Action'. Over the past few weeks the children have looked at how people's body shape changes with their movements and how their facial expressions can also change depending on what they are doing. This week they focused on creating movement using colour. They used paint to create brush strokes to show the person running.
Christmas Carol Service
Year 5 performed beautifully for parents/carers and community members at Oxclose Church for the Carol Service. They learned, listened to and discussed traditional Christmas Carols and more modern songs which have a different message about Christmas. They enjoyed listening to the songs and thinking about the messages in them.
