Year 5
Croeso i Blwyddyn 5!
Our teachers are Mr. Lewis (Lime), Mrs Jackson and Mrs Roberts (Larch)
PE days this year are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays - children are expected to bring fresh PE kit to each lesson. They are able to leave school in their PE kit but must ensure their school uniform is neatly stored away in their bag.
We will be continuing to set mathematical challenges via our Matheletics platform. Children are welcome to borrow a physical reading book from our library and online books will be available via Oxford Reading Buddies - your child will be provided login details for this.
This term, we are excited about launching our second whole-school context for learning of the year: Stop the Clock!
Our class text is: Street Child by Berlie Doherty
This term, Key Stage Two children at Danescourt will be reading Street Child by Berlie Doherty, a gripping and emotional story set in Victorian England. The book follows the journey of Jim Jarvis, a young boy who struggles to survive after losing his family and home. Based on true events, Street Child offers a powerful insight into the harsh realities of life for poor children in the 19th century.
Through this compelling novel, children will deepen their understanding of historical contexts, including the workhouses and social issues of the Victorian era. They’ll also engage in discussions about resilience, empathy, and justice, as well as develop their reading comprehension and storytelling skills.
This poignant and thought-provoking book is a gateway to history and humanity, and we’re excited to see the meaningful connections your children will make as they read and learn.
Our Whole School Context: Stop the Clock
This term, our whole school will be delving into an exciting humanities-focused learning context titled Stop the Clock. Year 5 and 6 students will explore key historical, scientific, and cultural aspects of Wales and beyond, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
The children will:
• Investigate the history of the Glamorganshire Canal and its importance during the Industrial Revolution.
• Explore the Industrial Revolution in Wales, including the history of coal mining, with an educational visit to the Big Pit to bring history to life.
• Examine their own city, Cardiff, and compare it with Birmingham, learning about similarities and differences between the two cities during the Industrial Revolution.
• Develop their empathetic and creative thinking skills by writing from the perspective of people living through the Industrial Revolution.
• Learn essential data skills by analysing population and pollution data, helping them understand the lasting impact of industrialisation.
• Celebrate Welsh culture by preparing for the Eisteddfod, learning traditional Welsh folk dances such as Jac Y Do.
• Through science and technology, compare jobs from the Industrial Revolution to those of today, using modern technologies to design and create their own media app.
• Investigate ecosystems, exploring food chains, animal adaptations, and the plants and animals in their local area.
Explore and compare the work of Lowry and local artist Falcon Hildred, before responding creatively with their own industrial paintings.
This exciting context combines literacy, numeracy, history, geography, science, technology, and the arts to give students a rich understanding of the Industrial Revolution and its impact, while fostering a deeper appreciation for their Welsh heritage and the natural world around them.