Welcome to Dosbarth Elm and Elder!

Our class teachers are Mr. Howard and Miss Kelly. 

We are delighted to be sharing this space with you, so we can share news and events during this incredibly busy final year. 

PE days this year are: Tuesdays and Thursdays - children are expected to bring fresh PE kit to each lesson. They are able to leave school in their PE kit but must ensure school uniform is neatly stored away in their bag (this is good practice for secondary school).  

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 for this term is 'Funky Chickens' by Benjamin Zephaniah. 

What Your Child Will Be Reading in Reading Lessons: Funky Chickens

This term, Year 6 will be exploring Funky Chickens, a lively and thought-provoking poetry collection by the renowned poet Benjamin Zephaniah. Packed with humour, rhythm, and powerful messages, the poems reflect on themes like kindness, equality, and the environment, while celebrating diversity and individuality.

Through Zephaniah’s playful language and vibrant storytelling, children will develop their understanding of poetry, learn to appreciate different perspectives, and explore how words can inspire change. The lessons will encourage creativity, discussion, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

This accessible and exciting book will not only entertain but also help students strengthen their literacy skills and spark a love of poetry. We’re looking forward to seeing their imaginations come alive!

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.