Year 5 & 6

For English, this half-term, year 5 will be exploring the classic, ‘Frankenstein’.  Written by Mary Shelley in the 19th century, the novel follows the life of an aspiring scientist who makes a life-changing discovery. This discovery is at first magical but soon turns into a living nightmare. It is an enthralling read that captures the imagination of the reader.

 

Our outcomes for the term will be in the forms of monologues from both Frankenstein and the creature’s perspectives and a balanced-argument. 

            

 

 

In mathematics this half term, we are deepening the children’s knowledge and understanding of number, with a particular focus on short multiplication; short division; long division and then fractions.  The children’s knowledge of their times tables up to 12x12 is imperative as they will be using this to complete fluency, problem-solving and reasoning questions.  

 

For fractions, we will be learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions as well as converting mixed number fractions to improper fractions and vice versa.  

     

 

If you would like to know about the methods that we use in school, please speak to Mr Benjamin or Miss Begum. On Monday 21st of January, we will be hosting a workshop for Y5 parents based on division and multiplication, where we will show you the methods that we use in school so that you can support your children at home.

 

In Science this term, we will be learning about at electricity and circuits. The children will learn the symbols for the components of circuits whilst creating actual circuits using bulbs, motors and switches. This links up to our core text Frankenstein.

 

In English this half term, year 6 will be exploring the theme of Gothic writing in classic literature.  Written by H.G. Wells in the 19th century, the ‘Red Room’ is a spooky tale of mystery and suspense. An ambiguous story written in first person follows the short account of a man who is unafraid of ghosts and is going to stay the night in the apparently haunted Red Room.

 

In mathematics this half term, we are beginning the term by consolidating and deepening children’s understanding and subsequent mastery of fractions, decimals and percentages. 

So, instead of independently explaining these concepts as abstract formulae or steps, subject matter experts suggest that we introduce the relation between the three. It helps to bring more clarity to students as a result they don’t see them separately. We will also be using investigations and mastery challenges to help us apply our maths learning in real life scenarios. 

 

In science we will be covering the topic ‘Animals including humans’. Through this topic, we will be able to identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and to describe the functions of the heart, blood vessels and blood. Moreover, we will recognise the impact of diet, exercise, drugs and lifestyle on the way their bodies function and to describe the ways in which nutrients and water are transported within animals, including humans.