Wonderful writing
In Year 5/6 this week, we have been writing a recount about discovering a secret parcel linked to our class novel, ‘Secrets of a Sun King.’
The quality of writing has blown me away and the children have really enjoyed adding tension to their work. They have all been keen to share some of their writing and have chosen sentences/extracts to share:
This was the opportunity as everyone was asleep. I was ready to open it and as soon as I did, I became unconscious – James
As dark as an abyss, I had to grab the flashlight from the truck. Wrapped in dazzling vermillion thread – Aubree
The goosebumps on my body rose as I got to the stairs. The adrenaline levels, in my body, shot up – Evie
Shivering, I felt scared. I was not sure if it was midnight or not – Madeleine
It was locked in a safe, but it only took a kick to open it. The parcel was wrapped in gold with a red ribbon – Liam
Without hesitation, I pushed open my bedroom door trying not to make a sound. I edged towards the bathroom. My heart sank, knowing full-well the only door that could make the ear-twitching sound was my grandparents – Noah
I observed the mystifying parcel wrapped in a beautiful white satin bow. My hands were juddering – Kamile
She entered with an inconspicuous lunchbox. It was in my grasp – Lilly C
I suddenly woke up, now was my chance to get the parcel. I was in trouble, but I couldn’t help myself – Honey
Returning the parcel, I had the biggest smile on my face –Leo S
Something deep inside me told me I knew what it was. It was antique with golden swirls in the corner – Valerie
The box was wrapped in camo and smeared with mud. It was very inconspicuous. I stared at it for a second, it seemed to be burnt slightly – Christian
I was almost certain it was time to go. I opened the parcel to reveal… – Freddie
The full moon was out, it was like a torch shining on me. Inside was a perfectly round crystal ball, it has purple smoke inside – Lily W
I walked as quiet as a mouse, trying hard to not make a sound – Charlina
I cut my hand in the process. Now I was scared – Willow
Without hesitation, I stealthily dashed passed the trees – Umar
We all hurried like hungry mice. At lunch, my friends and I crept cautiously like three spies into the Year 5/6 classroom – Murielle
Stealthily, I tip toed out of my room – Tommy
Slowly, I edged towards the door. The parcel was grey with a beautiful lilac silk bow – Summer
Just shy of dawn… As shy as a fox… Now I start my descent – Ralph
Help at home – Ask your child about some of the various ways they can begin a sentence. Can they write a short passage recounting something they have done? How can they keep the reader intrigued?
Reading
Just a reminder to please encourage your child to read at home.
10 minutes, three times a week would really help your child’s fluency and understanding. Once they have read, please sign reading records to say that they have been heard. Child should also complete an activity per week in their reading records.
Any queries, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your support, Mr Kilner.
Forest Schools Fun
This week, year 5/6 had more fun in our woodlands area with the forest schools team .
We used the resources to made rope swings, a mud kitchen and even a wishing well!
It was fantastic hearing the children articulate what they had enjoyed about the session so well.
We will be focusing on more construction and developing the mud kitchen area in the weeks to come.
Help at home: Ask your child what they enjoyed about forest schools. Can they get any inspiration from the nature around you? 
RE
Our RE topic this term is Creation or Science: Conflicting or Complimentary. We began our learning by listening to The Beginning from Genesis 1. The children drew how they interpreted the reading and wrote down 7 words to summarise their thoughts. Words included prosper, separate, love, light, rest, creation, green up.
Help at home – Ask your child what they remember about The Beginning story. What happened on the third day? What did God do on Day 7? What music do you think would complement the story? Where in the Bible can you find Genesis 1?
Forest School
Year 5 and 6 have had exceptional punctuality and attendance so far this year. As a result, they earned themselves some forest school time out of class. We explored, built, played and worked together. It was a lovely morning out in the sunshine and the children have continued to ‘wow’ us with their positive teamwork and communication.
PE
In PE this week, we have focussed on teambuilding and working together. The children really impressed with their communication and patience – it was really good to see. They had to move across the ‘lava’ only using limited resources to step on.
We have also been introduced to hockey. We have talked about where our hands go on the hockey stick. Where the left hand goes and where the right hand goes.
Help at home – Ask your child about what makes a good team player. Why is important to work as a team? Where should your hands go on a hockey stick. What do we call the lefthand? What do we call the right hand?
Our new sensory space; The Den
Over the summer, Mrs Freeman has been busy creating a sensory themed room in school.
The Den is a safe space which aims to provide any child with the individualised sensory input they need to self-regulate so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others.
The Den offers a safe space for relaxation, exploration, independence, and social sessions. The resources in The Den can be used to stimulate, soothe, entertain and distract, depending on the child’s requirements.
We would like to say thank you to the school PTA for the contributions towards resources for this room.
We hope users of The Den benefit from the stimulating visual and tactile activities.
Welcome back!
We’ve had a positive first week in Year 5/6. The children have already been fantastic role models to the rest of the school; always being respectful, ready and safe.
We have met our Reception buddies and we have enjoyed helping the younger children settle in to St James’ – it has been wonderful to see how responsible and caring the children are.
Here are a few things to note:
- Mr Kilner – class teacher
- Mrs Bald and Mr Smith – teaching assistants
- Miss Gledhill – classroom support and interventions (Monday and Friday)
- PE – Tuesday and Wednesday (please dress your child in their PE clothes on these days)
- Library – Monday
Please ensure your child brings a water bottle to school every day and healthy snacks for playtime (if required).
During PE, the children are not permitted to wear earrings. Please can you ensure these have been removed prior to attending school on PE days. Long hair needs to be tied back also.
Children have been provided with a reading record book. Please hear your child read through the week and encourage them to complete one of the activities listed in their reading record.
If you have any concerns or questions, please either speak to me at the end of the school day or make an appointment via the school office.
Mr Kilner
Living and learning: RSE, boundaries and consent.
Over the past few weeks, years 5 and 6 have been learning about relationships and sex education. The pupils have taken to this unit incredibly well, offering up a variety of questions and ensuring the classroom is a safe space, comfortable space for all children to feel happy, healthy and safe. Children have left these sessions feeling much more aware and informed of how their bodies may change as they grow older, particularly through puberty. We have used an ‘Ask-it Basket’ to allow children to write anonymous questions at any point, so that they feel comfortable knowing all the answers they need as they grow.
We have also touched on relationships in other lessons, too. Our reading fluency focussed on boundaries and consent, using the book ‘Respect’ by Rachel Brian. The children understood and felt comfortable knowing that not all boundaries are the same for everyone, and it’s ok to make your own limitations as you are the one in charge of your body.
Help at home:
Check in with your child and ask about their learning during their relationships and sex education lessons. Allow your child to ask any questions that they may be unsure of/uncomfortable with, particularly around puberty. Ask your child whether they are happy with the relationships they have formed in their lives, and perhaps make up some scenarios where boundaries might change (use the image above to help).
Pie Corbett (Wings) inspired writing
In our reading sessions, years 5 and 6 have been practising our reading fluency, using the poem ‘wings’ by Pie Corbett. In this poem (below), Pie Corbett uses his senses to influence his ideas on what he would do if he were to have wings.
The children were really inspired by his work, so we decided to create our own versions of the poem. We still focussed on our senses to guide our writing. Have a look at some of our fantastic pieces below!
