Head Teacher: Miss Siobhan Leonard (BA Hons, QTS, NPQH)Address: Royds Lane, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BJTel: (0113) 2828182Website: www.rothwellstmarys.co.ukE-mail: head@rothwellstmarys.org.uk

January 2018

Dear parents/carers,

Welcome back to another term in year 5. I hope the festive period has been a happy and restful one. The children have had a wonderful first term in upper key stage 2; I am very excited to see what they can achieve in the term to come.

During this half term, we will be covering the following topics:

REThe children will continue working from our school RE scheme- The Way, the Truth and the Life. We will be covering the topic ‘Inspirational people’. The Children will have the opportunity to not only explore people of inspiration within our own faith but explore those in other faiths. They will also have the chance to play ‘director’ as they will be creating and filming their own documentary.

EnglishWe will be exploring the exotic world of India in our English this half term. We will begin with Indian proverbs, explore cultural folk tales and review the impact of poverty. Children are encouraged to bring any items or share stories that parents may have from any travels!

MathsThe following areas will be covered: place value, multiplication, division, and fractions.

ScienceThe sun and our solar system. We will be also debating ‘Should Pluto be a planet?’ Maybe something to discuss around the dinner table to get the children thinking?!

TopicWe have a geography focus this half term, plotting European countries and UK cities on maps.

HomeworkReading- Children are expected to read twice weekly as a minimum with reading records to be signed by a parent or guardian on each occasion. I highly recommend that

children read in addition to their school reading book. During the time reading to an adult, I suggest reading shorter amounts and spending the additional time to discuss. Ask questions like, ‘What do you think the character is feeling? Why do you think that? What do you predict will happen? Why do you think the author has chosen that word?’

Spellings- Word lists will be sent home almost every week with the exception of weeks when the children focus on individual targets. For the latter, the children are expected to review their spelling targets on a regular basis so that they can apply these words in their class work.

Maths/English- Small homework tasks will be set often to reinforce the learning in class. This normally will be handed in the following day. On occasion, longer homework tasks may be set over the weekend. Whilst I often set homework to be completed in the children’s workbooks, the children are still encouraged to log on to mathletics in additional time at home.

Reminders

School uniform- Please can you ensure your child’s belongings are labelled. I am still going through items on a daily basis that are unnamed. Could you also check that your child’s pumps do fit (I know they forget to tell you by the time they are home!) and are presentable.

Swimming Year 5 will be going swimming every Thursday afternoon commencing 11.01.18 right up until the Easter holidays. Children need kit on these days.

If you have any concerns whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact to arrange an appointment.

Many thanks,

Miss Jackson and Mrs Youhill