Dear Parents and Carers,

 We had a lovely start back to the new school term with an exciting opportunity to visit Magdalen College, which hosted a science-themed workshop for children in Year 5 and 6.  This was a very memorable day for our class, and the feedback we received from the children was incredibly positive.  Children had the opportunity to take part in a carousel of activities, taking on various scientific roles.  In one workshop, they became Static Electricity Detectives, exploring different  forces by using balloons to create static energy! Please check the school social media post to see some lovely photos that captured our time there. 

 This Week – What Have We Been Learning?

English

This week, we have been exploring  The Dam.   We immersed ourselves in the text  by looking at the opening illustrations and  made  inferences about the characters and the setting. Some children drew upon their knowledge from last term and used relative clauses in their descriptions to provide extra information, punctuating them with commas!  As part of our punctuation and grammar focus, we have also been learning to use semi-colons to link closely related ideas.

Maths

In Maths, we have been learning about fractions. We have developed our understanding of equivalent fractions, including how to use common factors to find equivalent fractions. The children have practised applying this learning through exploring a range  of methods. 

Wider Curriculum – PSHE

In PSHE, we have been exploring gender stereotypes. The children have been looking at how gender stereotypes might affect people. We looked at a variety of images displayed on birthday cards and considered why they might be described as ‘gender stereotypical’?  This led to a fantastic Oracy discussion where children shared their ideas with enthusiasm, challenging each other’s assumptions in a meaningful way.  

Next Week – What Will We Be Learning?

English

Next week, we will be thinking about how we can create a flashback inspired by one of the illustrations in the story. We will collect vocabulary to use in our writing and consolidate our understanding of semi-colons by composing our own sentences. 

Maths

In Maths, we will  continue focusing on simplifying fractions, and comparing and ordering fractions on a number line. 

Wider Curriculum – PSHE

In PSHE, we will continue our work on Gender Stereotypes by  recognising  how gender stereotypes can affect the way people respond to and handle their emotions. We will reflect on the pressure this can cause for people to behave in a particular way.  There will be opportunities for children to engage in Oracy where they will discuss some important strands from our lesson. 

Celebrating Our Learning

Our educational visit was one of the highlights from this week! 

Home Learning – spellings 

Phonics, Spellings or Vocabulary

In spellings, we have been focusing on words containing  the ‘ow’ ending.  Please ensure that these spellings are practised: arrow, narrow, sparrow, hollow, follow, sorrow and shadow. 

Class Reminders and Important Information

Parents’ Evening 11/11/26

Junior Citizenship trip taking place on the  11/11/26 

Year 6 children will be walking to the fire station by the train station. Please ensure they have suitable outdoor clothing for the weather outside.  Children will return around 3.30pm.

Upcoming Dates

Please continue to check the school website calendar for the most up-to-date information about school events.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another exciting week of learning.