Welcome to Woodpeckers 

Class Teacher - Mr Pardoe

LSP - Mrs Lawton

email:     class.woodpeckers@burnttree.sandwell.sch.uk

 

Our learning

Spring Term

Maths

During the spring term, we will begin by returning to multiplication and division and looking at more formal written methods.    We will also be refreshing and extending our fractions knowledge by calculating with fractions as well as calculating fractions of amounts.  We will study decimal numbers and percentages.  To end the term, we will study perimeter and area as well as statistics (line graphs and tables).  Throughout this term, we will continue to develop our arithmetic skills and times table knowledge. Please keep practising using Times Table Rock Stars at home.

English

This term, we will use ‘The Wolf Wilder,’ by Katherine Rundell as the basis for our writing. This story is about a mother and daughter who teach tame wolves to be wild again.  Inspired by the story we will write a non-chronological report based on wolves as well as a persuasive, formal letter to one of the characters in the book.

We will continue to develop our spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, applying them across all written work. Please use Spelling Shed and Education City to support your learning at home.  Please continue to use Spelling Shed through your Wonde log in.  Spellings (learned through interactive games) will be available every week on a Friday and they will be tested the following Friday.   

Reading

Our text of the term is ‘Boy’ by Roald Dahl.  The children will identify and define unfamiliar vocabulary to deepen their understanding of the text. This will be further developed through answering a range of VIPERS questions. We will also read a wide range of other texts to expose children to various authors and genres. Some of these texts will be chosen by the children based on their interests and talents.

Science

This term, our science topics will focus on Space and Animals, including Humans. In the Space unit, we will develop a deeper understanding of the Solar System, exploring its components and recalling fascinating facts about the planets and their movements relative to the Sun. We will also investigate the Moon's movement around the Earth and gain a clear understanding of how day and night occur. In the Animals, including Humans unit, we will delve into the characteristics of living things, examining how they adapt to their environments and exploring their habitats. We will also study the human life cycle, focusing on how humans grow and change over time and compare this to the lifecycles of other animals. By observing similarities and differences, the children will gain a richer understanding of the natural world and the diversity of life it supports.

History

In History, we will explore life in Tudor England. We will investigate the question: Fair ruler or tyrant? What was Henry VIII really like? Through examining sources such as portraits and written descriptions, we will evaluate Henry VIII’s character and reign. We will discuss why Anne Boleyn was executed and why Henry VIII had so many wives. Additionally, we will use inventories to gain insights into Tudor life. The term will culminate in the children recreating Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to Worcester!

Geography

This term, we will investigate the question: Why do oceans matter? Our learning will include understanding the vital role oceans play in regulating the Earth’s climate and temperature, as well as exploring the water cycle and its connection to marine environments. We will examine how humans rely on the ocean for various activities and identify the significance of ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, we will analyse the impact of human activities on oceans, exploring both the consequences and potential solutions to support healthier marine environments. Through practical fieldwork, the children will learn to collect data using tally charts, photographs and sketch maps, while also making thoughtful suggestions on ways to enhance marine ecosystems.

Art 

In art this term we will be looking at sculpture and 3D interactive installation.  Within this unit we will explore how artists use space, scale and materials to create installation art that conveys ideas, transforms spaces and shapes the viewer’s experience.

DT

In DT, we will be exploring the engineering behind bridges, learning about different types and their structural features. We will investigate what makes bridges strong and stable, using practical activities to test materials and joining techniques. By the end of the unit, we will apply our learning to design, build and evaluate our own bridge structures.

Music 

Our music lessons will take us back in time as we explore the sounds of Tudor England. We will listen to and analyse Tudor music, developing our confidence in using detailed musical vocabulary to evaluate our own and others' performances. We will also learn how to read and use staff notation to record rhythms and melodies, allowing us to compose short pieces inspired by this historical period.

PE

In PE, we will continue to develop our gymnastics skills, focusing on control, balance and precision in movement. We will build on our understanding of sequences, learning how to combine jumps, rolls and balances smoothly while working both individually and in small groups. Remember that on our PE days, you can come to school in your PE kit (black shorts or jogging bottoms, a white PE shirt and a black jumper).

Computing

This term, we will develop our digital literacy skills by learning how to use search engines effectively. We will explore how search engines work, how to refine searches for accurate results and how to critically evaluate online information to check for reliability and bias.

French

This term, we will be expanding our French vocabulary by learning key phrases and questions related to shopping. We will practise asking for items in a shop, discussing prices and using numbers confidently in conversation.

RE 

Our Spring R.E. unit poses the question 'How do Christians decide how to live? What would Jesus do?' We will explore how Christian beliefs and Bible teachings guide decisions about how to live. We will examine values like compassion, forgiveness and justice, considering how Christians follow Jesus’ example when making moral choices and how these teachings apply to life today.

PSHE

In PSHE, we will reflect on our personal aspirations and what steps we need to take to achieve them. We will set ourselves realistic goals, discuss the importance of perseverance and explore how we can support each other in overcoming challenges. Through teamwork activities, we will consider how working towards shared goals can build confidence and resilience.

Look what we have been doing...

 

Our first art unit of Year 5 had a drawing focus.  It was linked to space and the idea of retrofuturism.  We evaluated a piece of retrofuturistic art before experimenting with materials.  We considered what the world will be like in 50 years time and incorporated that into our work. We created a collagraph print as a background and then onto this, we developed our initial ideas.