Monday 16th September 2024

Dear Parent/Carer of Year 5 pupil,

Welcome to Y5 at Kelvin Grove.  The children have made a very positive start and we have some exciting events planned for this term.  Our Learning Journey topic this term is titled: ‘Into Africa’ with strong topic links in geography, whole class reading, science and music.  Please see the Y5 mind map which outlines this term’s learning.

This term each Y5 class will be having swimming lessons for 2 weeks at Forest Hill Pool.  We have sent out separate letters with full details.  Violet Class started swimming on Monday 16^th September, Lavender Class will begin on Monday 30^th September and Lilac Class will swim for the final 2 weeks of this term starting on 14^th October.

As part of the immersion in our new topic, we have booked a fantastic dance and storytelling workshop for next Thursday 19^th September. Each class will see a performance from Iroko Company and take part in 2 workshops either in the morning or afternoon (full details have been sent in a separate letter).  In addition to this, across this academic year each Y5 class will learn Djembe drumming techniques and rhythms in lessons with specialist drumming teaching from Lewisham Music Service.

Key information for this term:

P.E. Lessons
PE will be on alternate Wednesdays as part of PPA (18^th September, 2^nd October and 16^th October).  Also, Lavender and Lilac will have PE every Thursday and Violet class have PE every Friday.  During a swimming block, PE is replaced by swimming for that 2-week period only.

Please ensure that your child comes to school wearing school PE kit in on PE days.  This should consist of grey or black bottoms, a white t-shirt and red school jumper/cardigan.  They will also need trainers or plimsolls.  As the weather turns colder, tracksuit bottoms are advised.  A reminder to all families – with exception of permitted religious items, it is expected that your child does not wear jewellery and adornments to school.  In our school policy, stud earrings are permitted however they will need to be covered or removed on PE days (this includes swimming).  Also, we ask for long hair to be tied back.

Homework:        

Reading: Reading with your child and discussing what has been read each day is essential to helping them make progress in all areas of the curriculum. The expectation is that your child reads for at least 15-20 minutes each evening and that they record this in their Reading Record Book.  This half term pupils have been set a range of reading challenges to encourage and promote reading for pleasure, we ask that you support and monitor your child’s reading and check/sign their reading record regularly.

Maths: Maths homework is set each Wednesday on Mathletics and activities will reflect the learning that has taken place in school over the previous fortnight. This is to be completed by the Wednesday of the following week. 

Times Tables: Please practice all times tables and their related division facts frequently using TTRS online.

Spellings: A spelling rule will be introduced in class on Mondays, and throughout the week lessons and activities will be completed based on this rule. Over the course of the half term, we will send home a spelling homework to consolidate spelling patterns taught in school.  When spelling homework is sent out it will have a clear due date for the work to be returned.  Typically, this happens once or twice each half term.

Home Learning Project: Home Learning Projects start in Autumn 2, after half term.  Each project will be linked to learning from the previous term to give children a chance to revisit and build upon prior learning. 

Other information:

Please note there will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher later this term as part of parents evening.  The meetings will focus on how your child has transitioned into year 5 and how you can support them at home.  Meetings will take place in the week beginning 21^st October.

Year 5 pupils can bring a healthy snack each day e.g. a piece of fruit, savoury crackers, nut free cereal bar, etc which can be eaten at morning break.  Please ensure that your child does not bring in food that contains nuts as we are a nut free school.

As we are now entering autumn and the weather is changeable, please ensure your child has a named coat and that all hats, scarves and gloves are named.

Thank you, and as always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask or contact the school office.

Year 5 Team

Mrs Cooper, Miss Januario and Mrs Nandhra-Calow

Statutory Spelling list for Year 5:

Book list: