Y5 Scaling

This week in maths Y5 continue to build on their knowledge of ‘scaling’. At the end of the week children got to move around the classroom, visiting four different stations. At each station children had to demonstrate using scaling language comparing mass, time, volume and length.

They did amazingly well and they have now applied that knowledge to multiplying by fractions!

Y5 Maths

We started the half term exploring how to work out area. Initially, we looked at the best way to measure surfaces using different shapes and made estimations using our finger tips. We moved onto counting squares and worked out the area of our names by drawing them on squared paper. Then we made a 1m x 1m stencil and went out onto the playground with chalk and created our own compound shapes – though the weather was not kind to us that day!

Once children were confident working out area counting squares we introduced the calculation length x width. Children were then able to work out the area of rectangles and compound shapes using this calculation. Finally, working in groups they used their knowledge of area to reason and problem solve.

Y5 English

This half term we have been reading the story ‘The Explorer’ by Katherine Rundell. It has been an inspiring book to our young writers and they have produced some amazing work.

They were disgusted to hear about the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest so wrote persuasive letters to the Brazilian Ambassador to encourage him to stop the clearing of the rainforest. We got so immersed in the story that the children wrote a descriptive setting piece about their own journey through the Amazon, concentrating on using their five senses. Finally, we ended the term on writing diamante poems about some of the animals we met in the story so far.

Year 5 Mandarin

In Mandarin this week, Year 5 looked at the Chinese New Year celebrations.

They enjoyed recreating the traditional dragon dance and exploring other festivities.

Y5 Art

We created artwork inspired by Chris Ofili’s ‘Paradise by Night’ painting. We used popcorn kernels, rice, split peas and different painting techniques to incorporate texture into our work.

Y5 Science

This half term Y5 have been exploring different forces and how these act upon objects. This week we focused on the force – air resistance. Children were set the task to redesign a parachute for the Super Skydiving Company. Children made and tested three parachutes to see which type of parachute falls the slowest creating the most air resistance.