Knowledge Organisers

Spring Term 2

Year 5 Blog

Week Commencing 24th February 2025

This week in our class has been packed with excitement, discovery, and a little bit of wonder. Let's dive into what we've been up to:

English: Portal Stories 

We embarked on an imaginative journey through our portal stories! Each one of us created unique portal doors that led to fantastical worlds filled with bizarre creatures. Our writing was not just about spinning tales; we skillfully wove in similes and metaphors to bring our worlds to life. Additionally, we ensured our sentences were well-structured, with engaging dialogue and speech to captivate our readers.

Maths: Prime Numbers and Factors 

In Maths, we delved into the intriguing world of prime numbers and prime factors. We learned how to determine if a number is divisible by 3 by simply adding its digits and checking if the sum is divisible by 3. This new knowledge added a fun twist to our understanding of numbers and their properties.

Geography: Captain James Cook and Australia 

Our Geography lessons took us back in time to the era of exploration with Captain James Cook's discovery of Australia. We learned about Britain's use of Australia as a penal colony and the profound impact this had on the indigenous Aboriginal population. The introduction of diseases by travellers and ensuing conflicts led to a devastating loss of life, wiping out 90% of the Aboriginal population.

History: The Transatlantic Slave Trade 

In History, we were deeply moved as we studied the horrific conditions endured by African slaves during their transportation to the Americas. Out of the 12 million individuals transported, 1 million tragically died due to the brutal conditions. This harrowing part of history left us reflecting on the resilience and suffering of those who endured it.

Science: Forces and Resistance 

Our Science lessons continued to explore the fascinating topic of forces, with a focus on friction, water resistance, and air resistance. We conducted experiments to see how these forces interact with different materials and shapes, deepening our understanding of the physical world around us.

This week was a whirlwind of learning and discovery, and we can't wait to see what adventures await us next! Until then, keep exploring and stay curious.

Best wishes, Kingfishers 🚀✨

Week Commencing 24th February 2025

This week in class has been bursting with imagination and discovery! In English, we’ve continued designing our fascinating portal worlds, painting vivid pictures in words through similes and metaphors to describe what they look and feel like. We also tackled semicolons for the very first time, adding a touch of sophistication to our writing.

In Maths, it’s been a journey into numbers. We explored factors, common factors, and the lowest common multiple. We also revisited some challenging homework topics, like negative numbers, and made sure we felt more confident moving forward.

Over in Geography, we embarked on our Australia unit. We’ve started uncovering the incredible diversity of this vast country—from the iconic Murray River and the Great Dividing Range to the natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef and the sandy deserts in the heart of the continent.

In History, we began learning about the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It was sobering to discover that 12 million enslaved people were taken from Western Africa to America, with Britain tragically responsible for over a million of them. It’s a heavy topic, but an important one to understand.

Finally, our Latin lesson was a favourite for many of us this week! Taking Latin names, we unleashed our creativity by designing our own mythical beasts. Some of the designs were truly amazing, and you can find a few of these creations photographed opposite for you to enjoy!

What a week it has been—full of learning, creativity, and important discoveries. We can’t wait to see what next week has in store!

Week Commencing 3rd February 2025

This week, we've delved into fascinating topics across various subjects, each one expanding our horizons and sharpening our skills. Let's take a moment to reflect on our journey through the week.

Mathematics 🧮

In Maths, we've been mastering the art of adding and subtracting decimals. This intricate skill is essential for precise calculations, and you've all shown remarkable progress. We've also been further honing our problem-solving abilities, ensuring our calculations are accurate and efficient.

English ✍️

Our English lessons have been quite persuasive! We've been crafting compelling pieces on why parents should send their children to the countryside during World War II. In our writing, we've skillfully used hyperboles, modal verbs, and punctuated our subordinate clauses with great care. The result? Persuasive and impactful arguments that demonstrate our growth as writers.

History 📜

History class took us on a thrilling journey through the life of Napoleon Bonaparte. We explored his first exile, his daring escape, the dramatic Battle of Waterloo, and his final exile to the remote island of St. Helena. These historical events have given us a deeper understanding of Napoleon's legacy and the turbulent times he lived in.

Geography 🌍

In Geography, we focused on two remarkable engineering feats: the Humber Bridge and the Ribblehead Viaduct. We learned about their construction, significance, and the challenges faced during their creation. These structures not only connect places but also serve as symbols of human ingenuity and determination.

Science 🔬

Science was undoubtedly a highlight of the week! We dissected flowers to uncover the mysteries of pollination and fertilization. This hands-on experience allowed us to observe the intricate processes that enable plants to reproduce and thrive. Our curiosity and enthusiasm in the lab were truly inspiring!

Week Commencing 27th January 2025

We've had an incredibly busy and exciting week in class, filled with learning and fun. Here's a peek at what we've been up to:

English: This week, we've been diving into the world of modal verbs and learning how to use hyperboles to exaggerate and add flair to our writing. We've also been refining our use of subordinate clauses to create more complex and interesting sentences. All of this hard work is gearing us up for our final piece of work for this unit, where we'll be persuading parents to send their children to the countryside during World War II. Our students are becoming quite the persuasive writers!

Maths: In maths, we've been focusing incredibly hard on our problem-solving methods. We've been making sure we cover all the simple parts: reading the question carefully, understanding what it's asking, selecting the correct operation, and finally, making sure we copy the numbers down correctly. Our students are becoming confident problem solvers, and their perseverance is truly paying off.

Geography: We've started to explore the huge region of Yorkshire and Humberside, comparing it to our very own East Anglia. We've been learning about the unique characteristics of each region and even exploring the beautiful moors. Our budding geographers are enjoying discovering new places and understanding the differences and similarities between them.

History: In history, we've been focusing on the heroic figure of Admiral Nelson and his role in the French Revolution. We've been learning about the Battle of Trafalgar, where Nelson fought bravely for Britain's safety against Napoleon. Our students have been captivated by his story and the impact he had on history.

Science: In science, we've been learning about the incredible work of Jane Goodall and David Attenborough. We've discussed the important roles they've played in looking after the world's animals and conservation efforts. Our future scientists are inspired by their dedication and are eager to learn more about protecting our planet.



Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We're proud of all the hard work our students have put in this week and are excited to see their progress. Have a wonderful weekend!

Week Commencing 20th January 2025

This week in English, we completed our biographies with a flourish! We mastered the use of colons and embedded clauses, ensuring our writings were both informative and engaging. Moving forward, we're excited to tackle persuasive pieces on the evacuation of children during World War II—a topic that promises to stir strong opinions and emotions.

In Maths, we faced some taxing topics, such as solving missing numbers and the intriguing "What was my number?" puzzles using addition and subtraction. These exercises sharpened our problem-solving skills and kept our minds active.

Science was a hit this week! We delved into the life cycles of bumblebees and cuckoos. The bumblebee's intricate life journey contrasted starkly with the cuckoo's, which never meets its young and leaves the responsibility of hatching and feeding to other birds. Fascinating, isn't it?

In History, our journey took us to the era of the French Revolution. We started learning about Napoleon and his significant role during this tumultuous period. His impact on France and the world is a story of ambition, strategy, and change.

Geography lessons brought us closer to home as we explored the Midlands and Birmingham, comparing their topography and population with East Anglia. We also learned about the historical and present-day significance of mining in the Midlands and the changes it has undergone over the years.

It's been a week filled with discovery, learning, and a deep appreciation for the diverse subjects we study. Stay tuned for more exciting updates next week!

Keep Learning, Keep Growing! 📚✏️

Week Commencing 13th January 2025

English:

This week, we embarked on an exciting journey into the life of C.S. Lewis as we began writing our biographies about him. We discovered the fascinating legacy he left behind and dove deeper into his most famous work, "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe." Our imaginations ran wild as we finally found out what lay behind the wardrobe door!

Maths:

In our maths lessons, we mastered the art of column subtraction, even when we had to exchange across another place value. Our class worked hard and celebrated the victories of understanding and conquering tricky problems.

Geography:

We learned about the draining of the Fens by Cornelius Vermuyden and the significant impact it had on the local people and their jobs. It was intriguing to see how changes to the landscape could transform the lives of those living there.

History:

Our history lessons took us to the tumultuous time of the French Revolution. We began learning about King Louis XVI, whose extravagant lifestyle led the third estate to riot and eventually overthrow him. It was a gripping start to understanding the causes and consequences of the uprising.

Science:

This week in science, our lesson was a fountain of knowledge! We reminded ourselves about the differences between amphibians and mammals and explored how their life cycles vary. It was fascinating to compare and contrast these two groups of animals.

Overall: Our week was full of discovery, learning, and excitement. Each subject brought new insights and challenges that we tackled together as a class. We can't wait to see what next week has in store!

Until then, happy learning everyone!

Week Commencing 6th January 2025

Happy New Year, everyone! As we kick off a brand new term, it's exciting to reflect on all the fantastic learning we dove into this first week back. Here’s a snapshot of our adventures in each subject:

English

We embarked on a magical journey with C.S. Lewis's classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Alongside immersing ourselves in this enchanting story, we revisited the concept of embedded clauses and started exploring our model text. Our goal is to master the art of biography writing, focusing on the fascinating life of C.S. Lewis himself. 📚✨

Maths

Numbers galore! We began the term by delving into column addition with big numbers. Our priority was to iron out any misconceptions and ensure everyone felt confident before moving forward. There's something incredibly satisfying about watching those numbers line up perfectly, isn't there? ➕🔢

Geography

This term, we're exploring three areas of the UK, starting with East Anglia. Did you know this region is flat and just at or below sea level? It's fascinating to learn how the lack of natural barriers makes it quite windy, and it receives less rain compared to other parts of the UK. It’s amazing how geography shapes the way we live! 🌍🌬️

History

The French Revolution has captivated our imaginations this week. We began by examining the estates within French society: the clergy, nobility, and peasants. It's a pivotal moment in history that teaches us so much about social change and the quest for equality. Vive la Révolution! 🇫🇷📜

Science

Our science explorations took us into the intricate world of life cycles. This week, we focused on the relationship between oak trees and squirrels. Oak trees provide shelter and food for squirrels, while squirrels help spread acorns by burying them. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for the growth of new oak saplings. Nature truly is interconnected in wonderful ways! 🌳🐿️

What a week it’s been! We're all set for an incredible term full of discovery, growth, and fun. Stay tuned for more updates!



Until next time, keep learning and stay curious!

Week commencing: 17th December 2024

 We've had a busy and exciting week filled with a variety of activities. Here's a look at what we've been up to:

English: We've been writing up our pieces on Baghdad, focusing on its rich history and the magnificent House of Wisdom. In addition, we've started learning our Christmas poem, which is getting us all in the festive spirit.

Maths: This week, we have been focusing on learning to count on when subtracting. Everyone is practicing hard, and it's great to see the progress we're making in our mental maths skills.

Geography: In geography, we've been writing up and drawing our immersive pieces on mountains. Our work showcases the stunning beauty and unique features of different mountain ranges, and it's been a great way to apply what we've learned.

Art: Our art lessons have been dedicated to creating Islamic tiles using the three patterns we've explored: vegetal, geometric, and calligraphy. The tiles look amazing, and we're all very proud of our intricate designs.

RE: In RE, we've been learning about Christingles and even made our own. The process was both educational and fun, and it helped us understand the significance of this tradition during the Christmas season.

It's been a wonderful week of learning and creativity. We're looking forward to our work once we're back from our Christmas break

Week commencing: 12th December 2024

We've had an exciting week of learning, filled with fascinating topics and creative activities. Here's a look at what we've been up to:

English: We've been working on writing pieces about the building of Baghdad and the House of Wisdom: the ancient city's architectural marvels and its rich history have sparked our imaginations. Our sentences are coming to life with colons and embedded clauses: these help us add detail and explanation. We also finished reading David Almond's Skellig, a captivating story that left us all in awe.

Maths: This week, we wrapped up our unit on decimals and ventured into exploring mental arithmetic methods. Everyone has been practicing different strategies, and we're all becoming quicker at solving problems in our heads.

Art: In art class, we've been carefully painting our Islamic art pieces using Indian ink and cocktail sticks. The intricate designs we're creating are stunning, and we're learning a lot about patience and precision.

History: We've started exploring the beginning of the British Empire and its effects on India and North America. These discussions have been eye-opening, helping us understand the significant impacts and lasting legacies of these historical events.

Geography: In geography, we've completed an assessment piece on different mountains around the world, including the Rockies, Alps, Himalayas, and Kilimanjaro. We've learned about the unique features of each range, and it’s been fascinating to see how diverse our planet's landscapes are.

That's all for this week's update. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures in learning next week!

Week commencing: 5th December 2024

This week, our class has been diving into various exciting topics across different subjects!

English: We've been exploring the concepts of influence and legacy, and how these themes are woven into our new model text on Baghdad. We've been analysing how the character Skellig changes throughout the story, and what his transformation signifies for the characters around him.

Maths: In maths, we focused on rounding decimals. We practiced rounding numbers to the nearest whole number, tenth, and hundredth. This skill is crucial for making quick and accurate estimations in everyday life and more complex calculations.

Geography: Our geographical journey took us to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. We learned about its unique ecosystem, the challenges climbers face, and its significance as the highest peak in Africa. It was fascinating to discover how this iconic mountain influences the climate and cultures around it.

History: In history, we delved into the reasons behind Britain's decision to build an empire. We discussed three main motivations: global trade, global power, and global defence. Understanding these factors helped us grasp the complexities of imperialism and its impact on the world.

Science: Our scientific exploration involved a hands-on activity where we learned how to filter dirty water using simple objects. This experiment showed us the importance of clean water and how basic filtration techniques can make a big difference in providing safe drinking water.



Overall, it's been a week packed with learning and discovery. We've broadened our knowledge, developed new skills, and enjoyed some truly engaging activities. Stay tuned for more updates next week!

Week commencing: 25th November 2024

This week has been full of exciting and diverse learning experiences in our class!

English: 

We've been honing our skills in writing balanced arguments, focusing on the topic of going to school versus homeschooling. Our aim was to use cohesive connectors, embedded clauses, and colons to construct well-structured and persuasive essays. It was fascinating to see how everyone articulated their points, providing balanced viewpoints that highlighted both the benefits and challenges of each option.

Maths: 

Our journey into the world of decimals continued as we explored how multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1,000 affects them. We practiced moving the decimal point accordingly and understood how these operations can change a number's value significantly. This foundational skill will be essential as we delve deeper into more complex mathematical concepts.

Geography: 

Our geographical exploration took us to three of the world's most famous mountain ranges: the Andes, the Rockies, and the Appalachians. We learned about their formation, unique features, and the diverse ecosystems they support. This comparative study helped us appreciate the vast differences and similarities between these majestic landscapes.

History:

In history, we delved into the Seven Years' War, a significant global conflict that shaped many modern nations. We discussed its causes, key events, and lasting impacts on the world.

Gymnastics Workshop: 

Last Friday, seventeen of our pupils had the fantastic opportunity to attend a gymnastics workshop at Wisbech Grammar School. The students participated in various activities that tested their agility, strength, and coordination. It was an inspiring and energetic day that left everyone eager to incorporate new skills into their routines.

It's been a week of rich learning experiences and hands-on activities that have broadened our understanding of multiple subjects. We're looking forward to continuing this journey of discovery and growth!

Week commencing: 18th November 2024

This week has been filled with fascinating discoveries and creative explorations in our class! Here's a look at what we've been learning:

English:  We have been working on cohesive connectors, which are vital for creating a balanced argument. As we prepare to write our essays on the pros and cons of schooling versus homeschooling, these connectors will help us structure our points clearly and persuasively.

Reading: In our reading sessions, we dived deeper into David Almond's Skellig. We discovered that Skellig, the mysterious character Michael finds, not only has wings but is also magical. This revelation has sparked our imagination and led to some lively discussions about the themes of the book.

History: Our history lessons took us back to the era of Britain's East India Company. We explored how this company impacted India, shaping its economy, society, and even politics. It's been eye-opening to learn about the lasting effects of the British Empire's trade and control over India.

Geography: In geography, we journeyed to the majestic Himalayas. We learned about the geography, climate, and culture of this incredible mountain range. Discussing the challenging conditions and the diverse ecosystems of the Himalayas has broadened our understanding of this unique region.

Art: Our art projects this week continued with creating beautiful Islamic stars using geometric patterns. These intricate designs require patience and precision, and it's been wonderful to see everyone's creativity shining through their work.

It's been a week packed with learning and creativity. We are excited to see how all these new skills and knowledge will come together in our upcoming projects and discussions! Stay tuned for more updates in next week's blog.

Week commencing: 11th November 2024

This week in Maths, we delved into the fascinating world of decimals. We learned how to compare numbers up to three decimal places, which required us to be precise and pay attention to every digit. For example, we discovered that 3.456 is slightly greater than 3.455 because the thousandths place is one unit higher. Using number lines and place value charts, we practiced ordering and comparing decimals, and it was a fun challenge that sharpened our attention to detail.

In our History lessons, we traveled back in time to explore the early British Empire and its bustling trade routes. We learned how the British traded goods like spices, tea, cotton, and textiles with countries across the world. This global network of trade brought great wealth to Britain but also had significant impacts on the cultures and economies of the trading partners. It was fascinating to see how trade shaped the world and connected different societies.

Our Geography lessons took us to the magnificent Alps, where we learned about the geography and climate of this mountain range. One of the highlights was discovering the story of Ötzi the Iceman, a well-preserved mummy found in the Ötztal Alps. Ötzi, who lived around 5,300 years ago, provided us with incredible insights into the life of ancient people, their tools, clothing, and diet. We discussed how the harsh climate and rugged terrain of the Alps have influenced human activities and settlements in the region.



In Art, we embarked on a creative journey to design our own Islamic tiles using geometric patterns. We explored how Islamic art is characterised by intricate and symmetrical designs, often featuring repeating patterns. Using rulers, compasses, and our imagination, we created stunning tiles that reflected the beauty and precision of Islamic art. This activity not only honed our artistic skills but also gave us a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of these patterns.

It has been an exciting week of learning, filled with new discoveries and creative expressions. Stay tuned for more adventures in our next blog post!

Week commencing: 4th November 2024

This week in Year 5 has been a whirlwind of discovery, debate, and important insights.

In English, the students have been diving into the great debate of school versus homeschool. Using examples from Skellig, where Michael attends traditional school and Mina is homeschooled, they’ve been researching and preparing arguments for both sides. This exercise has not only honed their research skills but also taught them the importance of considering different perspectives and constructing balanced arguments.

Meanwhile, Maths has been all about precision and understanding as students explored the concept of thousandths. From using place value charts to engaging in practical activities, they've developed a deeper comprehension of these tiny fractions, seeing how they fit into the larger world of decimals. It's been a week of 'aha!' moments as they grasped this intricate part of the number system.

In Science, the focus turned to a critical environmental issue: plastics and their impact on wildlife and our lives. The students learned about the journey of plastic from production to pollution, and its devastating effects on ecosystems. They discussed the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, and even brainstormed ways they could make a difference in their own communities.

It’s been an enlightening week, packed with learning and activities that connect academic concepts with real-world issues. The students are not only growing in knowledge but also developing a sense of responsibility and critical thinking skills that will serve them well in the future.

Week commencing: 14th October 2024

Another fabulous week for Year 5.  They have been writing some impressive assessment pieces for history and geography, demonstrating their love for the topics we have covered this term, especially Baghdad!

In English, we have been exploring using our senses in our writing, ready to write about Michael finding Skelling in his garage.  I am really excited to see what they come up with and look forward to sharing them with you on Parents' Evening.

In science, we loved learning about the blood and its components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.  I'm about to share an app they are loving with you via message, but it's called 'The Human Body' by TinyBop.  Finally, on Friday, we played mini football matches in their houses.  The children demonstrated improvements in their skills, but most importantly, they showed superb team spirit and sportsmanship - well done Year 5!

Week commencing: 7th October 2024

What a fabulous end to the week - a day out at Wisbech Grammar School playing tag rugby.  All the children had beaming smiles and learnt some exciting new skills, ready for our rugby season next half term.  Thanks WGS for having us all.

Our science experiment was a huge success - see heart rate photos opposite.  The pupils watched the heart rates rise on our screen as our exercisers skipped, joked or burpeed their way through two minutes of exercise.  Afterwards, they rested and we saw their heart rates slowly decrease.

In maths, the pupils had a successful mini assessment on their place value knowledge and are about to learn their next new place value - thousandths.  In geography, we explore height in maps with contour lines and relief maps, recapping our knowledge of Mount Fuji.  In history, we guided the class through the take over of Baghdad by the Mongols and the turning black of the River Tigris with the ink from the books.

Week commencing: 30th September 2024

What a week!!  Year 5 have have been learning how to use scale on maps to work out how far away places actually are; exploring how the library expanded in Baghdad to become a centre of learning; and started to plan their modernist pieces for art.

In English, we have continued to read about Skelling, with a few hints as to what he actually is but are desperate to find out more.  We have been learning the difference between a fronted adverbial and a subordinate clause when they both begin with after/before or since, which they are getting ready to use accurately in their next written piece.

In maths, we have moved from negative numbers to roman numerals, with so excellent code breaking skills demonstrated.  Pupils have showed excellent retrieval of topics we covered last year, and their maths is developing with clear understanding - well done year 5!

Opposite is Emelia's comprehensive essay about the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. 

Week commencing: 23rd September 2024

The children have 'wowed' me with their maths this week, grasping powers of ten with ease and recapping negative numbers well.  I look forward to seeing how our negative numbers progress next week.

In English, they wrote fabulous biographies about David Almond, who is the author of 'Skellig'.  They included a new concept for them: relative clauses. They even managed to punctuate them correctly - amazing work!

Our most challenging lesson this week was science as we learnt what made a fair test, as well as the difference between dependent variables and independent variables.  Next week, we put them all to good use when we measure what happens to our pulse rate  with exercise over time.  We are going to use heart rate belts to make sure our test is accurate.  We'll keep you posted.

Week commencing: 16th September 2024

Wow what a week Year 5 have had!  We have being digging into Skelling, desperate to find out what 'he' is.  On top of that, we have been learning how David Almond evolved as a writer and overcame personal tragedy with courage to become a world-renowned author.

In maths, our place value knowledge is progressing, and children have been able to round numbers up to 1 million.  For the first fine minutes of each maths lesson we have been recapping our times tables that they smashed last year, and going over topics they found tricky, such as fractions and time.

Our afternoon lessons have kept our interest piqued, with learning about hemispheres in geography; why Baghdad was the City of Peace in history; and exploring music and its form of communication in RE.  However, your artists have amazed me by creating quick pieces using two different techniques - rough and smooth.  Tanor's style variance was perfect - well done Tanor.

Week commencing: 9th September 2024

The children have made a fabulous start to this year.  This week they have been developing their knowledge of the heart, walking the path of the blood and learning how it changes from deoxygenated to oxygenated.  I have super impressed with their use of technical vocabulary.  Opposite is a photo of Amelia's fabulously detailed drawing of the blood vessels and their features.  Beautiful, Amelia!!

In English they have been stretching themselves by learning about foreshadowing and its use in Skellig, as well as relative clauses and relative pronouns ready for their biographies next week on David Almond.  They have leapt into the book and are eager to find out who 'him' is.

Their rounding has progressed and combined with their new knowledge of other place values, they have been putting it to good use in their maths lessons.  Luckily for us, we finished of the week with some art, sketching some Rocco style pieces and learning about their features.  I look forward to seeing what next week brings.

Curriculum visits and enrichment activities: