1. MOUNT PLEASANT PRIMARY SCHOOL Spring 2 YEAR 5 MATHS In Maths this term we shall be focusing on securing the four written operations and applying them to increasingly complex word problems. We shall be developing our abilities to find fractions of quantities, and we shall be extending our knowledge of fractions through the exploration of mixed numbers and improper fractions. For first time this year, children will learn about percentages and their fraction/ decimal equivalents. As usual, the children will take part in regular mental maths tests and they will be improving their problem solving skills through guided maths. YOU CAN HELPYOU CHILD BY: -Helping them secure their times tables -Question them on mental maths type problem regularly -Allow them access to Mymaths on a regular basis to boost their skills. SCIENCE This half term we will be looking at insulators and conductors, everyday materials and reversible change. We will be planning and carrying out scientific investigations to find out which materials make good thermal insulators and thinking about why. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Discussing why different properties are more suitable than others for certain things such as wood and plastic being better for kitchen utensils to prevent burning yourself. ENGLISH This half-term we are reading ‘Cloud Busting’ by Malorie Blackman. In this unit we shall be writing various pieces of non-fiction and fiction, including- poems, diary entries, narratives ands a letter! Of course, as usual, we shall be exploring the texts through role-play. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Reading other books by the author mentioned above, reading with your child everyday and encouraging them to use their writing skills frequently. Children should be reading a wide range of material, not just stories. Comprehension exercises which can be found online and in popular book stores will certainly help your child move on with their reading. History and Geography Our topic this half term is the Ancient Greeks. We will be looking at where Greece is and comparing Ancient Greece to Greece today. Also, we will be looking at the History of Ancient Greece including looking at the Gods, the culture and comparing life then to our own lives now. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Giving them opportunities to research the topic either using books, the internet or other methods. MFL In French this half term we will be learning the days of the week and months of the year as well as revising numbers and foods. We will be thinking of how to use the days and months in sentences and will always be developing pronunciation. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Encourage them to use the vocabulary at home. For example: counting, asking them what day of the week it is, asking them what foods are called in French when walking around the supermarket etc. ICT The children will be using Microsoft Excel to create Spreadsheets to represent and analyse data. They will be using formulae to add, subtract, multiply and divide and will also learn about formatting and editing their work. YOU AN HELP YOUR CHILD By- Giving your child the opportunity to look practice using formulae at home. PHYSICAL EDUCATION The children will be swimming every week as well as having a session taught by our PE specialist, Mr Simmons. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Making sure they have their PE and swimming kits at in school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively. D&T In DT this half term the children shall be making strong links with our History topic of Ancient Greece. They will be studying the origins of Greek theatrical masks and then they will design and make them. In addition the children will explore the medium of clay when they create pots based on artefacts found in ancient Greece. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Granting them access to books which will give them art ideas based on the ancient Greek culture. TARGETS Reading: In year 5 pupils are challenged to read for 20 minutes everyday. Please use their planners to let the teacher know if they have been reading. Help them meet the reading challenge and receive their rewards. Maths: Each week the children will be tested in the ‘Kung Fu Maths’ challenge. They will need to learn their times tables to pass each test and move on to the next level. To ensure children can spell common words, they will be tested on their jujitsu spellings each week in addition to their regular spelling homework. PSHCE In PSHCE the children will be exploring how they can reach their goals. Children will discuss the hopes that they have for the future and investigate what will lead to the achievement of these aims. They will also discuss what could have a negative influence on their aspirations. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Stressing the importance of using learning time effectively. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION In RE children will be introduced to the various rules and codes which govern different religions. The children will explore Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism. YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD BY – Discussing the laws of society and how they link with their own religious codes and rules. In addition the you may wish to make comparisons between your own beliefs and those of other religions. COMPREHENSION This half-term we will continue our comprehension work in order to improve your child’s understanding of what they are reading. You can help your child by questioning them when they read to you and using comprehension activity books which are available through several book shops.