1. KEY STAGE 2 Information for parents and children Autumn 2013 Year 5 Sycamore

2. Our Learning Journey… ◦ In our school we are focusing on creating independent learners who are on a learning journey. Part of this involves children identifying learning codes in others, therefore being able to demonstrate these same learning codes themselves. These are: Being curious, persevering, learning from each other, evaluating their work thinking around a problem and reading for meaning. ◦ They also support each other through nominated Leading Learners on each table where the mentor helps to support the group’s learning. ◦ In year 5 we are developing learning journey talk partners, so children talk more and teachers talk less. This helps children cognitive processes and creates a supportive learning environment.

3. School website: ◦ Please do use the school website and class page to access all our newsletters and homework. ◦ www.bensoncofeprimary.org.uk www.bensoncofeprimary.org.uk

4. General Information Every day your child needs to bring; ◦ School book bag with spelling book, reading record book and current reading book ◦ Money (termly/weekly) or lunchbox ◦ named coat and jumper/cardigan ◦ a named water bottle and sun hat ◦ a painting apron or large, old shirt On Monday please also bring a drawstring PE bag and leave in school until Friday.

5. Numeracy Children are grouped for daily numeracy lessons. Children may be asked to move table groups from time to time as we decide where they would benefit the most. In Y5 & 6 we have set for numeracy meaning your child may begin / end the year with a different teacher – Mrs Steel/Mottram or Mr Davies. Numeracy sessions involve counting, using numbers, problem solving, working with shapes and measuring weight, time, length and capacity. Wherever possible these are linked to real life situations.

6. Numeracy involves both practical and written activities. Numeracy sessions start with a mental warm up. We then proceed onto the main teaching activity which involves the whole class. Next the children work in small groups, pairs or individually on activities to extend their understanding. Numeracy homework is usually given out once a week on a Tuesday. Sometimes this may be a game, an investigation or a written activity. All homework (except games) should be returned to the class teacher by the Friday of the same week so that we can go through it with the children at the beginning of that day’s numeracy lesson. They will mark this themselves but under our guidance. Numeracy

7. Literacy Literacy includes speaking, listening, reading and writing. Daily class Literacy lessons include work related to word work (spellings, phonics), sentence work (construction) and text based work (books or sections of writing). Literacy includes speaking and listening activities such as group presentations, response partners, role- play and hot seating.

8. SPELLING ◦ On a Friday children will be asked to find a selection of words for homework (please help them) that have a pattern or theme. They can use books and dictionaries to help them. ◦ Children will hand in their search on a Monday. ◦ On a Monday children will then be given a list of spellings to learn for that week taken from their homework. ◦ In school children will find a general spelling rule for these words or be asked to write them in a sentence putting the words in context to show that they understand the meaning of each word. ◦ Word work focusing on these spellings is done for about 15 minutes on the Tuesday and Wednesday to help reinforce their spellings. The children are then tested on these words on a Thursday morning.

9. Reading is an important part of literacy but it also enables your children to access all areas of the curriculum – so reading is the key to knowledge! In school the children have a range of reading experiences; whole class shared text, group guided reading and independent reading. In guided reading the children are taught to use a range of strategies to decode unknown words, analyse hidden meanings in a variety of texts and learn about the structure of stories. This is a form of direct teaching that helps readers become more independent and to engage with and really enjoy a variety of genres. Reading with your child at home is really important, so please let us know that you have done this by signing their reading record. Although not essential to listen to every page, it would be most encouraging if you listened to them reading a few times a week. We would, however, expect that children would read daily. Reading

10. Reading is fun. Reading at home is fun too! ◦ please share your child’s book ◦ this should be enjoyable for you both ◦ sharing their book allows your child to show off and practise the skills they are learning in school ◦ always praise every effort and encourage your child to talk about what they have read ◦ choose your reading time carefully (not during dinner or while the TV is on) ◦ Talking about the book and what has happened in the story is as important as reading the words themselves

11. Topic In Y5 a lot of our work is Topic based and we try to link the foundation subjects (art, history, geography, DT, PSHE as well as Science where appropriate) to a topic. This term our topic is Demanding Dilemmas and Term 2 it will be World Wars. This is a fun way of learning which the children really enjoy. We will have several visitors in to talk to the children during Term 1 such as Mr Wood on voting and parliament and Dr Lamb on the circulatory system. We also have our Y5 residential 16-18 October. During Term 2 we are planning a trip to a museum and a dress up day in school. More about what is included in our teaching of the topics is available on the school website.

12. HOMEWORK ◦ Our main homework is the topic homework project. There may also be smaller pieces of homework from time to time. ◦ We have an independent project to work on at home (they also have a session once a week in school to work on this some more if they choose to). This term the children’s project will be related to finding out all about crime and punishment. A letter was sent home detailing this. Please do not leave this until the day before – make it an opportunity for you and your child to share their learning. This not only encourages them but also helps maintain links with the school and what they are learning here too. Suggestions on how to carry this out are given at the start of each project and your child will then be given opportunities to share this with their peers at the end of term.

13. The Power of Projects. As a staff we believe that project homework is more valuable than always giving the children worksheets because: ◦ The children can direct their own learning; for example the children in Year 3 last year presented their projects as posters, models, PowerPoint presentation, as books, leaflets and more! ◦ It enables the children to work in their own way to meet their own learning style –artistic and creative children can use these skills and those who love writing or using the computer can use them ◦ Children can apply and practise the skills we have learnt in school ◦ The children enjoy seeing what they and others have done. Please remember that a project is for the children to complete and while it is a fantastic way for you to get involved in your child’s learning we emphasise that the project is not homework for you.

14. Early Work ◦ Children should come in quickly and quietly at 8:40am and settle down to their early work task. ◦ This is an important time as not only do children change their reading books and hand in homework, they also read any marking from the previous day where they may have a next step / follow up to do.

15. Assemblies ◦ Monday – whole school SEAL values based assembly ◦ Tuesday – whole school singing assembly ◦ Wednesday – religious KS2 assembly with John ◦ Thursday – class values based assembly ◦ Friday – celebration, and class caring and sharing assemblies.

16. How you can help us (CRB) ◦ Parent govs ◦ FoBS ◦ Readers ◦ Special skills to share ◦ Gardening ◦ School trips / swimming ◦ Helping with after-school activities or sports ◦ Sharing your occupation with the children (Friday assembly or in class)

17. Do you need to speak to us? ◦ Small concerns directly to the teacher ◦ Before school is not always a good time for a longer chat ◦ Happy to chat after-school ◦ More serious complaints should be directed to the Head Teacher if no satisfaction has been reached with the teacher. Call and make an appointment please.

18. So when your child comes home and tells you they haven’t done any work today … It is because they have been having fun… Learning!

19. Question Time! If you have any other questions about what child is doing in school don’t hesitate to ask. Or if you would like to volunteer some of your time to hear readers or help with art activities please let us know. Your help will be gratefully received.