Hi and welcome to Year 5. We have got lots going on this year throughout the curriculum and have started fantastically! Below are our main focuses with regards to topics over the year which we intend to learn about and share with you (particularly in our World War Two class assembly, as well as Ancient Greeks class assembly!):
Autumn 1 - Children in World War 2 and Living Things and Their Habitats;
Autumn 2 - Children in World War 2 and Earth and Space;
Spring 1 - Ancient Greece and Living Things and Their Habitats;
Spring 2 - Settlements and Properties and changes of materials!
Summer 1 - Rivers and Changes of State!
Summer 2 - Current News/Children's Choice!
Please see below some of our learning focuses, but please come and see us if you have any questions about our learning and wish to find out more!
Speaking Competition Inter-School Final 2018
Following our school final of the Speaking Competition on Monday 9th July 2018, yesterday we hosted the inter-school final. We were treated to 12 speeches in total, with teams from Primrose Lane, Crossley Street, Deighton Gates, St Joseph’s, St Edwards, Harewood and St James’. The speeches were varied and interesting, ranging from ‘Guinness World Records’ (presented by Imogen, Safina and Charlotte from Primrose Lane, Year 4) to ‘Rebel Girls’ (presented by Imogen, Georgina, Eve and Hannah from Primrose Lane, Year 5) and ‘Should Children be on Social Media?’ (from Harewood, Year 5/6) to the interesting ‘Plastic’ and ‘Horrible Hospitals’ (from Deighton Gates and St Joseph’s, Year 3-6).
Six representatives from the Wetherby and District Rotary Club, who organise the competition, came to help judge the speeches and introduce groups (Peter Mullaly, Roger Arnold, Nick Dyson, Duncan Verity, Uwe and Club President Paul Finder), which was not an easy task! After much deliberation, the judging panel chose two winners: the Year 3/4 team from Crossley Street, who spoke about ‘Sports Legends’, and the Year 5 team from Primrose Lane, who spoke about ‘Rebel Girls’! They were presented with the winning shields by Paul Finder, the Rotary Club President, who also presented all the participants with a certificate and trophy. The school also receive £500 from The Wetherby Rotary Club for entering and winning the competition, which will be spent on resources within school to help the children. This was from generous donations from Hart Law Solicitors, Wetherby Whaler, QE, Wetherby Business Association and Wetherby Rotary Club.
Congratulations therefore must go to our wonderful Year 5 team who presented the unique topic ‘Rebel Girls’ (Imogen, Georgina, Eve and Hannah) who were the Upper KS2 Winners, and to Imogen, Safina and Charlotte from Year 4, who were worthy runners up and did us proud. The winning Year 5 team will be presenting their amazing speech on Tempo FM next Wednesday at 1pm, so listen out for an impressive speech!
Mr Jackson
(KS2 Leader)
Year 5 Fishcakes!
As part of our ‘River’ topic, Year 5 decided that they wanted to make fish cakes and learn the different ways we can make them. We discussed on our River Wharfe walk about ‘salmon runs’ and what they are used for; therefore came up with the idea of making and cooking salmon fishcakes! We discussed ingredients, amounts and in particular, healthy eating with regards to what to eat fishcakes with.
Before we started, we learnt how to make them in a variety of different ways, as well as ensuring we discussed hygiene (and the importance of this), as well as safety precautions we must be aware of in the kitchen in general. As you can see, the children were brilliant in groups and helped each other with mixing, measuring, cutting and getting equipment where necessary. A huge thank you to Mrs Jude, who led the teaching of skills and supported the children throughout.
Year 5 River Walk
On Monday 23rd April 2018, as part of our topic ‘Rivers’, we walked along the River Wharfe. We are lucky enough to be so close to a lovely setting and were therefore able to learn all about rivers, whether that be the course of the river, erosion, the flow of the river and many of it’s features (such as the weir, floodplains, deposits, pollution, sediments, meandering, tributaries and oxbows).
We were able to discuss at various points along the river, as well as sketch images (in the style of the artist we are studying, Claude Monet) and think of adjectives to inspire us in our writing. We are now well equipped to take this learning back to class.
The children were well behaved throughout, courteous to pedestrians and responded well to questioning. We’d also like to thank Mrs Willis, Mrs Dawson and Mr Dawson who accompanied us on our walk and taught us even more about the River Wharfe itself, as well as the wildlife on the river.
Here’s what some of the children had to say:
Lauren: ‘I enjoyed the river walk, because it was very fascinating. I learnt facts about what happens when a river floods.’
Hannah: ‘My favourite part of the river walk, was describing the environment using our five senses, because it’s where we can get our stylistic devices into our writing!’
Finley: ‘I was a bit nervous to begin with, but in the end, I enjoyed it, because there were a lot of things to see. I learnt that there was a fox carved into a rock-face.’
Imogen: ‘I really enjoyed the River Wharfe walk, because I found it interesting to look at where the river had eroded it’s banks.’
Kerrieanne: ‘My favourite part of the walk, was sketching the river and bridge.’
Tag Rugby Competition March 2018
On 28th March 2018, the whole of Year 5 competed in a Tag Rugby Competition, organised by Leeds Rhinos. There were lots of Leeds schools involved, three of which were Primrose Lane A Team, Primrose Lane B Team and Primrose Lane C Team. Other local schools involved included the following:
- Shadwell;
- Bramham;
- Grange Farm;
- Thorp Arch;
- Deighton Gates;
- And Collingham;
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Primrose Lane A Team |
Primrose Lane B Team |
Primrose Lane C Team |
All children thoroughly enjoyed a rather cold competitive afternoon, led by Leeds Rhinos coaches. The children in Year 5 all represented the school brilliantly and behaved very well, even when decisions didn’t go their way. Everybody showed excellent gamesmanship by shaking hands and wishing each other the best for the next game.
Primrose Lane’s A and B team did amazingly well, winning their groups and getting through to the quarter finals! Primrose B team unfortunately got beat, but Primrose Lane A team progressed through to the semi-finals, beating Collingham A team! Due to the weather, the final wasn’t played, as both teams go through to the Leeds City Finals in May! The rest of the class have unanimously agreed to go and support the A team in the Leeds City Finals, so watch this space! Unfortunately C teams didn’t make it through, but competed very well and had positive attitudes throughout.
Here’s what some of them had to say about the competition:
Kerrieanne – ‘My favourite part about tag rugby, was getting muddy!’
Jude – ‘I really enjoyed the sports we did, running up and down and passing the ball to get a try!’
McKenzie – ‘I liked the tag rugby competition, because it was fun to work together with my friends as a team.’
Book Week in Year 5!
Year 5 have thoroughly enjoyed their ‘Book Week’, which has been focused around the book ‘Leon and the Place Between’. We have discussed the story in detail, answered comprehension questions (using our ‘Reading VIPERS’) and carried on our own magical/dream stories, for when Leon climbs into the magic box! One example of this is in the pictures below, which Imogen wanted to share with everybody!
We also loved our dressing up day, as you can see above, where children dressed up to as a book character; showing a great end to the week!
Year 5 Circus session
Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed the assembly and their session with Jay (the magician) on Tuesday 20th March 2018. He was extremely engaging with his tricks, but also it linked in well with the magician in our Book Week text ‘Leon and the Place Between’. Jay showed us some crafty card tricks and how to test them on people, which everybody is now practising with the playing cards that he gave us! Here’s what some of Year 5 had to say about it:
Libby – ‘I think Jay was very humorous and he did some cool tricks – I learnt so much! I learnt card tricks, how to juggle, how to spin a plate on a stick and various other things…a great experience!’
Toby – ‘I really enjoyed the circus because I learnt lots of tricks. Additionally, Jay was hilarious! I loved playing with the flower sticks. Also, he gave us cards to practise with, which I didn’t expect!’
Megan – ‘I think Jay was really humorous and confused everyone’s eyes, leaving us wondering how he did the tricks. He also taught us tricks like making cards disappear and balancing peacock feathers on our noses.’
McKenzie – ‘The circus was very fun. We learnt some card tricks and how to spin plates on sticks. We also learnt how to use a diablo, flower sticks and many more! It was super fun and I’d love to do it again!’
Year 5 Greek Vase Day 2018
On Friday 9th February 2018, Year 5 enjoyed a Greek Vase Day, where they began by learning all about the importance of Greek Vases, as well as what they tell us about the past (all the way back to the 3000’s BC). They designed their own Greek pots, with labels, captions and instructions, as well as shared ideas for what type of vase/pot they wanted to produce, and the purpose it would have had in the Greek era. Once their designs were finished, they made use of their carving knives, clay and water to create their designs- look below, what do you think?
The Year 5’s then reflected on their own and other’s vases and evaluated, thinking what went well, what could have been improved and what they would recommend to people if they were to teach them in the future.
Even though it required a lot of perseverance, planning and control, children loved their experience and have produced some top quality vases (that I’m sure you’d be proud to display at home!).
Here’s what some of them had to say about the day:
Imogen – ‘Our Greek Vase Day was really fun, but challenging at the same time. I think all of our vases look like Greek vases, we did great!’
Finley – ‘Our Greek Vase Day was very fun, I hope we do it again. It was very challenging!’
Hannah – ‘I really enjoyed making the vase, because I’ve never really made something out of clay before! I found it tricky, because I had to repair it several times and I found it challenging’.
Kerrieanne – ‘When I was making my vase, I didn’t need to start again, so I was proud.’
Year 5’s Greek Day!
Last week, Year 5 enjoyed a wonderful curriculum ‘Greek Day’. We were able to branch out in our learning and experience what it may have been like to transcribe and write in the Greek alphabet; eat Greek food and compete in Gem groups to win our very own Greek Olympics!
Here, you can see groups competing with the javelin throw, as well as the discus, where we measured the distances and were able to identify the winners from each Gem group.
Additionally, we competed in the ‘Legendary long jump, again resulting in overall winners for the event. We added in our own creative game, whereby we had to bounce the ball into the basket, which required estimation, precision and control, all of which the Greek Olympians required.
Overall, the points were counted and the overall winners were Amber, so congratulations to those members! Having said this, the children showed good gamesmanship, team work and ambition- all of which we’ve worked on with our Primrose Lane Learner Values.
To complete what was a fabulous day, all children helped prepare Greek food to eat and enjoy from a hard day’s work in the Olympics! It included the delicious hummus, feta cheese, olives and pitta bread.
Here’s what some of us thought of the day:
Mckenzie – ‘I enjoyed the Greek writing because it was challenging and fun!’
Kai – ‘I also enjoyed the Greek writing – it’s much different to ours! Also, I enjoyed doing the Greek Olympics!’
Libby – ‘I enjoyed the Greek food!’
Kerrienanne – ‘I enjoyed the Greek Olympics – especially the javelin!’
Megan – ‘I enjoyed the discus (but sometimes they got lost on the roof!’
Jasmine – ‘I enjoyed dressing up for the day, even though I fell over my tunic!’
Year 5 Fire Safety Session
On Wednesday 24th January 2018, Year 5 had a visit from two Fire Fighters from Wetherby Fire Service. They came to discuss safety and precautions we must take with regards to fire and accidents. We began answering questions about what causes a fire and learnt about the triangulation of ‘Heat, Fuel and Oxygen’; as well as what we need to do and be aware of in an emergency. The whole of Year 5 were surprised to hear that there was only one fire engine in Wetherby and that they had over 500 - 600 emergency call outs per year! The Fire Fighters went on to discuss how serious a phone-call was and the unfortunate times where ‘hoax’ or ‘prank’ phone-calls have been made and resulted in serious consequences. The videos we watched were realistic and helped our understanding of how serious it is to prevent emergencies. The car crashing at 30mph was a shock – we definitely got the message about wearing a seatbelt! Additionally, we were told that fire alarms should be tested weekly……let’s hope the children take this responsibility for this in their households from now on!
Here’s what some of us thought:
McKenzie – ‘I’m wanting to send out a strong message, WEAR A SEATBELT!’
Toby – ‘If you ever have a fire, you need a ‘fire action plan’, so that you and others know where to go.’
Jasmine – ‘I learnt that a child can only take three breaths until they become unconscious in smoke.’
Stanley – ‘I learnt that just going at 30mph in a vehicle, can make you go flying and potentially have a fatal accident!’
Year 5 Cooking WW2 Pasties!
On Monday 11th December 2017, Year 5 made and cooked Cornish Pasties as part of our World War 2 focus on rations and making use of food that was available at that time. We used the recipe and ingredients below, ensuring that we were hygienic and safe in preparing the food.
Ingredients (Makes 2):
3oz plain flour
1oz margarine
water
1/2 carrot, finely chopped
2 small potatoes, cut into 1/8ths
2” piece of leek, finely chopped
2 pinches of vegetable stock powder
3” x 2” mature cheddar cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon oil
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 220c or gas mark 6
To make the pastry:
Rub the margarine into the flour
Use just enough water to bring together in to a ball
Set aside
To make the filling:
Place the leeks in a microwaveable bowl with the oil, cover with cling film and cook on high for 1min 30 seconds,
Leave the leeks to cool, be careful when taking off the cling-film as steam is released, add potatoes, carrot, cheese and stock powder and mix well.
To make the pasty:
Split the pastry in to two and roll each piece out about 1/4” thick,
Put half the mix in to the middle of each piece of pastry,
Fold up to enclose the filling,
Place on a baking tray,
Cook for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown and piping hot,
Leave to cool a little before serving.
We would like to thank Mrs Jude for helping us through this process and teaching us vital skills in cooking hygiene, measuring accurately and following a set of instructions.
See the pictures of us cooking and eating our pasties!
Year 5’s ‘Home Front WWII’ visit to Murton Park
On Monday 9th October 2017, Year 5 went on their ‘Home Front’ trip as part of their World War Two focus. We learnt lots, ranging from experiences of evacuees, women’s jobs and rationing, to general way of life during the war times, as well as various facts about the war itself. Throughout the day, the whole class represented the school impeccably, showing excellent behaviour, but also willingly showing to the leaders how much they already knew about World War Two. The leaders were very impressed at the knowledge the children were giving and the eagerness they had with answering and asking questions. Both Mrs T and the ARP Warden both quoted at the end ‘It was a true pleasure today with the children, one of the best, if not the best we’ve ever had here for the Homefront trip. It was great to extend these children with further knowledge and activities than what we usually do, because they were so knowledgeable and efficient with activities!’.
Children got right into character for the day, coming into school dressed as evacuees, with their identity cards, ration books and labels attached to them, showing who they were and where they came from. Throughout the day, children were straight in role conducting usual jobs expected from children and adults during the 1939-1945 era. The jobs ranged from creating rag rugs, cleaning and drying clothes, making flapjacks, putting out fire-bombs as fire-guards and putting up the blacks to ensure the Germans didn’t bomb us! Having said this, we did have a real life air-raid, where we ‘pulled together’ and shared Anderson shelters to keep us safe.
It really was a pleasure to see such great learning first hand, with handling such artefacts as ‘gas masks’, different weapons used, helmets etc; as well as viewing what was a week’s ration for an adult would be…..we all agreed it was absolutely nothing- what do you think…?
Here is what some of us thought of the day:
Toby: ‘I really enjoyed visiting Murton Park, especially when we got to put out the bombs pretending to be Fireguards’.
Rhys: ‘I really enjoyed the trip to Murton Park. I liked putting the fire bomb out with the WW2 hose’.
Imogen: ‘My favourite part of Murton Park was doing the washing, because it was a different way of doing it, as we had to do it by hand’.
Sam: ‘My favourite part of Murton park was when the siren went off and we had to walk to our Anderson shelter. We had to stay really quiet’.
Hannah: ‘I really enjoyed baking flapjacks at Murton Park, because I love baking at home. Also, I liked making our rugs, because I never thought you could make a rug without sewing’.
Kai: ‘I really enjoyed Murton Park, because we got to put on a training gas mask, but not a real one’.
Tilly: ‘I enjoyed Murton Park! My favourite part was when we washed the dirty clothes. I also enjoyed tack cleaning, because it was very different to the way we do it today’.
‘Little Suitcase’- Judith Rhodes visits Year 5
On Friday 29th September 2017, Judith Rhodes visited Year 5 to discuss her mother’s (Ursula Michel) life during the 1930’s and 1940’s, before, during and after World War Two. Ursula was a refugee who came from Nazi Germany to England in 1938, on one of the last Kindertransports. Ursula’s parents and younger sister were unable to leave Germany, and they perished in the Holocaust. Judith shared her mother’s story, explaining why she was evacuated, the effect it had as she arrived, and events afterwards, including never seeing her sister/parents again. Judith also brought in her mother’s original suitcase, which she packed on departing Germany for England (as seen in the image below, as well as the visit name, it wasn’t the largest of bags for ‘all’ of her possessions!).
After watching a short clip, the children were able to ask questions about Ursula and Nazi Germany and compare it to their lives of today, as well as empathise with how Ursula will have felt. The children of Year 5 were enthralled, asking insightful questions such as ‘What did the children do for fun?’ (Megan); ‘Your film mentioned about your Grandfather and Auntie trying to escape to Switzerland from Nazi Germany- how far did they get?’ (Ben); ‘Are you the last Rhodes alive?’ (Daniel); ‘How did the Germans know if people were Jewish?’ (Jasmine); ‘How long was your grandfather in the concentration camp for?’ (Charlie C); and many more!
Judith left by thanking the children for a wonderful visit, expressing how impressed she was by the eagerness and enthusiasm of the children and the inquisitive questions they asked. Well done Year 5! However, it’s also thanks to Judith for sharing this story. This is what some of the children had to say about the visit:
Lauren- ‘I liked it where Judith showed all of her mother’s personal items, such as her little suitcase and her jumper that she came over to England in’
Toby- ‘I found it really interesting, because Judith told us about how her mother got evactuated and how she managed to survive (without her family around)’
Hannah- ‘I enjoyed watching the clip and asking her all of the interesting questions and finding out the answers’
Sam- ‘I liked listening to the questions and answers’
Stanley- ‘I was shocked to see how small the suitcase was, considering it was packed for a six year evacuation’
Maths
We have been learning various new strategies to add, subtract, multiply and divide, ensuring we can apply these to problems. Additionally, we continue to learn about time (along with reading and interpreting timetables), shape, area, perimeter, fractions, decimals, percentages and many more!
To learn and practise your timestables, use:
http://www.transum.org/Tables/Times_Tables.asp ScienceIn Science, we have been learning about 'Earth and Space'. We have developed our own Powerpoints, learnt about the significance and phases of the Moon, as well as the solar system as a whole (with all the spherical planets, the Sun and much more!). Below are a selection of pictures which show our own measured out solar systems (relative distances - obviously!), as well as groups demonstrating that the Moon reflects light from the Sun.
Science investigationsIn our Science investigations for our focus 'Properties and Changes of Materials', we have investigated whether different materials and products dissolve (and are therefore classed as 'soluble' or 'insoluble'; what reversible and irreversible reactions are through heating, cooling and burning (such as the reversibility of ice to turning to water through heat, then water turning to water vapor through more heat etc); and filtered/sieved materials to separate them. Here are a selection of photos of us conducting these investigations, which had some great results!