Year 5/6 2018 - 2019

Mr Jones

My name is Mr Jones and I have recently joined the Westminster family. I have been teaching since 2016 and I am really enjoying my role here at the school. Since 2016 I have worked in lots of other schools, across different year groups. I have a passion for teaching all subjects but I love teaching Maths. Aside from my teaching qualification, I have a degree in drama and love involving this in the classroom when I can.

If you wish to talk to me about anything, I will be happy to help.

Mrs Taylor

I am currently on Maternity Leave, but I am proud to be a part of our school family and am enjoying hearing how the children are getting on.

My favourite school events are the Y6 visit to The Conway Centre and our KS2 end of year production. I also thoroughly enjoy helping prepare our oldest pupils for their transition to high school.

I gained my teaching degree with English literature and Q.T.S. in 2014, at Liverpool Hope University, where I had trained for four years before qualifying. Whilst studying and prior to working at Westminster, I taught dance on the Wirral (Hoylake School of Dance) which gave me seven years of dance teaching experience. I hold my teaching certificates in ballet, tap and modern.

Mrs Spain

I enjoy my role as a TA at Westminster; I have worked across KS2 and occasionally within KS1. Every day is different, new challenges are met by both children and adults. The residential trips are a great experience, and I have been privileged to attend with all year groups over the past few years. So many children (and adults!) have overcome their fears in so many different ways - I can now sail and support a group of children in a canoe with confidence, so that just shows what we can do if we try!

I am part of the PTA (Parent, teacher association) it would be really good to see new faces at our meetings so why not pop along. Look for our next meeting dates on the newsletter.

Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family and my three grandsons. Watching and hearing the new experiences they are having makes me a very proud Nan. I enjoy reading, visiting new places, and gardening and have even been known to try a bit of DIY. I also run a disco for people with learning, physical and emotional disabilities every week. I feel very honoured to see the enjoyment people have each week with their ever growing circle of friends.

If you need any help or advice, feel free to speak to me in school - I'll be glad to help.

Core Subjects

Maths: At Westminster, we all follow the 'Maths No Problem' approach, which means that all our maths lessons begin with a challenge/puzzle/word problem. This enables us to gain a deep understanding of the objective being taught through peer and adult led discussion. All maths lessons are based on the following areas: numbers and the number system, calculations, solving problems, measuring (including time), geometry (shape, space and measure), algebra, ration and proportion. Here's the link to one of the maths game websites we find useful if anyone wants to practise their mental fluency at home: http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?f=SpeedChallenge

English: We will be improving our skills in both reading and writing throughout the year, including work on decoding, comprehending, responding to a wide variety of question types, handwriting, spelling, word types, grammar and punctuation. We studied 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio in the Autumn Term and are now studying 'War Horse' by Michael Morpurgo.

Science: Throughout the year, we will be looking to use all 5 ways of being a scientist: research, observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying, grouping and classifying and fair and comparative testing. Our topic for the Autumn Term is animals including humans.

Homework

Your child should pick something from our 'Homework Menu' (see document attached) to complete each week. These need to be handed in each Wednesday, and they will be displayed in class.

Each half term, pupils will be set a 'Homework Project' to complete. This is usually a piece of homework that children enjoy completing with support from helpful family members as it is a larger piece and may include model making as well as research and sharing of knowledge.

Notices/Reminders

Reading books and records need to be in school every day.

Pupils should be listened to by an adult at home at least 3 times a week

P.E. kits need to be worn all day on Wednesdays and Fridays

It is crucial that your child is punctual for school and has good attendance in order to be a Good Learner.

Fantastic Awards

Each week, we select some children from each year group to receive an award in our celebration assembly (Fridays). If your child is chosen for an award, you will receive a notification (via text) on a Thursday, inviting you to join us in the hall the following day. Thank you to all the parents who have already joined us to celebrate!

Useful/interesting Links:

Africa's Top 5

Our Twitter account name: @WestminsterCPS

Our pupils at Westminster have a real interest in the real world around them, which is great! We often watch Newsround, but here's the link for anyone who's really keen, and would like to continue learning at home: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround

Year 5 & 6 usually enjoy their French lessons in school; why not practise at home too? Click here to play some French matching games!