Year 5/6 2018 - 2019

Mrs Taylor

This is my 4th year working at Westminster Community Primary School, and I am proud to be a part of our school family. During my time here, I have worked in years 3, 4, 5 and 6, and have run various clubs (including dance clubs, pet party, drama club, SATS Study groups and Glee club). In school, I am part of the maths and science leadership team, and I'm also currently helping our school to work towards gaining The Artsmark Award. My favourite school events are our 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 feel very privileged to be able to work with year 5 and 6 again this year.

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 (P.T.D.).

Feel free to seek me out before or after school if you have any questions or if there is something you want to discuss - I'll be happy to speak with you! LT

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.

Welcome!

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. During the first half term, a lot of our reading and writing work will be based on our class book 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio.

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

During the Autumn Term, 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 an exciting piece of homeowrk that children enjoy completing (with support from helpful family members) as it gives the the freedom to be creative in a manner they wish. The letter about our first project will be sent home before the half term break.

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.

A few celebrations

Check back here throughout the Autumn Term to read about our achievements!

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!

Check back here throughout the Autumn Term to read about our achievements!

Useful/interesting Links:

Our Twitter account name: @WestminsterCPS

Our pupils at Westminster have a real interest in the real world around them, which is great! We watch Newsround every day in school, 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!