Year 5/6 2020 - 2021
Miss Dunn
After working in law for ten years I realised that my true passion was teaching, as I had been privileged enough to work as a volunteer teaching English as a second language to young children. Following the successful completion of a Masters in Inclusive Education I then completed my PGCE training at Hull University. My first year of teaching was in a Year 1 class in Hull. In September 2015 I was thrilled to be invited to join the wonderful team at Westminster Primary School. I led the EYFS team when I first joined and I am now deputy head teacher here and enjoying teaching our Year 5/6 class.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time walking, canoeing and gentle bike rides!
My door is always open to parents, so please do not hesitate to pop in.
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).
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 contact me - I'll be glad to help.
Miss Smethurst
My name is Miss Smethurst and I am a Teaching Assistant. I started working at Westminster Primary School in May 2016. I thoroughly enjoy working here and the staff and children make every day enjoyable.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending quality time with family, socialising with friends, travelling and baking!
Welcome to the Year 5/6 Class Page
Year 5/6 is such an exciting and incredibly busy year! There is a lot of responsibility and independence expected from the children, but this is great way to support the year 6 children with their transition up to high school and the year 5 children with their move to year 6. There are key roles to take on, such as being an Equality Officer, a Road Safety Officer, a School Councillor and for the year 6 children - Head of School.
There will be many opportunties for the children to develop their learning throughout the year; school trips, representing their school at events, swimming, working with the Boat Museum to name but a few.
Returning to School
When we do return to school our classroom has had to change a little. I have had to make some changes to make sure that we can all stay safe when we return to school. Children will now work in pairs on tables. Children will be provided with a pencil case with their own resources. You will still see me, Miss Smethurst and Mrs Spain every day, and we are here to help you learn and have fun. We just need to work a little differently at the moment. We've been busy sorting the classroom ready for when you come back. Have a look at our gallery to see what our classroom is going to look like.
This year we will be following the Pathways to Write scheme of work, developed by the Literacy Company. Pathways to Write is a proven methodology built around units of work which develop vocabulary, reading and writing skills through the mastery approach. The units, provide clear detailed lesson plans and resources, linked to high-quality texts to ensure engaging and purposeful English lessons. Effective teaching strategies to challenge greater depth writers are included within each unit of work.
This term's English book will be Queen of The Falls by Chris Van Allsburg
At Westminster we will now be following Power Maths - Power Maths is a UK curriculum mastery programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement and nurture confidence in maths. ... Built around a child‑centred lesson design that models and embeds a growth mindset approach to maths and focuses on helping all children to build a deep understanding of maths concept. 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.
In the Autumn term children will be given lots of opportunities to cover work missed form last year alongside being intriduced to new learning.
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.
The Autumn term will be an opportunity for the childrne to learn all about forces in motion, many of the lesson will be very practical which will allow the children to learn through inquiry.
Have a look at our science topic knowledge organiser which will give you an idea what the children will be learning.
Our topics this term is linked to North America and the children will mainly be developing their geographical knowledge through this subject. Our topic links well with our English topic this term.
Have a look at our themes topic knowledge organiser which will give you an idea what the children will be learning.
Year 5 & 6 usually enjoy their French lessons in school; why not practise at home too?
Click here to play some French matching games!
Please use the Homework Menu and choose a task/activity each week to complete. These need to be handed in each Wednesday. One of the teaching staff will be available each Tuesday lunch time should children need access to a computer or books to help complete the homework activity.
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.
This terms project will be added to the class web page in week 5 of the Autumn term.
Reading books and records need to be in school every day. All children will be expected to be changing their book once/twice a week depending on the length of their book.
Pupils should be listened to by an adult at home at least 3 times a week and read daily.
PE will take place on a Monday afternoon and Friday afternoon. Children are to attend school in their PE kit.This must be the correct school PE kit.
This term we will be learning to play rounders and taking part in basic keep fit activities.
In the Summer Term, the children in year 6 will complete their statutory assessments. These will take place on May 10th - May 13th 2021. Children will be supported throughout the year in order to prepare them for these tests.
Here is a website which contains free SATs papers form previous years.
Should the need arise for your child to access their leanring from home you will find all the resources, websites, videos and advice in this section. This section will be udated weekly should any child need to access their learning form home.
Currently there are a number of resources which can be downloaded - these can be found to the right of the class page.
Useful Websites for Home Learning
Classroom Secrets have provided weekly plans for English and Maths which I have added to the File Manger Tab - however they have now included video links to help you use these with your child. Click on a week and the year group best suited to your child
Classroom Secrets home learning timetable
Literacy Shed Activity Pack - Reading
Autumn 1 - Forces in Motion
Audible - stories to listen to (this is free currently)
Have a look at the poetry section on the school website
10 Minute Wake-up and Shake-up
This will take place in our class, unfortunatley parents/carers are not able to attend until further notice. Each week, we select some children from each year group to receive an award in our class celebration assembly (Fridays).
TBC
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
Files to Download
Year 5/6: Calendar items
Swimming starts - Year 5/6, by Ms Hughes
Children in Need Day, by Ms Hughes
United Against Bullying, by Ms Hughes
