Year 5/6 2019 - 2020
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) 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.
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 Back & Happy New Year
We hope our new Year 5/6 class are ready for an exciting 2020.
This term's topic is all about South America. Our enquiry question this term will be Is South America One Big Rain Forest?
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. Have a go at the Daily 10 Mental Maths Challenge by clicking here.
Here's the link to one of the maths game websites we find useful if anyone wants to practice their mental fluency at home: http://www.topmarks.co.uk
Children are also encouraged to regularly use Rock Stars at home to practice their times tables.
English:
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
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.
During the Spring term the children will be learning all evolution
Have a look at our science topic knowledge organiser which will give you an idea what the children will be learning about.
History and Geography
Our topics this term is linked to South America and the children will mainly be developing their geographical knowledge through this subject. We will also be learning about Darwin's historical and epic voyage to the Galapagos Islands. You will also see that our English book, Island A Story of the Galapagos, is all about Darwin's voyage to the Galapagos Islands, we aim to immerse the children in the topic to deepen their learning by linking subjects.
Have a look at our themes topic knowledge organiser which will give you an idea what the children will be learning about.
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. 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.
SATs
Use this link to have a go at SATs papers
https://www.satspapersguide.co.uk/ks2-year-6-sats/ks2-year-6-sats-papers/
Notices/Reminders
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.
It is crucial that your child is punctual for school and has good attendance in order to be a Good Learner.
PE will take place on a Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon. Children may attend school in their PE kit, however Head's of School must change into their PE kits on a Friday at lunch, this is due to them representing the school during Celebration Assembly. This must be the correct school PE kit, if it is not they will be given the correct clothing from our PE kit box to borrow and wear.
Awards Assembly
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.
SATs Booster
This is available to all year 6 children every Wednesday 3:15pm - 4:15pm.
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 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!
Files to Download
Year 5/6: Calendar items
Whole School Photographs (all year groups + siblings), by Ms Hughes
