What a wonderful first half of the spring term it has been in Year 5! The children have worked with enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience across all areas of learning, truly living out our school values of respect, responsibility, resilience, compassion and creativity.

In History, we explored the Anglo‑Saxons, learning about who they were, how they lived and why they settled in Britain. The children created fantastic Anglo‑Saxon shields and enjoyed an exciting Anglo‑Saxon Day, where they immersed themselves in life from the past with great enthusiasm.

Our Science work focused on the Earth, Sun and Moon and the seasons, helping pupils develop a deeper understanding of our solar system. Their home learning projects were superb, from planets made of cake to inventive solar system models and creative Anglo‑Saxon villages, the children showed incredible imagination and responsibility in their independent work.

In English, we studied The Arrival, using drama through Let’s Say to build empathy, understanding and expressive language. The children engaged beautifully with the themes of compassion and respect. Their creativity shone throughout our discussions and role‑play.

PE has seen great progress too, with pupils developing confidence and control in gymnastics, and we are delighted to say the class also completed their swimming lessons, showing perseverance and pride in their achievements.

Overall, it has been a fantastic start to the year. Your children have been wonderful: hard‑working, thoughtful and full of energy, and we are already looking forward to everything the second half of the spring term and school year will bring.

Even though these tasks are completed at home, each one offers opportunities for children to serve others—their classmates, families, and the wider school community; by sharing learning, contributing ideas, and helping to build a richer learning environment.

1. Create a Visual Summary (Storyboard)

Service link:

• Visual summaries help other pupils remember key events.
• Clear illustrations support classmates who learn best through images.
• Summaries can be used as revision resources for the whole class.

2. Character Empathy Poem (Ben or Rose)

Service link:

• Writing from another viewpoint encourages empathy.
• Sharing a poem helps others understand the characters’ emotions.
• Strengthens the class community through emotional awareness.

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Geography – Trade Links & Fairtrade

(Listed under History in the curriculum letter—but fundamentally a Geography unit.)

1. Create a Fairtrade Product Map

Service link:

• Helps others see where everyday goods come from.
• Supports classmates’ understanding of global connections.
• Can be added to shared displays for younger pupils.

2. Interview a Family Member About Shopping Choices

Service link:

• Highlights real examples of ethical choices.
• Sharing findings encourages responsible decision‑making.
• Supports class discussions about fairness and global citizenship.

3. Packaging Redesign – Make It Fairtrade‑Friendly

Service link:

• Inspires others to think about ethical labelling.
• Clear designs support understanding of the Fairtrade symbol.
• Can be used as illustrative resources in lessons.

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Science – Forces

1. Create a Friction Experiment at Home

(e.g., test how objects slide on different surfaces)
Service link:

• Sharing results helps classmates understand friction in real contexts.
• Data can contribute to group investigations.
• Helps peers compare findings and deepen understanding of variables.

2. Design a Parachute to Test Air Resistance

Service link:

• Demonstrating how air resistance works supports class learning.
• Sharing design tips helps others improve their own models.
• Completed parachutes can be used as examples for younger pupils.

3. Make a Lever or Pulley from Recycled Materials

Service link:

• A homemade mechanism helps peers see how forces act in everyday life.
• Designs can be used in class demonstrations.
• Encourages teamwork when students compare mechanisms and offer suggestions.