Badger Class

Class teacher’s welcome

Summer 1 Overview – Badger Class

We have had a joyful and enriching Summer 1 in Badger Class, filled with purposeful learning, spiritual reflection and opportunities for the children to live out our school values of compassion, respect, perseverance and service in all that they do.

Across the curriculum, pupils have approached their learning with enthusiasm and a growing sense of independence. In English, they explored myths, monsters and poetry, developing their creativity through performance, discussion and writing, while showing perseverance as they refined their own compositions. In Maths, the children focused on Geometry, building confidence in their understanding of shape, position and direction through careful reasoning and problem solving.

Our Religious Education unit ‘What do Hindu people believe about God?’ provided a wonderful opportunity for thoughtful, respectful discussion. The children explored complex ideas about Brahman and the symbolism of Aum with maturity, showing compassion as they considered different beliefs and deepening their understanding of spirituality and faith.

In Science, the class studied life processes, exploring how plants and animals grow and change. They demonstrated genuine curiosity and respect for the natural world, recognising their role in caring for God’s creation. In PSHE, through our Being My Best unit, pupils reflected on their strengths and responsibilities, thinking about how they can serve others and contribute positively to our school community.

The wider curriculum has been equally engaging. In History, children explored Ancient Greece, learning about its influence on the modern world, while in Art, they applied their skills to create Greek-inspired sculptures. Computing lessons saw pupils designing detailed vector drawings, and in Music, they explored the dramatic compositions of Grieg through performance and creativity. French lessons developed confidence in speaking, including telling the time and using everyday language.

A true highlight of the half term was our visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, where the children experienced art in a truly inspiring outdoor setting. This trip provided a meaningful opportunity for spiritual reflection, as pupils engaged with creativity in nature, showing respect for the environment and wonder at the work of artists. It was a fantastic example of learning beyond the classroom and one the children will remember for a long time.

Throughout the half term, the children have grown not only academically but also spiritually, learning to pause, reflect and appreciate the world around them. Collective Worship and daily reflections have helped them to consider how they can live out our values, serving others with kindness, showing perseverance in their efforts and treating one another with compassion and respect.

This half term has been filled with memorable experiences, and the children’s excellent behaviour and positive attitudes continue to make Badger Class a pleasure to teach.

A heartfelt thank you to the children for their hard work and to parents and carers for your continued support. We look forward to the rest of the summer term with excitement and anticipation for all that is still to come in our final half-term together – hasn’t it gone quickly!?

Have a wonderful half-term break everyone!

Mr Hunt and Miss Wilkinson

 

 

Curriculum news

Home Learning

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.

English – Shackleton’s Journey (Non-fiction / Narrative Writing)

  1. Write a Diary Entry as an Explorer
    Service link:
  • Helps classmates understand the thoughts and feelings of explorers.
  • Can be shared as a model for writing in class.
  • Encourages empathy and discussion about perseverance.
  1. Create an Information Page About Ernest Shackleton
    Service link:
  • Provides useful facts to support others’ learning.
  • Can be used as a revision or display resource.
  • Supports understanding of historical figures.
  1. Design a Survival Guide for Extreme Conditions
    Service link:
  • Helps others think about problem-solving and resilience.
  • Can inspire class discussion about survival strategies.
  • Encourages creativity linked to real-life contexts.

Science – Animals Including Humans / Life Cycles

  1. Draw and Label a Human Life Cycle Diagram
    Service link:
  • Supports classmates’ understanding of growth and development.
  • Can be used as a revision aid in lessons.
  1. Investigate Exercise and Heart Rate (Simple Investigation)
    Service link:
  • Results can contribute to class data.
  • Helps others understand how the body works.
  • Encourages healthy lifestyle awareness.

Religious Education – Creation and Science: Conflicting or Complementary?

  1. Create a Balanced Poster Showing Both Viewpoints
    Service link:
  • Encourages respectful discussion and understanding.
  • Supports classmates in seeing different perspectives.

Geography – Extreme Environments

  1. Create a Fact File on an Extreme Environment (e.g., Arctic, Desert)
    Service link:
  • Helps classmates learn about challenging environments.
  • Can be used as part of class displays or quizzes.
  1. Design a Survival Poster for Living in an Extreme Environment
    Service link:
  • Supports understanding of adaptation and survival.
  • Encourages others to think creatively about geography.
  1. Research an Animal Adapted to Extreme Conditions
    Service link:
  • Helps others understand adaptation.
  • Can support science and geography links.

Art / D.T – Gears and Pulleys

  1. Draw a Labelled Diagram of a Gear or Pulley System
    Service link:
  • Helps others understand mechanisms.
  • Can be used in class explanations.
  1. Make a Simple Moving Model (e.g., cardboard mechanism)
    Service link:
  • Demonstrates learning to peers.
  • Encourages problem-solving and creativity.

PSHE – Growing and Changing

  1. Create a ‘Changes I’m Proud Of’ Reflection Sheet
    Service link:
  • Encourages positive discussion and self-esteem.
  • Can support others in reflecting on their own growth.
  1. Design a Poster About Respecting Differences
    Service link:
  • Promotes kindness and inclusion.
  • Supports a positive classroom environment.

Music – Composition and Digital Technology

  1. Write a Review of a Piece of Music You Enjoy
    Service link:
  • Helps others explore new music.
  • Encourages thoughtful listening and discussion.

French – Paris & Activities

  1. Create a Simple Tourist Guide to Paris (in French and English)
    Service link:
  • Helps classmates learn vocabulary.
  • Can support speaking and reading practice.
  1. Practise and Perform a Short Role-play (e.g., ordering food)
    Service link:
  • Builds confidence in speaking.
  • Can be shared in class to support others.
Summer term dates: 
Hedgehog Class collective worship and class visit 10.6.26
Sports week 15.6.26 – 19.6.26
Reception and KS1 Sports Day 16.6.26 PM
KS2 Sports Day -Year 3 and 4 17.6.26 AM
KS2 Sports Day – Year 5 and 6 17.6.26 PM
Year 6 End of Year Performances 9.7.26 2pm + 6.30pm
School Council ‘Break the Rules Day’ 10.7.26
Year 6 Leavers’ Service, All Saints’ Church 16.7.26 1.40pm

 

Links to support learning

Reading

Please encourage your child to read daily for a minimum of 20 minutes. At least 3 reading sessions per week should be recorded in the school Reading Record. Children should all have a school reading book (that can be changed regularly) but should be encouraged to read other material as well.

Read more about English in Y5 in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study

Maths

Times Table Rock Stars (please ask if you need a reminder of your child’s login details) – all children are expected to be fluent in their tables up to 12 x 12 so regular practice is very helpful!

 

Read more about maths in Y5 in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study

Other useful links

Wildlife Trust – facts about the European Badger!

Badger Trust – support our class ‘mascot’!

50 Books to read in Year 5