Otter Class

Class teacher’s welcome

Welcome to the ‘Otterly’ Outstanding Yr5 Otter class!

We are very excited to share with you events that happen throughout the school year. In Otter, the children are provided with the skills and knowledge required to become aspirational, curious and enthusiastic lifelong learners.

Welcome to our Summer! Hopefully the weather will be as bright as our curriculum! 🙂

Please see the new Knowledge organisers, overview of this term’s learning, home learning project suggestions and new images of our written methods in maths.

Miss Hetherton

Curriculum news

At a glance – Summer 2

• Maths – Decimals, Converting Units and Volume
• English – Ernest Shackleton
  • An exploration, true story in an extreme environment
• Science – Life Process. Looking at Life cycles of mammals
• RE – Science v Faith: Conflicting or Complementary?  This topic promotes our school value of respect.
• Geography– Extreme Environments
• PSHE – Growing and Changing
• Art/DT– Gears and Pulleys
• Music – Composition and Digital Technology
• French  – Paris and Activities. This encourages the understanding and respect for other cultures and languages.
• Computing – Programming: Selection and Quizzes

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.

2. Create an Information Page About Ernest Shackleton
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• Provides useful facts to support others’ learning.
• Can be used as a revision or display resource.
• Supports understanding of historical figures.

3. Design a Survival Guide for Extreme Conditions
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• 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
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• Supports classmates’ understanding of growth and development.
• Can be used as a revision aid in lessons.

2. Investigate Exercise and Heart Rate (Simple Investigation)
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• 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
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• 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)
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• Helps classmates learn about challenging environments.
• Can be used as part of class displays or quizzes.

2. Design a Survival Poster for Living in an Extreme Environment
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• Supports understanding of adaptation and survival.
• Encourages others to think creatively about geography.

3. Research an Animal Adapted to Extreme Conditions
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• 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
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• Helps others understand mechanisms.
• Can be used in class explanations.

2. Make a Simple Moving Model (e.g., cardboard mechanism)
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• Demonstrates learning to peers.
• Encourages problem-solving and creativity.

PSHE – Growing and Changing

1. Create a ‘Changes I’m Proud Of’ Reflection Sheet
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• Encourages positive discussion and self-esteem.
• Can support others in reflecting on their own growth.

1. Design a Poster About Respecting Differences
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• 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
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• 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)
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• Helps classmates learn vocabulary.
• Can support speaking and reading practice.

2. Practise and Perform a Short Role-play (e.g., ordering food)
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• Builds confidence in speaking.
• Can be shared in class to support others.

Please continue to:

• Read with your child on a regular basis
• Encourage positive routines
• Support with home learning projects
• Develop independence and organisation for each day
• Help to expand your child’s vocabulary within everyday conversation
• Exposure to a variety of text types

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!

Written methods for addition, subtraction, short multiplication, long multiplication and short division are taught as in the pictures below.

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

Other useful links

Wildlife Trust

50 Books to read in Year 5