Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you have enjoyed a restful break. We are excited to welcome your children back for the second part of the Autumn Term, where we have some engaging and stimulating topics lined up for them.

In Geography, our focus will be on rivers. The children will explore the significance of rivers in our environment, learn about their characteristics, and understand the impact they have on our ecosystems and communities. To enrich their learning, we encourage you to take the opportunity to visit local rivers and discuss their features and importance at home. I am currently exploring Geography fieldwork trip options and will send more information soon once confirmed.

In English, we will delve into the world of persuasive texts. The children will learn how to construct compelling arguments and present their views effectively in written and spoken formats. This will not only enhance their writing skills but also encourage them to think critically about the information they encounter. It would be wonderful if you could help them practise this skill by discussing topics they feel passionate about and encouraging them to articulate their thoughts clearly.

In Maths, we will begin with a unit on addition and subtraction, before moving on to multiplication and division. A key focus for this term will be on developing and maintaining instant recall of times tables up to 12 x 12. We recommend regular practice at home, whether through games, songs, or timed challenges, to make this process enjoyable and effective.

For more information on curriculum areas please see project map which I will share on Class Dojo.

PE/Outdoor Learning

PE will be continue to be on Monday with Mr Bain/Mrs Hunter and on Fridays with Mr Bain.

Children need a pair of wellies or outdoor shoes (separate to shoes worn inside) in school if they wish to go on the field during playtime.

The children will also have an outdoor learning session on Friday so please provide your child with appropriate clothing for the day, such as waterproofs and wellies. Hats and gloves also recommended as winter approaches – handy if these are name labelled. Children can continue to come into school wearing their PE kit on these days.

Porthpean Residential

More information about deposit and instalments will be sent out very soon – please keep an eye out for details which will be shared on ClassDojo. Desposits/payments will be made via ParentPay.

Supporting your child at home 

• Reading is possibly the single-most important activity your child can do to improve achievement in school, across a range of curriculum subjects. Please encourage your child to read for a minimum of 10-15minutes (ideally half an hour) at least 3 times a week – we will be looking at reading records regularly and encouraging children to use them to record their reading in school and at home.
• Time Tables -secure knowledge of the times tables facts (and the related division facts) up to 12 x 12 underpins the majority of the Year 5 and 6 Maths curriculum, and working on these can really boost progress and fluency. If your child if not yet confident with their times tables, please support them in learning and practicing them. Each child has a personal login for Times Tables Rockstars and I would highly recommend regular practice by visiting https://play.ttrockstars.com/auth/school/student or downloading app. Children can also listen to songs and play other games online to make times tables fun to practise.

As always, your support is invaluable in your child’s education. If you have any questions or require any additional resources, please do not hesitate to reach out via ClassDojo or email shunter@stoke-climsland.cornwall.sch.uk.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a fantastic second half of the Autumn Term!

Warm regards,

Mrs Sarah Hunter and the Year 5 Team