Croeso i Blwyddyn 5!

 

Our teachers are Mr. Lewis (Lime), Mrs Jackson and Mrs Roberts (Larch)

PE days this year are: Monday and Tuesday - children are expected to bring fresh PE kit to each lesson. They are able to leave school in their PE kit but must ensure their school uniform is neatly stored away in their bag.

We will be continuing to set mathematical challenges via our Matheletics platform. Children are welcome to borrow a physical reading book from our library and online books will be available via Oxford Reading Buddies - your child will be provided login details for this. 

This term, we are excited about launching our whole-school context for learning of the year: Pwy ydy'n ni?

Reading Focus – The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf

To support our Pwy ydyn ni? context, Year 5 will be reading The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf, a thought-provoking and deeply moving story told through the eyes of a child.

The novel follows a young girl who befriends Ahmet, a quiet new pupil who sits at the back of the classroom. As the story unfolds, pupils learn that Ahmet is a refugee who has fled war in search of safety. Through friendship, curiosity and compassion, the children begin to uncover his story and discover the power of kindness and empathy.

This text encourages pupils to reflect on identity, belonging and what it means to feel safe and accepted. It links closely to our exploration of cynefin, cultural identity and children’s rights, helping learners to understand how experiences shape who we are. The story also challenges pupils to consider their own roles within a community and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The Boy at the Back of the Class powerfully reinforces the message at the heart of Pwy ydyn ni?: our humanity connects us, and understanding one another helps us grow together.

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Pwy ydyn ni? – Who Are We?

In Upper Key Stage Two, our new context for learning, Pwy ydyn ni?, places identity at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the term, children will explore what makes us who we are - individually, culturally and collectively - while developing skills and curiosity across all six Areas of Learning and Experience.

Languages, Literacy and Communication will see us donning our green creative thinking hats as we explore how language can be used to entertain, inspire and express identity. Through mythical narrative writing, pupils will delve into the Welsh legend of Taliesin and Ceridwen, discovering how the first bard was born. Poetry will play a central role as children, culminating in powerful performances of Slam Poetry that allow pupils to voice their own identities with confidence and flair.

In Mathematics and Numeracy, learners will sharpen their data-handling skills by collecting and analysing information from their local environment. They will explore population data across Wales, interpreting patterns and presenting findings with increasing accuracy and confidence.

Within Science and Technology, children will develop their investigative skills by forming their own enquiries about the world around them. Through fair tests, surveys, observations over time and classification activities, pupils will focus on recording results carefully and interpreting the data their investigations yield.

Our Humanities learning will begin close to home as we explore our cynefin - what makes Wales special and what makes us feel Welsh. Pupils will compare rural and urban Wales before broadening their horizons with an exciting geographical case study comparing Wales and Mongolia, while also considering the Rights of the Child within different contexts.

In Religion, Values and Ethics, children will explore Christian culture in a different country and compare it with the experiences of Christians living in Wales, encouraging reflection, respect and understanding of diverse beliefs.

Health and Well-being remains a key focus, with Year 5 pupils taking part in swimming lessons and Year 6 developing independence and confidence through Cycling Proficiency. Discovery Education sessions will support learning about Healthy Bodies, helping children understand how to look after themselves physically and mentally.

Finally, through Expressive Arts, pupils will enjoy a rich taster of film studies, drama, dance and art, all linked to Welsh identity. After exploring each discipline, children will take the lead in their learning by choosing one area to specialise in for the remainder of the term - developing creativity, confidence and personal expression.

Through Pwy ydyn ni?, pupils will celebrate heritage, culture and individuality while building skills that prepare them for learning, life and citizenship in Wales and beyond.