Years 5 and 6
Spring Term 1
Welcome back! This term, our topic is 'Artificial Intelligence.' We will be learning about what it is and how it's used in our everyday lives. In Science, we are looking at electricity and completing a range of challenges. Our PE days are Monday and Wednesday.
Maths
English
Reading
If you follow the link below, you'll find five reading lessons based on 'Street Child' by Berlie Doherty. Berlie Doherty wrote 'Treason' which we studied in the Autumn Term.
English (Reading) - Street Child by Berlie Doherty: https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/streetchild-by-berlie-doherty-d135
Writing
Here are some links to some spelling, punctuation and grammar lessons. There are five lessons within each topic. You can chose the area that you feel you need to practise the most. If you want a challenge, you can always complete other lessons.
Sentence types https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/t1-sentence-level-objectives-2d3b
Sentence types https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/t1-sentence-level-objectives-aab1
Sentence types https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/t1-sentence-level-objectives-1343
General spelling, punctuation and grammar activities https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/t2-word-level-objectives-1244
Afternoon Lessons
There are five afternoon lessons to complete over the week. Please select one lesson to complete each afternoon.
Art
Science
Religious Education
Design and Technology
Non-Screen Challenges
If you would like some challenges which don't require a screen, please choose some of the activities on the grid to complete.
School closure - Spring Term 2021
Following the government announcement last night, schools are now closed to the majority until further notice. If you are a key worker, or you are contacted (vulnerable children and those identified as SEN) and offered a place, your child is welcome to come to school from Wednesday 6th January.
From tomorrow, work will be put onto Microsoft Teams. You have been given login details for this and some may have used it already. If you are unable to log in to Microsoft Office / Teams and need to reset your password, activities will be available below to complete while you are waiting. Once your password has been reset, you will then be able to access Teams and that week's home learning.
Staying Safe Online
While schools are closed, it is likely that your child will be spending more time online. Below, you can find a guide on discussing online safety with your child. It also includes some activities that you can do at home with your child.
Well-being activities for at home
Year 5&6 Recommended Reading & MyON online reading information
Useful websites
Topic grid of home activities
Spellings
Week 8 - w/c 01.03.2021
St Davids day (the patron saint of Wales) Activities
The 1st March is St Davids Day. Use the powerpoint presentation to learn about St David's life and work and why he is still celebrated today. Then, complete some of the activities below: complete the St Davids Day maths challenge cards, colour in the welsh dragon or see how quick you can finish the word search. Or you could make an origami daffodil, complete a comprehension sheet or maybe bake some daffodil biscuits! Maybe you will solve 'The Mystery of the missing daffodils' game or make some welsh cakes?
Our topic - Rainforests
First of all, watch the BBC Bitesize clip about the Amazon rainforest and read the description below the clip on the website. Then click on the 'Classroom ideas' tab which includes lots of activities you could complete to increase your knowledge of the Amazon rainforest.
Week 7 - w/c 22.02.2021
Hope you have all enjoyed your half term break.
Remember, all of the work set by your teacher can be found on your Microsoft Teams account. However, if you are looking for some extra activities to keep you busy or you currently cannot access your teams account then you can complete the work below.
There is also a new Topic homework grid above that is connected to our new topic on Rainforests.
English Activities
This half term we are learning about rainforests. Read through the information on the deforestation of rainforests, then answer the questions. What interesting fact will you find out about the importance of rainforests?
Once you have answered the questions, have a go at designing your own 'Save the Rainforest' poster using the fact sheet to help you.
Maths Activities
Which habitat does each animal live in? Work out the calculation then decide where the animal lives. Or make it into a 2 player game. See the instructions below on how to play.
Our Topic - Rainforests
Want to make your own mini habitat? Then, why not make a rainforest in a jar? See the instructions below on how to make you own ecosystem.
Half Term activities - w/c 15.02.2021
'Random acts of Kindness' week
This week is kindness week. Have a read through the power point then see how many of the 40 acts of kindness cards you can complete this week. Let's make our school, our city, our world a better place through kindness.
Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday - 16th February
It is Pancake Day on Tuesday. But do you know why we celebrate Pancake day? Have a look at the power point to find out the reason of why we have Pancake day. There is also a pancake recipe for you try but remember you must always have an adult supporting you when you are cooking and using a hot oven.
Land Art
The weather looks as though it's getting a little warmer this week so hopefully you will be venturing out for a walk in your local area. Whilst you are out, why not try to make your own piece of land art using twigs, sticks, leaves, rocks, pebbles or seeds? Or, take some photographs of nature.
Have a read through the power point on Andy Goldsworthy - an artist who uses nature in his sculpture and photography. Then take a look at land art challenge cards. If you can, take photographs of your land art creations so we can see your fantastic creations.
Week 6 - w/c 08.02.2021
English Activities
Charles Darwin was born on the 12th February 1809. The 12th of February (this Friday) is known as Darwin Day. It is a day to celebrate and highlight Darwin's contribution to Science.
Read through the powerpoint presentation on Darwin. Then, either complete one of the activities or research Darwin a little more and make a factfile about Darwin and his discoveries.
Maths Activities
Put your multiplication and division knowledge to the test with these quick fire questions or the missing numbers challenge. Maybe, even try both!
Spellings
Our topic - Earth and Space
Read the rocket clues and see if you can work out which planet from our solar system is being described.
Safer Internet Day - Tuesday 9th February 2021
It is 'Safer Internet Day' this week. Watch the virtual assembly, complete the quiz and write your pledge of how YOU are going to make the internet safer on the magnifying glass. Do you pledge to be kind online? Do you pledge to not share yours or your friends information online? Do you pledge to report anything you see online that worries you? Do you pledge to tell an adult about things you see on the internet that cause you upset or that you think are inappropriate?
Week 5 - w/c 01.02.2021
English Activities
National Story Telling Week
This week is National Story Telling week. Use the Powerpoint presentation below to find fantastic story openers and use the Traditional tales randomiser to make up your own traditional tale. Will the three little pigs climb up Jack's beanstalk? Will Cinderella eat the bears porridge? You can write out your story, act it out to your family or draw it on a comic strip.
Rosa Park's Day - 4th February
Rosa Park's was born on the 4th February 1913. You may remember Rosa Park's name from our 'Black History Month' discussions and lessons last October. Find out more about Rosa Parks in the Powerpoint presentation and then either complete the comprehension questions or make your own fact file.
Math's Activities
Put your maths knowledge to the test with these quizzes. Try the top one first then challenge yourself with the second quiz. Are you ready to show how much of a fantastic mathematician you are?
Spellings
This weeks spellings.
Radio Derby's 'Make a difference' daffodil campaign
BBC Radio Derby are encouraging people to put a daffodil in their window as a symbol of hope, new beginnings and spring. It is meant to be a replacement for all the amazing summer rainbows we had in our windows last year.
Below, you will find a clip from Radio Derby showing some of the daffodils done so far by the people of Derbyshire. There is also a copy of the daffodil designed by the artist Paul Cummins that has been specially designed for Radio Derby's 'Make a difference' campaign. You can choose to use this design or make your own daffodil from whatever resources you have at home. Display it in your window to spread happiness and positivity.
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
29th January until 31st January 2021
A free online event where you can take part in the world's largest wildlife survey just by looking in your garden or the area you live in. Which birds will you see?
Week 4 - w/c 25.01.2021
Spellings
This weeks spellings.
Maths Activities
The Lego characters need your help to solve their multiplication and division word problems! Can you help Bad Cop, Emmet, Unikitty and the others?
English Activities
Read some amazing facts about Spiderman, Superman and other comic book heroes. Then have a try at answering the questions. Remember to answer in full sentences. 
Our Topic - Earth and Space
Ever wondered what it would be like to train as an astronaut? Watch this clip from the National Space Centre first then use the testing information below to see how you compare to the other trainee astronauts in the clip. Maybe the other members of your household can do the tests as well. Who will be the best trainee astronaut in your house?
Week 3 - w/c 18.01.2021
Spellings
This weeks spellings.
Maths Activities
English Activity - Conjunctions
Earth and Space comprehension activity
Week 2 - w/c 11.01.2021
Our Topic - Earth and Space
Make a Rocket bookmark
English Activities
Math's Activities
Spellings
Spellings
This Week's Spellings. The focus is on root words.
English Activities
Maths Activities
English
Dear Year 5 & 6
You have worked hard over the last couple of months and we are very proud of all that you have achieved during this difficult time. For the last 4 days you can choose which of the following ‘Wizardry’ activities to do. We are looking forward to welcoming the Year 5's back into school in September as our new Year 6’s. Over the summer holidays make sure you practise your spellings and times tables, but most of all create some very happy memories with your family!
Y5 Maths
This week's maths work will be a review of the topics covered throughout the school year, along with some maths activities. These could be completed at any time over the Summer break to keep your brain active and help you to remember key mathematical skills for September.
Week Beginning 13th July
English
This week you are going to be continuing with the theme of wizards! You will be looking at the 5 W’s in newspaper reports for the opening sentences, writing a potion poem and doing some amazing science potions!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday & Friday
English
This week you are going to be continuing to look at persuasive phrases, you will be designing your own school and then writing an advert for it!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday & Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English
This week you are continuing with the theme of wishing stories, and will end the week writing your own.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday & Friday
English
Over the next couple of weeks you are going to enjoy and explore wishing stories, leading to you writing your own next week. We are going to start with some poetry this week.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English
This week you are going to be continuing the work on the imaginary creature called the Rhiswanozebtah. You are going to be creating your own imaginary creature and then writing your own ‘Research paper’ (non-chronological report). I've also included the answers below to last weeks comprehension.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
English
This week you are going to be studying a research paper by an explorer who has discovered a rather strange creature!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Week beginning 18th May 2020
English
This week you are going to plan and complete your portal story around the continuing theme of DOORS. A portal is a story which transports the characters into a magical world via a gate/wardrobe/magical tree or anything else the author might imagine (Biff and Chip Magic Key books are a typical portal story).
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday to Friday
English
Over the next 2 weeks, you are going to produce a portal story around the continuing theme of DOORS. A portal is a story which transports the characters into a magical world via a gate/wardrobe/magical tree or anything else the author might imagine.
This week you are going to be looking at sentence structures, vocabulary and punctuation use, and characterisation.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) Activities for at home
(Friday 8th May)
Today would have been the May Bank Holiday date, so no work is going to be set for today. The date of the May Bank Holiday was changed from the usual Monday so people could commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe day), the end of the Second World War in Europe. We have therefore put together a list of activities and templates you and your family could use to celebrate VE day at home whilst in Lockdown.
Templates for VE day
English
Doors - Poetry
Have you ever looked at a door and wondered what might be on the other side? Where may it lead? What may be hiding within? At first glance, a door is just a piece of wood, glass or metal that is opened and closed so that people can get in and out of a room, a vehicle or a space. But in the hands of a writer, a door represents a world of possibility, a world where things are not only hidden but often closed off and restricted. Together, through poetry, text games and narrative, we shall explore the potential that a door offers to you, the writer.
This week we are going to focus on poetry!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Year 6 Maths
English competition
Do you want to show off your short writing skills? If so, have a go at entering this competition! Closing date is on Wednesday. ONLY 50 WORDS on the theme of HOME. 
Don't forget to email it to the organisers afterwards - all the details are on the attached sheet below.
English
Finding Tale
This week you are going to be continuing the ‘finding’story called ‘The Game’. You will be creating some sentences and phrases you can use in the story, then planning your story into a boxed-up plan and then finally writing and publishing your story. You will be brilliant authors by the end!!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday and Friday
Maths Year 6
Decimal numbers
A decimal is a way of writing a number that is not whole.
Decimal numbers are 'in between' numbers. For example, 10.4 is in between the numbers 10 and 11. It is more than 10, but less than 11.
Take care when reading the values of decimal numbers.
4.2 means 4 and 2 tenths.
4.20 means 4 and 2 tenths and 0 one-hundredths. The last zero does not need to be there.
4.02 means 4 and 0 tenths and 2 one-hundredths.
Control + click on the link below, or type it into your search bar, for video clips from BBC Bitesize about decimal numbers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zsjqtfr/articles/zsbd7p3
English
Finding Tale
Your next piece of English work is going to be to write a ‘finding’story called ‘The Game’. This week you are going to be getting to know the story and creating some sentences for your own version of the story.
Monday
Today you are going to find out about where the idea for the story comes from and read through the story, underlining any words you find difficult to understand.
Tuesday
Today you are going to be looking at 3 words in the text and completing some activities around these.
Wednesday
Today you are going to be writing about your likes, dislikes, what puzzled you and what surprised you about the story.
Thursday
Complete the comprehension questions about the story 'The Game'. I will post the answers next week.
Friday
Today you are going to be creating sentences which you will be using in your story.
Exercise
Week beginning 30th March 2020
English
Discussion texts
This week you are going to be analysing and then writing a discussion text. A discussion text considers both sides of an argument, weighing up evidence or ideas and trying to come to some sort of reasoned conclusion.
Answers for Friday 27th comprehension
Monday
Read through the discussion text on ‘Should children be allowed to eat chocolate for breakfast?’ Make sure that you understand all of the vocabulary.
Then create a ‘for’ and ‘against’ list for whether chocolate should be eaten for breakfast. I have attached a format to show you how to lay this out in your books (2 columns, each argument bullet-pointed).
Tuesday
On your copy of the discussion text ‘Should children be allowed to eat chocolate for breakfast?’, annotate (draw arrows and label) around the edge of it the different kinds of sentence structures and punctuation you can see. Then colour (by underlining) the vocabulary used in the text according to the vocabulary sheet I am attaching.
I have given your parents more information about this on their sheet if you are unsure about this.
Wednesday
Today I would like you to start thinking about the discussion text you are going to write on
‘Should children be expected to do schoolwork during the Covid-19 school closure?’
Task 1: Role play (with someone else) being 2 people on a bus who have different views on the subject, or you could be part of a TV discussion. One of you thinks children should be expected to do schoolwork (for) and the other thinks you shouldn’t (against) and you are discussing this.opinions on this. What arguments did you think of?
Task 2: Create a simple grid in your books showing arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ whether schoolwork should be expected. You can use the same kind of format as you used on Monday for the chocolate discussion (2 columns, each argument bullet-pointed). You will need to think of about 5 arguments for each side.
Thursday
Today you are going to plan your discussion text today on
‘Should children be expected to do schoolwork during the Covid-19 school closure?’
You can use the 'boxed-up' planning grid or copy it out into your books. A discussion text is usually only 4 paragraphs:
- An introduction which states the topic being discussed and why this matters
- Key arguments for
- Key arguments against
- Conclusion – stating what the writer thinks is right and giving reasons for this.
Make sure you use the range of sentence structures and vocabulary looked at on Tuesday.
Friday
Today you are writing your discussion text on
‘Should children be expected to do schoolwork during the Covid-19 school closure?’
It is important to expand the information on each point/argument and to also use a range of connectives etc. Also check you have included a range of punctuation and sentence structures and a good range of vocabulary for a discussion text. Use the 'Chocolate for breakfast?' text to help you structure your discussion.
I have included a checklist so you can check your work afterwards.
Answers for Week 1 Year 5 Maths
Year 5 Maths w/c 30th March
Answers Y5 Maths Week 2
Additional Y5 Maths Activities
Monday
Write the introduction to your non-chronological report and complete 2 subheading sections (paragraphs) about the Mayans. Look back at your planning sheet to help you with this.
Tuesday
Please complete your non-chronological report. You will need to complete subheading sections 3 and 4. A paragraph should be 4-6 sentences long, but you can do more if you wish. Remember to look at the 'Writer's Toolkit' and the key vocabulary sheets to ensure you are using the correct vocabulary for a non-chronological report.
Wednesday
Read back through your report on the Mayans. Check it makes sense to an adult and then use the 'Writer's Toolkit' to highlight your work in colours. For instance, the Generalisers = red, the Additional Connectives = Green etc.
Once you have done this, think about where you can improve your work.
Have you used all of the correct punctuation?
Have you used a range of punctuation, including parenthesis?
Are your sentence structures varied?
Have you used a relative clause?
Have you used the vocabulary listed?
Is there enough detail in every paragraph?
Thursday
Present your non-chronological report in a creative way.
I have attached a sheet to show you some ideas other children have done when presenting their work. It is a good idea to use a double-page spread.
Friday
Read through the news article with the heading 'Scientists discover ancient Mayan city hidden under Guatemalan jungle'. Make sure you check any words you don't understand.
Answer the questions, referring to the text.
I will post the answers next week!
Y5 maths
Additional maths activities
Year 6 Maths Week 2
Animals including humans topic
Year 6 only
Children should have now received information from the local authority about applications for secondary schools. If you haven't received this, please contact the local authority and ensure applications are completed by 31st October. Applications must be completed even if applying for your catchment school.