Class Teachers: Miss Goodgame and Mrs Gustafson

Our project this term: Maafa

In the Maafa project, your child will learn about Africa today and the ancient kingdoms that thrived on the continent for thousands of years. They will learn about the origins of the transatlantic slave trade in the 15th century and Britain’s involvement from the time of Elizabeth I, when John Hawkins became the first British slave trader. Your child will understand the structure of the transatlantic slave trade and the consequences of enslavement for enslaved people. They will also discover how the people of Britain benefited from the money and goods produced by the slave trade. They will learn about the causes and consequences of the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, the worldwide African diaspora and the European colonisation in Africa. They will explore the lives and actions of black people in 20th century Britain. They will understand how the Race Relations Act of 1965 became the first piece of British legislation to tackle racial discrimination and know that the Equality Act 2010 provides people with protection against racism and other forms of discrimination, today. Your child will also explore the lives of black people who have made significant contributions to Britain and will celebrate black culture in Britain today.

Reading: Our reading texts this term include; The Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephanaih, Christophe’s Story by  Nicki Cornwell and Karin Littlewood, Walter Tull’s Scrapbook by Michaela Morgan and Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen.

Writing: This term’s writing projects include a narrative inspired by The Arrival by Shaun Tan, Poetry inspired by the work of Valerie Bloom and writing a blog about life’s ‘Pet Peeves’.

Maths: At the start of term the focus will be place value before we progress onto units on addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and fractions. Quick recall of times table facts is essential for Year 5 maths so regular practice at home using Times Table Rockstars will boost your child’s feel confidence in lessons.

Science: The Circulatory System, this project teaches children about the transport role of the human circulatory system, its main parts and primary functions. They learn about healthy lifestyle choices and the effects of harmful substances on the body.

Art and design: Art projects include landscape painting and the study of significant trailblazing  Black Artists. In design, the focus is food and healthy eating.

Geography: This essential skills and knowledge project covers the features of Earth, time zones and lines of latitude and longitude to pinpoint places on a map. Children find out more about map scales, grid references, contour lines and map symbols. They learn about climate change and the importance of global trade.

RE: Our first enquiry is: What is the best way for a Muslim to show commitment to God? Later in the Term we will delve into Christianity asking the question: What would Jesus do?

Music: This term’s focus is pitched percussion and children will be using Glockenspiels.

Computing: Children will use Scratch to become games developers.

PE: PE days are Wednesday and Friday, children should wear PE kit on these days.