This half term, we have been reading Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman for our guided reading sessions. The book is about two boys, who's friendship is tested and lives are put at risk. The book, which is written in a variety of poetic styles, really captured the children and they were able to reflect on the various themes such as secrecy, friendship, fear, courage and difference. 
Here are poplar class cloud busting and looking at things through the glasses of 'Fizzy Feet', or Davey as he is also known. 

Today the whole of year 5 took off to Fairlands Valley Park to complete our Geography unit on marine life.  In class groups, we walked around 3 of the park's lakes noting all the different types of litter we could see.  There was quite a range from small sweet wrappers to shopping trolleys and bikes!  We talked about what we could all do in our own ways to reduce this pollution and protect all marine environments.  We were also blessed with beautiful sunshine throughout and were able to draw snapshots of what we saw.

Today, the children continued to develop their drawing techniques by using charcoal and chalk, which in turn allowed them to create various tones within their work. The children started by drawing a pot and the moved on to sketching their own images and replicating the different tones within their work. There were lots of successes and lots of 'I am proud' moments in our class gallery. 

In science this week we have been looking at fossils, how they are created and what they tell us.  

We then took a walk outside to find examples of different leaves with different structures.  We then used a special technique to rub the "skeleton" of the leaves onto paper using crayons.  It looked amazing!

In science this week we have been looking at fossils, how they are created and what they tell us.  

We then took a walk outside to find examples of different leaves with different structures.  We then used a special technique to rub the "skeleton" of the leaves onto paper using crayons.  It looked amazing!

World Book Day was a success in Poplar class.
Lots of wonderful costumes and books were shared at the end of the day with our peers and we learnt about Joanne Rowling and the resilience and perseverance that she had to go through to become one of the best known children's authors of our time.

Well done to everyone on your creativity. 

Year 5 took part in a Love Your Heart Month workshop. The children were able to learn vital emergency life-saving skills, helping to build their confidence and understanding around heart health and first aid.

Eight Year 5 children across Pine, Poplar and Spruce class took part in a Year 5 Maths Challenge after school today to demonstrate their secure understanding in Maths with a variety of questions involving estimation and perplexing puzzles. They completed 4 different rounds, consisting of lots of concepts they have looked at in their Maths journey so far. Well done to those who took part in the Maths Challenge!

This week, the children have been learning about advocacy. They considered the terms negligence, duty of care and damages, all while advocating for a claimant and a defendant. The children then had to have representatives to stand up in front of a judge guest to put forward their arguments. 
The scores will be in next week. 

Year 5 have had a fantastic day out today on our STEM Discovery Centre trip. We took part in lots in exciting activities including designing our own tote bags with exploding paint and learning about the Mars rover.

We also had some time in the exploration room, which had lots of interesting things to look at and use, including an augmented reality sand box and a static electricity ball!