1. Welcome to Year 5

2. A little bit about us… We are, Upper Key Stage 2, 31 very different children, Mrs Dickens and Ms Horton.

3. Daily Routines / Timetables Homework is set on a Wednesday and needs to be brought into school the following Monday. Mr Needham will give the children new spellings on a Friday and will test them the following Friday. We will start swimming after Christmas and continue until the May half term holiday. Achievements, trophies and medals can be brought in for this assembly. Daily reading and weekly spellings should be recorded in your child's Reading Record.

4. What your child needs to have in school A book bag big enough to carry their homework, pencil case, snack and water bottle (and not the entire contents of their bedroom), it needs to be small enough to fit in their tray, or under their coat on the peg in the cloak room. A PE kit and if possible an outdoor kit for colder days and a coat as we go out to play even when it is cold and wet.

5. Curriculum We are following the New National curriculum in all subjects. This allows for a more integrated, creative curriculum within ‘topics’ where possible but some elements may still be taught as separate subjects. Collaborative learning is an important focus for all classes and whenever possible the children will work with other year groups both in class and outdoors.

6. Assessment In common with the other classes we use ‘Think pink – Go Green’ to mark work within the children's books and this forms the initial assessment in a way the children understand. Formal assessments are in line with National expectations and children are graded as Working towards expectations, At expected level or Exceeding expectations. The children have to be efficient within the skills being assessed to be working at Expected Level.

7. New Curriculum Targets 56 different targets to be achieved by every child.

8. Home/School Partnership Many activities cannot be carried out in school with out the support of you, whether this is ensuring that requests for ‘extra’ things in school are supported or giving up your valuable time to accompany the class on trips or attending and supporting events in school. Should you have any concerns about your child or feel that something at home may affect your child in school, please speak to me. If you feel we need to have a longer discussion then please book an appointment after school.

9. Independence and Responsibility In Upper Key Stage 2 the children are expected to be able to take responsibility for ensuring that letters are brought home and that they tell you they have them. Can you please remind your child if you have put anything in their bag and I will continue to ask every morning if they have anything to put in the ‘red box’. Unfortunately it is not possible to check every bag, every morning for missing letters. Equally if the children have a ‘fall out’ with another child in school I expect them to try to resolve the situation themselves, (with if necessary my help), this is all part of growing up. Most disagreements are usually trivial and quickly forgotten and we only need to get involved if it becomes serious.

10. Parental support Homework is an important part of extending the children's learning and preparing them for Year 6 and Secondary school. It is not your homework, nor is it a source of family stress and arguments that spoil your weekend. If your child cannot do, or understand their task simply put a note in their homework book and send it into school. If you feel you are able to support your child and the school by helping in class or supporting by the Friends group by helping at the Christmas or Summer Fairs you would be most welcome.

11. Thank you for listening