1. Autumn 2017 Resilience and Resourcefulness
Welcome to Phoenix
Autumn 2017
Resilience and Resourcefulness

2. Staff Class Teachers –Mrs Aldred/Mrs Kerrell (Fridays)
Teaching Assistants-
Miss Andrews(am except Wednesdays)
Mrs Chapman, Miss Dunmow,
Miss Hooper, Miss Philipson ( Fridays)
Music Teacher Mrs Carey
RE Teacher Mrs Williams
PE –Sports Extra ( Tues/Wed)

3. Independence
For Year 6 children in particular, we are expecting them to be personally organised and independent.
Their diary should be in school every day along with a reading book. Their spelling book also needs to be in every day. We would encourage you to let them take responsibility for this in preparation for secondary school.
Year 5 children will buddy the youngest children in foundation after half term, to encourage and support them during assemblies.
Play monitors (year 5s) start later this term.

4. Timetable
Spelling Test: Wednesdays. New lists each Wednesday. Need to practise Y5/6 word lists independently.
Times Tables/key facts testing and groups Wednesday pm
PE Tuesdays/Wednesdays-make sure correct kit, long hair tied back and earrings removed or taped (has to be thick plaster tape).
Homework :2 pieces out Thursday, returned by following Tuesday.

5. Reading Very important that the children read at home every day.
The more able can read independently at home but still need some input to support understanding of the text.
Wide range of books available in class and the new library
Guided reading activities for half an hour 4 days per week when children improve their understanding of a range of texts.
Reading record sheets to show what they are reading and a range of genres.

6. Writing
Encouraging independent writing using thesauruses, and dictionaries to widen vocabulary and improve spelling accuracy
Writing targets so children know their next steps- now in child friendly format in books
Focus on new spelling lists for lower/upper KS2 (on website) in preparation for the spelling and grammar test in year 6
Free writing during guided reading sessions
Cross curricular opportunities-focus on transferable skills

7. Maths
For those children that are not secure with tables up to x12 it is crucial that they practise their TARGET times tables regularly at home These are being tested atm and will be set in the next 2 weeks
They need to know the related division facts and apply them to decimals or larger numbers.
They will be developing and refining formal written methods particularly division-see calculation policy.
Place value very important as we move into decimals involving different measures.

8. Homework
Set every Thursday to be handed in by following Tuesday to re-enforce what we have been doing in class.
Differentiated according to ability not necessarily age. Many of the tasks will be in sections and they should only go as far as they are confident.
If you are unclear about the task please put a note in the diary or contact us after school.
One piece of Maths and English per week. Spellings should be practised using the rule for the week. Encourage them to find other words with the same rule
Year 5 should spend about 20 mins per piece and Year 6 about 30 mins per piece.

9. SATs Take place week beginning May 14th 2018
Separate meeting later in the year to explain timetable.
Children will do regular practise of Reading and Maths papers and of SATs style questions.
The writing will be assessed internally through a portfolio of pieces usually from the Spring term onwards. External moderation occurs in the summer term, should the school be selected.

10. Communication
Home-school diaries should be given to the teacher by your child if they contain a note.
Available after school except Wednesdays (staff meeting) . Before school for urgent issues only as setting up for lessons and liaising with support staff
IEP review meetings to be arranged in the next few weeks to update on targets and programmes for the autumn term.

11. Thank you for your support
Mrs Aldred, Mrs Kerrell and support staff