Welcome to Year Five
We strive to create a happy classroom where everyone can achieve, learn and enjoy themselves! On this page, you will find information about our current units of learning, homework, PE requirements and key information.
Meet the Teaching Staff
This year, our fantastic Year 5 cohort will be taught by two teachers: Mrs Handley (previously known as Miss Oliver) and Mrs Jackson (previously known as Miss Hands). Supporting our classrooms are our wonderful teaching assistants, Miss Smith and Mrs Fletcher, who play a key role in helping the children thrive throughout the year.
We’re also fortunate to have Mr Kirkwood delivering high-quality PE sessions each week. PE days are as follows:
-
Mrs Handley’s class will have PE on Monday (with Mrs Handley) and Thursday (with Mr Kirkwood).
-
Mrs Jackson’s class will enjoy a double PE session on Thursday with both Mrs Jackson and Mr Kirkwood.
In addition, the children will continue to develop their creative and language skills with Mrs Willis, who will be teaching French and Music. Mrs Willis also leads our Forest School sessions, giving children valuable opportunities to explore and learn in nature. The dates for these sessions will be displayed on the noticeboard outside the classrooms.
Please read the information below to familiarise yourself with Year 5 expectations here at KEPS. We’re excited for a brilliant year ahead!
If you have any questions regarding anything Year 5 related, then please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Handley and Mrs Jackson via their school email accounts:
coliver@kingedwin.notts.sch.uk
mhands@kingedwin.notts.sch.uk
Homework:
Homework: In Year 5, weekly assignments are set to support children’s learning. They will be able to access our online learning platforms to complete assignment tasks:
•DoodleMaths
•DoodleEnglish
•DoodleSpell (Personalised spellings linking to their spelling groups)
These Doodle assignments will be revision for the children as we set them based on what we have covered that week in the classroom. Staff monitor these online platforms regularly and encourage as many children as possible to keep themselves in the ‘green zone’. If your child’s login is not working for any reason then please get in touch.
Depending on the spelling group your child is allocated to, weekly spelling lists will be sent home either in diaries or posted on Microsoft Teams. These are linked to the spelling rule focus for the week and include some of the statutory Year 5/6 words. Spelling tests will take place each week on a Friday, so please support your child by finding time to practise together.
In addition, to continue with the great work that happened during previous lockdowns, we will be using Microsoft TEAMs to put out important notices and information, share photos of homework and also to ensure we can always be on hand to communicate with our wonderful year 5’s.
Spellings:
The word-lists for years 3 and 4 and years 5 and 6 are statutory. The lists are a mixture of words pupils frequently use in their writing and those which they often misspell. Some of the listed words may be thought of as quite challenging, but the 100 words in each list can easily be taught within the four years of key stage 2 alongside other words that teachers consider appropriate. Below are the 100 words for years 5 and 6. It would be useful for children to learn the spellings of these words, but also know the meaning of the words i.e can the children write each word in a sentence?
Year 5 Units of Learning
During year 5, we explore some interesting and thought proving units of learning. Starting with our Autumn 1 History unit answering the question
How did Britain change between the end of the Roman occupation and 1066? The children also build their very own Viking longhouses during DT.
In Autumn 2, we then discover the meaning of Fairtrade and why should it matter to all of us in Geography. In Spring 1, we continue with Geography by focusing on immigration. Typically looking at why people decide to resettle in different countries. Linking this with our Art, studying famous artist, Andy Warhol.
In Spring 2, we go back in time with our History focus, studying the question
Why were the Ancient Mayans the envy of the world? Focusing on what was happening in Britain during this time, looking at the similarities and differences between the Egyptian and Mayan pyramids, plus, looking at the first ever football match invented! Pok-to-Pok! Year 5 also get to design and create their very own Mayan headdress!
Now to Summer 1, in Geography studying the main features of South America and Brazil in particular. Creating a Brazilian montage in Art too, focusing on colour, carnivals and culture!
Finally, we end year 5 by learning about the history of slavery with a focus on artist Kwame Akato Bamfo, creating our own 3D sculptures inspired by his work.
School Diary
Again this year, pupils will be receiving a new school diary. This will be complete with important school information and can be used as a point of contact between parents and teachers. These diaries will be checked on a weekly basis. It is therefore the children’s responsibility to have them in school every day. Please feel free to comment on the reading children are doing at home. We encourage all parents to make a note of children’s reading as prizes will be awarded at the end of each half-term.
Reading is Fundamental. In fact, it is one of the most important ingredients to becoming all that you can be.
Reading develops the brain, provides a window into the world around you and helps you do better in all school subjects. We recommend that children are heard for at least fifteen minutes each night and notes to be made in their planners.
Evidence suggests that children who read for enjoyment every day not only perform better in reading tests than those who don’t, but also develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.
In fact, reading for pleasure is more likely to determine whether a child does well at school than their social or economic background.
Physical Education (P.E)
P.E Will be every Thursday morning for all Year 5 pupils. We are very privileged to have Mr Kirkwood, a professional Sports Coach to take the P.E this year and we look forward to learning new skills and participating in Sainsbury School Games Festivals. We ask the children to bring fleeces and jogging trousers as well as outdoor footwear (if required during the colder months of the year), as the children will have an indoor and an outdoor session each week. Your child’s P.E kit should include:
- White T-shirt with logo
- Navy shorts (indoor PE)
- Plimsolls/trainers
- Navy or black tracksuit top and bottoms (for colder weather)
If children fail to bring a P.E kit, a phone call home will be made. Also, earrings must be taken out for P.E sessions.
Thanks for your continuing support and co-operation.
Additional Information
As teachers, we know that what may seem a little problem to an adult, can be a massive problem to a child – so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns, we are here to help in the best way we can! If you have any questions regarding how you can help your child at home, please speak to their class teacher who will be able to provide information, resources and further support. We appreciate the extra work towards their education at home. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your child during such an amazing year, YEAR 5!
Walesby Forest is this years residential destination! We will be staying for 1 night (Thursday 7th May – Friday 8th May 2026) Walesby is the perfect outdoor adventure centre for primary school groups, large or small, seeking an escape to the country. Just ten minutes away from KEPS, there’s acres of space for your pupils to enjoy, packed full of adventure activities on both land and water. For some high adrenalin action, your pupils will love a climb up the super high Jacob’s Ladder. Why not test their head for heights on the giant swing? And if our children fancy getting wet, well there’s water sports available out on the lake too! Whatever the challenge, the experienced instructors at Walesby will help each individual reach further and achieve more.