This term, we have been working with micro:bits!  Micro:bits are very small computers that the children use to practise coding.  These amazing miniature devices can sense, measure and log all sorts of input including light, temperature, sound, movement and even magnetism! They also have buttons and sensors for the children to experiment with.  This week, we used the micro:bits to create polling programs.   Each button was coded to add to the total for a particular choice!  The children used the micro:bits to poll topics such as: favourite sports, animals, football teams, subjects, movies, music and games and then questioned each other.  They had a fantastic time!

If you’d like to find out more about the micro:bits, visit this link: https://microbit.org/get-started/what-is-the-microbit/#computing-made-physical

Today, the Year 5 children had the fantastic experience of visiting the Sainsbury Centre, which tied in with the History topic we are currently studying: the ancient Mayans!

When we arrived, we were met by Becca (who works for the Sainsbury Centre facilitating school visits) and Marnie (an artist who led our incredible session)!  They explained what we would be doing and the children sat so quietly and listened very carefully to all the instructions.

Then, Becca and Marnie took us up to the Gallery and showed us some of the artwork from the Mayan period, alongside other more modern artwork inspired by the Mayans.  The children were given small, folded books of paper and asked to look closely at these objects, making sketches of the patterns and figures they saw.  They spent several minutes studiously observing different sculptures before they were given a second task – to show depth in their drawings using shading as if the image had been carved.  The children were so focused during this section and produced some excellent ideas that would serve them well in the upcoming session in the studio!

The children gathered in the studio for the next part and were given green wax tablets to imitate jade. They were also provided with tools, gloves, and protective goggles. Their goal was to create a 3D relief using some of the patterns they had seen in the gallery (and drawn in their books) on their wax tablet. To start with, they found it quite hard, but they soon found their groove. The end results were very impressive!

After this, the children had a chance to spend some time outside sketching the sculptures, the ziggurats and the park’s beautiful surroundings.  

The children all had an amazing day and were perfectly behaved. Thanks to Ms Barker, Mrs Boyce, and Mrs Forsdick for supporting them, to the Sainsbury Centre for their amazing sessions, and to the Friends for helping us with the cost of the coach!

Recently, Year 5 have been studying the Fresh Prince of Bel Air as part of their Music lessons!  We listened to, and learned, the words and also looked at other songs from the same genre.  Then, the children wrote their own rap verses in pairs and we recorded it in class.  They worked very hard and the end result is brilliant!

Every class has had a workshop led by Dr Mandy Hartley to celebrate Science Week.  Year 5’s workshop was all about the planets to tie in with our current Science topic of Earth & Space.  First of all, the children came up with a mnemonic to help them learn the order of the planets – some of them were very funny!  Then, they were split into planet teams, and they had to learn some important information about each one, including: how many moons it has, how long a day is and how long a year is!  Next, they made rockets using water and a vitamin tablet, or water and an Alka Seltzer, put into a small plastic container.  They jumped really high!  Finally, Mandy used two volunteers to drop some mentos into lemonade and see how high the liquid was forced into the air!  We all had an amazing time and learned much about the planets!

To improve our tennis, the children designed games and courses to work on many different tennis skills! They worked together in pairs or small groups to create a plan on A3 paper, and then, today, they set out their plans using real resources.  The activities included balance, agility and accuracy and the children really enjoyed testing each other’s ideas!

Today, Year 5 had the joy of visiting Norwich Castle Museum to take part in learning all about ancient civilisations. 

Ancient Writing

At the beginning, we discussed the importance of writing and why ancient civilisations would have needed it.  Then, we learned about Sumerian writing (cuneiform) and used a specific stylus and blu tack to make the correct shapes and lines. It was really difficult to create the correct shapes to begin with, but with some practice, we all managed it!

Farming

In this session, we learned about the importance of farming and what sort of fruits and crops were grown during ancient times. The children got to guess different ancient farming tools, and we saw evidence of them in ancient writing and pictures. We also learned about the invention of irrigation and why it was so helpful to farmers.

Building

During the building session, we discussed ancient buildings and how they improved over time. The children worked together to try to build arches, and they discussed why arches work. Then, we learned about what a city needs and the children, in two groups, designed their own! 

Philosophy

Finally, in the philosophy session, we discussed how philosophers think about things, and we were led through a thought experiment based on the ancient Theseus’ ship!

The children were perfectly behaved and thoroughly enjoyed their day!

To celebrate the importance of everyone’s mental health and well-being, Year 5 made worry dolls this afternoon.  Using dolly pegs, double-sided tape and colourful wool (donated kindly by Mrs Malthouse’s mum) the children created their own worry dolls to take home.  These dolls were based on Guatemalan worry dolls originally made in highland Guatemalan villages. The story goes that if you tell a worry to them at night and place them under your pillow, in the morning all of your worries will have been taken away.  

The children thoroughly enjoyed making them and hopefully they can use them to help them cope with any worries they may have!

Forces & Friction

During Science on the 10th January, Year 5 learned about friction and tested it in an interesting way!  Earlier in the session, we discussed how friction can be deliberately increased or decreased for a specific purpose, such as goalkeepers wearing gloves, keeping the grass short on a golf course, or wearing spikes on a running track.  

Then, the children were given jelly cubes on paper plates and asked to move the cubes from one plate to another using just chopsticks. The friction between the jelly and plate was very high and the children struggled to separate them to begin with.  However, the sticky surface of the jelly turned out to be exceptionally helpful, increasing friction between them and the chopsticks and making holding on to them much easier.  

To completely change the situation, we then added vegetable oil. All of a sudden, the friction levels had changed! The jelly cubes were no longer attached to the plate with a great deal of friction thanks to the oil, so they were much easier to remove. However, the minimal friction meant that the children really struggled to hold on to the cubes in their new oily state.

We all really enjoyed looking at how friction can be used deliberately and how increasing and decreasing it can really affect how easy or difficult it is for surfaces to interact with each other!

Flatbread & Salsa

On Tuesday, 12^th December, and Wednesday, 13^th December, Year 5 enjoyed making flatbread and salsa!  First, we prepared our classroom by clearing the desks and using cleaning spray and cloths provided by the kitchen to ensure our tables were hygienic.  Then, we washed our hands thoroughly and put on plastic aprons to protect our clothing.  Mrs Forsdick and Ms Barker helped to measure out the ingredients into individual bowls, and we were supported brilliantly by our kitchen, who provided baking trays with grease-proof paper, and the flour!

Once we were ready, we began the process of making the flatbreads!

Each pair used:  

• 60g plain flour (some pairs used gluten-free flour)
• 60g Greek yoghurt
• 1tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp xantham gum (for gluten-free bread)

We combined the ingredients using a spoon until a soft dough was formed.  Then, with floured hands and a floured table, we kneaded the dough!  Once the dough had been kneaded, we stretched and shaped it onto the baking trays.  Our lovely kitchen staff helped us again at this point by baking our bread for us in their special oven!

The next part of the adventure was making salsa!  In small groups, the children worked with Mrs Forsdick and Ms Barker to slice, chop, dice, press and grate ingredients before frying them in a pan.  Once cooked, the ingredients were put into a bowl with some coriander and lime juice!

Each group of 4 used:

• 1 tomato
• ¼ green pepper
• ½ red onion
• 1 garlic clove
• coriander
• ¼ lime, squeezed

Then, finally, when both parts were complete, the children taste-tested their bread and salsa and completed an evaluation sheet!

They all had a wonderful time and must be commended for how hard they worked and how sensible they were throughout the experience.

Special mention also has to go to the kitchen, who supported us throughout, and the SRB, who lent us the bowls and spoons and allowed us to use their kitchen!

Earlier this term, Italy class presented their class assembly.  We showed off our learning in Music, French, PE and English and really enjoyed it.  For those people who were unable to come along, or who would like to simply watch again, please enjoy!