<![CDATA[Kexborough Primary School - Year 5 Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Kexborough Primary School - Year 5 Blog]]>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:17:26 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[July 13th, 2026]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:39:03 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/july-13th-2026

A very warm welcome to our Year 4/5 class! We are so excited to begin another fantastic year of learning and can’t wait to make this a happy, successful and memorable year.

Meet the Teaching Team
Our class will be taught by:

Mrs Powell – Monday all day, Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning
Miss MacKay – Thursday morning and Friday all day
Mrs Ellis – Wednesday afternoon, Thursday afternoon
Miss Shillito (Teaching Assistant) – Supports learning throughout the week

Together, we are looking forward to supporting every child to achieve their very best.

PE
Our PE lessons take place on Tuesday and Wednesday each week.
Children should come to school with:

A pair of trainers.
A jacket and joggers during colder weather.

School will provide PE shorts and T-shirts.
Children can take their PE kits home on a Wednesday for washing and should be returned to school ready for the following week's Tuesday lesson.

Homework
Homework will be sent home every Wednesday and should be returned by the following Monday.
Our ongoing homework expectations are:

Daily reading at home.
Regular practice on Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS).
An additional homework sheet each week, focusing on either English or Maths skills.

Working Together
We believe that children achieve their best when school and home work together. Your support with reading, practising times tables and completing homework will make a huge difference to your child's confidence and progress.

We are looking forward to an exciting year filled with engaging learning, new challenges and lots of opportunities to celebrate success. Thank you for your continued support—we can't wait to share our Year 4/5 journey with you!

]]><![CDATA[Practical Maths - Factors, Multiples and Primes]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:17:12 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/practical-maths-factors-multiples-and-primesIn maths today, we used square tiles to make arrays and explore multiplication and factors.
The children worked practically to arrange the tiles into different arrays and looked for all the possible ways a number could be represented. We discussed factor pairs and used our multiplication knowledge to explain our thinking.

The tiles helped us to see patterns and understand how multiplication facts are connected. The children enjoyed working together, sharing ideas and challenging themselves to find different arrays.

Well done, Year 5, for your fantastic mathematical thinking!

]]><![CDATA[Live Maths Assembly]]>Wed, 20 May 2026 10:17:21 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/live-maths-assemblyToday, Year 5 took part in an exciting live lesson with TT Rock Stars and National Numeracy. We were joined by special guest Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, also known as Mr MoneyJar, who is a National Numeracy Ambassador and financial education expert.
During the fun and interactive session, we learned all about financial literacy and why it is important to make smart choices with money. Rotimi explained how understanding money can help us look after our pocket money and make better spending decisions in everyday life.
We also discovered what promotions are and what they really mean. We talked about why shops use promotions and how they can influence the choices people make when shopping.
One of the highlights of the lesson was taking part in a “Would You Rather?” game. We voted in live polls to decide which deals gave the best value for money. This helped us practise comparing prices and thinking carefully before spending.
The session was fun, engaging and full of useful advice. We all enjoyed learning how to become smarter shoppers and more confident with money!

]]><![CDATA[Exploring Volume]]>Mon, 11 May 2026 12:02:47 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/exploring-volumeToday in Year 5 we have been learning how to calculate the volume of cubes and cuboids. We discovered that volume is the amount of space inside a 3D shape and that we can find it by multiplying the: length × width × height
We practised finding the volume of different shapes and used cubes to help us understand how the space inside the shapes could be measured.

After this, we were given a challenge: How many different cuboids can you make with a volume of 12 cm³? We worked systematically to find different combinations. Some of the cuboids we found were:

1 cm × 1 cm × 12 cm
1 cm × 2 cm × 6 cm
1 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm
2 cm × 2 cm × 3 cm

Although the cuboids looked very different, they all had the same volume of 12 cm³.
We then explored our reasoning by answering the statement: “The taller the cuboid, the greater the volume.” We had to decide whether this was sometimes, always or never true. To test our thinking, we built and compared cuboids using different numbers of cubes and discovered that the answer is sometimes.
Our reasoning was because a cuboid can be taller but still have the same volume if the other dimensions are smaller. For example, a cuboid measuring 1 cm × 3 cm × 4 cm has the same volume as one measuring 2 cm × 2 cm × 3 cm, even though one is taller than the other.
Today’s lesson helped us to understand that volume depends on all three dimensions, not just height. We enjoyed building shapes, investigating patterns and proving our ideas using mathematical reasoning.

]]><![CDATA[Bikeability]]>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:38:39 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/bikeability8203367Year 5 have begun an exciting and important life skill course – Bikeability!
The course started on today with Level 1, which took place in our school playground. During this session, the children focused on developing their control and confidence on their bikes. They practised basic manoeuvres and learned how to carry out important safety checks to make sure their bikes are ready to ride.
So far, the children have made a fantastic start. They have listened carefully to instructions, shown great focus and supported one another as they build their skills.
Later in the week, they will move on to Level 2, where they will take their learning onto the roads near school and begin to apply these skills in real-life situations. Level 2 teaches children how to:
• Start and stop with more confidence
• Pass stationary vehicles parked on a road
• Understand the road, including signals, signs, and road markings
• Negotiate quiet junctions, crossroads, and roundabouts
• Share the road safely with other vehicles
We’re really proud of how Year 5 have approached their first session and are looking forward to seeing their confidence continue to grow over the rest of the week!

]]><![CDATA[Letters to the Prime Minister]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:30:57 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/letters-to-the-prime-ministerLast week the children were informed of this press release.

To say that they objected to the proposal would be an understatement. However, we decided that we would object formally to this proposal through writing a letter to Mr Starmer outlining our opinion and our reasons for this.
The children engaged in the task extremely well and channelled their anger and frustration at the proposal into the letter, remembering who we were addressing.

Today, two representatives from the class went to the Post Office to send the letters to the Prime Minister. Debbie invited the children behind the counter to ensure that this very important package was shipped correctly.
We will keep everyone updated as to whether we receive a response.

]]><![CDATA[Cricket]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:33:58 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/cricketYear 5 had a fantastic time taking part in their second cricket session today, led by a professional cricket instructor. We still have three more sessions to go and the children are absolutely loving the experience so far!
Last week, the focus was on developing our catching skills and this week we moved on to batting. The children learnt how to hold the bat correctly and were introduced to the different parts of it – the front is called the face and the back is known as the spine.
To put their new skills into practice, the class took part in a fun competition to see who could score the most runs. There was lots of excitement, encouragement and great teamwork on display.
We were lucky to enjoy the session in the sunshine, which made it even more special. Year 5 are already looking forward to next week’s lesson!

]]><![CDATA[Our Reading and Writing Journey]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:16:59 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/our-reading-and-writing-journeyThis half term in Year 5, we are exploring the important and thought-provoking topic of homelessness in both our reading and writing lessons.
In reading, we have started reading an extract about what homelessness is to help us understand the experiences and challenges faced by people who are homeless. Alongside this, we will be studying parts of two powerful texts: The Night Bus Hero and The Wrong Shoes.
The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf follows a boy named Hector who meets a group of homeless people and begins to see the world differently as he learns about kindness, empathy and truth. The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival tells the story of Will, a young boy whose life changes when his family loses their home, highlighting resilience and hope during difficult times.
As always, our reading and writing will go hand in hand, with our writing closely linked to the themes and ideas we explore in our reading lessons.
In writing, we will be developing our skills by learning how to choose language according to formality, extend sentences using sophisticated conjunctions, indicate degrees of possibility using adverbs and modal verbs and use parenthesis accurately.
We will be applying these skills by writing a formal letter to a politician or councillor, expressing our thoughts and concerns about homelessness and suggesting ways to support those affected.
We are looking forward to some thoughtful discussions and powerful writing this half term!

]]><![CDATA[Hockey at Darton Academy]]>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:03:25 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/hockey-at-darton-academyToday, our Year 4 and Year 5 children had an absolutely fantastic time taking part in an exciting hockey event at Darton Academy. From the moment we arrived, there was a real buzz of energy and enthusiasm and the children were eager to get started.
The afternoon was organised into five different stations, with children split into groups to rotate around each activity. This gave everyone the opportunity to practise and develop a wide range of important hockey skills in a fun and engaging way.
At the passing station, children focused on accuracy and control, working with partners to send the ball smoothly and precisely. They quickly improved their confidence, learning how to judge the strength and direction of their passes.
The dribbling station challenged our Year 4's and 5's to keep close control of the ball while moving at speed. They weaved in and out of cones, practising their coordination and balance while maintaining control of the hockey stick and ball.
Shooting was a firm favourite, where children had the chance to aim for goal and put their skills into action. There were some fantastic shots, with children showing great determination and excitement as they tried to score.
At the changing direction station, children worked on agility and quick movements. They learned how to react quickly, adjust their body position and move the ball efficiently to outmanoeuvre opponents.
Finally, the defending station helped children understand how to protect their goal and challenge attackers. They practised positioning, timing and teamwork, developing their understanding of how to play effectively as part of a team.
Despite the windy conditions, our Year 4 and Year 5 pupils showed brilliant resilience and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. The weather certainly didn’t stop them from giving their best and enjoying every moment!
We would like to say a huge thank you to the Darton Academy students for organising such a fun and well-structured event. Their support, encouragement and excellent planning made it a truly memorable experience for all involved.
Well done to everyone who took part – it was a fantastic afternoon of sport, teamwork and fun!]]><![CDATA[Enterprise Day - Year 5 and Year 6]]>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:43:00 GMThttps://www.kexboroughprimary.com/year-5-blog/enterprise-day8512962Today was Enterprise Day and we were given the exciting challenge of creating and designing a sensory room based on the four seasons.

Our first task was to come up with a team logo and a team mascot that would represent our group. After that, we each took on different job roles for the enterprise challenge, including team leader, creative designer, finance manager and presentation leader. Everyone had an important responsibility, which helped our teams stay organised and focused.

We were given a budget of 100 Ambicoins to spend on our “Zen Den,” which was our seasonal sensory room. From the shop we could choose from a variety of items such as fidget toys, a water effect projector, soft building blocks, black fibre optic carpet, an infinity tunnel, a snow panel, tactile boards and many more. We had to think carefully about how to spend our Ambicoins so that our space would feel calm, creative and full of sensory magic. Our Zen Den also had to represent and excite all four seasons.

Before dinner, we split into classrooms to draw our designs and start putting our ideas into action. Within each team, we each took responsibility for one of the seasons —spring, summer, autumn, or winter — and designed parts of the sensory room based on that season.

Most of the children worked really well as a team and supported each other throughout the challenge. However, for some of us it also tested our ability to compromise, as we had to listen to different ideas and agree on the best choices together.

Finally, we presented our Zen Dens to three judges, Marie, Andrew and Miss Kane who decided which teams would go through to the finals. They had such a difficult decision to make as everyone had tried so hard! We now have three groups that are through to the finals and are really excited to see if our school could be chosen to have one of these ideas built in our very own school.

We had a great day and developed our teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. Well done Year 5 and Year 6!

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