Rowan Class 2024 - 2025

Welcome to the Rowan Class page. We are made up of Year 5 and 6 children. Mr Greenham is our Class teacher and is supported by Miss Harris, our TA.

Weekly update - WB 04.09.24

Welcome back to a new school year! Rowan class have certainly hit the ground running with their lessons. In Maths they have begun learning about place value of numbers, as well as completing a Mathswhizz assessment to calibrate the challenge of their homework this year.

In English, we have begun a unit of work on the building blocks of Grammar and punctuation by looking at word classes. We have also begun writing persuasive letters to Mrs Whiting, to apply for the roles of responsibility available to Rowan class.

In PE we began a unit of invasion games with tag rugby. The children practised their passing skills with a partner, and developed their ability to move into space and avoid being tagged.

We kicked off our topic learning about WW1 and WW2 by discussing the children’s previous knowledge of the subject. The children made evacuee boxes to keep their things in during the topic. We also created a pretend air raid shelter and took cover during the air raid siren. To keep our spirits up, we sang along to ‘We’ll meet again’ and sampled some old-fashioned sweets.

WB 09.09.24

Our first full week back kicked off with some baseline assessments for Year 6. They completed assessments in maths, reading, spelling and grammar. In maths, Year 5 worked on place value of number, including ordering and comparing numbers. In English, the children have been working on their grammar knowledge of word classes, including collective nouns and different types of verbs.

In Topic learning, Rowan used their map skills to identify different European countries that were involved in World War 1 and comparing them to modern maps. We also evaluated propaganda posters produced during that period and interpreted what their intended effect would be.

In Science, Rowan began a unit of work on the properties of materials. The class explored a range of different materials and sorted them according to their properties.

WB 16.09.24

Rowan class have continued their work on grammar this week in English, covering irregular verbs, verb phrases and identifying the subject and verb of a sentence. In maths, our work on place value has continued with flexibly partitioning numbers (for example, 1500 could be 1000 + 500 or 1200 + 300, depending on the problem we wish to solve) working with numbers up to 10 million on the number line, and beginning to round numbers to the nearest 10, 100 and 1000.

In topic we learned more about the conditions of soldiers on the western front, particularly focusing on what life was like in the trenches. The children then made their own trenches using sand trays, trying to show the defensive features.

In science we investigated which materials would make the best thermal insulators (linking to our topic work). The children conducted a fair test to compare how well the materials retained heat.

Finally, in design and technology we began a sewing unit based around ‘make do and mend’. The design brief is to make a gift (such as a lavender bag or soft toy) for a family member using recycled and repurposed fabric.

WB 23.09.24

In Maths this week, Rowan class completed their work on place value. They began by recapping rounding numbers to the nearest power of 10, before moving on to tackling negative numbers by counting across zero on a number line, comparing and ordering negative and positive numbers, and calculating using negative numbers. They also worked in pairs and small groups to complete some problem-solving investigations.

In English, Rowan continued our grammar work by learning about sentence construction, identifying the subject and verb of simple sentences before moving on to writing and punctuating more complex sentences with ‘leftovers’. In Exciting Writing, the children have written very evocative setting descriptions of a first world war trench.

In DT, we practiced some foundational sewing stitches which will help us to create our final product. We spent some time mastering how to thread the needle, begin a row of stitches, and tie off at the end. Some pupils moved on to practising decorative stitches, such as cross stitch.

In Topic lessons, we spent some time listening to the class present their research about their families. Well done to all of the children, who presented really detailed and interesting work. We also spent some time researching more about the daily lives of soldiers who fought in the great war.

WB 30.09.24

This week Rowan has moved onto the first of our four operations, addition and subtraction. We began by working with mental methods for adding and subtracting, such as partitioning, looking for near doubles or rounding to the nearest multiple of 10 and then correcting. We then moved on to written methods, such as using a number line and expanded method before moving on to formal column methods.

In English, we continued our work on grammar by examining how to find the subject and verb of multi clause sentences. The children used coordinating conjunctions to join clauses of equal importance, and also learned about compound subjects and dummy subjects.

In Topic, we learned about the end of World War One and the causes of World War Two. The children debated Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement, and ordered the events that led up to the start of the war on a timeline.

In science, Rowan learned about dissolving and investigated which materials would dissolve in water. They planned an investigation into the factors which affect how well materials will dissolve, which we will complete next time.

Year 5 experienced a wonderful faith tour on Wednesday, visiting a church, mosque and gurdwara. They certainly learned a lot, many thanks to Miss Chhibber for organising such a brilliant trip.

WB 07.10.24

This week in maths, Rowan continued their work on addition and subtraction skills by looking at inverse operations, using known facts to help solve problems and tackling worded problems.

In English we completed our work on grammar by applying what we have learned to paragraphs linked to the science curriculum for Year 5 and 6. We then moved on to the picture book Farther, by Grahame Baker-Smith. The children made inferences about the characters, before writing a character description based on the text.

In Science, the children conducted their own fair tests, based on dissolving. We discussed the importance of thinking scientifically and why scientists only change on variable at a time.

In Topic, the children studied a range of sources linked to the Battle of Britain. They discussed how useful each source was, and how reliable the information each one provided.

WB 14.10.24

This week, Rowan class began a new text in English – Goodnight Mr Tom, by Michelle Magorian. The children began by learning about evacuation, giving their own opinion on whether children should or should not be evacuated from the cities. They then wrote a letter home in role as an evacuee.

In Maths, the children have moved on to working on multiplications skills, finding multiples of numbers, common multiples, factors and common factors.

This week, Rowan has spent several afternoons working on our sewing projects for design and technology. The children finalised their designs, cut their pattern pieces and began to tack and sew their designs.

We also visited the church on Wednesday for harvest festival. Rowan performed a reading and sang beautifully. Well done Rowan!

WB 21.10.24

This week in Maths, the children have their multiplication skills, finding common factors between numbers, identifying and defining prime numbers, and working on multiplying and dividing numbers by factors of 10, 100 and 1000. After half term we will be moving on to mental and written methods of multiplication and division.

In English, Rowan continued Goodnight Mr Tom, by Michelle Magorian.  They have put their inference skills to the test by writing character descriptions, based on evidence from the books. The children worked in groups to write a poem about the experience of evacuation. They also wrote a diary entry in character as either Willie, the evacuee, or Mr Tom, his host.

This week, Rowan have had their final sessions working on their sewing projects for design and technology. The children evaluated their work and considered what they have learned from the project.

In Science, the children learned about different types of mixtures (including solutions and suspensions) and planned different ways to separate the mixtures. They used evaporation, filtering, sieving and magnetic attraction to interact with the unique properties of different materials.

--------------------

Half Term Week

--------------------

WB 05.11.24

Welcome back to a new term! The children dived right in with Multiplication skills in maths. They covered square and cube numbers, presenting their understanding for the working wall. The children practised their mental multiplication using a variety of strategies including partitioning, using factors and using multiples of 10. We also moved on to some formal methods of multiplication.

In English, the children continued their work on Goodnight Mr Tom by writing postcards in role as Willie Beech. They then swapped books and wrote back in role as Willie’s mother, responding to their partner’s work.

In Topic, the children learned about the role of rationing in World War 2. The children considered what they usually eat in a week, and thought about how they would need to alter their diet to fit the amounts of food they would be allowed under rationing.

In Art, Rowan began their work on printing by collecting examples of propaganda posters from the Second World War. They also looked at some of the work of Philip Zec and Norman Rockwell.

WB 11.11.24

This week in Maths, Rowan have worked on the formal written methods for both multiplication and division. We began with long multiplication, before looking at bus stop divisions and long division.

In English, Rowan covered some spelling, punctuation and grammar skills ready for assessment week next week. The children also planned a double-page spread, creatively presenting their work on a topic related to our visit to IWM Duxford. Some included the history of Duxford, the battle of Britain, the development of planes over time and tanks from World War 2.

In Science, Rowan examined the difference between reversible and irreversible changes. We demonstrated some of these changes by cooking popcorn in the microwave and melting chocolate!

In other news, the children visited IWM Duxford on Tuesday. They learned so much about the Blitz, the Battle of Britain and the fighter squadrons which flew from the airbase. This week was also kindness week at KPA (in celebration of world kindness day on Wednesday). Rowan have been thinking of ways to show kindness to each other and everyone in our school community.

Next week will be assessment week for Rowan. Please can parents make sure that your child has had a good sleep and breakfast, ready to do their very best!

WB 18.11.24

This week has been assessment week in Rowan, the class have worked very hard to complete assessments in Reading, Spelling and Grammar and Mathematics.

In topic, Rowan class learned more about the Blitz across the UK, linked to our learning at Duxford. They identified British cities that were particularly affected by the bombing, labelling these on a map of the UK. They examined some items used by ARPs and also tried some tinned meats popular during WW2, Spam and corned beef.

In Science, the children presented their work on properties and changes of materials as part of their assessment. Next week we will be moving on to forces and magnets.

In RE this week, the children continued examining how different religions understand God. We discussed how theists, atheists and agnostics might think about life and how they make choices.

Finally, in art the children experimented with different methods of printing, both by adding and taking away material from their printing block to create different effects.

WB 25.11.24 and WB 02.12.24

What a busy couple of weeks!

In maths, Rowan class reviewed their assessments and then began work on fractions. The children began by finding equivalent fractions, simplifying and working with improper fractions and mixed numbers. They then moved on to comparing fractions, adding fractions with different denominators and mixed numbers.

In English, Rowan have been examining the use of flashbacks in narratives. The children began by examining the techniques in a range of examples, and understanding the important features of this technique (answering a question, relevant information, clear transitions). They wrote some in shared writing groups, before working on their own independent stories.

In science, Rowan began our work on forces and magnets by conducting an experiment into levers. The children used different amounts of counters to lift an eraser at the end of a ruler, examining the effect of moving the pivot point (fulcrum).

In art, Rowan have been experimenting with printing techniques and began to create designs for their final piece.

In other news, the children have been kept very busy with events such as bikeability, visiting Kimbolton School to watch the Lion, the Witch and the wardrobe, and finally taking part in the Christingle celebrations at the church. 

WB 09.12.24 and WB 16.12.24

We've had a very creative final two weeks in Rowan. The children have explored a range of printing techniques including collagraph, impressed prints and screen printing. They created their final designs and used a range of printing techniques to produce their final piece. 

In English, the children explored flashbacks as a narrative technique, and wrote a flashback narrative in role as Willie in Goodnight Mr Tom. 

In maths, we have been subtracting fractions, which has included breaking whole numbers and converting mixed numbers to improper fractions. 

In topic, the children were given an open-ended question: 'What was the biggest way the world was changed by World War Two?'. They researched the topic and came up with convincing arguments for changes to women's role in society, the advance of technology and the independence of many countries from the British Empire. 

We also found time for some fun, particularly the visit from Father Christmas on reward day!