This half-term has been packed with creativity, curiosity and fantastic learning across the curriculum. From exploring traditional tales to investigating scientific ideas, pupils have shown enthusiasm and determination in everything they have done.

In English, we used the traditional tale of Little Red Riding Hood as a rich and engaging stimulus, linking closely to the English National Curriculum for Years 5 and 6. Pupils explored a wide range of genres, writing suspenseful pieces that built tension and atmosphere, as well as persuasive adverts for imaginative devices designed to protect Granny’s cottage. They also demonstrated creativity by retelling the story from the wolf’s point of view, and developed their formal writing skills by composing letters from Red to the forest council. In addition, pupils produced clear explanation texts about how wolves are adapted to their environment. Alongside this, we continued to develop our understanding of grammar and punctuation, and even enjoyed a fun SPaG Easter egg hunt, which helped bring these skills to life. We also focused on suffixes in our weekly spelling sessions.

In Maths, learning linked to key objectives from the Mathematics National Curriculum, with a strong focus on shape and space. Pupils worked hard on understanding and calculating angles—especially enjoying the challenge of tricky angle problems—as well as exploring area and perimeter. They also developed their knowledge of statistics and position and direction, applying their reasoning skills to increasingly complex problems.

Science this half-term has focused on evolution and inheritance, supporting the Year 6 curriculum and introducing pupils to the important scientific concept of Evolution by natural selection. Pupils explored inherited and environmental variation, as well as how animals adapt to their environments. They learnt about the work of Charles Darwin, particularly his studies of the Galápagos finches, and carried out their own investigation into how beak size affects feeding. We were also very excited to welcome our very own class pets—Sea Monkeys—which have sparked lots of curiosity. A highlight of the half-term was our Growing Together event during Science Week, where parents joined us in school to take part in a range of exciting science activities.

In Geography, pupils explored the question “Would you like to live in the desert?”, linking to the Geography National Curriculum. They located deserts around the world and studied the features of the Mojave Desert, considering both the benefits and challenges of living in or visiting such an extreme environment.

In RE, we continued our learning about Judaism, where pupils explored important aspects of the faith including kosher food laws, the festivals of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and the significance of the Torah.

In Art, pupils were inspired by the work of William Morris, exploring his distinctive print designs and use of natural patterns. They then collected natural materials and used these to create their own artwork, carefully considering pattern, texture and composition.

In Computing, pupils developed their understanding of data by learning about flat file databases, exploring how information can be organised, searched and interpreted—an important part of the Key Stage 2 computing curriculum.

In PE, pupils have been developing their skills in handball, focusing on jump shots, positioning and marking, while also building teamwork and communication skills. In PSHE, learning has centred around safety and the changing body, helping pupils to develop awareness and confidence as they grow.

Music lessons have included listening to Dona Nobis Pacem and exploring how harmony can be added to songs. Pupils enjoyed practising this through the song Throw, Catch, building confidence in singing together.

We have also enjoyed a number of exciting enrichment opportunities this half-term. Pupils had great fun dressing up for World Book Day, as well as taking part in a visit from a local author, Peter Bailey. A particular highlight was performing Little Red Riding Hood from Revolting Rhymes at Soup Lunch, where pupils showcased their enthusiasm and confidence.

We were also fortunate to welcome a visiting crime scene investigator, who gave pupils a fascinating insight into their role and how they help solve crimes. Pupils learnt about the different steps involved in investigating a crime scene, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career in forensic science. Following the visit, they had the opportunity to take and analyse their own fingerprints, carefully observing patterns and comparing them just like real investigators. It was an engaging and memorable experience that sparked lots of curiosity and excitement.

It has been a wonderful half-term, full of creativity, exploration and achievement. We are incredibly proud of all the pupils and look forward to continuing this fantastic learning next term.