Year 5 Blog 2024/25

 We have been learning a new poem to perform this week. It was lovely to invite children from Reception classes to watch us today.

 Scandinavian countries are environmental leaders as they are focussed on their approaches to sustainable lifestyles.  In Denmark, people are encouraged to ride bicycles to reduce air pollution. Copenhagen is known as the most bike-friendly city in the world. To encourage people to ride there are heavy taxes on petrol and cars. They also use wind energy for a significant part of their power.  Whilst in Norway, they generate most of their power from hydropower as well as encouraging the use of electric cars by providing charging stations and free tolls.  Sweden is a leader in recycling and waste management as only 1% of its waste ends up in landfills. This country is keen for all to sign up to the circular economy. The children discussed the different ways these countries are sustainable and then reflected on their own practices at home and in our country and what we could learn from others. 

 Today we discussed the key differences between ‘rights, respect and duties. After, we chose a focus area and discussed in front of the class.

 We began to read our new book today and discussed the themes of being isolated and confused.

 During the lesson the children used a globe to see how the Lines of Latitude are measured in degrees. They then identified how the Arctic Circle goes through the North of Norway and Sweden. They also looked at the different parts of countries that are north of the Arctic Circle.  Using pictures and short clips, the children identified the different climates that are found in Scandinavia as well as comparing the different activities that people take part in because of their climate. 

 In F1 today we got to test our prototypes on the race track that we will be using for the finals in 3 weeks time! It was brilliant to see our cars in action and we took away lots of inspiration and ideas for how to improve for our final designs. 

 We had a great afternoon today. We looked at building our race cars and considering how to make the structure more aerodynamic. As you can see, we had a little help!

  We spent today’s session discussing and giving careful advice over a range of scenarios. 

 This week we have been concentrating hard on gymnastics. In all the activities, we looked at developing balance, either walking on beams or walking on benches. The children were given opportunities to extend their practise by holding on to bean bags or an egg and spoon as extra challenges for balance.  They also had a go at climbing over monkey bars, where some pupils really faced their fears- well done Year 5. 

  During the lesson, the children used pictures to help them identify the different physical geography found in Scandinavia. A couple of children have visited Norway and Sweden and they were able to discuss what they saw whilst they were on holiday.  The children were astounded by the size and shape of the glaciers and how they are constantly moving as well as the fjords. Finally, they looked at how the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and how these come in various colours depending on the height where the chemical reaction happens.