General 2 — Loxley Primary School

Mr Eaton

Water, Water Everywhere

In this cross-curricular module, we look at how water is important in our world, including how rivers are formed and shape their environment, the process of the water cycle, and how pollution affects all living organisms. We link this to the impact of water to our own local area and its development following on from Year 4’s work on the Sheffield Flood of 1864.

The unit also involves a fieldwork experience at Yorkshire Water’s Ewden Water Treatment Works that allows pupils to understand the process of water purification and its importance - as well as the impact of what can happen if it does not.

Settlers & Invaders

A chronological overview of how Britain has progressed from the departure of the Romans through to the conquest by the Normans in 1066. We spend time looking closely at how Anglo-Saxon life changed over the era, and have a particular focus on the life of Bede as a themed writing sequence to explain what evidence we have of the period today. We also look at the text of Beowulf as an exemplar saga of the time.

We then move onto the Vikings and discuss their society and impact on the British Isles, which leads progressively into the next unit on Scandinavia.

Scandinavia

An in-depth study into the culture and landscape of the region, both in the past and now. This includes elements of Geography, History and Art and how they intertwine to make the group of countries we now know as Scandinavia.

The Riddle of Robin of Loxley

One of the most exciting (and bespoke) projects at Loxley Primary recently has been the work focusing on our school’s connection to the legend of Robin Hood. This immersive cross-curricular historical and archaeological investigation takes our learners into our Robin Wood and seeks to prove that this woodland was once part of an area known hundreds of years ago as the once thought lost Haggas Crofts: the first, and original reference, made to the birthplace of Robin Hood. We look at distilling truth from legend, and hope that our learners leave Year 5 knowing that whilst Robin Hood remains a myth, the connection of Loxley to this globally known story bears much truth.

Earth & Space

What do we know about our place in the solar system and how as scientisits can we find out? This expanded Science unit ensures learners understand the key elements of why we have night and day, how the lunar cycle happens, and a broader view of our Solar System and beyond.

We visit the National Space Centre in Leicester for this unit and make the most of the amazing exhibitions it provides.

Linking our writing to wider learning…

In addition to our key topics, we have additional learning opportunities that ‘dovetail’ into our detailed English writing sequences by using texts of the highest calibre for this age group that pupils are then inspired by in their own work. Examples of these books are:

Letters From The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

(WWII, it’s impact and on the civilian population & Remembrance Day)

Lemony Snicket: The Bad Beginning

(A Study into distinctive writing styles)

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

(an extension from Year 3’s Amazon unit, and linked to the Water, Water Everywhere work)

Year 5 work alongside and support Year 6 in their yearly production which usually takes place in the Summer term. Last year’s musical extravaganza was a resounding success for all! We also perform folk carols at Christmas time for the school Carols in the Woods event and with the Soundpost music group.

Year 5 Performance

Assessment

In Year 5, we have no external requirements for assessments, but we spend much time ensuring that our pupils are properly prepared and engaged for their final year at Loxley in Year 6.

In Year 5 we aim high together and hope that all our pupils will have an exciting and inspiring year that makes them want to delve deeper into our broad and rich curriculum.