In Year 5 we have Mrs Hancock (class teacher).

Welcome to Year 5: The Bridge to Leadership!

Year 5 is a pivotal year at Lugwardine. It is the time when our pupils transition from being "lower juniors" to becoming the senior leaders of our school. This year is all about sophistication, stamina, and independence. We focus on deepening the children's academic knowledge while carefully beginning the journey toward Year 6 and their future transition to secondary school.

Developing the "Secondary Ready" Mindset

In Year 5, we shift our focus toward "Executive Function" skills—helping children learn how to manage their time, their equipment, and their own learning journeys.

  • Independent Inquiry: We encourage children to move beyond "what" and "how" to "why?" and "what if?" This critical thinking is vital for the higher-level curriculum.

  • Managing Responsibilities: From helping with younger years to taking on "Class Ambassador" roles, Year 5 is where children prove they are ready for the responsibilities of being the eldest in the school.

  • Homework & Deadlines: We gradually increase the expectation for home learning, mirroring the structures they will encounter in secondary school to build their self-discipline.

Academic Excellence

1. Literacy: The Power of the Pen

In Year 5, writing becomes a craft. We focus on:

  • Nuance and Tone: Choosing vocabulary to create a specific atmosphere or to persuade a reader.

  • Grammar Mastery: Moving into complex punctuation like colons, semi-colons, and parenthesis to add detail and "flow" to writing.

  • Reading for Depth: We explore classic and contemporary fiction, discussing themes, metaphors, and social contexts.

2. Mathematics: Beyond the Basics

With the 12x12 times tables now firmly under our belts, we apply that fluency to much larger challenges:

  • Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages: Understanding the deep links between these three and using them to solve real-world problems.

  • Multi-Step Problem Solving: Many of our tasks now require four or five different operations to reach an answer—building the mathematical stamina required for Year 6.

3. The Wider Curriculum

Our Year 5 topics are designed to be thought-provoking. Whether we are studying Ancient Greece, the Victorians, or sustainability in Geography, we encourage our pupils to form and defend their own evidence-based opinions.

Supporting Growth at Home

  • The "Reading for Pleasure" Habit: As schoolwork gets more demanding, reading is the best way to de-stress. Encourage your child to read widely—newspapers, graphic novels, and non-fiction are just as important as stories!

  • Real-World Independence: Encourage your child to pack their own bag, manage their own PE kit, and check Dojo independently. These small habits make a huge difference in their confidence.

  • Table Talk: Discuss current events or big questions at the dinner table. Building "oral rehearsal" skills helps children become much more articulate writers.

Communication & Partnership

  • Dojo & Preparation: We use Class Dojo to communicate with parents and show some of our superb work and activities.

  • A Joined-Up Approach: As we look toward the 11+ and secondary transitions, we work closely with parents to ensure every child feels supported and calm.

  • Open Door Policy: My door is always open to discuss your child’s progress or any questions you have about the road ahead to Year 6 and beyond.

Let’s work together to make Year 5 a year of incredible personal growth and academic ambition!