Ms Temple

Hello everyone,

It’s been wonderful to have a full class again! I’m so pleased to see most of the students back to full health, which I’m sure is a relief for you as well. Wishing you all a joyful and memorable Lunar New Year, whatever your plans may be!

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths:

Year 5

Multiplication and Division B	Spr.1.10 – Efficient division
Multiplication and Division B	Spr.1.11 – Solve problems with multiplication and division
	Multiplication and Division B end of unit assessment
Fractions B	Spr.2.1 – Multiply a unit fraction by an integer
Fractions B	Spr.2.2 – Multiply a non-unit fraction by an integer

Year 6

Ratio	Spr.2.5 – Scale drawing
Ratio	Spr.2.6 – Use scale factors
Ratio	Spr.2.7 – Similar shapes
Ratio	Spr.2.8 – Ratio problems
Ratio	Spr.2.9 – Proportion problems

Literacy

This week, as we continued reading Malala’s Magic Pencil, we explored the type of person Malala is. The students were challenged to find new words to describe her, which they then organized into a ‘Zones of Relevance’ chart. This activity helped them write a letter from the perspective of one of Malala’s parents, where they described her using one of their newly discovered words and supported it with examples from the text.

It’s been wonderful to see the students asking so many questions about Malala—they’re eager to learn more about someone so inspiring and such an incredible role model.

Additionally, the students put themselves in Malala’s shoes, discussing the emotions she must have experienced before and after the attack. This book has truly opened their eyes, helping them appreciate how fortunate they are to have access to education—something not everyone in the world is guaranteed.

IPC 

Science Task 6 – This week, the children explored the force of upthrust and how it interacts with weight to determine if an object floats or sinks. They conducted an experiment using plastic bottles to observe how adding water affects buoyancy. The children learned that upthrust is the upward force exerted by water, and it must be greater than an object’s weight for it to float. They discovered that increasing the amount of water in the bottle made it heavier and denser, which reduced its ability to float. Working in groups, the children planned their investigations, made predictions, and recorded their results. They also discussed how upthrust, weight, and density are connected using sentence stems to guide their conclusions. The lesson encouraged scientific thinking and teamwork while reinforcing Newton’s third law of motion.

Science Extension Task – This week, we explored the concept of aerodynamics and water resistance by investigating streamlined shapes. Students discussed how air resistance affects parachutes and how streamlined designs help objects like boats, submarines, and marine animals move more efficiently through water. In groups, they predicted which boat shape would move fastest when powered by a fan and tested their designs. 

Useful Information

• Student reports will be sent home in Week 4.

• Parent-teacher conferences will be held in Week 5. I will be sending a Google Form for you to book a time, if you are able to come. The reports will give you a general idea of your child’s progress, but if you would like to discuss this in more detail then I would highly recommend booking a time. 🙂

• There will be no homework sent this week, as some students will be travelling to see family members for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and an enjoyable Lunar New Year! 🙂

Ms. Temple 

Hello everyone,

What an unusual week it’s been! Many students have been off sick with the various illnesses going around, and I hope everyone is now feeling much better. I also hope you’ve had plenty of time to rest and recover. Despite the smaller numbers in class, the students and I have stayed focused on our learning and enjoyed a week filled with fun and enriching activities.

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths:

Year 5

Spr.1.6 – Solve problems with multiplication

Spr.1.7 – Short division

Spr.1.8 – Divide a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number

Spr.1.9 – Divide with remainders

Year 6

Spr.1 – Assessment

Spr.2.1 – Add or multiply?

Spr.2.2 – Use ratio language

Spr.2.3 – Introduction to the ratio symbol

Spr.2.4 – Ratio and fractions

Literacy

This week, as we continued reading Malala’s Magic Pencil, we gained even more insight into Malala’s incredible story. After reflecting on which human rights they believe are most important, the students wrote thoughtful letters in response to Malala. They shared their ideas on which rights she should focus on next, using emotive language to express their views passionately. During guided reading, the students also took on a research task to learn more about Malala’s life and achievements. My hope is that her story will leave a lasting impression on them, inspiring them with her remarkable courage and tenacity.

IPC 

Science Task 3 – This lesson, the students explored how surface area affects the time it takes for an object to reach the ground by designing and testing parachutes. They began by recalling the force of gravity and discussing how air resistance opposes it. Each student created three parachutes of different sizes and hypothesized which would result in the slowest and safest landing. Creating the parachutes out of bin bags, string and cups was very challenging but I am so proud that everyone was able to make them successfully. 

Using a fair test planning guide, they identified variables to change (parachute size), control (weight, material, drop height), and measure (time to fall). After conducting their investigations, they analyzed their results to determine whether their predictions and hypotheses were correct. 

Science Task 4 – In this lesson, students investigated different types of simple machines and how they reduce the effort needed to complete tasks. After learning about pulleys, wheels and axles, inclined planes, levers, screws, and wedges, they practiced identifying these machines through a sorting activity. Working in groups, students built a catapult (a lever) and tested different objects to see which would be the most effective at hitting targets.  

Science Task 5 – In this lesson, students investigated how density affects whether objects sink or float by testing various items in water. They made predictions about whether objects would float or sink based on their size, material, and air content. After testing, students connected their observations to the concept of density, learning that denser objects sink while less dense ones float. They revised their predictions and discussed their conclusions, referencing real-life examples. The activity helped students understand how density plays a key role in determining an object’s buoyancy.

Useful Information

• Clubs start this week!

• As we do our best to stay warm in this winter season, I’d like to remind everyone to ensure that students come to school dressed appropriately for the weather. While the classroom heating keeps us warm, it’s not uncommon for some children to feel too hot while others feel chilly, so layering clothing can help them adjust comfortably. On PE days, we aim to have our lessons outside whenever it’s not too cold. To keep students comfortable and able to move freely, it’s best for them to wear hoodies or jumpers instead of coats, as coats can be restrictive during physical activity.

• Here is the link to our current Termly Curriculum Plan, where you can find details about everything we’ll be covering this term. Additionally, the link to the Curriculum Overview presentation from the start of the year is also available. Both resources can be found at the top of my class page on the school website.

• This Thursday, we will be celebrating Seollal! Students are welcome to wear Hanbok or traditional clothing from their own cultures, though this is entirely optional. Parents are also warmly invited to join us for the festivities—we’d love to have you there!

As always, I hope you all have a lovely weekend! 🙂

Ms. Temple 

Hello everyone,

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! It is great to be back, and we have made a strong and positive start to Term 2.

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths:

Year 5

Spr.1.1 – Multiply up to a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number

Spr.1.2 – Multiply a 2-digit number by a 2-digit number (area model)

Spr.1.3 – Multiply a 2-digit number by a 2-digit number

Spr.1.4 – Multiply a 3-digit number by a 2-digit number

Spr.1.5 – Multiply a 4-digit number by a 2-digit number

Year 6

Spr.1.1 – Metric measures

Spr.1.2 – Convert metric measures

Spr.1.3 – Calculate with metric measures

Spr.1.4 – Miles and Kilometres

Spr.1.5 – Imperial measures

Literacy

This week in Literacy, we have begun our new unit focused on Malala’s Magic Pencil, a powerful true story written by Malala herself. The students have been making predictions about the story, exploring the differences between biographies and autobiographies, and engaging in thoughtful discussions about what it truly means to have the “right” to an education.

IPC 

Entry Point & Knowledge Harvest: Students explored Newton’s Three Laws of Motion through hands-on experiments. They tested Newton’s First and Second Laws with activities showing how forces affect motion. For Newton’s Third Law, they used marbles to see how every action has an equal and opposite reaction. After the experiments, students discussed the forces at work in each case. 

Science Task 1: The students investigated the effect of gravitational force by dropping objects to see if they landed at the same or different times. Working in groups, they planned their experiments, made predictions, and tested a variety of objects. They repeated the drops to ensure consistent results and discussed factors like air resistance that might influence their findings. Back in the classroom, the students analyzed their results, connecting them to the concept of gravitational force.

Science Task 2: Students were introduced to a Newton meter and learned how it measures force, including the pull of gravity on objects. They began by discussing what they already knew about gravity and how it influences the world around them. Through hands-on exploration, they discovered the difference between mass, which remains constant, and weight, which changes depending on the strength of gravity. This activity helped them understand how gravity interacts with objects and provided a foundation for further investigations into forces.

Useful Information

• Information about after-school clubs will be sent out this week, so please be sure to watch for that. Clubs will begin in Week 3. 

• The timetable has changed slightly. PE will always be on Tuesdays and Fridays from now on. On particularly cold days, PE will be held indoors.

• If you would like your child to attend the Ski Trip, happening in week 4, then please let us know by Monday 13th of January. Payment is due Friday 17th January.

Have a lovely weekend! 🙂

Ms. Temple

Hello everyone,

We’ve reached the end of Term 1, and what an incredible journey it has been! It was such a joy to see so many of you at the Winter Show. I couldn’t be prouder of the children and their outstanding performances—they truly did an amazing job!

This week, the students completed their end-of-unit Maths assessment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish marking them due to an unexpected trip to the doctor. I’ll be taking the assessments home this weekend to complete and will email the results to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday! I hope you have the chance to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. I’m looking forward to all the excitement and learning that Term 2 will bring!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Ms. Temple 🎄

Hello everyone,

I can’t believe we are nearing the end of the Term! We still have a lot to get done before we are able to go on our travels, but I know we can do it! 

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths:

Year 5 has successfully completed their Fractions A unit, finishing with an end-of-unit test, while Year 6 wrapped up their Fractions B unit. On Thursday, December 12th, both year groups will take their end-of-term test. To prepare, the students have been diligently reviewing all the topics we’ve covered this term. Best of luck to everyone!

Literacy:

This week in Literacy, we delved into the art of crafting engaging dialogue. What makes conversations between characters truly captivating? Is it enough to simply write what they say? The students explored the concept of “Speech Sandwiches,” learning how to enhance dialogue by incorporating descriptions of emotions, actions, and settings, making the audience feel fully immersed in the story.

The class then applied their skills by writing their own dialogue for the scene in Beowulf where the hero boldly promises to help King Hrothgar and the people of Denmark. In a show of confidence, Beowulf vows to face Grendel without weapons. Will he prove to be the mighty warrior he claims to be, or will he end up as Grendel’s next meal?

IPC:

History Task 4 – The students had the opportunity to perform their plays in front of a special guest, Ms. M. After dedicating time to practice and refine their performances, they showcased their hard work on stage. Following their initial performance, Ms. M provided constructive feedback, and the students took the challenge to heart, performing their plays again with noticeable improvements.

I was so impressed by their ability to listen, adapt, and enhance their work. Not only did they shine as performers, but they also succeeded in teaching Ms. M fascinating facts about ancient Greece—the ultimate goal of their plays. I couldn’t be prouder of their effort and growth!

History Task 5 – Ancient Greece was a deeply religious society. Without the technology and scientific understanding we have today, the ancient Greeks used their religious beliefs and mythology to explain the mysteries of the world. These myths were often illustrated on vases, as many Greeks were unable to read or write, making artwork an essential way to share their stories.

The students explored ancient Greek mythology and were challenged to design their own Greek vases. They were given a time limit for this project, as we are focusing on improving time management—a valuable life skill. Learning to plan and execute ideas within a set timeframe helps students develop discipline and efficiency. This is an area we will continue to work on in Term 2.

Useful Information:

I have sent the students home with Maths homework only this week. This will help to better prepare them for the end of Term test on Thursday 12th. This homework does not have to be returned to me, but it would benefit the students greatly to study using this material. 

There are no clubs this week, so please be aware that your child will be taking the 3:30 bus or will have to be picked up at this time. 🙂

Have a lovely weekend and I am looking forward to seeing you at the Winter show, if you are able to attend. 

Ms. Temple 🎄

Hello everyone,

Another week, another weekly update from Ms. Temple! 

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths Year 5 – Fractions A

Aut.4.14 – Subtract fractions

Aut.4.15 – Subtract from a mixed number

Aut.4.16 – Subtract from a mixed number – breaking the whole

Aut.4.17 – Subtract two mixed numbers

Year 5 have now completed all of their Term 1 units. After their “Fractions A” final assessment, they will start to study for their end of Term assessment, which will happen on Thursday the 12th of December. Week 15 and 16 will be spent going over everything they have done so far and practising the topics they found the most challenging. 

Maths Year 6 – Fractions B

Aut.4.3 – Divide a fraction by an integer

Aut.4.4 – Divide any fraction by an integer

Aut.4.5 – Mixed questions with fractions

Year 6 have almost completed all of their Term 1 units. After their “Fractions B” final assessment, they will start to study for their end of Term assessment, which will happen on Thursday the 12th of December. Week 15 and 16 Year 6 will also go over everything they have done so far and practise the topics they have found the most challenging. 

Literacy

This week in Literacy, the students demonstrated both creativity and skill as they delved into various writing tasks. They began by completing worksheets on using brackets to indicate parenthesis, solidifying their understanding of this important punctuation. To make their learning meaningful, they created original sentences using brackets, which will serve as examples for future students studying this unit in two years’ time.

The highlight of the week was their descriptive writing about Grendel or a monster of their own imagination. They focused on building suspense and incorporating key writing features we’ve explored this term. The results were truly impressive, with each paragraph showcasing their ability to engage readers and bring their ideas to life.

IPC 

History Task 3 – This week, our focus has been on Ancient Greece and exploring what life was like for people in Ancient Greek society. To start, the students researched key information about daily life in Ancient Greece. This activity was designed to sharpen their research skills and gather important facts that will serve as a foundation for their next task.

History Task 4 – The students were divided into two groups and given the exciting task of creating a play to educate others about key aspects of Ancient Greek society. One group decided to explore the origins of the Olympics, while the other focused on the customs and traditions of Ancient Greece. To ensure their plays were both engaging and historically accurate, the students began with thorough research to gather fascinating and reliable facts.

Writing the scripts proved to be a creative challenge. While their imagination brought vibrant ideas to life, it occasionally led to factual inconsistencies in their work. However, the students have since revisited and refined their scripts, carefully correcting any errors. With their edits complete, I am confident they’ll be ready to deliver an impressive performance on Tuesday.

Useful Information:

Week 15 will be the last week of after school clubs. There will be no after school clubs on Week 16. 

Have a lovely weekend, 

Ms. Temple

Hello everyone,

We’ve had another fantastic week packed with engaging learning, joyful moments, and plenty of excitement as we prepare for the winter show. 

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths Year 5 – Fractions A

Aut.4.9 – Add and subtract fractions with the same denominator

Aut.4.10 – Add fractions within 1

Aut.4.11 – Add fractions with total greater than 1

Aut.4.12 – Add to a mixed number

Maths Year 6 – Fractions A

Aut.3.8 – Subtract mixed numbers

Aut.3.9 – Multi-problems

Aut.3.8 – Subtract mixed numbers

End of unit assessment

Maths Year 6 – Fractions B

Aut.4.1 – Multiply fractions by integers

Aut.4.2 – Multiply fractions by fractions

Literacy

This week, we delved deeper into the chilling character of Grendel, the evil and seemingly invincible monster. Grendel’s reign of terror has cast a shadow over Hrothgar’s kingdom, spreading fear and suffering across Denmark. The students took on the challenge of crafting vivid character descriptions, incorporating expanded noun phrases and similes to bring Grendel to life on the page.

After advancing further into the gripping tale, our class is eagerly anticipating Beowulf’s confrontation with this fearsome beast. Beowulf, the courageous and machine-like warrior from Sweden, stands as Denmark’s last hope. We are all rooting for him to vanquish Grendel and restore peace to the troubled kingdom!

IPC 

History Task 1 – The students showcased their research on various ancient civilizations, and their presentations were truly impressive! It was fascinating to see the unique facts and details they chose to highlight, reflecting their curiosity and creativity. This activity has set a strong foundation, sparking excitement and preparing them to dive deeper into these civilizations in the weeks ahead.

History Task 2 – We began our journey into ancient civilizations by exploring the fascinating world of the Mayan civilization. The students engaged in an exciting activity where they examined ancient Mayan artifacts and tried to deduce their purposes. Many were astonished by the surprising and creative uses of some of these objects!

We also delved into the social structure of Mayan society, exploring the diverse roles people held. This inspired the students to undertake a research project, uncovering details about these roles and how individuals were treated within the social hierarchy — from the revered kings and priests to the less respected slaves. The discussions that followed brought the Mayan world vividly to life!

Useful Information

The timetable has been adjusted to give students Library time on Fridays moving forward. Many students shared that having Library time on Tuesdays made it harder to remember to bring their books. In response, Miss Yuli has very kindly agreed to move Library time to Fridays, making it more convenient for everyone.

Have a lovely weekend, 

Ms. Temple

Hello everyone,

What a funny week it has been! Some of the boys enjoyed a trip to Busan to compete in the SKAIS football tournament. Although I was not able to join them, I have heard wonderful things and am so impressed by their attitudes and level of sportsmanship. Well done boys! Year 5/6 also had the opportunity to attend the International Children’s Festival on Friday, which I heard was a hoot! 

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths Year 5 – Fractions A

Aut.4.5 – Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions

Aut.4.6 – Compare fractions less than 1

Aut.4.7 – Order fractions less than 1

Aut.4.8 – Compare and order fractions greater than 1

Maths Year 6 – Fractions A

Aut.3.5 – Add and subtract simple fractions

Aut.3.6 – Add and subtract any two fractions

Aut.3.7 – Add mixed numbers

Literacy

This week, we explored the art of describing settings by using our senses grid to bring scenes to life. We dived into the story of King Hrothgar, learning about his remarkable generosity and how he built a grand mead-hall for his people. The students crafted vivid descriptions of the hall using expanded noun phrases, painting a detailed picture with their words. We then turned our focus to Hrothgar’s character, brainstorming powerful adjectives that captured his kindness and generosity.

IPC 

With this week’s adjusted schedule, the students had limited time for IPC lessons. However, they made great progress in researching various ancient civilizations and are preparing to showcase their findings in presentations on Monday.

Have a lovely weekend, 

Ms. Temple 😄

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful half-term break! It was great to have some time to unwind, and I think it’s just what we all needed to recharge for the last stretch of Term 1—only 5 weeks left now!

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths Year 5 – Fractions A

Aut.4.1 – Find fractions equivalent to a unit fraction

Aut.4.2 – Find fractions equivalent to a non-unit fraction

Aut.4.3 – Recognise equivalent fractions

Aut.4.4 – Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers

Maths Year 6 – Fractions A

Aut.3.1 – Equivalent fractions and simplifying

Aut.3.2 – Equivalent fractions on a number line

Aut.3.3 – Compare and order (denominator)

Aut.3.4 – Compare and order (numerator)

Literacy

This week, we dove into our exciting new book, Beowulf, an epic tale inspired by a poem written over a thousand years ago. We explored the concept of heroism and discussed the traits a true hero must embody. We also made some predictions based on the story’s introduction: Will Beowulf prove to be the hero? Is King Hrothgar as kind and generous as he appears? And is the dragon truly evil, or simply misunderstood? Let’s uncover the answers in the weeks ahead!

IPC 

This week, we started our new unit: 900 CE.

Entry Point: To kick things off, we explored some games from ancient times! Believe it or not, activities as simple as shoe-throwing were once as popular and celebrated as football is today. Who would have guessed?

Knowledge Harvest: Students were introduced to several ancient civilizations and tasked with discovering their start and end dates. They then arranged these civilizations in chronological order on a timeline.

History Task 1: As we delve into various civilizations, students have been assigned a research project. They’ll gather key information about different civilizations, covering aspects such as major events, religious beliefs, notable contributions, and family life. They’ll present their posters to the class on Tuesday!

Useful Information

On Wednesday, some students in our class will attend the SKAIS Elementary Football Tournament. Please refer to last week’s HFS Newsletter for more details if your child has signed up for it. 

Next Friday, is the International Children’s Festival, which our class and Mrs Leah’s class are lucky enough to attend. This will take place during school hours and transportation has been provided. Please read the upcoming HFS Newsletter for more information. 

Have a lovely weekend, 

Ms. Temple 😄

Hello everyone,

What an exciting week we’ve had! From our class trip and Halloween party to the anticipation of our upcoming half-term break, there’s been so much to enjoy!

Here is what Year 5/6 have been up to this week:

Maths Year 5 – Multiplication and Division

Aut.3.8 – Multiply by 10, 100 and 1,000

Aut.3.9 – Divide by 10, 100 and 1,000

Aut.3.10 – Multiples of 10, 100 and 1,000

End of unit Assessment

Maths Year 6 – Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

End of unit Assessment

End of unit Assessment review

Literacy

This week, we’ve immersed ourselves in our focus novel, *Queen of the Falls*, while diving into diary writing! I asked students to create 2-3 diary entries from the perspective of Annie Edson Taylor and one other character of their choice—Frank Russell “the muscle” was a popular pick! Their creativity and writing skills have truly impressed me, and it’s been a pleasure reading each entry.

IPC 

This week marked the grand finale of our unit, *Existing, Endangered, Extinct*, which we celebrated with an incredible class trip to the Aquarium! I was truly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and respect throughout the visit. Seeing the sea creatures we’ve studied come to life before our eyes was unforgettable. The shark feeding was fascinating to watch, and the mermaid show was breathtaking…literally!

Useful Information

There will be no homework this week—I’m sure many of you are ready to enjoy a well-deserved half-term break! 

Wishing everyone a safe and wonderful week off, and I can’t wait to see you all in November!

Ms. Temple 😄