Sapphire

Welcome to Year 5 and Team Sapphire 2026-2027

Your teacher is Miss Palmer

Your teaching assistants are Mrs Botha, Ms Andrew and Ms Bobbi

This term, our history lessons took us back to the end of Roman Britain. We investigated the Roman withdrawal and evaluated the reasons behind the subsequent Anglo-Saxon invasions. The children explored how the Anglo-Saxons fundamentally transformed Britain by establishing new settlements and dividing the land into seven distinct kingdoms. A clear highlight of the term was our fantastic immersive trip to the Chiltern Air Museum where the children truly brought their history learning to life by experiencing Anglo-Saxon life first-hand.

In Science, we have had great fun exploring the fascinating world of materials. The children developed their scientific classification skills by grouping everyday objects in a variety of ways. Through meticulous observational skills and fair testing, they investigated properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, attraction to magnets, transparency and hardness. We used fair tests and our observational skills to do this.

Our RE lessons focused on exploring the core beliefs and traditions of Judaism. We explored the similarities and differences between the Jewish and Christian faiths. We examined the sacred rules that Jewish people follow, reflecting on how these values guide their choices and everyday actions. To deepen our understanding, the children used these guidelines to create their own rules following their values in their own lives.

In PSHE this term, we have learnt how to set personal goals and face new challenges positively. We worked together to create our own class charter. The children also explored their rights and responsibilities both as school members and as British citizens. We have also thought about rewards and consequences and practised teamwork to reflect on effective collaboration.

In Computing, we learnt about what makes a successful quiz. After exploring different question types, everyone designed and coded their own interactive, educational quiz. The unit wrapped up with a brilliant peer-review session, where learning partners tested out the completed quizzes and provided constructive feedback.

In Design and Technology (DT), the children investigated seasonal ingredients through a sensory tasting session to inform their own healthy recipes. They successfully designed, baked and critically evaluated their own vegetable muffins. Alongside this practical work, they studied the chef Jamie Oliver, exploring his significant influence on modern healthy eating and nutrition campaigns.