Class Teacher: Mrs Whillock (Monday - Wednesday) and Mrs Cruchley (Thursday and Friday)

Teaching Assistant: Mrs Phillips

PTFA Link: Mrs Powell

The Tudors

This term, we are travelling back in time to explore the fascinating world of the Tudors! The Tudor period began in 1485 when Henry VII became King of England. When he died, his son, the famous Henry VIII, took the throne and became one of the most well-known monarchs in British history.

Life during Tudor times was full of drama, change and adventure. England was a Roman Catholic country, but when Henry VIII wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, the Pope refused. In response, Henry created the Church of England, causing a major split between Catholics and Protestants across the country.

Henry VIII is also famous for having six wives and for ruling with great power. He built magnificent palaces, such as Hampton Court Palace, to display his wealth and importance. He also ordered the destruction of monasteries because he believed they had become too rich and powerful.

The Tudor era was not just about kings and queens. It was a time of exciting discoveries, new ideas in science, art and design, and incredible voyages that led explorers to discover new lands across the world.

Get ready to uncover the stories, secrets and surprises of one of the most exciting periods in British history!

Questions to Explore

1. Why did Henry VIII create the Church of England?
2. Can you name Henry VIII's six wives?
3. Why were monasteries destroyed during Henry VIII's reign?
4. How did Tudor explorers help people learn more about the world?
5. If you could interview Henry VIII, what three questions would you ask him?

We can't wait to share our Tudor learning with you throughout the term! 👑🏰⚓📜

Reciprocal Reading

This half term in Year 5, we will be using reciprocal reading to help us dive deep into the world of Shakespeare!

Elizabethan pronouns and verbs:

• Thou: You (used as the subject, e.g., "Thou art brave.")
• Thee: You (used as the object, e.g., "I like thee.")
• Thy / Thine: Your / Yours (e.g., "What is thy name?")
• Doth: Does (e.g., "He doth play well.")
• Hath: Has (e.g., "She hath a plan.")

Everyday sayings (idioms)

Shakespeare invented or popularized many phrases commonly used today. [1, 2]

• "Break the ice": To overcome shyness or a tense silence at the beginning of a conversation (from The Taming of the Shrew).
• "Wild goose chase": A foolish or hopeless search for something that is unattainable (from Romeo and Juliet).
• "Wear my heart upon my sleeve": To display one's feelings openly and for everyone to see (from Othello).
• "Vanish into thin air": To disappear completely (from The Tempest)

🌟 English: Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe 🌟

We are excited to start reading Radiant Child

Radiant Child tells the inspiring true story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young boy who loved drawing and expressing his ideas through art. Growing up in New York City, Jean-Michel filled notebooks with colourful pictures and was encouraged by his family to be creative. As he got older, he worked hard to follow his passion and eventually became a famous artist whose work was seen around the world.

This beautifully illustrated book celebrates imagination, determination, and the importance of being yourself. It shows how creativity can help people share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others.

Science- This term we are making connections between all the units previously learnt.

We will be investigating the question: does the size of an asteroid affect the diameter of its impact crater?

Unit Outcomes:

• Recall key knowledge from previous units.
• Apply knowledge in new contexts.
• Carry out a full scientific enquiry.

Our class author is Michael Morpurgo. 

Click on the picture of him to see his website.

Have you read any of his books?

Which book is your favourite?