Welcome to Oak Class!

We are a mixed Year 5/6 class. Our class teacher is Mrs Lane.

Our PE day is Monday.

Oak Class Updates

wc. 22/4/2025

A super start to the Summer term for Oak class.  The last term in primary school for our year 6 children. 

We have started our new topics, this week.  In History, we are studying the 'Ancient Greeks'.  Firstly, we looked at modern day Greece in the atlases, we then researched two of the city states in Ancient Greece: Athens and Sparta.  We learnt that they had their own laws, money, rulers and were rivals.  We then carried out research into the similarities and differences between the two city states. This included how they were ruled, the lives of men, women and children, warfare, slaves, culture and religion. Our English is linked to our History topic as we are reading 'The Adventures of Odysseus'.

In Computing, we are learning how to record data using spreadsheets and in Maths, we are learning all about 'Shape'.

wc. 31.03.25

Spring term is over and it's been a busy one.  To complete our badminton lessons, we had a tournament on the field.  I have loved the children's enthuisasm for the sport and what amazing progress!

In Science, we dissected a pig's heart to see in real life the different parts we have been learning about.  In Art, we finally got our hands on the spray paint and created some wonderful meaningful art; please come and have a look in the school's entrance or in the class.  Finally, in Computing, we made and tested out the step-o-meters.  What a great term; on to the next one after a well-earned Easter break.  Happy Easter!

wc.24.3.2025

I am so proud of the children in Oak class.  This week, it has been really noticeable how much progress they have made in all areas.  Not only in learning, but their attitudes, their maturity and their engagement.  They are amazing!  

On that note, the progress in Badminton has been outstanding!  The children have loved it so much that they have been getting the equipment out at playtimes and there have been queues to play!  It's so lovely to see them all enjoying the sport.

On Tuesday, we welcomed the parents and carers in to school.  The children, with their help, created some wonderful rainforests.  Please take a look through the pictures below - they were absolutely fantastic!  It was great to have the parents and carers in taking part and I think they all really enjoyed it!

wc. 17.3.2025

Some role play in the sunshine this week as we learned about the birth of Krishna in  RE.  The children particularly enjoyed acting as babies, and the slaying of babies!  It's always lovely to get outside for some drama!

The children chose an animal or bird who lives in the rainforest and researched their appearance, habitat and diet.  They were sharing lots of facts and have written all this information, alongside super illustrations, as a double page spread non-chronological report.  There was such enthusiasm; it's always really productive when the children have autonomy over their subject.

In Computing, we are building on our plans to make a stepometer using the micro:bits.  The children discovered how to make code for a compass, this week.

In Maths, the children are working really hard on our topic 'Area, perimeter and volume'.  Lots of practise drawing accurate measurements and shape.

w/c 10/3/2025

On Tuesday, we finally got to go on our Banksy tour around Bristol city centre.  The children were brilliant walking around the city most of the day.  We got to see the girl with the pierced eardrum, the paint-pot angel and the grim reaper to name but a few.  We stopped off in the Bristol Museum and the Mshed.  We had a picnic lunch outside and enjoyed taking in the sights of Bristol harbourside.  I was very proud of the children; their behaviour was excellent!

We had the CLP cross-country event on Thursday, where Oak class did really well with lots of them in the top ten - well done!  

Some hot-seating in English where the children got into the role of Fred whilst others questioned them about their thoughts and ideas - great drama!

w/c 3/3/2025

A beautiful, sunny week at KEPS.  It was great to get outside for badminton this week, with no breeze to blow the shuttlecock away!  The children focused on accuracy and aim, playing different games such as 'Round the clock', and getting the shuttlecock in the bucket, which earned house points!

The children are continuing to enjoy our book 'The Explorer' and are building up a super-sized vocabulary bank for their adventure story.  

On World Book Day, we got together with Ash class, firstly for 'Run a mile' and then for a live lesson quiz with the two authors of the book series 'Football School'.  It was all about books and footy, which was right up some of our children's street!  We then had a visitor who read us part of the book 'The Hobbit' and talked about reading in their future lives and careers.  Finally, in the afternoon, they took part in a dance workshop all about 'Kensuke's Kingdom'.  A fun-filled day all linked with reading.  Keep reading!

w/c 24/2/2025

A super start to Spring half term 2!  We have started a new class read 'The Explorer' which is an adventure story about four children lost in the Amazon rainforest.  We have already chosen our favourite and least favourite characters and thought about how the author makes us feel this way about them.  

Our book links nicely with our new Geography topic 'Rainforests'.  This week, we learnt about biomes and discussed what we want to discover about our topic.

There was excitement in class during Computing as we got the micro:bits out ready for our new topic where the children will be designing and making their own stepometer.  Lots to do and look forward to, over the next few weeks!

w/c 10/2/2025

What a super way to finish our Ancient Maya topic!  The children threw themselves into a few intense games of Pok-ta-tok.  They were only allowed to hit the ball with their hips, elbows, or knees which proved tricky for some of the keen footballers!  I love to see their enthusiasm for anything physical - it was exciting to watch!

As part of our art topic this week, the children role-played Banksy being interviewed by a journalist.  They got into the role by hiding their faces and being very elusive with their answers.

Another half term completed, excellent work Oak class!

w/c 3/2/2025

It was lovely to see the sun out this week (briefly) and it was great timing for our Science lesson!  The children made sun dials, making a face and gnomon.  We used a compass to find North and the children were surprised when they could accurately tell the time!  We then used a torch inside to artificially create sunrise, midday and sunset.  Their challenge, next time they go to an open space, is to make their own sun dial independently.  So, next time you're at the beach - be amazed by their skills!

Our week was nicely rounded off by Number day.  We had a day of maths games and activities.  Oak class were able to show off their maths knowledge in a school challenge of Countdown.  Their Friday Countdown practise definitely came in handy!  In class, they played a 'higher level' Snakes and Ladders including prime and square numbers, battled with a couple of tarsia challenges as well as having some time on the TT Rockstars challenge. Oak class are becoming amazing mathematicians!

w/c 27/1/2025

After a disappointing, wet start to the week, the children have certainly made up for lost time.  Sadly, our Banksy tour in Bristol was postponed as the coaches would have had trouble collecting us from school.  However, the new trip date has been confirmed and sent out via email.  This has given us more time to learn about graffiti and, in particular, Banksy.  This week, the children have been writing balanced arguments on whether graffiti should be illegal.  They have made some mature and valid points on both sides.

We have been continuing our topic on the Maya civilisation.  We have looked at their number system, which was very advanced for the time.  We have linked our topic in reading so we can really be secure in our understanding of this fascinating ancient civilisation.

Our new class read is 'The miraculous journey of Edward Tulane'.  It's part of a series so if the children like this one, they can delve into the others!  Keep reading!

w/c 20/1/2025

There has been so much excitement and enthusiasm for the web pages the children are creating.  As they discover more about the Maya civilisation, they can add more detail and different tabs for other children to explore eventually.  This week, they learned about Copyright or Copywrong.  This covered the importance of gaining permission from the owner of photos online and crediting them should you use their photo in their work.

In English, the children have been reading the Maya myth 'The Hero Twins'.  They have summarised and sequenced the myth 'cartoon style' and then went on to innovate and improve it as they wrote their own versions.  

In Music, the children continue to learn songs based around 'You've got a friend in me'.  This week, they looked at sheet music and used instruments to play parts of the song.

Activism in Art - they have discovered some more about the elusive Banksy.  An original Banksy was brought in to class, this week.  They are excited to see some more Banksy artwork on their trip, next week.

w/c 13/01/2025

Thank you so much for encouraging your children to read independently and for reading with them at home. This helps them, not just academically but emotionally, too. In a fast-paced technological world, we must foster a love for snuggling up with a good book! We have been finding out our reading ages and AR levels this week. There has been lots of fantastic progress, but there is always room for improvement. Keep reading!

The children started learning more about 'Invasion games' in PE. They thought back to and showed how we 'dribble' the ball in different sports. We even learned how to do the Indian dribble in Hockey. It's great to see their enthusiasm as they get active.

In French, we are learning how to say more about ourselves and how to greet and ask others how they are.

We have started our Art topic on 'Activism' with our focus artist being Banksy.  We created our own computer-aided graffiti name tags - some funky designs!

w/c 7/1/2025

Happy New Year!

The children have come back to school refreshed and ready to learn.  We have started our new History topic on the 'Maya Civilisation'.  We have already considered how advanced they were and compared them to what else was going on in the world at that time.

In Maths, the year 5s are learning about Multiplication & Division and the Year 6s are learning all about Ratio.

In English, we are writing biographies.  This week, our focus is Usain Bolt.  Next week, we get to choose our favourite sports star, research them and write all about them.

In Computing, we have started to learn about websites.  We will incorporate Computing with History as we create a website all about the Maya.

19/12/2024

Oak class have been busy making Christmas cards, decorations, working out Christmas maths, playing Christmas games, watching a Christmas film, eating Christmas dinner, Christmas chocolates and more!  We are still not Christmassed out!  The children performed their songs and poems to the school and their families.  Their enthusiasm and enjoyment was clear to see, what a super bunch!  

We have also watched 'Holes', which they have been patiently waiting for.  It's been a great Autumn term, looking forward to more learning fun in Spring!

Merry Christmas everyone!

13/12/24

We have finished our English reading book 'Holes' by Louis Sachar.  The children have been hooked, not wanting me to stop reading as they want to discover what happens next!  The children have started writing a newspaper report on Kissin' Kate Barlow as well as character descriptions on Stanley Yelnats.  Next week, we will watch the film so we can see if the characters were really as we imagined!

Our door hangers are completed!  We are just evaluating our skills and then they will be sent home.

We have been busy practising the Christmas performance of poetry, songs and jokes.  We are nearly there; lots of Christmas themed learning next week!

6/12/2024

It's been a busy week in Oak class.  The excitement is building towards Christmas!

The children are just loving our Science topic 'Materials:Properties and Changes' and this week, we set fire to different materials.  Making the science come to life really embeds their learning and they can easily talk about past science experiences as the experiments they carry out make memories.

We are nearly at the end of our book 'Holes'.  There have been some giggles as they grasp the humour of the story.  They have really engaged with the characters.  All in all, another great week!

29/11/24

The children, as geographers, investigated coastal erosion around the UK.  There was lots of mature discussion about why we should/should not assist those people with houses that are disappearing into the sea.  The costs involved was a factor, we worked out as a class, that it would cost the minimum of £19 million if sea walls were built around the UK.  There is also the thought that 'is this natural?'.  We carried out an experiment to show the stages of erosion.

In RE this week, we performed Salah in class.  Without the religious connotations, the children concentrated on their breath and thankful thoughts.  They washed their hands to prepare themselves first and we talked about how that made us feel.  They said they really enjoyed it and would like to do it more.  

22/11/2024

This week in Oak class, the children have been enjoying beginning their DT project.  They have designed a door banner.  They have chosen their material and are starting to sew the parts together.

In PE, the focus was on 'rolls'.  Trying to focus on slowing it down to add control both backwards and forwards.  We had a snowy 'run a mile', the children couldn't wait to get out in the snow so we had to make the most of it!

In Science, we used a light meter to measure how much light passes through translucent, transparent and opaque material.  

15/11/24

In Oak class this week, the children have been writing diary entries from the perspective of a Windrush child about to embark on their journey from the Caribbean to England.  We have been reading the book 'A Place for me'. They thought hard about their emotions and the features of a diary.  They have written some amazing work!

In PE, we have started Gymnastics.  This week we practised stag leaps and cat leap full turns.  They practised being silent and graceful.

We had a very special visitor in Computing.  We were virtually visited by a STEM ambassador, the model manager for a nuclear power station!  She told us how her and her team use CAD (Computer Aided Design) to design the different parts of the massive project.  The children have been using Tinkercad and could relate their learning and use of the platform to how it could be used in real life.  Lots of the children were inpired and would love to take the STEM career path. Such a great inspiration!

In RE, we began our topic on Islam.  The children discovered that Abbas ibn Firnas was the first human to fly.  They also found out that Muslims are questioning people.

8/11/2024

Oak class have come back from the half term break with a renewed zest for learning.  I have been so impressed with their work ethic.  They have started choosing the material for their DT project (thank you for all your donations). I can't wait to see how they turn out; their designs look brilliant!

In English, we have been looking at biographies and autobiographies.  We have been looking at some biographies on Nelson Mandella and noticing the difference between fact, fiction and opinion.  The children then wrote their own autobiographies.

In Computing, our new topic is 3D design.  The children have been finding their way around Tinkercad where they will design their own 3D project. In Geography, our new topic is Coasts and Erosion.  This week, we revised our map skills using 6-figure grid references.  Keep that thirst for knowledge Oak class!

24/10/2024

We have crammed so much in this half term!  The children have been so resilient and curious in their learning.  We have completed our Science topic on Materials: Mixtures and Separations.  This has involved 'thinking as a Scientist' as we have completed many experiments.  The children love to be involved in 'hands on' learning and their understanding of different processes has benefited because of this.  This weeks experiment was observational as they made their own 'salt flats'.

We missed the year 5s this week as they were off having a fantastic time on their residential.  We enjoyed listening to their stories today on their return. No wonder they are so tired, they got up to so much in those few days!

A successful and busy half term, have a relaxing break ready to go again in the run up to Christmas!

18/10/24

Another productive week in Oak class.  The children finished their brilliant self-portraits and displayed them in their very own art gallery.  They really are masterpieces, you're very welcome to come in and see them!

In Computing, they have been learning how to communicate online safely.  In Science, there has been more experiments, this week on dissolving.  The children really think as Scientists with their fantastic questioning.  In French, their language skills are really building.  The children can now say what subject they have on what day and time in French - fantastique!

In English, the children have surpassed my high expectations with their persuasive letters on apartheid.  Such maturity, wonderful formal tone and language - Wow!

11/10/2024

In English, we are reading 'Journey to Jo'burg'.  The children have been astounded by the differences in society in South Africa during these times.  We have had many mature discussions on apartheid.

In Science, we explored the factors that affect the time it takes for a substance to dissolve. We ensured that our test was fair and accurate by considering different variables such as temperature and stirring speed.  This experiment not only helped us better understand the dissolving process but also emphasised the importance of controlling variables to obtain reliable and meaningful data.  Their enthusiasm for this topic has been lovely to observe.

Our french topic 'a l'ecole' has been teaching us all about the subjects and times in a school day.  The children's language skills and eagerness to 'give it a go' is really impressive!

4/10/24

More experiments in Science, this week. The children made their own water filters just like they have to use on the International Space Station. The classroom was buzzing with excitement as the dirty water poured in came out so much clearer! Cotton wool seemed to be the secret!
Some of the year 6s attended a netball tournament at Huish Academy where they put their recent skills into play. They were fantastic, so quick and such great teamwork. They came a well deserved second, most of all, they loved it!
In English, the children have designed an advert for Lego or a toy. They used a rhetorical question, a superlative and came up with a slogan. Some brilliant work!

27/9/2024

Another busy week of learning in Oak class.  The children have created some wonderful watercolours of British wildlife which will inspire their poetry. 

In Science, they learned how to separate materials using a sieve.  They had fun finding gold in amongst sand! 

In History, we measured out the length of the Bayeaux tapestry and wrote persuasive letters on who they thought should have had the right to the throne.  

In PE, their netball skills are building and some children will be putting these into practice at a CLP netball tournament next week.

20/9/2024

Oak class have been amazing us with their poetry skills this week, linked with the book 'The Lost Words'.  The children took photographs of nature, and mimicking the illustrator's style created silhouettes of wildlife against the background.  This is part of a longer art project which will include watercolour paintings alongside their innovated poems.

In Computing, the children learned how data is transferred over the internet.  They did this the old-fashioned way writing messages to each other and finding out who the message belonged by searching for their allocated number.

In History, they studied the Bayeux tapestry (which is not actually a tapestry!) searching for clues as to how the Battle of Hastings played out.  They then created their own version of one of the scenes.

13/9/2024

We have started our class reading book 'Shadow Jumper' by J. M. Forster which is about a boy that has a skin allergy to the sun.  Lots of encouragement for reading at home at least 4 times a week.  Reading means prizes!  

Our PE focus this half term is 'Invasion games'.  We practised the different passes in netball this week, over shoulder and chest pass.  The children showed some impressive skills and we were working on putting more power in to our throws.

The children wrote their first story this week based on the English folk tale 'The Peddler of Swaffham', it was great to see their imagination shine through.  Another brilliant week in Oak class!

6/9/2024

Welcome back Oak class!

We have had a lovely, relaxing introduction back to school. We have spent lots of time getting to know each other, some surprising facts about brocolli stalks!  The children have come in to school with super attitudes to learning and are taking on the task of role-modelling their excellent behaviour to the rest of the school.  

We are all looking forward to a busy, but fun, year in Oak class!

Wc 15072024

What a week!  Firstly, the children blew us all away with their performances of 'Matilda, the musical' at the theatre on Monday and Tuesday evening.  Then again, on Thursday, they performed again to the whole school.  The children were such a great audience, were singing along to the songs and giggling away!  I am immensely proud of them - what talent!  It felt like a professional production rather than a 'school play'!  Just WOW!

Then, it was Olympic day on Wednesday.  The children located the host cities around the world, discovered about the history of the Olympics, linking to our Ancient Greeks topic, had their own mini-olympics on the field, created olympic rings out of willow and then an Olympic themed dance workshop.  Again, such enthusiasm and engagement made the whole day an absolute pleasure!  

The children have also had fun looking back at their memories from their time at KEPS in preparation for the leavers' service next week.  Still to come, our sailing trip - pictures to follow!  Phew, what a brilliant week!

WC 08072024

The children are making the most of their last few weeks at KEPS.  They have been volunteering to help out in Pre-school and always have a funny story to tell on their return!  They had their last swim session this week, so we had to have a pool party! We had the music turned up loud, with the children requesting the songs (the girls’ taste in music was quite different to the boys!) and then the children played with the floats and toys in the pool.

It was transition morning at KEPS on Wednesday, so the Oak class children were really excited to spend an hour in Beech class. They particularly liked the bikes and dressing up! It's lovely for the children to have fun and spend time their friends in this special time.  Lots more to come next week with the theatre and sailing trip!

WC 010724

Oak class designed, set up and manned some brilliantly fun stalls at the June fayre. The children and parents really enjoyed playing their games which mostly involved getting the year 6s soaking wet. Lots of sweets were won, there were happy smiling faces and lots of money raised for the PTA. What a success!

The year 6s had their transition days this week at their new secondary schools.  They came back to KEPS full of excitement about what they can look forward to in year 7 and beyond.  Only two and a half weeks left at primary school!

WC 24/06/24

Oak class have been rehearsing their play 'Matilda' this week. Their roles are developing as they learn their words and timings. I'm amazed already by their talent and how quickly they remember their lines! We watched the film 'Matilda the musical' to remind ourselves of the story and to magpie ideas for our characters! It has been very hot in the classroom this week, so we had lots of time outside in the shade, reading our class book 'The Light in Everything', playing games and chilling out! The children practised their races for the upcoming Sports Day. Well done, Oak class - another busy but fun week!

WC 17/06/24

Oak class have been excited this week as we have started to read through our script for the Year 6 performance.  I have been really impressed by the children's talents - it is going to be a hard job casting!  The photos of the residential are now on our website, please take a look at all the adventures the children had.  We have started reading our new class book 'The light in everything'.  This has been sent to us by Huish Episcopi Academy and once read, we will be sending our book reviews to them.