Year 5

Everything we do is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 5
This is the final part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. To take part in a dragon dance
2. To climb a tower
3. To orienteer
4. To take part in musical theatre
5. To visit a historical village
6. To visit an aquarium 

Curriculum Enrichment
Chinese Dance Workshop
Mark Borrell- Chinese cooking
Kew Gardens - linked to biology topic
Kidzania
Wonderland Orchestral Performance
Cinema experience 'Believe' for National Film Week
Islamic Cultural Centre
Viking Workshop
Wat Tyler park -  orienteering
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
SkyBlue Theatre – Macbeth
Mersea overnight residential trip

Reading Challenges

Focus Authors
J K Rowling and Michael Morpurgo

75 Books to Read @ Mead
Artemis Fowl
Millions
The Witches
Flour Babies
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Borrowers
Holes
The Little Prince
Ballet Shoes
The Story of Tracy Beaker

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Spiritual Experiences

We believe that our school curriculum should provide pupils with a range of experiences that deepen their spiritual understanding of their school and their community. Working in partnership with local clergy and faith organisations, we deliver the program both in and out of school across KS2.

In Year 5 this involves the pupils carrying out random acts of kindness in their school and local community: paying for parking, helping pensioners and giving out positive notes

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. 
Ashley

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to Fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 5 the children will have the chance to visit a mosque.

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.

In Year 5 the pupils will have a chance to develop:

• using the internet, get pupils to research the different services provided by banks;
• using a bank branch, encourage pupils to explore the services available in a bank;
• introduce pupils to a sample bank statement, and talk them through the different sorts of transactions it shows;
• introduce the concept of paying interest on loans and deposits, and set a task in which pupils compare the amount of interest earned at different percentage rates;
• discuss the similarities and differences between debit and credit cards, and explore when it’s appropriate to use them;
• explore the different ways people invest money, from shares to bonds, and teach about spreading risk with an investment simulation.Introduce pupils to the different ways people pay for housing, and then use a mortgage calculator spreadsheet to see where people can afford to live;
• make the concept of insurance simple and interesting, and explore the factors that influence how much people pay for different types of insurance.

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Charlize

Year 5 Opportunities:

• Junior Travel Ambassadors - click here for the Travel Plan Awards
• Volunteering – Play leaders, Lunch warriors
• Lead charity events
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week
• Food Drive
• We Are Silent
• Random acts of kindness
• Choir in the community