Welcome to Year 5
Why is our Year 5 class called Barn Owls?
Our Year 5 class is named “Barn Owls” because these remarkable birds represent wisdom, awareness, confidence and quiet determination. Barn owls are highly observant, adaptable and skilled at navigating their surroundings, qualities that reflect our Year 5 learners as they develop greater independence and take on increasing responsibility for their learning.
Barn owls are known for their ability to see and hear what is happening around them, even in challenging conditions. In the same way, our Year 5 children are encouraged to look closely, listen carefully, think deeply and make thoughtful decisions. As they move towards the final stage of their primary education, they are developing the resilience, organisation and self-belief needed to tackle increasingly complex challenges.
The name “Barn Owls” reflects an exciting stage in our children's journey: growing in wisdom, spreading their wings and preparing to soar into their final year of primary school and beyond.
Philosophy
At Waltham Gateway Academy, it is our belief that the children within our academy will be truly seen and celebrated for their uniqueness as individuals. We want all children to know that we Care. Our classrooms are safe, supportive and nurturing environments where children can take risks, express themselves and be heard. Adaptive teaching ensures that all learners can access the curriculum and be challenged to reach their full potential.
As our Year 5 children become increasingly independent learners, we encourage them to take greater ownership of their learning, choices and behaviour. We want our Barn Owls to develop curiosity, ask thoughtful questions and have the courage to tackle challenges, make mistakes and learn from them.
We want every child to recognise their strengths, understand that everyone has different talents and develop the confidence to contribute positively to their school and wider community. Through developing independence, resilience and leadership, our children are equipped to make positive decisions and become responsible citizens of the future.
Environment
At Waltham Gateway Academy, we understand that, to thrive, all children must have a positive and productive learning environment where they feel safe and able to develop personally, socially, emotionally and academically.
In Year 5, we provide an environment where children are trusted with increasing responsibility while continuing to receive the support and guidance they need. Strong relationships, positive communication and mutual respect underpin our classroom culture. Children are encouraged to take chances, make mistakes, reflect and persevere, developing the resilience they need to respond positively when learning becomes challenging.
We want our Barn Owls to feel that they belong, that their voice matters and that they have an important contribution to make. Through collaborative learning, discussion and opportunities to take responsibility, children develop confidence in themselves and an awareness of their role within the wider school community.
Our outdoor learning environment further supports children's development through safe, stimulating and engaging spaces. Children have opportunities to learn through our playground, field, gardening area and poly tunnel, as well as through educational visits, swimming and other experiences beyond the classroom.
Curriculum
At Waltham Gateway Academy, we aim to provide a holistic and creative curriculum that engages, enthuses and develops children's interests and talents. In Year 5, we build upon the knowledge and skills developed throughout Key Stage 2, while preparing children for the increasing demands of Year 6 and their transition to secondary education.
We want our Barn Owls to become confident, independent and resilient learners who can apply their knowledge in different contexts. Learning is carefully sequenced so that children deepen their understanding, make connections between subjects and develop the knowledge and skills they need for their next stage of education.
Reading remains at the heart of everything we do. Children develop their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension through high-quality texts and carefully chosen literature. Reading widely helps children to develop their understanding of the world, broaden their vocabulary and explore different perspectives. Oracy continues to be embedded across the curriculum, with children encouraged to articulate ideas, justify their thinking, listen to others and engage confidently in discussion.
Writing opportunities enable children to apply their growing vocabulary, knowledge and understanding across a range of genres and purposes. In mathematics, children develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, using their knowledge flexibly and explaining their mathematical thinking.
Core and foundation subjects are planned to ensure progression of knowledge and skills across the year and across year groups. Carefully chosen schemes are adapted to our context and strengthened through practical learning, enrichment opportunities and the expertise available across the MAT.
Personal development, mental health and wellbeing remain paramount within our curriculum. We use the magic of children's stories to develop emotional literacy and inspire lifelong wellbeing through The Story Project. Our Brighter Future Fridays enrichment programme provides opportunities for children to develop character, resilience, confidence and the skills needed to become successful and active citizens in the wider world.
As Year 5 learners, our children are increasingly encouraged to lead, contribute, collaborate and take responsibility, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of Year 6 and beyond.
Working in partnership
By working in partnership with parents, carers and external agencies, where appropriate, we support all of our Kestrels to develop the skills and attributes to ensure they are ready for their next stage of learning. Our 'open door' philosophy is important to us; working together ensures every child has the best opportunity to thrive.