🍂 Welcome to Our Autumn Term – Theme: Roots

This term, our Year 5 class will be digging deep—literally and figuratively—into the theme of Roots. Whether we’re exploring the roots of our local history, the roots of our identity, or the roots of a windswept tree on a deserted island (yes, we’re reading Kensuke’s Kingdom!), we’ll be asking big questions about where we come from and what shapes who we are.

We’ll be stepping back in time to uncover Swansea’s Norman roots, with a special focus on castles, conquests, and the stories they left behind. Our trip to Oystermouth Castle will help us imagine what life was like in medieval Swansea and how the Normans helped shape the city we know today.

From historical research to creative writing, map work to castle sketching, we’ll be weaving our learning across subjects—and we’d love to include you in the journey. If you have stories, artefacts, or family heritage you’d like to share, please do get in touch. We’re building a classroom full of curiosity, connection, and celebration.

Here’s to a term of discovery, storytelling, and strong foundations—just like any good set of roots.

🌿 Forest School

When: Thursday afternoons

• Children will take part in outdoor learning activities in Forest School. Please make sure they have suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

💃 PE – Dance

• When: Thursday afternoons

• This term, pupils will be exploring dances linked to Welsh heritage and, later, dances from their own cultural backgrounds. Please ensure children wear or bring trainers suitable for PE.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Assistant

• Mrs Greenslade will be supporting our class this year.

📚 Reading, Spelling, and Handwriting

• Please bring reading books every day so children can read in class.

• Free readers should bring a book from home.

• I will complete reading assessments in weeks 2 and 3 of the term.

✏ Pencil Cases

Please include:

• 2 black pens (Berol handwriting pens preferred, but biro is fine)

• 2 pencils

• 1 ruler (30 cm)

For editing, redrafting, and correcting:

• 1 green pen (biro OK)

• 1 purple pen (biro OK)

Many children last year successfully used the BIC 4-colour retractable pens instead of carrying multiple pens.

I have spares available in limited quantities if needed.