Year 5
Dosbarth Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil is a South Wales town named after a 5th-century saint, transformed from a rural settlement into an "iron capital of the world" by the Industrial Revolution due to abundant coal, iron ore, and limestone. Its industrial boom attracted workers, and by the 19th century, it was the largest urban area in Wales, famous for its ironworks. After the coal and steel industries declined, the town faced challenges, but it retains a strong industrial heritage, memorialized in landmarks like Cyfarthfa Castle and the town's coat of arms.
Origins and Name
Industrial Revolution
Social Impact and Decline
Modern-Day Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil - Wikipedia
Merthyr was close to reserves of iron ore, coal, limestone, timber and water, making it an ideal site for ironworks. Small-scale i...
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Later in the year we focus on a famous citizen from Merthyr Tydfil and learn about the impact they had on Wales. We know being educated about our history and culture helps us in belonging to this wonderful country.
Pontnewydd Primary School Autumn/Hydref Curriculum Letter
Year 5 is a fantastic year. In this letter we will update you with relevant information and give you an outline of this term's learning!
In year 5 our studies will cover:
Language Literacy and Communication – This term we are looking at a variety of non-fiction texts and will use theses to help write our own reports/explanations and letters. We will also be developing our skills in Welsh and an additional language. We will concentrate on handwriting, punctuation and spelling daily to secure basic skills needed across the curriculum.
Mathematics and Numeracy – We will be re-covering some of the foundations of maths and numeracy. We will focus on developing skills from previous years and apply them in real–life, authentic situations. Big Maths will help us immerse pupils in their maths journey. Practising times tables and mental maths is key for success this year. Freckle is also a useful online tool we are using to help supplement the maths curriculum and is super fun too.
Science and Technology –In year 5 we will focus on Australia and the local area of Cwmbran. The main focus will be on plastic and its pros and cons. The children will lead their learning on the things they are curious about and will become equipped with the skills needed to explain and share their findings.
Humanities – We are excited to allow the children to decide on what they want to research in humanities this term. This is a new approach to learning and we look forward to this very much. Our lead will come from our Australia topic and use this in comparison with life in Wales. In RE we will be posing and asking big questions, such as ‘What religions are there? Do all people have to believe in God?’ We will also be looking at aspects of diversity, respect and interest in worldwide variances, alongside exploring Creation Stories across Australian culture.
Expressive Arts – This new addition to the curriculum still teaches traditional art, music, drama and dance but through a holistic topic-based approach. Again, this is very much led by our pupils and occurs every second Friday – we call it Fun Friday! We hope to see you all there!
Health and Well Being – As part of the new curriculum we are looking to develop mindfulness in our children. They will learn about how their brains work and why we may react or feel the way we do. Included in this we will be carrying out some meditation and yoga. We also will have games lessons including popular sports such as hockey and of course swimming for part of the year too. We will be looking at ensuring the children have access to food technology lessons to keep their bodies as healthy as their minds.
NEW Afternoon Teaching and Learning at PPS
Missions - This year we are trialling a new approach to our afternoon learning to help our pupils develop their creativity further, alongside their independence and skills in working with others. These are life-skills and skills needed in the world of work. Pupils will be given missions daily to complete in many subject areas. How fun!
Bubbles - Whilst the missions are being undertaken by some groups, on rotation, there will be Mission Control Bubbles receiving high focused learning with their teacher daily. These are opportunities for pupils to receive the correct support, work and challenge for their Learning journeys.
FYI:
Reading books- must be changed regularly for maximum improvement – we expect up to 4 times a week (dependent on book level). Minimum of 2 otherwise. There will be a reading log that will help track home reading and school reading- this is a major focus in PPS this year - we want lots of book worms!
PE/Games and Swimming – Children can wear their PE kit to school for this on a Monday afternoon.
Swimming takes place on a Monday afternoon until after Spring Half Term (February 2026). Class 11 Pontrhydyfen Miss Vaughan will go first.
Spelling and Homework – Spellings will be sent home weekly and put on dojo and google classroom. There will usually be one homework task per week, often posted on Google Classroom. All homework is short and needs to be completed by the children themselves to develop independence.
Any concerns or worries please come in and see us ASAP.
Parental consultation meetings are booked in around half term in October – however, do not wait for these times if you have any major concerns to discuss. Our doors are always open! Please use Class Dojo for messages to class teachers but as before, please message the office for absences etc… Messaging is within school hours unless special circumstances.
We don’t always get to check Dojo in school.
Any updates please see our school website/twitter page and Facebook page.
We thank you for your continued support.
Mrs. Cook, Miss Vaughan and Miss Smith. 😊