Year 5 - Heron

The Big Weave

Go GREEN Day

We also paused to listen to the sounds of nature and reflect on how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful natural environment to enjoy and protect. It was a peaceful and inspiring experience that encouraged creativity, mindfulness and appreciation for the world around us.

Diversity Day – Exploring Zimbabwe

Today, Herons had an amazing Diversity Day where we travelled (virtually!) to the beautiful country of Zimbabwe. We discovered lots of fascinating facts about its geography, culture, music, wildlife and daily life.

To begin our day, we located Zimbabwe on a map of Africa and compared it with the United Kingdom. We learnt that Zimbabwe is home to many different people and cultures, with Shona, Ndebele and English being the main languages spoken. We also found out about famous landmarks, incredible wildlife and interesting facts about the country. Using everything we had learnt, we created colourful fact file pages packed with information. We also compared homes, schools, transport and everyday life in Zimbabwe with our own lives, noticing both similarities and differences.

In our second lesson, we explored Zimbabwean music, dance and art. We learnt about the mbira, often called the "thumb piano", and discovered how music and drumming are an important part of celebrations and traditions. We enjoyed taking part in an African drumming session where we practised call-and-response rhythms by following a tutorial video. Afterwards, we showed our creativity by designing African-inspired  patterns and making beautiful bead bracelets.

Our final lesson focused on Zimbabwe's incredible wildlife and national parks. We learnt about amazing animals including elephants, lions, zebras and rhinos, and discussed why conservation is so important in protecting these species for the future. We created animal fact cards to share our learning and also discovered one of Africa's most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls, which left us amazed by its size and beauty.

We had a fantastic day exploring Zimbabwe and learning about a different culture. Diversity Day reminded us how exciting it is to discover new places, celebrate our differences and appreciate the many things that connect us all.

Go-Green-Day - 3rd July 2026

We also paused to listen to the sounds of nature and reflect on how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful natural environment to enjoy and protect. It was a peaceful and inspiring experience that encouraged creativity, mindfulness and appreciation for the world around us.

Sports Festival - June 2026

Our Year 5 children had a fantastic time taking part in a our Sports Festival. Throughout the day, they enjoyed a variety of activities, including tennis, table tennis and fitness circuits.

The children demonstrated excellent teamwork, determination and sportsmanship as they developed new skills and challenged themselves in each activity. It was wonderful to see everyone participating with enthusiasm and encouraging one another throughout the event.

The festival was a great opportunity for pupils to stay active, build confidence and experience different sports in a fun and supportive environment. Well done to all of Year 5 for their outstanding effort and positive attitude!

Sun Safety - June 2026

On Tuesday, the children took part in a science investigation with Mrs Fletcher to explore the strength of the sun in different areas of the playground and field. Each child was given a special UV-reactive bead. These beads contain pigments that change colour when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. The beads start off pale or white and turn different shades of purple depending on how much UV light they are exposed to. The darker the colour, the stronger the UV light.

The children were particularly surprised by how dark the beads changed even though it was quite cloudy. This helped them to understand that the sun's ultraviolet rays can still be very strong even when the sun is hidden behind clouds. The investigation sparked lots of discussion as the children compared their results and shared their observations with one another.

The children then used their understanding to complete a STEM activity where they were challenged to design a piece of clothing or accessory that incorporated a UV bead to help people stay safe and aware of the UV rays in the sun.

Somerset Cricket - June 2026

We were delighted to welcome Will Anning from Somerset Cricket Club to our school for an exciting cricket workshop.

Will was brilliant and got the children engaged straight away with his energy and enthusiasm. The session was fast-paced, active and great fun, with all pupils eager to take part from the very beginning.

Throughout the workshop, the children had opportunities to develop a range of cricket skills, including batting, bowling and fielding. They enjoyed taking on different challenges and learning new techniques from an experienced coach.

As well as improving their cricket skills, the children demonstrated excellent teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. They encouraged one another, worked collaboratively and showed great determination throughout the activities.

It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and children growing in confidence as they participated. A huge thank you to Will Anning and Somerset Cricket Club for providing such an enjoyable and inspiring experience. We look forward to welcoming them back in the future!

Sports Day! - June 2026

Sports Day Success!

We had a wonderful Sports Day filled with excitement, determination, and lots of fun!

All children took part in a range of activities throughout the day, including Gym Jump, Boccia, Beanbag Throw, Howler Throw, Javelin, Water Relay, and Endurance Relay. The children approached each challenge with enthusiasm and showed excellent teamwork and perseverance.

Following the activities, our Year 5 children competed in a series of races. These included the Year 5 Boys' and Girls' 200m races, Year 5 Boys' and Girls' Circular Relay races, Year 5 Boys' and Girls' Skipping races, Year 5 Boys' and Girls' Sprint races, and the Year 5 Boys' and Girls' Straight Track Relay races.

The children gave their all in every event, demonstrating determination, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship. It was fantastic to see everyone encouraging one another and celebrating each other's achievements.

All of the children were absolutely fantastic and should be incredibly proud of their efforts. Whether competing in the field activities or racing on the track, every child represented the school brilliantly and made the day a great success.

A huge thank you to Miss Bryant who organised everything and a further thank you to everyone who helped prepare this morning and to all those who came along to support.

Well done, Year 5, on a truly memorable Sports Day!

YEAR 6 - Team Captain Applications

Viking Day at Carrymoor - June 2026

Modroc FINAL PRODUCTS! - May 2026

This term, the children have been exploring sculpture by using modroc to create their very own 3D models

The children carefully planned and designed their models before bringing them to life using modroc. We had an incredible variety of creations including a colourful hot air balloon, SpongeBob “Round” Pants, a mushroom, a football, Flippy the octopus, a falling apple, a banana, a pencil, an Oreo rolling down a hill and even a clam with a beautiful pearl inside!

Throughout the project, the children truly showcased their creativity and imagination. They experimented with different shapes, structures and textures to make their ideas come to life. Some models were tricky to balance, others needed strengthening, and a few required lots of patience while waiting for layers to dry but the children persevered brilliantly through every obstacle they faced.

We were especially impressed with how resilient and determined everyone was. Even when things did not go to plan the first time, the children adapted their ideas, solved problems and kept going until they were proud of their finished product. This project was a wonderful reminder that creativity often takes patience and perseverance!

I am so proud of all the hard work, teamwork and enthusiasm shown throughout this project. Every single model was unique and reflected the children’s wonderful personalities and ideas. Well done everyone — you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves! 😊

Modroc continues ... - May 2026

Today, the children began bringing their amazing designs to life by creating their free-standing models using modroc, wire and newspaper. They worked brilliantly in pairs and small groups all morning, showing fantastic teamwork and creativity throughout the session.

It was definitely a messy morning, but everyone showed great perseverance as they carefully shaped and built their models. The playground was full of excitement as the children experimented with different ways to make their structures strong and stable. Some having more success than others. 

We are so impressed with how hard they worked and can already see their ideas starting to take shape.

Next week, we will be painting the models and adding the finishing touches. We can’t wait to see the finished products!

Our First Modroc Trial

Today, we tried something new! We used modroc for the very first time!  Modroc is a special plaster material that can be moulded and shaped when wet. Once it dries, it becomes hard and solid.

To get started, we wanted to see how modroc works and test how it could be shaped. We decided to try it over balloons. This was a great idea because the balloon gave the modroc something to hold onto while we practised moulding it. We could gently press and shape the modroc around the balloon and watch how it began to take form.

It was a little messy, but so much fun! 

This trial gave us a good understanding of how modroc behaves and what we can do with it. Just wait to see how our DT sculptures come out. 

Exploring the Secrets of a Flower! - Science - April 2026

Today in our science lesson, we learned about the different parts of a flower. First, we talked about how each part has an important job to help the plant grow and reproduce. We looked at diagrams and named parts like the petals, stem, leaves, stamen, and pistil.

After that, we got to do something really exciting — we dissected our own tulips! Carefully, we took each flower apart piece by piece. We placed each part out on the table and tried to identify what it was. Then we labeled each section and wrote down what its job is. For example, we learned that petals attract insects, and the stem helps support the plant and carry water.

It was really interesting to see inside a real flower and understand how it works. Some parts were very small and tricky to handle, but we all did our best. By the end of the lesson, we had a much better understanding of how flowers grow and function.

We really enjoyed being scientists for the day!

🌸 Easter Parade - April 2026

What a wonderful way to end the term! Our school was filled with joy, colour, and creativity as we came together for our much-anticipated Easter Parade. Thankfully, the sun was shining, making the day even more special for everyone involved.

Year 5 truly did us proud this year. The children showcased their fantastic Easter bonnets, each one uniquely designed and bursting with imagination. From bright spring flowers to adorable chicks and bunnies, it was clear how much effort and care had gone into every creation.

With smiles all around, the children paraded confidently, walking in time to the cheerful tune of “Build Me Up Buttercup”. The atmosphere was joyful, with music, laughter, and plenty of proud moments as the bonnets were displayed for all to admire.

A special well done to our Easter bonnet competition winners—your designs were outstanding and truly captured the spirit of the celebration!

A big thank you to all the parents and carers who attended to support the children. Your presence made the event even more meaningful and helped create such a warm and celebratory environment.

It was a perfect way to round off the term—well done, Year 5!

We wish everyone a happy and restful Easter break 🐣

Beancakes - March 2026

Today in Heron Class, we had fun making our very own Anglo-Saxon bean cakes, a traditional treat from long ago! This activity was a perfect way to link our English lessons on instruction writing with something tasty.

First, we shelled the beans, then chopped and mixed all of our ingredients carefully. We followed each step just like a set of instructions, which made our cooking safe and successful. Next, we fried our bean cakes on the frying pan and waited for them to turn golden brown (some may have been on the over done side!)

Finally, the best part – tasting and evaluating our creations! Some of us added a little honey, which was definitely a winner and made the cakes extra delicious.

Drama Workshop for Comic Relief! - March 2026

Today, we had an exciting and highly entertaining drama workshop focused on slapstick comedy. The session was led by Jenny, Engagement & Outreach for Education from Westlands Yeovil and The Octagon Theatre, who delivered a fantastic and engaging experience for everyone involved.

We began by discussing what the word ensemble means and how important teamwork is in drama. This helped us understand how performers work together to create effective and cohesive performances.

Next, we explored the four key areas of expression without using our voices: gesture, facial expression, gait, and body language. Through this, we learned how much can be communicated physically, which is essential in slapstick comedy.

We then moved on to some practical activities. One of the first tasks was to mime picking up a £1 coin from the floor, focusing on exaggeration and clarity of movement. After that, we were challenged to destroy a school report in the most creative way possible, which led to lots of imaginative and humorous ideas.

Another activity involved pretending to pick up a chair that was stuck to the ground This helped us develop our mime skills further and think carefully about weight, balance, and realism. We built on this by working in pairs, before progressing into groups of four.

In our groups, we created a short final performance that included the techniques we had learned throughout the workshop. Each group performed their piece to the rest of the class, showcasing a range of funny, inventive, and energetic slapstick routines.

Overall, the workshop was a brilliant experience. It helped us build confidence, improve our physical acting skills, and most importantly, have a lot of fun. A big thank you to Jenny for delivering such an enjoyable and inspiring session!

Oracy Story Telling around a campfire- March 2026

Heron Class recently brought their English writing unit to life in a truly memorable way! After working hard to plan and write their own spooky stories, the children were given a real purpose for their writing – to share their tales in a special setting.

We headed out to our Forest School area, where the children gathered around a crackling campfire. Surrounded by nature, the setting created the perfect atmosphere and ambience for storytelling. In pairs and small groups, the children bravely read aloud their “scary stories,” using expressive voices to build suspense and keep their audience on edge!

The experience was made even more special as we toasted marshmallows over the fire – delicious and gooey, they were a real treat. Yum! 

It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of our English unit, combining creativity, confidence, and a love of storytelling.

Well done, Heron Class – your stories were truly spine-tingling! 👻

DT - Shelling and Chopping

Last week, we got a delicious introduction to our new DT project by trying broad bean cakes (thank you Mrs Rendell), a traditional Anglo-Saxon dish. The tasting activity sparked curiosity and excitement—many were surprised by the flavors and textures, and it inspired lots of questions about how these beans could be used in cooking.

This week, the children took their first hands-on steps in the project by experimenting with broad beans themselves. They carefully shelled the beans, discovering how the soft green seeds hide inside their tough pods.

Next came the chopping stage, where they practiced safe knife skills and explored textures and shapes. 

It was wonderful to see their curiosity transform into practical skills and creativity. From tasting a historic dish to handling ingredients themselves, the children are well on their way to creating their own tasty, bean-inspired creations!

World Book Day - March 2026

World Book Day was lots of fun in Heron Class! We celebrated our love of reading by dressing up as our favourite book characters. There was a fantastic range of costumes across the class. From Izzadora Moon to Ash from Pokémon, everyone showed great creativity. We also had many brilliant Roald Dahl characters, including Bruce Bogtrotter, as well as some classic Harry Potter characters. We even spotted Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz!, wearing some excellent silver shoes. It was wonderful to see so many different stories come to life in our classroom. The children enjoyed sharing their characters and talking about the books they love to read. Well done, Heron Class, for making World Book Day such a fun and memorable celebration of books!

Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Art - February 2026

Heron Class has been learning about the artist Roy Lichtenstein and his bold Pop Art style. We explored his bright colours, thick black outlines, dots and comic-style speech bubbles.

Using mirrors, the children studied their faces and chose fun, exaggerated expressions for their self-portraits. They carefully sketched their faces, added bold outlines, and used bright colours and dots to copy Lichtenstein’s famous style.

We are so proud of the finished artwork. 

Science Week - February 2026 - Being Curious Every Day!

What a week! 

This week in Year 5 Herons, we have had an amazing Science Week full of curiosity, questions, and exciting experiments. 

On Monday, we visited Year 3 to complete the challenge “Can you fit through a piece of paper?” At first, we thought it was impossible… but by folding and cutting the paper carefully, we were shocked at how big the hole could become! This activity helped us think about shapes, size, and problem-solving, and we loved working with the younger children.

On Tuesday, we stayed in our own classroom to investigate “Can you flush it?” We explored which materials break down in water and which do not. This made us think carefully about what should and should not be flushed down the toilet and why it is important to look after our environment. We then created our own posters to share what we had learned with others.

On Thursday, we ventured up to Year 6 for a science mystery: “Who dunnit? How can I tell different black inks apart?” We used chromatography to separate the inks and discover that black ink is actually made up of lots of different colours. It felt like being real detectives, and we loved solving the mystery using science.

We finished our science week in Year 4, asking a big question: “Could we grow food on the Moon?” We learned about what plants need to grow and whether those things would be available in space. It really made us think about the future and space exploration.

Overall, Science Week helped us to be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and work together. We learned that science is everywhere and that it’s okay to wonder, test ideas, and sometimes get things wrong. We had a brilliant time and can’t wait to keep exploring!

Thank you to all the parents who came to find out what we had been up to at our Science open afternoon. 

Y5 Heron Science Week 2026

Roman Chariot - December 2025

Check out the amazing chariots we have created! Heron Class worked really hard cutting the wood to size, hot-gluing it together, and carefully assembling each piece to build their very own miniature Roman chariots.

This half term, Year 5 have been exploring Roman engineering and design as part of their history and DT learning. After researching the different parts of a Roman chariot, from the axle and wheels to the protective front panel, pupils sketched their own designs before moving on to the practical stage. Measuring, sawing, sanding, gluing, and decorating, they put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.

The results are fantastic! Each chariot is unique, with thoughtful details and impressive craftsmanship. Our classroom has been full of pride as the children shared their finished models and explained the techniques they used.

Roman chariot prototype - December 2025

Today the children took part the first step of our DT project. Their task was to build a small two-wheeled vehicle that could carry three paper-clips across the table.

They were given just a few simple materials to work with:
card, paper, straws, glue, tape, a stapler, paper-clips, and cotton reels.

The children had to think carefully about how to join everything together and how to make sure their little vehicle could move without falling apart. We saw lots of problem-solving, teamwork, and great ideas!

This was just the warm-up.
Tomorrow is the exciting part—using real tools and sawing wood to begin making a proper chassis!

Sounds of the Street Music Workshop - December 2025

This week, our Year 5 pupils were treated to an unforgettable musical experience as Sounds of the Street Music visited our school for a special workshop. The group, known for their exciting, high-impact music residencies, brought an energetic three-piece band that instantly captured everyone’s attention.

The session blended live performance with active participation, giving pupils the chance not only to listen, but to become part of the music themselves. Children joined in through clapping, body percussion and singing, creating a lively and collaborative atmosphere. The musicians demonstrated how rhythm, melody and teamwork all come together to make a powerful musical performance.

Throughout the workshop, pupils enjoyed a dynamic mix of mini-concert moments and hands-on activities. They were encouraged to explore their own creativity, experiment with sound, and experience the joy of making music as a group.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 5 students to learn from professional musicians, gain confidence and be inspired by live music. A huge thank-you to Sounds of the Street Music for delivering such an engaging and memorable experience—we can’t wait to welcome them back again!

Y5 Sound of the street

Year 5 Dance showdown: 26th November 2025

Year 5 Shine at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre!

Our Year 5 children had the wonderful opportunity to attend a vibrant dance performance at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, hosted by Premier Sport. It was a celebration filled with colour, rhythm, and an incredible sense of achievement. One that our pupils will remember for a long time!

For the past ten weeks, Emily Caddy and her fantastic team have been working closely with our Year 5 children every Friday, teaching them a specially-choreographed dance inspired by Rio. Their dedication, energy, and creativity have been exceptional, and we are incredibly grateful for the time and passion they have poured into this project.

When the moment finally arrived, the children absolutely lit up the stage. With feathers, flair, and plenty of carnival spirit, they performed with confidence and joy—truly channelling their inner Rio dancers! The atmosphere was electric, and the pride on their faces said it all.

A huge thank you to Emily, her team at Premier Sport, and the staff at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre for providing such a memorable experience.

And of course—well done, Year 5! Your hard work and enthusiasm paid off beautifully. We couldn’t be prouder. 

Y5 Dance

Gaia Artwork and Explore the Wonders of Space! 🌍✨

Today, Heron Class had a truly out-of-this-world experience when we travelled to the Town Hall to see the Gaia artwork, the famous creation by artist Luke Jerram. This breath-taking installation featured a giant, detailed image of planet Earth, giving us a completely new perspective of our home from space. Standing beneath the illuminated globe made us feel like astronauts floating high above the world!

After admiring the stunning Gaia display, we took part in an exciting Space Kids workshop. During the workshop, we learned all about the planets in our solar system. From the scorching heat of Mercury to the icy rings of Saturn. The talk was fun and interactive. It helped us understand just how amazing our universe is.

We returned to school feeling inspired, curious, and ready to explore more about space (Spring Term) and our beautiful planet Earth. Such an unforgettable experience! 🚀🌎

Remembering Together - November 2025

The children looked smart and respectful in their uniforms, showing their commitment not only to their clubs but also to remembering the bravery of others. During our class discussions, we talked about why we wear poppies, what the two-minute silence means, and how we can all show kindness, courage, and respect—values that link closely with the Brownie and Cubs promises.

Heron Class reflected thoughtfully on stories of remembrance. It was incredible to take part in the silence within Town Hall on our trip. 

🌈 Tie-Dye Fun and Carnival Vibes! 🎉 October 2025

Over the past few weeks, Heron class has been bursting with colour and creativity as the children designed and made their very own tie-dye t-shirts in preparation for our much-anticipated Carnival Parade!

Although the weather had other ideas and we had to move our parade indoors, that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The hall came alive with music, smiles, and a sea of swirling colours as the children proudly showed off their unique creations, dancing and marching to the tune of “Golden.”

To top it all off, we were treated to an energetic performance from Year 6, who showcased their samba skills and filled the hall with their amazing rhythms and carnival energy.

It was a truly joyful celebration of creativity, teamwork, and fun – proof that a little rain can’t stop the sunshine in our school! ☀️🎨🥁

🌊 Simonsbath Rivers Trip

We had exploring the beautiful landscapes of Exmoor and discovering the wonders of the River Ex!

We set off on a river walk to find the source of the river. It was amazing to see where the water first begins its journey down through the valleys. Along the way, we talked about how rivers change shape as they travel and spotted different features like meanders, river cliffs, and beaches.

We took some time to sketch a section of the river, carefully labelling features such as the river beach and river cliff. Everyone concentrated so well, producing some really detailed and thoughtful drawings.

In the afternoon, we got hands-on with our river experiments – measuring the speed of the flow, transecting the river, and carrying out pebble grading to see how stones change in size and shape along the river’s course.

It was an unforgettable day of learning, adventure, teamwork and getting stuck in traffic (apologies!). We all came away with muddy boots, big smiles, and a much deeper understanding of how rivers shape our landscape.

🧲 Magnetic Discoveries - October 2025

Heron scientists explored the fascinating world of magnets! Each child had their own magnet and set out to test a variety of materials to see which ones were magnetic. They carefully placed their magnets close to different objects and recorded their observations, discovering which materials were attracted to magnets and which weren’t. It was exciting to see their curiosity in action as they experimented, predicted, and learned through hands-on investigation.

Our classroom was buzzing with questions, discoveries, and “wow” moments—an electrifying start to our exploration of magnetism!

🌈 Tie-Dye Practice - September 2025

We had lots of fun experimenting with colours by making practice tie-dye using baby wipes and felt tip pens. The children carefully folded their wipes, put elastic bands around them, and then coloured them to create their desired designs. We played around with colour and patterns, getting ready for when we make our T-shirts! ✨

It was a brilliant way to explore colour mixing and design, and everyone loved seeing their creations transform into unique tie-dye masterpieces.

Welcome Back - September 2025

t's been a wonderful start to Year 5 with all the class coming back feeling positive and full of smiles. 

We have been learning about the importance of having a growth mindset and how this linked to our behaviour for learning. 

We have all written an individual motto that is displayed in the classroom to look at when we are finding things tricky. We also took on a challenge to make the tallest tower from 10 sheets of paper and sticky tape. We needed to work collaboratively and have a growth mindset to do this.