
WELCOME TO YEAR 5 MACAWS
Macaws are known for their intelligence; they thrive on activities designed to challenge them. They are resourceful, curious and have big ideas. Being part of the upper years team, Macaws are able to gather knowledge and apply this to their daily learning.
THIS TERM'S THEME
‘Same but different'
This term, Year 5 will be focusing on how our thoughts and emotions impact our daily lives, we will understand how contemporary figured and historical events have shaped society. We will evaluate and the importance of a healthy mind and body.
P.E AND DANCE DAYS
PE and Dance for Macaws will be on a Thursday. Please ensure your child comes to school with the correct kit, which is clearly labelled. For more information about kit requirements, please visit our 'Physical Education & School Sport' Page.
We will ensure that PE kits are sent home at the end of every half term.
HOME LEARNING DAYS
Home learning will be sent home on Fridays and should be returned to school on Wednesday. Home learning should be completed to the best standard possible and Mathletics and Times Table Rock Stars should also be completed weekly. We celebrate the efforts of Mathletics and Times Table Rock Stars in our assemblies with special class shout outs and certificates.
UPCOMING EVENTS
17th September - Coasteering: Macaws and Magpies
23rd September - Coasteering: Merlins
11th and 18th November: Reach Outdoors Climbing: Merlins
19th November: Paignton Sports Festival: Magpies
25th November: Reach Outdoors Climbing: Magpies
MEET THE TEAM
If there are any issues or concerns, please feel free to come in and see your teacher (Miss Grimes) or alternatively please contact a team leader (Mr Wingrove).
pgrimes@whiterockprimaryschool.co.uk
swingrove@whiterockprimaryschool.co.uk
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026
AUTUMN TERM
Autumn Term Curriculum Map
Friday 16th October 2026 - Jo Di Bona Art
In Art this half term we have been learning about the artist Jo Di Bona and his unique style of art he created, called pop graffiti. In our lesson today, we replicated his style, creating our own version of a famous person's picture using the medium of collage and adding bright colours.
Thursday 8th October 2026 - Luke Marchant Author Visit
We were delighted to welcome children's author Luke Marchant to school for a special visit to celebrate his exciting new book, Arthur and the Wild Griffin.
During the assembly, Luke shared how he develops his ideas, creates memorable characters and brings his stories to life. The children were keen to find out more about Arthur's adventures, Luke's favourite characters, how long it takes to write a book and where he gets his ideas from.
Monday 28th September 2026 - PE
This half term year 5 have been developing their team building skills. They have been working together to listen, follow instructions and cooperate in order to complete a variety of activities and achieve shared goals.
Thursday 17th September - Reach Outdoors Coasteering
Macaws had an amazing time coasteering with Reach Outdoors at Anstey's Cove in Torquay. They had a fantastic time swimming in the sea, climbing across the rocks and jumping in. They demonstrated fantastic determination, resilience and bravery!
Monday 7th September 2026 – English – Beowulf
As we begin the new year, and a new term, our English learning – both Reading and Writing - will be based on the book ‘Beowulf' by Michael Morpurgo.

This week, we will begin immersing ourselves in the story of Beowulf and his determination to help save the kingdom of Heorot. We will be reading the first two chapters together. Everyone in class will have their own copy of the text. We will be using our tracking skills to follow the words and read along with the text.


