Progression Tests

I was extremely happy with the recent results achieved in the Progression Tests and would like to congratulate each student for the dedication and motivation they have shown towards their studies so far this year.

The class managed to achieve:

English - 9 Gold and 8 Silver
Mathematics - 9 Gold, 8 Silver and 1 Bronze
Science - 11 Gold and 6 Silver

Gold level means that, according to the test results, the learner is working above the expectations for the stage,

If the class achieve similar results in the Checkpoint Examinations, I would be one very, VERY, happy teacher!!

Grammar Games

Practise the parts of speech with these online grammar games:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammargames/pandapopPartsofSpeech.htm

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/popup_adjectives_11.25.swf

http://www.funbrain.com/grammar/

http://www.arcademics.com/games/invasion/invasion.html

Poetry Eisteddfod

Well done to the mixed 5B and 5L group who performed ‘Dinosaur Rap’ by John Foster in the Poetry Eisteddfod. Follow the link below to watch the video.

http://youtu.be/h7lLe5ocMlk

Debate

Today, the the Form 5 students enjoyed an afternoon of debating. Last week students were given a topic and asked to research evidence which either supported an argument for or against the topic. It was a great opportunity for students to work in teams and carry out research at home in preparation. 

The topics covered were:

• Should Portugal reinstate Capital Punishment?
• Should Form 5 finish the school day at 3:30pm?
• Should Primary school students be allowed to bring mobile phones to school?

We would like to thank Miss Weston (English secondary department), Mr Evans and Mrs Robinson for offering to be on the judging panel. Mr Bridges and I also selected a student from each class to be on the panel so that they had the opportunity to offer a students perspective on the topics discussed. 

Mr Bridges and I were glad that we did not have to judge the competition as we would have found it very difficult to decide between the groups.

After the scores were counted and verified it was revealed that both classes won 3 debates each!! An excellent result for 5L and 5B and proves that everyone was able to research their topic in detail and contribute to a wonderful afternoon of debating. 

Photographs will follow on the 'class photographs' page. 

Well done to everyone for their participation!

Revision Packs

It is clear from the Progression Test results that most students are completing revision at home in preparation for the Checkpoint Examinations. 

I hope everyone is finding the Homework/Study Club on a Tuesday afternoon useful.

Each student was given a revision booklet for English, Mathematics and Science yesterday. For the next three weeks students should only complete the pages set. After that they can be completed as preparation for the Primary Checkpoint exams.

Mock Checkpoint Examinations

To prepare students as much as possible for the external Checkpoint Examinations, Form 5 will sit practice Checkpoint Examinations for English, Mathematics and Science on March 23rd, 24th and 25th. A timetable closer to the time will be given to all students but it will be similar to the Progression Tests timetable.   

If you have any questions regarding this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Progression Tests

Well done to all students who completed the Progression Tests last week.

The students have been given an examination report today that gives their marks in percentages and states if the mark qualified for a gold (G), silver (S) or bronze (B). Basically, gold means above expectations for the year group, silver means meets expectations and bronze means below expectations for the year group. The examination report also breaks each subject into strands so that learners and parents can better understand their strengths and weaknesses. The report compares the individual to an average of all Cambridge Primary pupils across the world.

The report will provide students with the opportunity to discuss with their peers, and myself, any areas they found challenging. It will also enable students to understand specific topics/concepts that they should revise before the Checkpoint Examination.

Thank you to all parents who ensured their child arrived on time for the exams.

Revision Websites

Remember to copy any useful revision websites to the Blog so that everyone can access the resource. 

Below are some good websites that I have found. 

Mathematics 

Various topics in Mathematics
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2numeracy.html

3D Shape
http://www.starrmatica.com/standalone/starrMatica3DEarthExploration.swf

Symmetry
http://www.innovationslearning.co.uk/subjects/maths/activities/year3/symmetry/shape_game.asp

Rounding
http://www.snappymaths.com/counting/rounding/interactive/round3dto100attack.htm

Remember to use 'Math Antics' on YouTube if you are unsure of any topic(s)



English

Definitely use the website at the right hand side of this page titled 'Literacy Revision'

Various topics in English
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/7-11-years/spelling-and-grammar

http://www.educationquizzes.com/ks2/english




Science

Various topics in Science
http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/science/

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx?cat=68

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/

Progression Tests Timetable

I hope all parents received the email informing them of the days and times of the Progression Tests. 

Each child also received a hard copy along with their workbooks for English, Mathematics and Science.

I hope you all have a great half term 

Reminder

The Parents Information Evening for Form 5 will be at 5pm on Tuesday, 10^th February.

This will be an opportunity for parents to gain further information regarding progress the class is making, challenges they may have and any special events the teacher would like you to be aware of. The Form 5 teachers will also outline revision expectations prior to the Cambridge Checkpoint.

The class presentation will be followed by a Checkpoint presentation from Mrs Costello, who will explain important information for the upcoming Checkpoint examinations; this should be no more than 20 minutes.

Individual Parent meetings will still be on 25^th and 26^th of March.