A very warm welcome to all of our children and families in 5.6S! I am Mrs McCrudden, and I will be teaching your child this year. Supporting our class is Mrs Barry, our fantastic teaching assistant, who plays an important role in helping every child feel supported, confident and ready to succeed.

We have already made a brilliant start to the year and have a fun-filled year planned ahead. Throughout the year, we will explore the lives of three inspirational figures from history, bringing learning to life through practical activities, exciting investigations, educational visits and creative opportunities. We love encouraging curiosity and helping children develop a genuine love of learning.

This year, our learning will take us through two of the most significant periods in modern history. We began by learning about John McCrae, the soldier, doctor and poet best known for writing In Flanders Fields during World War One. Through his story, the children have explored the experiences of those who lived and fought during the war and reflected on the importance of remembrance. Later in the year, we will learn about Queen Elizabeth II and her remarkable life of service. Her childhood during World War Two and her experiences during wartime help us understand how the conflict shaped Britain and influenced future generations.

We will also explore Crime and Punishment through the Ages, investigating how laws, crimes and punishments have changed from the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings through to the modern day. The children will compare different time periods, examine historical evidence and consider how society's views on justice have evolved over time.

Reading is at the heart of life in 5/6S. Through high-quality texts, class discussions and independent reading, we encourage children to become confident, thoughtful readers who enjoy exploring new ideas and broadening their understanding of the world around them.

As our Year 5 and Year 6 children continue their journey through their final years at Elton, we support them in becoming independent, resilient and responsible learners. For our Year 6 pupils in particular, this is an important year as they begin preparing for their transition to secondary school, and we will be there to guide and support them every step of the way.

Please keep an eye on our Class Dojo page, where we regularly share updates and celebrate the fantastic things happening in our classroom. If you would like to discuss anything regarding your child, please feel free to message me on Class Dojo, speak to me at the end of the school day, or arrange an appointment through the school office.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year together, full of learning, friendship, challenge, laughter and success.