Welcome to Year 5!
Year 5 is a special and exciting stage where children work hard, support one another, and create lasting memories together. Our dedicated teaching team – Miss Moores, Mrs Brannigan, Mr Rudd, Mrs Crompton, and Mrs Cahoon – are committed to providing a rich and varied curriculum that nurtures both academic progress and personal growth.
We value individuality, respect, and kindness, and we strive to create a happy, supportive environment where every child can flourish. In Year 5, pupils are encouraged to take on new responsibilities, rise to challenges, and develop confidence in sharing their ideas with others.
Our aim is to inspire a genuine love of learning that reaches beyond the classroom. Through engaging lessons, memorable experiences, and opportunities to reflect, we help children build resilience, curiosity, and empathy – skills that will prepare them not only for Year 6, but for life beyond school.
What's special about Year 5?
Year 5 is filled with new learning opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences. Pupils have the chance to take on important roles within the school community, such as joining the school council, participating in the ethos team, or becoming subject ambassadors. These responsibilities allow them to develop leadership skills while serving as positive role models for others.
They can also look forward to special trips, including an adventurous visit to the Crocky Trail, which encourages physical activity, teamwork, and the creation of lasting memories.
In addition, many children will have the opportunity to represent the school in sporting events and competitions. These experiences not only help to develop their athletic abilities but also promote teamwork, resilience, and good sportsmanship.
In Year 5, we’re lucky to have specialist teachers who inspire the children in music, art, and computing. Our fantastic new library offers a wide range of books, while each classroom has dedicated spaces to support learning. Every child is also allocated their own iPad for the school year, giving them exciting opportunities to explore, create, and learn in interactive ways.
How We Learn
As a one and a half form entry school, we have a unique structure that allows us to make the most of every child’s learning journey. Within each phase there is a mixed age class, and an additional teacher works alongside us every morning so that our Year 5 and Year 6 children can access maths, literacy and reading at the level that suits them best.
Across the wider curriculum, we follow a two-year rolling programme which ensures that every Year 5 and 6 objective is taught and revisited in a balanced, engaging way. This means children benefit from a broad and carefully planned learning experience. Alongside whole-class teaching, small group interventions run throughout the year to provide targeted support where needed. Together as an Upper Key Stage team, we create a friendly, supportive environment for all our children.
Past Pupil Testimonial
“Year five was one of the most exciting and memorable years I have ever had, I truly enjoyed every part of it.
One of the highlights for me was our amazing trip to the Crocky Trail near Chester. We got to go on slides and have lots of fun together as a class whilst taking on some of the challenges at were there. I especially loved the Flusher ride which was a really fun and thrilling experience with my friends.
I also enjoyed the Art lessons we had with Mr Naughton, as he always encouraged us to be creative and to experiment with new ideas and techniques. He made each project feel special.
Another unforgettable moment was when we designed and built our own bridges in groups. That was a lot of fun.
Year 5 was a year full of learning and adventure!” - Victoria
Miss Moores
I am an experienced teacher and have worked in Upper Key Stage Two at St Thomas’ for over 13 years. In that time, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful children. I love teaching, every day is rewarding and I feel very fortunate to guide children through such an important stage in their life.
When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and my much-loved little dog. I also enjoy travelling, going to the gym, riding my bike and going for long walks in the countryside. A fun fact about me is that chocolate is my favourite treat!
Mrs Brannigan
I have been at St Thomas’ for 8 years and have worked with years 5 and 6 since the beginning. I really enjoy working with the children at such a fundamental times in their lives as they prepare for their next big step into secondary school. It is such a pleasure to see such growth in the children in their final years of primary school.
Outside of school, I spend a lot of time with my family, walking my dog and, when I get chance, I love binge watching a good series or reading a book! I have always loved animals so I also spend a lot of my free time at the zoo or visiting the farm.
Mrs Crompton
I have been lucky enough to work with children for over 20 years and joined St Thomas 7 years ago. I love being a teaching assistant because I get to help students learn and build their confidence and I also enjoy being a help and support to teachers in the classroom. My favourite lessons are those which involve Art or Design Technology.
When I’m not at school, I am either flying to Australia to spend time with my family, walking or playing pickle ball. An interesting fact about me is that I lived in the Canary Islands for several years.
Mrs Cahoon
I have worked with children and young people for over 20 years and been a teaching assistant at St Thomas for 4 years. I thoroughly enjoy being a teaching assistant and supporting each child on their learning journey.
At home, I am a mother of 4 children and in my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with them, walking the dog and reading books.
Mr Rudd
I have worked in Primary Schools for over 14 years and been at St Thomas’ for the past 9 of them, working in all Key Stages throughout my time. I enjoy getting to know the children and watching them flourish and grow and being a part of the learning journey.
At home I like to do many different activities with my family such as visiting farms, castles and trying other new experiences. I also enjoy playing board games with friends.
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