Welcome to Year 5-6!
A warm welcome to Year 5/6! Our teaching team includes Miss McGullion, Miss Varley, Mrs Brannigan, Mrs Hussain, Mrs Chadureey, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Cahoon, Mr Rudd and Miss Roberts.
In Year 5/6, we strive to inspire a genuine love of learning that goes beyond the classroom and touches every child’s life. We want our pupils to be excited about school, fully engaged in their learning, and confident in sharing their ideas with kindness, respect, and cooperation.
We believe education should be inspiring, challenging, and supportive, preparing children to face life’s challenges with resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Through high expectations, meaningful challenges, memorable experiences, and reflective learning, we help children develop a strong sense of self and a deep respect for their communities.
What's special about Year 5/6?
As childrens’ final years at St Thomas’, Year 5/6 is a unique and memorable time filled with new opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences. Students can take on important roles such as head boy or head girl, join the school council, participate in the ethos team, or become subject ambassadors, serving as role models for the whole school. They also look forward to special trips, including an exciting residential near the year’s end for Year 6, which fosters independence, teamwork, and lasting memories. A major focus is preparing for secondary school, with support, visits, and transition activities to help every child feel confident, resilient, and ready for the next phase of their learning journey.
In Year 5/6, 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.
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 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.
Miss Varley
I have worked at St Thomas’ school for over twenty years- the majority of the time in year 6. Working with the children in their final year at this school is something I truly enjoy-it's such a significant year for children, full of growth, challenges, and preparation for the next big step before high school. Teaching is something I genuinely love-I get to build meaningful relationships with your child, watch them learn and develop, and be part of their journey during such a formative time in their lives.
Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy reading, walking and going watching shows at the theatre. A fun fact about me is that I used to do Irish dancing when I was younger!
Miss McGullion
I have been teaching for eight years, with most of that time spent in Year 6. I love working with upper Key Stage 2 and helping pupils grow in confidence and independence as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.
As Reading Lead, I’m passionate about promoting a love of reading across the whole school. I enjoy helping children discover books that inspire and excite them, and supporting staff in developing engaging reading opportunities for all learners.
In the classroom, I set high expectations in a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and fun. I believe children achieve their best when they feel challenged, valued, and happy.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. I love long walks and exploring new places, and I especially enjoy sharing books - both my own and with my two daughters during our regular reading time together.
Mrs Mitchell
I have worked at St Thomas’ school for nearly twenty years. During that time I have worked in all of the classes, enjoying helping, supporting and watching the children learn and grow.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking my dog and I also love football. At least one day over the weekend is a football day either watching it on TV or going to a live game!
Mrs Hussain
I have worked with children for 20 years, eight of which have been at St Thomas. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a teaching assistant, as each day brings new challenges and rewarding moments — whether it’s supporting children in their learning or watching them grow socially and emotionally.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, going for walks, and exploring new places.
Miss Roberts
I have worked at St Thomas as a 1:1 assistant for the past four years, during which I’ve had the opportunity to support pupils across all phases of the school. What I enjoy most about my role is helping children achieve their goals and finding creative, engaging ways to support their learning.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending my time reading and completing jigsaw puzzles. I also love making memories and spending quality time with my family and friends.
