Year five is an exciting year for Key Stage 2 children. For the first time they become residents of the upper storey, and have the advantage of extremely large and spacious classrooms.

As some of the older children in the school, they are given the opportunity to participate in peer mediator training. After this has taken place, some children are selected to take on the responsible role of a peer mediator when they are in year six. The children are then given the task of looking out for those who have difficulties during lunch and playtimes.

 The topics covered in year 5 are very interesting.  The children learn about the Tudors, Mountains, Rivers, The Aztecs and St Lucia. They have visits to Malham Cove, Temple Newsam and a variety of religious buildings. Towards the end of the year the children are made aware of some of the more sensitive issues they will meet as they mature: the dangers of drugs and how their bodies will change.

 In December the children have the opportunity to take part in the upper Key Stage 2 pantomime. Everyone seems to enjoy this event and the talent which is unearthed  is always amazing!

 Before the year finishes the children are offered the chance to have cycle training, provided by Leeds City Council. This is an excellent opportunity to improve their awareness of road safety.

 In the last half term the whole of year five learns how to play the steel pans. They have a day’s training  then perform for the whole school and parents in the Friday assembly. It really is great fun!

Year 6 is an important year for the children in school. They work very hard in preparation for the end of Key Stage 2 assessments (SATs) and in readiness for high school.

We want the children to have a very memorable final year at Highfield and, therefore, in addition to the regular Year 5/6 visits, lots of other exciting trips and events are planned: a day on personal safety at  Ripon Barracks, an opportunity to develop their skills in robotics and digital animation at a local computer centre and, more recently introduced, a day  orienteering at Harrogate Showground.

 Possibly, the highlight of the year for many children is the week long residential to Marrick Priory where the children can try out archery, caving, climbing, orienteering and the zip wire, amongst other things.

At the end of the year, the children say a special thank you to their parents and teachers by putting on a special ‘Year 6 Play’. Past performances include The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Oliver-With a Twist, Robin Hood and the Pirates of Penzance to name a few. 

In the last week of the summer term, the children are taken out to a local bowling alley and then out for tea as a final special treat. This is paid for by the Friends of Highfield.