Our Core Values
We respect the needs and rights of each member of our community.
● We show care, kindness and compassion to others.
● We are supportive of each other.
● We embrace diversity and celebrate individuality.
● We are responsible and honest in our actions.
● We value personal identity and a global mindset.
Our Mission
We provide an outstanding holistic international education to students in an inclusive and nurturing learning environment. We seek to inspire and empower students to succeed in fulfilling their individual potential as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.
Our Aims
● To promote a culture of excellence in teaching and learning.
● To provide a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the international nature of the DBIS student community.
● To encourage internationalism, providing students with the skills, dispositions and knowledge to participate in an increasingly interconnected world.
● To ensure a supportive, happy and secure environment for learning.
● To develop leadership skills and a sense of service to others through a range of extracurricular opportunities locally and internationally.
● To encourage the physical and emotional wellbeing of each individual.
● To use innovative pedagogy and technology to enrich learning.
● To work in partnership with parents, alumni and the local and wider community in the ongoing development of the school.
● To foster a learning community where every student, teacher, staff member, parent and DBIS alumni has an ongoing passion for learning.
WELCOME TO YEAR 5
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are delighted to welcome you to Year 5, which we know will be an incredibly exciting, engaging and challenging year for all the students. In Year 5, they will experience quality learning opportunities throughout the year and will work independently as well as in groups with others.
Reading, Writing and Mathematics make up the core subjects, complemented by an inquiry-learning approach to Discovery, through which the students will continue to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in Science, Geography, History, Art and Design & Technology. Additionally, the students will receive specialist lessons in Mandarin, Learning Technologies (LT), Music and Physical Education (PE). The students will also continue to build on their skills during the many opportunities provided for learning outside the classroom.
We will be beginning the year with a whole-school unit called ‘Creating Our Community & Learning to Learn’, in which the students will be developing their classroom community to best support their learning whilst also learning about how people learn, the role of our brains and the connection between growth mindset, attitude and the ability to learn. There are many exciting learning opportunities to look forward to throughout the year, including our Year 5 show, our residential camp and our ever-evolving Discovery units that will take the students’ learning to the next level.
It is our priority to ensure that each and every student feels happy, confident and engaged in their learning to reach their full potential both academically and socially. To achieve this, we believe that a strong partnership between the teachers, the parents and the students is integral. We wish the very best for all of our Year 5 students – we want them to want to be the very best that they can possibly be.
Best wishes,
Mrs Sarah Marshall, Ms Ciara Dunne, Mr Ciaran Gallagher & Mr Tom Silver
The Year 5 Teaching Team
THE KEY STAGE 2 TEACHING TEAM
YEAR 5 TEAM
Y5SM Teacher (Head of Year) Sarah Marshall smarshall@dbis.edu.hk
Y5CD Teacher Ciara Dunne cdunne@dbis.edu.hk
Y5CG Teacher Ciaran Gallagher cgallagher@dbis.edu.hk
Y5TS Teacher Tom Silver tsilver@dbis.edu.hk
Y5SM/Y5TS Educational Assistant Nidhi Mamgain
Y5CD/Y5CG Educational Assistant Debbie Barnett
YEAR 3 TEAM
Y3AR Teacher (Head of Year) Amie Rae arae@dbis.edu.hk
Y3BW Teacher Bryony Wilson bwilson@dbis.edu.hk
Y3MB Teacher Mikayla Barratt mbarratt@dbis.edu.hk
Y3SS Teacher Simon Skinner sskinner@dbis.edu.hk
Y3AR/Y3SS Educational Assistant Kaylie Malekin
Y3BW/Y3MB Educational Assistant Linda Taylor
YEAR 4 TEAM
Y4KB Teacher (Head of Year) Kelsey Brown kbrown@dbis.edu.hk
Y4EJ Teacher Emma Jones ejones@dbis.edu.hk
Y4KT Teacher Kitty Tam ktam@dbis.edu.hk
Y4LB Teacher Liam Bowden lbowden@dbis.edu.hk
Y4KB/Y4KT Educational Assistant Poonam Malhotra
Y4EJ/Y4LB Educational Assistant Corli Nortje
YEAR 6 TEAM
Y6MP Teacher (Head of Year) Michael Peacock mpeacock@dbis.edu.hk
Y6HK Teacher Helen Kavanagh hkavanagh@dbis.edu.hk
Y6RA Teacher Rachel Ashcroft rashcroft@dbis.edu.hk
Y6SK Teacher Sean Kinder skinder@dbis.edu.hk
Y6MP/Y6SK Educational Assistant Anita Menon
Y6HK/Y6RA Educational Assistant Vivian Yeo
KEY STAFF MEMBERS
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Principal Marc Morris mmorris@dbis.edu.hk
Head of EYFS & Primary Hannah Tait htait@dbis.edu.hk
Deputy Head (EYFS & Primary) Anna Christiansen achristiansen@dbis.edu.hk
Assistant Head (EYFS & Primary) Ruth Brislen-Patel rbrislen-patel@dbis.edu.hk
Assistant Head (EYFS & Primary) Lewis Peck lpeck@dbis.edu.hk
WHOLE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM LEADERS
Chinese & MFL Myra Mi mmi@dbis.edu.hk
Learning Enhancement Serena Clark serenaclark@dbis.edu.hk
Learning Technologies Nicholas Ng nng@dbis.edu.hk
Library Melanie Foti mfoti@dbis.edu.hk
PE & Sport James Lugg jlugg@dbis.edu.hk
Performing Arts Christopher Preddy cpreddy@dbis.edu.hk
PRIMARY CURRICULUM LEADERS
Head of English Gina Clothier gclohier@dbis.edu.hk
Head of English Byrony Wilson bwilson@dbis.edu.hk
Head of Mathematics Liam Bowden lbowden@dbis.edu.hk
Head of Discovery Amie Rae arae@dbis.edu.hk
Head of Experiential Learning Chloe Foster cfoster@dbis.edu.hk
SPECIALIST STAFF
Learning Technologies Bernard McNerny bmcnerney@dbis.edu.hk
Mandarin/PE Evelyn Chia echia@dbis.edu.hk
Mandarin Carol Li cli@dbis.edu.hk
Mandarin Morna Shum mshum@dbis.edu.hk
Mandarin Cindy Xin cxin@dbis.edu.hk
Music Nicole Lau nlau@dbis.edu.hk
Music Mark Thaxter mthaxter@dbis.edu.hk
Physical Education
Physical Education
Physical Education
Sally Cranston scranston@dbis.edu.hk
Robert Dilworth rdilworth@dbis.edu.hk
Emily Hull ehull@dbis.edu.hk
PE, Sport & ECA Administrator Echo Xu yxu@dbis.edu.hk
WELLBEING & PASTORAL STAFF
Head of Wellbeing Jess Hickling jhickling@dbis.edu.hk
School Counsellor
MEDICAL STAFF
Sarah Dunham sdunham@dbis.edu.hk
Health & First Aid Coordinator Kate Yarnall medicalroom@dbis.edu.hk
Health & First Aid Coordinator Jessica Peeters medicalroom@dbis.edu.hk
THE DBIS LEARNER PROFILE
The DBIS Learner Profile is a set of personal learner attributes that are at the heart of our curriculum and the international education we provide for all our students. We actively support our students with their holistic development in order to prepare them for their lives as global citizens. We believe that through the development of these learner attributes and skills, DBIS students will recognise that their time at DBIS has resulted in them being exceptionally well equipped to live successfully in the wider world that awaits them.
FOR DBIS STUDENTS
As DBIS students, you will be supported in actively developing these learner attributes in many ways. They are a guide for your holistic and personal development, and by identifying and acting in ways that develop these attributes, you will become more skilful, empathetic and well-rounded young people. Through considered reflection, you will be genuinely prepared for the wider world that awaits you.
FOR DBIS TEACHERS
The DBIS Learner Profile is a guide to support the holistic development of all learners across all phases of the school. They are common goals that transcend individual curriculum areas and unite us in a shared belief of what all DBIS students can and should become. We embed meaningful learning opportunities throughout the curriculum in order to support this.
FOR DBIS PARENTS
The DBIS Learner Profile demonstrates to you our aspirations for your children. The creation of opportunities to develop these attributes are all around us, and we want to work with you, in partnership, to support your children in the development of these attributes that we truly value.
COMMITTED LEARNERS
Dedicated students who channel their curiosity and develop their intrinsic motivation to learn. As they take risks and learn from mistakes, they grow as resilient, lifelong learners who adapt to their learning environment, establishing mutual respect in pursuit of collective and individual excellence.
MINDFUL LEADERS
Empowered students who build trust to activate and lead others to take action and make a positive difference in the world. They lead with kindness, integrity, honesty and a strong sense of equality and respect for all, nurturing an inclusive and respectful approach to leadership at all levels.
PROBLEM SOLVERS
Adaptive students who think deeply and critically about their learning and apply logic and innovation to identify and solve authentic problems. They set goals, plan and prioritise their approach and keep solution focused as they explore and iterate to discover creative solutions and different strategies.
EFFECTIVE COLLABORATORS
Purposeful students who work together towards a shared goal and promote a collaborative learning culture which is inclusive and celebrates diversity in the perspectives of others. They are confident when working independently but recognise they can be stronger when collaborating together.
BALANCED INDIVIDUALS
Reflective students who value their sense of self and are aware of their emotions and the impact they have on others. They understand the importance of physical, social and emotional balance to achieve personal wellbeing and know when to draw on the support of others.
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
Internationally minded students who act proactively to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment. They are courageous change agents who understand the importance of their role and are proud of the positive contribution and impact they have both locally and globally through service.
CREATIVE THINKERS
Inquisitive students who think creatively and imaginatively, asking great questions in order to enquire and make connections to further their understanding and satisfy their curiosity. They investigate their own lines of inquiry and demonstrate their learning in innovative and creative ways.
CONFIDENT COMMUNICATORS
Articulate students who process, organise and coherently express their thoughts and opinions and actively listen and reflect on the views of others. They carefully consider purpose, audience and style when communicating, interpreting and expressing their ideas.
OUR DBIS LEARNING PRINCIPLES
Our learning experience at DBIS is:
● Enriched through Discovery;
● Achieved through Personalisation;
● Stronger through Community.
Our curriculum is underpinned by our five Learning Principles, which have been developed to ensure all students have access to a learning experience in a through school which is driven by consistent values. Our commitment to these learning principles ensures our students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and achieve optimal learning and development.
The Learning Experience at DBIS is:
- Enriched through Discovery
- Achieved through Personalisation - Stronger through Community
RELATIONAL
At the heart of best practice and the development of the whole child lie strong and meaningful relationships. At DBIS we nurture positive environments where our students are safe and feel a sense of belonging and happiness.
CONNECTED
The DBIS learning experience enables our students to make connections, transfer skills and develop a local and global perspective. Our students develop a strong sense of self-esteem and self-awareness, which enables them to lead sustainable and fulfilling lives.
INTENTIONAL
Intentional learning at DBIS is the mindset of seeing every experience as an opportunity to learn. Learning opportunities are designed and facilitated to ensure that all students develop a love of learning and approach challenges positively, with creativity and independence.
ENRICHED
The DBIS learning experience raises aspirations and creates personal pride in achievement. A greater meaning to learning is given through the cultivation of students’ natural inquiring minds. They are encouraged to be curious and motivated to learn by exploring and expanding their experiences and broadening their interests.
PERSONALISED
Every DBIS learner is valued as an individual. We celebrate students' strengths in order to identify realistic and challenging expectations that are uniquely tailored to each individual's learning journey and meet their specific needs.
DBIS CHARACTER & CULTURE
The Character and Culture policy contains a reflective approach to behaviour and choices, illustrating steps to success as well as a restorative process enabling there to be an agreed understanding between student and staff member.
Through our character and culture approach, positive choices and behaviour are promoted at DBIS so that every student feels supported, happy and secure. We recognise that our students are developing. This can mean that students occasionally make mistakes. We aim to put restorative actions in place that guide and support our students towards making better decisions in the future and also help them to develop a sense of personal responsibility. For more information, please see our policy HERE.
FOR DBIS STUDENTS
As DBIS students, you are expected to continually reflect and develop your character throughout the years, always holding yourself accountable to your choices. This will allow you to become self-aware, self-managing, socially aware and able to develop strong, effective relationships as a key cornerstone of your approach to life.
FOR DBIS STAFF
DBIS staff members are here to guide and support the holistic development of all learners across all phases of the school.
If we witness choices that contravene our school’s character and culture, we address the situation and support students through a restorative approach.
The role of a staff member is to embed and support expected character and culture, using common language and role modelling the values expected of us and our students.
FOR
DBIS PARENTS
DBIS endeavours to build a supportive dialogue between home and the school, and we inform parents immediately if we have concerns about their child's choice(s).
If our school has to use reasonable responses, we ask parents to support the actions of the school. If parents have any concerns about the way their child has been treated, they would initially contact the class teacher.
PASTORAL & COMMUNITY
THE DBIS HOUSE SYSTEM
All students in Years 1 to 6 are assigned to one of the four whole-school houses: Dragon (blue), Griffin (green), Goldhorn (yellow) or Phoenix (purple). Students will be recognised for their achievements with house points, and they will also compete in various disciplines to collect house points throughout the year. The awarding of house points links directly with the DBIS Learner Profile, and they are awarded when students demonstrate the different attributes. Each house has two Year 6 House Captains.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer a range of leadership opportunities for students of all ages at DBIS. The key goals are to enable our students to become ambassadors for our school virtues, to encourage and facilitate them into taking an active role in all aspects of the school community and to encourage them to work with others to achieve the best possible outcome.
STUDENT COUNCIL
The Primary Student Council is made up of representatives from Years 1 to 6 who are voted in at the beginning of the school year by their classes. Student Councillors have the opportunity to represent the wider student body and discuss issues important to them, including charity work and also working on specific projects in conjunction with the Early Years Foundation Stage and Secondary Student Councils. The Student Council representatives meet on a regular basis, working on whole-school projects and supporting local and international charities whilst building relationships with other schools here in Hong Kong.
SCHOOL AWARDS
Each year, the school celebrates the achievement of our students through an awards ceremony, which takes place in June. The awards recognise and celebrate students across EYFS and Primary for academic achievement, progress in learning and service to others in the school community.
STUDENT SAFETY
Student safety is paramount to us here at DBIS, and even within our extremely safe Discovery Bay community, we need to ensure that children are ready to act calmly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drill procedures are carried out each term and involve all staff and students. In the event of a fire, all Primary staff and students are evacuated to the car park in front of the school gates, where class rolls are taken. An email and SMS are sent to all parents following a successful fire drill or evacuation, informing them that all students are safe. Key DBIS Policies can be found HERE.
LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
Lockdown procedures are usually carried out once or twice a year and involve all staff and students. In the unlikely event that the school campus needs to be locked down, all blinds and windows are closed and all staff and students stay silently and safely in a locked area until the all-clear is given over the school tannoy system. Again, parents are informed by email and SMS that all students are safe following any drill.
GUEST VISITORS TO SCHOOL
Any visitor, including ex-students as well as family members or helpers of students attending DBIS, must sign in to school at the security gate during school hours. Outside these hours, visitors need to report to the Main reception. All visitors are required to wear a visitor’s pass at all times whilst on school grounds. Visitors are not permitted to attend classes with students. This is to ensure learning is not disrupted as well as for insurance liability reasons.
TECHNOLOGY
1:1 DEVICES
We provide a one-to-one device for all students in Years 3 to 6. This device is a Chromebook, which the children use at school but do not take home. Children in all year groups also have access to a wide range of technology, including iPads, iMacs and robotics. The school subscribes to several online learning platforms, including Spellodrome, Times Tables Rockstars and WeVideo, which are often used for home learning. This means that children will often need access to a computer or iPad at home.
SCHOOL GOOGLE ACCOUNT
At DBIS, we use Google Apps for Education. This provides students with a Google account including email and an online storage facility. Students use these accounts from Year 2 onwards. The school will assign all usernames and passwords once a student joins the school.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Through weekly Learning Technologies lessons, Digital Citizenship and Learning for Life programmes, we ensure that our students regularly participate in a range of classroom discussions and activities based around issues such as the internet and social media safety. As part of these discussions, lesson topics include the following: protecting one’s online reputation, cyberbullying, internet chat and digital law. At DBIS, we take Digital Citizenship very seriously and believe in working together with parents to ensure we raise a generation of children who will become smart, responsible and respectful digital citizens.
THE YEAR 5 CURRICULUM
MATHEMATICS
By the end of Year 5, the students should be fluent in formal written methods for addition and subtraction. Using their developing knowledge of formal methods of multiplication and division, the students will investigate and solve problems, including those involving properties of number and place value calculations. The students will be making connections between fractions, decimals and percentages and will classify shapes with geometric properties, using the vocabulary needed to describe them. They should also be able to read, spell and pronounce mathematical vocabulary correctly.
The key objectives for each strand of Mathematics are outlined below:
Number & Place Value
● Recognise and use the place value of digits in numbers up to 1 million (1,000,000)
● Use negative numbers, including in contexts such as temperature
● Add and subtract a mix of whole numbers and decimals with different numbers of decimal places using column methods
● Carry out addition and subtraction with numbers larger than four digits
● Multiply a two-digit number by another two-digit number
● Divide three- and four-digit numbers by a one-digit number
● Use rounding to estimate calculations and check answers are of a reasonable size
● Find factors of multiples of numbers, including finding common factors of two numbers
● Know the prime numbers up to 19 by heart, and find primes up to 100
● Use the formal methods of long multiplication and short division
● Multiply and divide numbers mentally by 10, 100 or 1,000
● Recognise and use square numbers and cube numbers
● Recall quickly all the multiplication and division facts for 12 x 12, and use them confidently in larger calculations
Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
● Put fractions with the same denominator into size order, e.g. recognising that 3/5 is larger than 2/5
● Find equivalents of common fractions
● Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers, e.g. recognising that 5/4 is equal to 1 1/4
● Add and subtract simple fractions with related denominators, e.g. 2/3 + 1/6 = 5/6
● Convert decimals to fractions, e.g. converting 0.71 to 71/100
● Round and order decimals to two decimal places
● Recognise and understand percentage (%) as a part of 100, and write a percentage as a fraction and a decimal
Measurements
● Convert between metric units, such as centimetres to metres or grams to kilograms
● Use common approximate equivalents for imperial measures, such as 2.5cm ≈ 1 inch
● Calculate the area of rectangles using square centimetres or square metres
● Estimate volume (in cm3) and capacity (in ml)
Shape & Position
● Draw and measure given angles in degrees
● Compare acute, obtuse and reflex angles
● Calculate missing angles on a straight line (180°), at a point (360°) or within a right angle (90°)
● Use reflection and translation to change the position of a shape
● Identify regular and irregular shapes
Graphs & Data
● Read and understand information presented in tables, including timetables
ENGLISH
In Year 5, your child will increasingly meet a wider range of texts and types of writing and will be encouraged to use their skills in a broader range of contexts.
Speaking & Listening
The Spoken Language objectives are set out for the whole of the Primary School, and our teachers will cover many of them every year as the students’ spoken language skills develop. In Year 5, some focuses may include:
● Maintaining attention and participating actively in collaborative conversations, staying on topic and initiating and responding to comments
● Speaking audibly and fluently using standard English where appropriate
● Gaining, maintaining and monitoring the interest of the listeners
Reading
The students will learn to:
● Read a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays and reference books
● Perform plays and poems using tone, volume and intonation to convey meaning
● Use knowledge of spelling patterns and related words to read aloud and understand new words
● Make comparisons between different books or parts of the same book
● Read a range of modern fiction, classic fiction and books from other cultures and traditions
● Demonstrate active reading strategies, like generating questions to refine thinking
● Summarise ideas drawn from more than one paragraph, identifying key details
● Predict future events from details either written in a text or by ‘reading between the lines’
● Identify how language, structure and presentation contribute to meaning
● Infer characters’ feelings, thoughts and motives from their actions, and justify this with evidence
● Make book recommendations, giving reasons for choices
● Participate in discussions about books, building on and challenging ideas
● Explain and discuss understanding of reading
● Participate in formal presentations about reading and respond to resulting questions
● Provide reasoned justifications for views (point, evidence, explanation)
● Scan a text for keywords and phrases to locate key information
● Explore, recognise and use the terms metaphor, simile and imagery
● Read, reread and read ahead to locate clues to support understanding
Writing
The students will learn to:
● Write neatly, legibly and accurately in a flowing, joined style
● Adapt handwriting for a range of tasks and purposes, including for effect
● Spell accurately all but the most complex words, such as paraphernalia, and the Standard 5 High Frequency Words
● Spell words with silent letters e.g. knight, solemn
● Recognise and use spellings for homophones and other often-confused words from the Standard 5 list
● Confidently use a dictionary to check spelling and meaning
● Identify the audience and purpose before writing, and adapt genre accordingly
● Select from a wide range of imaginative and ambitious vocabulary
● Develop setting, atmosphere and character, using a wide range of narrative techniques, including dialogue, quotation, formal and informal style
● Use different techniques such as opinion, summary, justification or comment to conclude a piece of writing
● Use advanced organisational and presentational devices, such as bullet points, underlining, parenthesis, providing context, footnotes etc.
● Use grammar accurately except when consciously using dialect or colloquialism for purpose and audience
● Use complex sentence structures appropriately
● Use a thesaurus to find synonyms
● Use punctuation and varied sentence length to create effect and sustain interest
● Group things appropriately before or after a main verb e.g. The books, the pens and the pencils were all ready on the table
● Use punctuation to show division between clauses and to create effect
● Use paragraphs consistently and appropriately
● Interweave implicit and explicit links between sections, using adverbials of time (e.g. later), place (e.g. nearby), number (e.g. secondly) or tense choices
● Use ellipses, commas, brackets and dashes in writing
● Use hyphens to avoid ambiguity
● Use semi-colons, colons and dashes between independent clauses
● Use a colon to introduce a list
● Punctuate bullet points consistently
● Use alliteration, onomatopoeia, figurative language, dialect, metaphor and simile to create effect
● Use informal and formal styles with confidence and use passive voice for variety
● Understand and know how to use the following words: modal verb, relative pronoun, relative clause, parenthesis, bracket, dash, cohesion and ambiguity, when talking about writing
DISCOVERY
The Year 5 Discovery units are bespoke, inquiry-based units of learning that we have developed to meet the learning needs of our students. Discovery learning is concept based, which means the learning is not locked in time or place; instead, it is transferable. The Discovery units frame the facts and skills of the subject areas Science, History, Geography, Art and Design & Technology. Through identified subject concepts and conceptual understandings, students have opportunities to develop deeper conceptual thinking and understanding. The Discovery units are underpinned by Learning Technologies and Internationalism and provide a contextual learning experience for the development of English skills.
OUR DISCOVERY UNITS
Year 5 Unit of Inquiry
CREATING OUR COMMUNITY & LEARNING TO LEARN
How will we create our class community? How can we ensure everyone feels welcome, included and safe? What does community mean to us? Are you excited to have access to your own Chromebook? How do you think it will impact your learning? What process will yougothroughtomakethebestuseofit?
In this unit, the students work together to decide what community means to them and how their classroom will represent this. They start to recognise that learning is a process that is influenced by a variety of factors, including a growth mindset. They explore the connection between growth mindset, attitude and learning, and they study the idea of positive psychology and how this can be embedded at the start of the academic year to have a constructive and optimistic impact for their learning over the rest of the year.
FULL POWER
What is energy? How do we use energy? How has it changed over time? Is there enough energy for our future? Do all communities use thesametypesofenergysources?
In this unit, the students explore different sources of energy, how those sources have changed over time, and the impact of our use of energy sources on the environment and communities. They examine how the energy use of a community can impact other places in the world, and they consider the impact of energy production and how its use has led to the development of alternative energy sources.
CONCEPTUAL LENS INTERACTIONS
KEY CONCEPTS
Process, Learning, Growth Mindset, Beliefs, Values, Relationships, Psychology, Potential, Technology, Systems
SUBJECT DRIVERS
Science, Art, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic Wellbeing)
CONCEPTUAL LENS TRANSFORMATION
KEY CONCEPTS
Energy, Process, Power, Environments, Communities, Sources, Opportunities, Health, Education, Socio-Economics, Art
SUBJECT DRIVERS
Science, Art, Geography, Design & Technology
Year 5 Unit of Inquiry
OUR HONG KONG
Hong Kong has grown, adapted and developed as a result of its location, trade and people. So, what do you know about the place in which we live? What were the causes and consequences of the changes that have taken place? How havepeoplechangedthelandscapetoadaptto agrowingpopulation?WhatwillHongKongbe likeinthefuture?
In this unit, the students explore the history of Hong Kong, develop their trading skills, create maps, design new skyscrapers and predict the future. They look for different perspectives on history, follow their own inquiries, and summarise and present their ideas. They act as detectives, historians, explorers, artists, designers, builders and collaborators, all focused on ‘Our Hong Kong’.
INTERSTELLAR – OUR PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE
What is our place in the universe? What inspires space exploration? How might humans need to adapt to survive living on a new planet?
In this unit, the students explore the concept of space exploration, how curiosity and needs have driven space exploration and how humans might survive in a settlement on a new planet. They explore how adaptation and sustainability, along with technological advances in space exploration over time, have led to new discoveries.
CONCEPTUAL LENS CHANGE
KEY CONCEPTS
Tourism, Trade, Time, Needs, Location, Progress, Design, Structures, Purpose, Population, Land, Weather, System, Community
SUBJECT DRIVERS
History, Geography, Design
CONCEPTUAL LENS EXPLORATION
KEY CONCEPTS
Gravity, Planetary Bodies, Solar System, Constellations, Technology, Navigation, Curiosity, Space Exploration, Survival, Environment, Adaptation, Sustainability
SUBJECT DRIVERS
Science, Geography, History, Art, Design & Technology
Year 5 Unit of Inquiry
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti-Racism
How can we make sure everyone feels included and valued in our school community? What can we do to promote understanding and respect for different cultures and backgrounds? What are some practical steps we can take to create a more inclusive and equitable world? How can we use our voices to create positive change in ourowncommunitiesandbeyond?
In this unit, the students develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, religions and backgrounds, as well as an understanding of the impact of discrimination and prejudice on individuals and communities. They develop critical-thinking skills that are essential for navigating a complex and diverse world. Engaged and informed, the students explore ways to contribute positively to our community.
The students also learn all about how we grow and change as we get older. They investigate questions such as “what changes happen to our bodies as we reach puberty?”, “what emotional changes or social influences might we feel?” and “what strategies can help us feel confident, informed and healthy?”
CONCEPTUAL LENS
IDENTITY & PERSPECTIVE
KEY CONCEPTS
Foundation, Progress, Language, Meaning, Understanding, Reflection, Creativity, Beliefs, Values, Relationships, Performance
SUBJECT DRIVERS
Art, Science, History, Drama, RSE (Relationships & Sexual Education), Geography
LEARNING FOR LIFE
Learning for Life is the title of our Personal, Social and Health Education programme (PSHE). Learning for Life is a planned programme of learning through which students acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives. As part of a whole-school approach, the students learn about how their bodies develop and change and they develop the qualities and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of their global society.
Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) is an important part of the Learning for Life course. We teach lessons about RSE across the school throughout different parts of the school year, integrating the concepts where they will correlate meaningfully with the students' learning.
The Primary School objectives provide a critical foundation for learners whilst exploring attitudes to help young people shape their understanding of themselves and their bodies.
SPECIALIST TEACHING
In Primary, Mandarin, Physical Education (PE), Music and Learning Technologies (LT) are all taught by specialist teachers. Year 5 students have Mandarin three times a week and PE twice a week. They also have LT and Music lessons each week. In addition, LT specialist teachers work with class teachers to develop additional opportunities for the transformative use of technology in the students’ classrooms.
LIBRARY
Promoting a love of reading is a mindset we are dedicated to at DBIS, and our library plays an essential role in this. Year 5 students visit the library weekly with their teacher and our school librarian to take out books and develop their library skills. The library is open from 8am until 4pm daily. Students can visit the library with their parents before or after school. The library can also be accessed online HERE
ASSEMBLIES
A Primary School celebration assembly is held once a week, on a Friday afternoon, for all Primary students and their teachers. The students will also take part in monthly Learning for Life assemblies.
HOME LEARNING
Consolidating learning at home helps students become more independent and allows them to deepen the understanding of learning they have enjoyed in the classroom. Home learning will be given weekly, with an opportunity for the students to share and celebrate their achievements with their teacher and peers. Alongside this, the students are expected to read for 20 minutes each night and record this in their communication diaries. They should check their online learning portfolio on Seesaw once a week as this will highlight current areas of learning and development in Mathematics, Discovery and English. We ask that parents celebrate and support their child’s learning by checking Seesaw for teacher comments. By discussing the Seesaw tasks, parents can help to consolidate and deepen their child’s understanding of in-school activities.
Additionally, the students will have access to Times Tables Rock Stars to practise their times tables and Spelling Shed to practise their spellings for the week. These activities can be completed at a convenient time at least once a week. This provides the students with greater opportunities to explore their own interests, linked to their learning at school, whilst also managing and organising their time accordingly.
DAY-TO-DAY SCHOOL LIFE
SCHOOL HOURS
Your child should be at school by 8.20am to organise their school belongings and have a few minutes to greet their friends. This will enable them to be ready to walk confidently into the class when the bell rings at 8.25am.
In Year 5, students participate in learning activities as soon as the school day begins, so it is therefore imperative that they are punctual. If students arrive at school after 8.30am, please ensure that they go to the Primary office to be registered before joining their class. Please remember that punctuality encourages a positive attitude and really helps our students.
The school day ends at 3.10pm. If the children have an ECA, they will go straight to their club, otherwise they should head home. The campus is closed from 3.20pm to all families unless there is an event or an ECA taking place.
SNACK & LUNCHTIME
At the Main Campus, morning break time is known as snack time. It starts at 10.05am and lasts for 20 minutes. The students will enjoy their snack in the classroom with their teacher and classmates before going outside to play.
Lunchtime starts at 12.10pm and lasts for 45 minutes. The students have a supervised 15-minute lunch break at 12.10pm, when they eat before going out to play. There is an option for students to purchase a hot or cold lunch from the Boardwalk Cafeteria. Parents can choose from a daily menu through a pre-payment system.
Helpful Hints
● Pack a snack separately from lunch, and make sure your child knows which is which.
● Drinks should be in a spill-proof, child-friendly container.
● Snacks should not be too large as time is limited and we also want the children to have plenty of opportunity for playing with friends from across the year group.
● An ice pack or insulated lunch box can help keep lunches cool.
● We encourage all children to be environmentally friendly and bring a lunch with as little packaging as possible.
● Hot lunches or lunches which are delivered must be brought on time by 11.30am.
● If delivering lunches to school, please take them to the cafeteria, not to the children’s classrooms.
Please note: the use of mobile phones is not permitted around the school grounds.
CAFETERIA
Our school cafeteria is open before and after school and at morning break and lunchtime. The Boardwalk Cafeteria serves hot meals (including a vegetarian option) as well as snacks and drinks. Students can purchase a swipe card from the cafeteria manager any time, enabling a cashless option when purchasing meals. The cafeteria also accepts Octopus cards. School lunches can be preordered for your children should you wish them to have a hot meal every lunchtime. Lunch enrolment forms and menus from Chartwells, who operate the Boardwalk Cafeteria, are available on the Parent Hub HERE.
END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
The students will be dismissed by their teachers at the classroom door. The school day ends for Primary students at 3.10pm.
STUDENT SUPERVISION BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL
All students should be collected by an adult, unless they have been given permission to leave independently. Parents of students in Years 3 to 6 who want them to walk home without an adult are required to fill in a permission form in order for us to release the children unaccompanied. The permission form can be found on the Parent Hub HERE.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & CLUBS
A range of extracurricular activities (ECAs) is available to all children at DBIS. Each term, you will be notified of the ECAs available to your child’s age group and provided with information on how to register an interest in joining, via SchoolsBuddy. Please note some ECAs have a maximum capacity.
The majority of ECAs at DBIS are offered free of charge; however, there may be some paid activities delivered by external providers. Any paid selections will be invoiced to parents directly by the external service provider.
From time to time, ECAs may need to be cancelled. The most common cause of this is inclement weather. In the event of cancellation, parents will be notified via SchoolsBuddy.
NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
The school provides Year 5 students with pencils, crayons, books and stationery. Parents are asked to provide:
● A named school bag that fits inside their child’s locker
● A reading book folder (large plastic zipped wallet)
● A library book folder (large plastic zipped wallet)
Students should be encouraged to be responsible for their own belongings and to pack their own school bag.
They must bring their reading folders to school every day as well as their student diary. School bags should be collected from lockers at home time by the students (not by parents or helpers). Please ensure all personal items are clearly labelled.
VALUABLES & TOYS
Toys must not be brought to school unless requested specifically by the class teacher for a topic. The teacher will then keep the toy safe in the classroom.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS & SCOOTERS
Parents/caregivers have a significant role to play in the students’ safety, including accepting responsibility for the students’ behaviour and wellbeing whilst travelling to and from school. We ask that all children who cycle, skate or scoot to and from school wear a helmet whilst doing so. Please note that the school is not responsible for any accident or injury arising from students cycling, skating or scooting to or from school. The school is also not responsible for damage to, or loss of, bicycles, skateboards or scooters.
SMART WATCHES
Children in Years 1 to 6 are not permitted to wear smart watches. We encourage you to purchase an analogue watch, which will support your child in learning to tell the time.
Teachers will ask students to remove smart watches if they are brought into school, and parents will be asked to collect them at the end of the day from the school office.
MOBILE PHONES
We do not permit our Primary students to use mobile phones at any time during the school day and would ask that they are not sent in to school with students. Our students’ bags are kept on pegs or in lockers in the corridors, and we therefore cannot guarantee the safety of any mobile devices if left in students’ bags.
LOST PROPERTY
All lost and found items are kept in the cupboards in the covered area by the Year 1 and 2 classrooms. We ask that all student clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name. At specific times throughout the year, we will put all lost and found items on display, and if unclaimed, we will donate these items to one of our school charities.
MEDICAL CARE
If a child becomes unwell whilst at school, they will be taken to the school nurse. The school nurse will evaluate the child’s medical condition and decide if they need to be collected from school. The time of handover to a parent or caregiver is noted, and the classroom teacher is made aware.
If a child has a minor complaint or accident, the school nurse will administer first aid and care in the medical room. In the case of a more serious concern, the school will contact the parents and/or emergency services and will make medical decisions based on doctor’s recommendations. Parents will be systematically informed if the school contacts emergency services, but it may not always be possible to do this in advance of making an emergency call.
The school’s nurse is not authorised to administer mild medications, such as paracetamol, without parental permission. Prescribed medication can be administered on completion of the Prescribed Medicines Permission Form linked HERE. Please note that although the school provides limited medical insurance for all students whilst they are in our care, the insurance may not cover all medical costs. Therefore, parents should make sure that students have sufficient medical coverage in addition to what the school provides.
UNIFORM
DBIS has a compulsory school uniform. Information regarding uniforms can be found on the Parent Hub HERE
Our uniform shop is located on the Main Campus and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.15am to 12pm and on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 4pm during term time. If possible, we ask you to please bring your own carrier bag with you to take away uniform items.
Some key points to remember:
School Shoes
All children must wear plain black school shoes. High-top or canvas shoes are not acceptable.
Sun Hats
All students must have a school hat for outdoor PE and playtime. We have a ‘no hat –no play’ policy.
Jewellery
Watches and small stud earrings are permitted (but must be covered or removed for PE). No other jewellery is permitted to be worn to school.
Physical Education Uniform
Children in Years 1 to 6 can wear their PE kit all day on PE days. Please refer to the Parent Hub for further information on the PE uniform list.
Sports Shoes
Students should wear appropriate footwear that adequately supports their feet during PE lessons and sports activities. Sports shoes should be free from flashing lights or obvious pictures.
Make-up
Make-up, nail varnish and temporary tattoos are not permitted to be worn to school. Parents will be asked to ensure these are removed if a child arrives at school wearing any of the items listed above.
Hair
Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back. Hair dye is only allowed if a natural colour. Parents will be asked to wash out unnatural hair products.
Cold Weather
During colder months, please ensure you purchase items from the cold weather uniform list for your child to wear. Non-uniform items should not be worn.
ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE
Regular attendance at school is essential for students to achieve their full potential, and we appreciate your support in helping us maintain high attendance rates at DBIS. We expect all students to aim for 100% attendance and to make every effort to attend school every day. We closely monitor attendance to ensure that students are attending school regularly.
For your information, please see the statistics below:
● 96% attendance = 7 learning days lost
● 95% attendance = 9 learning days lost
● 90% attendance = 19 learning days lost
● 89% attendance = 21 learning days lost
● 85% attendance = 28 learning days lost
If we notice that a student is missing school frequently or for an extended period of time, we will reach out to parents to discuss the situation and provide support. We reserve the right to intervene when we feel it is necessary to support a student's attendance and academic progress. This includes situations where a student has been absent for an extended period of time or has repeatedly missed school.
Notification of Absence
If your child is absent from school, it is important that you let us know why. You can report your child’s absence using the online form, which can be found on the Parent Hub HERE
Late Arrival at School
If your child is late for school and arrives any time after 8.30am, they need to be brought to the Primary office to be registered and signed in to school. They can then go and join their class. This way, we know your child will be safely registered without interrupting the learning that will already have started in the classrooms.
Early Dismissal
If a student needs to leave school before the end of the day (3.10pm), they are required to inform their class teachers and exit via the Primary School office, where they must sign out before leaving the school premises. The sign-out slip needs to be given to the security guard when exiting the campus. Primary School children will not be allowed to leave school during the school day without an adult.
Parental Absence
We know that our families have commitments all over the world, and this often requires travel. Please notify the school if you are planning to take a trip out of Hong Kong for more than a day. We know that parental absence, even for the shortest of periods, can sometimes unsettle children at school, so letting the school know when you are away from home helps ensure your child is fully supported when in school.
The school office will require details of appointed guardians and emergency telephone numbers in case we need them, and we will be able to keep a close eye on your child in your absence.
COMMUNICATION
OUR COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
We view our parents as the children’s first teachers; therefore, clear communication between home and school is essential. Our communication system utilises the following platforms to communicate with our parent community:
The Parent Hub
The Parent Hub is our main platform for communication between school and home. All communication to parents regarding upcoming events and information can be found on the Parent Hub. Any calendared event will have a parent bulletin on the Hub approximately two weeks prior to the event taking place. All bulletins are sent to parents in a consolidated email each Saturday so that parents can organise the forthcoming two weeks. The Parent Hub also contains the current DBIS school calendar, which details term dates as well as the dates of upcoming school events.
iSAMS Parent Portal & App
Parents can access all student-specific information via the iSAMS Parent Portal and app. This platform is used to communicate confidential information about your child, such as school reports and attendance data. The app can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play Store. The school code is DBIS, and you will need your personal iSAMS username and password to log on.
Electronic Learning Journey (Seesaw)
Throughout your child’s time in Year 5, we will record their learning in an electronic learning journey (Seesaw) to celebrate their experiences. Over time, it will tell a story about your child and their learning, their friends and the activities they enjoyed sharing with others.
The electronic learning journey may include:
● Photographs and videos – these capture moments and sequences of your child’s learning, interests and explorations
● Your child’s creations – these could be photos of models, their role play, marks they have made, writing or artwork – with a comment to explain what your child did or said
In Year 5, the children use Seesaw independently to document aspects of their learning journey.
Student Diary
Students in Year 5 will have a student diary which includes a reading log, the spellings the children are expected to learn by the end of the year and the times/division tables they should learn. Teachers will check the student diary each week, and parents should record in it a log of the children’s reading.
SchoolsBuddy Platform
All information about your ECAs can be found via the SchoolsBuddy platform. A personal username and password to log in to SchoolsBuddy will be shared with you. Once you are logged in, you will be able to see all of the activities your child in involved with.
School Newsletter
Each Friday, the school’s newsletter is emailed to parents. The newsletter provides a snapshot of the week’s events across all phases of the school.
DBIS Website
The school’s website, linked HERE, is a window into the school, giving parents access to information on all aspects of the school’s operations as well as teaching and learning approaches. The website also provides parents with a link to the Parent Hub.
Parent–Teacher Conferences & Reports
We have an open-door policy at DBIS, and parents are welcome to pass on information at the door each morning and afternoon. For matters that require longer discussion, parents are encouraged to make appointments with the teachers to ensure we can give you the time and space required.
In addition to the ongoing contact with class teachers, we have a number of formal times for parents and teachers to discuss the children’s progress and set targets. We also provide a short report at the end of Term 1 detailing your child’s attainment in each subject as well as a detailed report at the end of each academic year.
Parent–Teacher Conferences occur three times a year (twice in Term 1 and once in Term 2). In addition, open mornings and celebrations of learning are held for the children to share their learning with parents. These opportunities enable our children to develop their communication skills by articulating their learning journey throughout the year.
KEEPING SCHOOL INFORMED
Contacting Teachers
If you wish to communicate with your child’s teacher, please email them directly. As teachers are in class with students all day, please allow up to 24 hours for a response to emails. For time-sensitive issues, please email the school office at dbis@dbis.edu.hk, and the email will be forwarded to the teacher directly.
Permission Forms
School trips form an integral part of our school curriculum, and we like to immerse our students in learning outside the classroom wherever we can. We have immediate access to the mountains and beaches here in Discovery Bay, and the children love to learn outside. All parents are regularly asked to sign an online permission form, which gives students advance permission to attend all local school trips.
Personal Information
It is very important for the school to have complete, up-to-date information about all of our students and those whom we may need to contact in case of emergency. Please make sure that you inform the school immediately of any changes to contact details, names, telephone numbers or addresses. The Student Contact Details Change Form for this can be found on our Parent Hub HERE
It is also imperative that you let the school know of any allergies, medical conditions or ongoing medication your child has. Student Medical Profiles can also be updated via the our Parent Hub HERE. These details must be kept up to date at all times.
WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS
To withdraw a student, notice in writing by parents must be given to the Head of School not less than 60 days (excludes July and August) before the student leaves the school. If students are not returning to DBIS after the summer holidays, official notice must be given 60 days before the last day of term. The school will charge school fees in lieu if the above notice period is not adhered to.
HOW PARENTS CAN GET INVOLVED
PARENT PARTNERSHIPS
We actively recognise that parents are a child’s first – and most important – teachers, and we work hard to build strong, positive and supportive relationships between school and home. Working in partnership with parents enables us to provide the best support possible for every child.
CLASS PARENTS
Every year, we are delighted to welcome one or two class parents for each class. These parents are a huge support for us, welcoming new families, helping out with trips and organising parental support for many of the activities undertaken by the students. Class parents are a link between the wider parent group and the school and are invaluable. If you are interested in becoming a class parent, please approach your class teacher at the start of the academic year.
PTSA
We have a very active Parent–Teacher–Student Association (PTSA) who work tirelessly to support our school. More information about the PTSA can be found on the Parent Hub HERE, and they can be contacted at ptsa@dbis.edu.hk
PARENT FOCUS GROUP
There is a Parent Focus Group, which meets with the Head of EYFS & Primary each term to discuss different areas of school life. Do register your interest at the start of each year by emailing Hannah Tait, Head of EYFS & Primary, at htait@dbis.edu.hk if you would like to join this group.
ADVERSE WEATHER
As you will be aware, Hong Kong is subject to extreme weather conditions from time to time. The Education Bureau of the Hong Kong government stipulates that when certain rain warnings and typhoon signals are in place, we are to follow their directives:
● Typhoon Signal Number 1
All phases of the school will operate as normal.
● Typhoon Signal Number 3 or Above
DBIS EYFS campus will be closed. DBIS Primary and Secondary Schools will operate as normal.
● Typhoon Signal Number 8 or Above
DBIS EYFS, Primary and Secondary Schools will be closed. Static learning activities will be available for the children to access remotely by 10am on the morning of a T8 school closure.
● Amber Rainstorm Warning
DBIS EYFS, Primary and Secondary Schools will operate as normal.
● Red or Black Rainstorm Warning
If a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning is issued before the start of the day, DBIS EYFS, Primary and Secondary Schools will be closed for students. Static learning activities will be available for the children to access remotely by 10am on the morning of a rainstorm school closure.
In the event of a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning being issued during the day, the school will continue until the end of normal hours and children will be retained until conditions are safe for them to return home.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION
Please familiarise yourself with the school’s Severe Weather Policy regarding the closure of school. The school website will display weather warnings and notification of school closure where applicable.
