2023-2024

3.1

English

In English this half term, we are focusing on 'Francis' - a short film by Dave Eggers. This fictional film is based on the story of Francis Brandywine; a girl who went missing whilst on a camping trip in Canada many years ago! We will use this stimulus to focus on the themes of wilderness, mystery and the natural world. Children will develop their writing styles and create setting descriptions, write letters and focus on figurative and emotive language.

Maths

In maths, our focus will be on fractions, decimals and percentages. We will refine our knowledge from Year 4 to learn how to use the long method for multiplication and the short method for division including the interpretation of remainders. We will also begin looking at shape, space and measure.

Topic

Our topic for this half term is 'Why do Oceans Matter?'. We will learn about the oceans of the world before looking in more detail at some of the contrasting oceans and their uses. We will find out about the ecology, geology and key locations in different areas of our planet. We will bring together our learning about an area of eastern Europe with field research in our local area.

Science
      

In Science this term, our topic is Life Cycles and Reproduction. We begin by looking at how plants reproduce in different ways and how humans can affect this. We will then go on to study how different types of animals (mammals, reptiles, birds etc.) reproduce and how this affects life cycles. To finish the topic, the children will find out how environment can affect life cycles and research famous naturalists from around the world.

2.2

In English, we will be looking at Macbeth as part of our learning for Shakespeare week and our work with the Shakespeare Trust. We will be learning how to read Shakespearean texts using a combination of classic and abridged versions before writing a letter from Macbeth to his wife, the devious and cunning Lady Macbeth.

In maths, our focus will be on the operations of multiplication and division. We will refine our knowledge from Year 4 to learn how to use the long method for multiplication and the short method for division including the interpretation of remainders. We will also begin looking at the interpretation and creation of statistics, and analyse data from a range of sources and variations.

Topic: Our new topic is called, 'How did the Maya civilisation compare to the Anglo-Saxons?' We will be comparing the Maya and the Anglo-Saxons, learning  mainly about the Maya civilisation. We will investigate how the Maya settled in the rainforests of South America, their religious beliefs, homes and what archaeological remains tell us about Maya cities. Using primary evidence, we will examine theories into how the Maya cities declined.

2.1

English: We will be continuing to consolidate our learning of key grammar constructs whilst looking at a wider range of forms, genres and structures. Our English work will be loosely tied with our learning in topic sessions about the Alps, but also on abstract narratives and poems.

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on fractions, written methods for long multiplication and percentages and decimals. We will continue to improve the consistency and accuracy of our key recall of known facts and use them to free up our working memory when solving complex problems.

Topic: Our topic for this half term is, 'What is life like in the Alps?'. Children will be focusing on the Alps, major mountains of the world and the UK. We will find out the different ways in which the Alps have been formed, and how different physical and human features of the mountain ranges have been shaped over time. We will have the opportunity to consider what the weather is like in a mountainous environment and to evaluate the impact that tourism has on mountainous regions.

Science: Our science topic for this half term is 'Properties and Changes of Materials'. During this unit of work, we will be looking at different materials, their uses and properties as well as dissolving, separating mixtures and irreversible changes. We will sort and classify materials according to their properties and find suitable materials for different purposes.

1.2

English: We are working on many of the key grammar objectives for Year 5 including: relative clauses, the growing range of punctuation of the curriculum and modal verbs while recapping objectives from last year. The children are studying a variety of genres and structures including letters, diary entries, non-chronological reports and newspaper articles. During guided reading sessions, we are focusing on inference skills.

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on multiplication and division. The children will be studying mental methods of both of these operations; multiples of different integers and common multiples; factors of numbers and common factors, and prime numbers. Links will be made as the children progress through this unit and the knowledge gained here will be important as we begin our work on fractions.

Topic: Our topic this half term is called Stone Age to Iron Age. We will be investigating key sites around the UK and looking at how historical advances in technology has affected life in the modern day.

Investigating factor pairs in maths.

Using counters to identify prime numbers by using arrays.

In maths today, we have worked on converting imroper fractions to mixed numbers.

In science, we have tested the water resistance of different shapes.

We have used the chronological timeline of Stonehenge to build our own scale models.

During safety week, we learned how to cross the road safely.

1.1

English: We are exploring the world of Gothic literature, in particular, ‘Goth Girl: Ghost of a Mouse’ by Chris Riddell. We are examining the gothic elements of the text and studying character, creating character profiles and descriptions using authorial intent and paying close attention to vocabulary choices. The mysterious character of Lucy Borgia will be our focus as we dive into a fantastic story!

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on number and place value. We are looking at numbers to one million, rounding, estimating and Roman numerals. We are also beginning to look at more explicit ways of calculating mentally and by using compact, shortened written methods. We will be applying our learning of new mathematical concepts to real life problems and will focus upon reasoning with our new skills!

Topic: Our topic for this half term is, 'Enough for Everyone'. Children will think about the needs of a settlement, and the needs of the planet as a whole. They will find out where resources such as power and food come from, and look at ways in which natural resources can be conserved. After discussing the idea of a carbon footprint, children will have the chance to consider how their actions impact on others around the world, and to think about the changes that they could make to try to ensure that natural resources are shared so there is enough for everyone.

Science: Our science topic for this half term is 'Earth and Space'. During this unit of work we will be looking at the spherical, celestial bodies of our solar system, the planets, historical ideologies about the movements of the Earth and how our moon plays a part in the make up of our daily life. We will also look at how night and day cycles are created and how the tilt of the planet affects our seasonal differences!

Our MFL unit this half term is called “Je me presente” which means “Presenting myself”. We’ll be learning how to introduce ourselves to new people. We will be able to say our names, age and nationality as well as count all the way to twenty in French.

Learning the order of the planets in our solar system.

Experimenting with colour and texture to create an ocean background for our artwork.

Using PVA glue and string to make relief stamps for our artwork.

As part of our introduction to Gothic literature, we have discussed the themes and features found in a variety of photographs.

Playing a place value game in maths.

Comparing and contrasting the impact of food shortages on South American countries.

2022-2023

3.2

In English this half term, we are focusing on 'Francis', a short animated film in the mystery/suspense genre. The story is of a young woman named Francis who goes missing in Quetico National Park, USA. We will be using this text as a stimulus to write setting description, emotive language and narrative. As well as these genres, we are continuing our grammar punctuation and spelling learning, focusing on adverbials and subordination.

In Maths, our focus will be continuing our decimals and percentages topic, learning to convert between the two and add and subtract using decimals. We will then move on to studying geometry, measure, area and perimeter. We will also be working on the 'Ready to Progress' skills, covering several key skills in place value, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions and geometry.

Our topic for this half-term is 'Leisure and Entertainment'. This will consist of understanding the origins of different industries within the leisure sector, such as cinema, television, music, sport and tourism. We will then go on to compare how these industries have change over the past century and how they affect our culture and population.

Having completed the main Science blocks for this year, this half-term will be spent recapping the methods of inquiry and working scientifically skills from previous lessons. 

In Summer 2, we will begin a new topic all about describing the weather. We will look at how to spell these words and think about spelling patterns that we have seen before. Ask your child to describe the weather in French!

3.1

English

In English this half term, we are focusing on 'Holes' by Louis Sachar. The novel follows the story of Stanley Yelnats as he is sent to the juvenile reform centre, 'Camp Green Lake'. We will be using this text as a stimulus to write persuasive texts, letters, a non-chronological report and a narrative. As well as these genres, we are continuing our work of description and structure with emphasis placed upon relative clauses, modal verbs and subordination.

Maths

In maths, our focus will be on statistics, fractions, decimals and percentages. We will refine our knowledge from Year 4 to learn how identify and manipulate fractions, learning to solve problems and reason with our new learning. Children will be pushed to increase their ability to rapidly recall key number and multiplication facts.

Topic

Our topic for this half term is 'WW1'.  We will be exploring the cause and response to the start of the war and pay close attention to the timeline of key events as we explore the impact that the global conflict had on daily life. We will explore life in the trenches of France and Belgium and how the impact of fighting in these grim conditions affected morale and mental health after the war. We will also take this opportunity to explore poetry from this time period and look at the significance and importance of the poppy.

In Summer 1, we will complete our unit on pets. We have already learnt the names of ten common pets and will be learning how to describe the pets using simple adjectives. Ask your child to describe their pet in French!

2.2

English

In English this half term, we are focusing on 'The Piano' - a short film by Aidan Gibbons. This film is based on the memories of an elderly man who thinks back about his life whilst playing a beautiful piece of music. We will use this stimulus to focus on the themes of darkness, loss, remembrance and life. Children will develop their writing styles and create character descriptions, write letters and focus on figurative and emotive language.

Maths

In maths, our focus will be on the operations of multiplication and division. We will refine our knowledge from Year 4 to learn how to use the long method for multiplication and the short method for division including the interpretation of remainders. We will also begin looking at the interpretation and creation of statistics, and analyse data from a range of sources and variations.

Topic

Our topic for this half term is 'Exploring Eastern Europe'. We will learn about the countries of Europe before looking in more detail at some of the contrasting areas of eastern Europe. We will find out about the landscape, climate and locations in different areas. We will bring together our learning about an area of eastern Europe and create information booklets to share our findings with each other. We will also will find out more about Chernobyl and its impact on eastern Europe and the rest of the world

Science
      

In Science this term, our topic is Life Cycles and Reproduction. We begin by looking at how plants reproduce in different ways and how humans can affect this. We will then go on to study how different types of animals (mammals, reptiles, birds etc.) reproduce and how this affects life cycles. To finish the topic, the children will find out how environment can affect life cycles and research famous naturalists from around the world.

In Spring 2, we will be starting a brand new French topic! We will be starting our unit called “As tu un animal?”. We will be learning names of different pets that we might have. We will be working hard on our pronunciation this term, and will be trying to put whole sentences together. Ask your child the name of a pet in French!

2.1

English: We will be continuing to consolidate our learning of key grammar constructs whilst looking at a wider range of forms, genres and structures. Our English work will be loosely tied with our learning in topic about mountains, but also on abstract narratives and poems. We will also be starting our half term with follow up lessons based around last half term's knife crime awareness workshops.

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on fractions, written methods for long multiplication and percentages and decimals. We will continue to improve the consistency and accuracy of our key recall of known facts and use them to free up our working memory when solving complex problems.

Topic: Our topic for this half term is, 'Magnificent Mountains'. Children will be focusing on the major mountains of the world and the UK. We will find out the different ways in which mountains have been formed, and how different features of mountain ranges have been shaped over time. We will have the opportunity to consider what the weather is like in a mountainous environment and to evaluate the impact that tourism has on mountainous regions.

Science: Our science topic for this half term is 'Properties and Changes of Materials'. During this unit of work, we will be looking at different materials, their uses and properties as well as dissolving, separating mixtures and irreversible changes. We will sort and classify materials according to their properties and find suitable materials for different purposes.

In 2023 we will be starting a brand new topic! We will be starting our unit called “La famille”. We will be learning names of different family members that we might have. We will be working hard on our spellings this term, and will be trying to spell out our French words. Ask your child the name of a family member in French!

1.2

English: We are working on many of the key grammar objectives for Year 5 including: relative clauses, the growing range of punctuation of the curriculum and modal verbs while recapping objectives from last year. The children are studying a variety of genres and structures including letters, diary entries, non-chronological reports and newspaper articles. During guided reading sessions, we are focusing on inference skills.

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on multiplication and division. The children will be studying mental methods of both of these operations; multiples of different integers and common multiples; factors of numbers and common factors, and prime numbers. Links will be made as the children progress through this unit and the knowledge gained here will be important as we begin our work on fractions.

Topic: Our topic for this half term is, 'Ancient Egypt'. Children will learn about who the ancient Egyptians were, when they can be placed on a timeline of ancient history and their impact on the world today. We will be looking in depth at what life was like in ancient Egypt; mummies and the mummification process; King Tutankhamun and the Egyptian Gods. Children will also be creating their own papyrus paper and writing in hieroglyphics!

Science: Our science topic for this half term is 'Forces in Action'. During this unit of work, we will be looking at the range of forces that act upon us on planet Earth including gravity, friction and air resistance. We will primarily be learning through a range of hands-on scientific experiments while improving and building upon our investigative skills.

We will be continuing to work through the unit named - “Je me presente” which means “Presenting myself”. So far, we have recapped the different greetings we would use for different people. We are learning the numbers to twenty so that we can ask and answer people when they ask us our age. Ask your child how to say “My name is ___” in French!

1.1

English: We are exploring the world of Gothic literature, in particular, ‘Goth Girl: Ghost of a Mouse’ by Chris Riddell. We are examining the gothic elements of the text and studying character, creating character profiles and descriptions using authorial intent and paying close attention to vocabulary choices. The mysterious character of Lucy Borgia will be our focus as we dive into a fantastic story! 

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on number and place value. We are looking at numbers to one million, rounding, estimating and Roman numerals. We are also beginning to look at more explicit ways of calculating mentally and by using compact, shortened written methods. We will be applying our learning of new mathematical concepts to real life problems and will focus upon reasoning with our new skills! 

Topic: Our topic for this half term is, 'Enough for Everyone'. Children will think about the needs of a settlement, and the needs of the planet as a whole. They will find out where resources such as power and food come from, and look at ways in which natural resources can be conserved. After discussing the idea of a carbon footprint, children will have the chance to consider how their actions impact on others around the world, and to think about the changes that they could make to try to ensure that natural resources are shared so there is enough for everyone.

Science: Our science topic for this half term is 'Earth and Space'. During this unit of work we will be looking at the spherical, celestial bodies of our solar system, the planets, historical ideologies about the movements of the Earth and how our moon plays a part in the make up of our daily life. We will also look at how night and day cycles are created and how the tilt of the planet affects our seasonal differences!

Our MFL unit this half term is called “Je me presente” which means “Presenting myself”. We’ll be learning how to introduce ourselves to new people. We will be able to say our names, age and nationality as well as count all the way to twenty in French.

2021-2022

2.2

English - This half term we will be studying the book ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar. This book is about a young boy, Stanley Yelnats, who finds himself at a juvenile detention centre called Camp Green Lake. It isn’t green and it doesn’t have a lake! The children will be exploring the various themes throughout the book and writing non-chronological reports as well as a narrative. We will also be completing a piece of persuasive writing.

Maths – This half term we will be consolidating our work on area and perimeter, including finding the area and perimeter of more challenging rectilinear shapes. We will also be finding equivalent fractions, converting improper to mixed fractions and vice versa and will learn how to add, subtract, divide and multiply with fractions.

Science - This half term we will be continuing our work on forces. Later this half term we will be celebrating British Science Week and be having a fun-filled Science day.

Topic - Our topic for this half term is ‘The Far East’. In art, we will be creating our own Ming vases using the coil technique and decorating them before glazing. In geography, we will also be researching the Three Gorges Dam and its impact on the local area.

Computing – This half term we will create programs by planning, modifying, and testing commands to create shapes and patterns. The children use Logo, a text-based programming language.

2.1

English:  Our main writing focus this half term will be based on our topic of World War One’. We will be reading letters from soldiers and writing our own recount letters. We will also be looking at the life of Walter Tull and writing his biography. Finally, we will be reading poetry written by soldiers and writing our own poems.

Maths: This half term we will be continuing our work on multiplication and division and securing our understanding of formal written methods for these operations. Later this half term, we will be commencing our fractions unit. We will be finding equivalent fractions, converting improper to mixed fractions and vice versa and will learn how to add, subtract, divide and multiply with fractions.

Science: Our topic this half term is forces. Children will find out about gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. Children will develop their understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces and their effects and investigate how mechanisms, like levers, pulleys and gears, help us to use smaller forces.

Topic: Our topic is World War One.

Computing: This half term we will be learning about databases.

1.2

English: This half term, we will be revising our knowledge of non-chronological reports and then creating our own version about a mythical creature.  During the writing process we will continue to embed our knowledge of relative clauses and we will also be learning about adverbs that indicate degrees of possibility.  We will then be writing our own short stories based upon 'The Fib and other stories' by George Layton.  This will provide us with the opportunity to make ambitious vocabulary choices and secure our understanding of speech punctuation.

Maths: This half term, we will be completing units on statistics, multiplication and division and area and perimeter.  In statistics, we will be developing our knowledge of reading and interpreting a range of graphs, charts and tables. In our block on multiplication and division, we will be securing our understanding of multiples and factors as well and learning about prime, square and cube numbers. We will also be multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000. In our block on area and perimeter, we will be finding the perimeter or rectangles and rectilinear shapes before working out how to find the area of compound and irregular shapes. 

Topic: Our topic for this half term is ‘Black History’. We will be finding out about the work of Marcus Rashford and the impact that he has made on society today.  We will also be moving further back in time to learn about the 'Windrush generation.'  We will be learning about the challenges and prejudices faced by the children of the Windrush generation and reading the account of Baroness Floella Benjamin in her book, 'Coming to England'. In art, we will be studying different types of African patterns used in textiles and then designing our own African-inspired piece.

Science: This half term, our topic will be 'Changes and Reproduction'. We will look at how the human body changes as it ages, compare the gestation periods of humans and other animals and look at the needs and requires of the human body and different stages growing up. We will begin looking at puberty in humans from a scientific perspective as a precursor to SRE later on in the academic year. The unit will end with changes from adulthood into old age and we will reflect on how the body has changed throughout the life span of a human.

Creating papier maché planets for our very own solar system!

We have been using a variety of tools to sculpt clay representations of our very own Ickabogs

We have been Building up layers of clay to form 3D sculptures during an art lesson

We have created our own compositions on steel pans during music lessons

We have used acrylic paints to illustrate our Ickabogs before varnishing them!

In 5O, we thought about how our feelings can go from high to low, just like a thermometer. We created our own scenarios to show how a person might move up and down the thermometer.

In 5W, we thought about how our emotions can go up and down during the day - like a thermometer. We thought about what might happen to move someone up or down the scale and created our own mental health thermometers. 

1.1 

English: We are exploring the world of Gothic literature, in particular, ‘Goth Girl: Ghost of a Mouse’ by Chris Riddell. We are examining the gothic elements of the text and studying character, creating character profiles and descriptions using authorial intent and paying close attention to vocabulary choices. The mysterious character of Lucy Borgia will be our focus as we dive into a fantastic story! 

Maths: This half term, we are focusing on number and place value. We are looking at numbers to one million, rounding, estimating and Roman numerals. We are also beginning to look at more explicit ways of calculating mentally and by using compact, shortened written methods. We will be applying our learning of new mathematical concepts to real life problems and will focus upon reasoning with our new skills! 

Topic: Our topic for this half term is ‘All About Me’. We are looking at both fixed and growth mind sets and learning about how to get the best out of ourselves as learners. As well as developing our esteem and confidence, we are also exploring how the past two years have affected us both negatively and positively. We are using ‘The Ickabog’ by J.K. Rowling to explore our thoughts and feelings towards recent lockdowns and will even manifest any fears that we may have had in the past in clay!