Welcome to our Year 5 Class Page.  

Curriculum Information for Parents and Carers – Year 5 Autumn Term 2024

The Autumn Term is here and we would like to share with you a summary of what your child will be learning in class.  We would also like to share some ways that you can support your child at home.

Detailed information about the topics can be found in the Knowledge Organisers at the bottom of this page.  The Knowledge Organisers contain the key vocabulary and learning for each topic and you can look at these with your child over the course of the term. 

English

Our text this term is Boy at the Back of the Class, where we will have a focus on persuasive writing.  We will learn all about the vocabulary used and how to incorporate persuasive writing in formal letters.  We will also look at how we can change our vocabulary and writing style to entertain, through planning and performing news broadcasts.

Mathematics

Throughout this term the children will be focusing on a range of mathematical concepts including:

• Number and Place Value - we will learn about roman numerals, place value to 1,000,000 and negative numbers.
• Addition and Subtraction - we will use our place value knowledge to add whole numbers with more than 4 digits, round to, estimate and approximate, use inverse operations and compare calculations.
• Multiplication and Division - we will find multiples and factors of numbers, learn about prime, square and cube numbers and use place value knowledge to multiply and divide by 10, 100 and 1,000.
• Statistics - we will read, interpret and draw line graphs, use line graphs to solve problems, read and interpret tables and look at timetables.

RE

In RE, we will be using our spiritual learning and scripture to answer the following questions for each topic:

• Ourselves - in this topic, we answer the question “What makes me unique?”
• Stewardship - We will learn about the Universal Church. We will be able to make links to show how feelings and beliefs about caring for the earth affect their own behaviour and that of others.
• Life Choices - in this topic, we answer the question “Why are loyalty and commitment important in relationships?”
• Hope - in this topic, we answer the question “What is the hidden meaning in waiting?“

Science

This half term, we will be learning about Materials with a focus on mixtures and separation.  We will explore different types of mixtures and the different methods that can be used to separate them.  We will dissolve a range of substances, identify different solutions and investigate how temperature affects the time taken to dissolve.  We will design and create a water filter, sieve soil and evaporate solutions.

In the second half term, we will continue learning about materials with a focus on properties and changes. Broadening our experience of the properties of materials, we will investigate hardness, transparency and conductivity and consider how these properties influence the uses of materials.  We will explore reversible changes, including dissolving and changes of state.  We will compare these to irreversible changes, including rusting, burning, and mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

History

This term, we will learn about Ancient Maya and their civilisation.  Throughout this topic, we will develop our research and inquiry skills.  We will discuss the reliability of a range of sources and draw conclusions from them.

Geography

This term, we will be learning about the Alps.  Throughout this topic, we will be locating the Alps on a map and identifying the countries they run through.  We will be locating characteristics, both human and physical in the Alps.  We will also be comparing the Alps to our own local area.

Computing

This half term, we will be learning about search engines.  We will be using research skills and finding accurate information.

In the second half term, we will be learning about micro:bits.  We will be clipping blocks together in a program and predicting what will happen while making connections with previously used programming interfaces.  We will create animations, recognise inputs/outputs, choose appropriate blocks, and break programs down into smaller steps.

French

We will discover the physical Geography of France (major cities and rivers) and the history of our connection with France through our topic on the Battle of Hastings.  We will learn to describe our families and to say where we live. We will also learn different sports in French and to express opinions on them, as well as describe the days on which sports are played.

Music

Autumn Half Term 1: Songs from around the world - In music this half-term, we will be studying folk music around the world.  Each week, we will develop our performance skill through a focus on a different continent, singing and playing some famous folk melodies, both in pairs and to the rest of the class.  We will also be developing our composition skills through creating our own folk melody based upon the pentatonic scale.

Autumn Half Term 2: Carol Service - Perform in the Christmas Carol Service.  We will refine our singing posture and projection and develop our performance skills.

PE

Tag Rugby: We will explore passing and catching skills to keep possession of the ball when attacking and develop knowledge of the rules of the game.

Football: We will develop competencies in key skills and principles such as defending, attacking, sending, receiving and dribbling a ball.

Swimming: We will focus on swimming more fluently and with increased confidence and control.

Indoor Athletics: We will learn skills employed in specific indoor athletic events.

Dodgeball: We will improve key skills used in dodgeball such as throwing, dodging and catching.  We will learn how to select and apply tactics to the game to outwit an opponent.

Art

In the second half of the Autumn Term, we will investigate self-portraits by a range of artists.  We will use photographs of ourselves as a starting point for developing our own unique self-portraits in mixed-media.

Design and Technology

This half term, we will look at mechanical systems to create a pop-up book.  After choosing a simple story or nursery rhyme, we will create a four-page pop-up storybook design.  We will also add accompanying captions, incorporating a range of mechanisms and decorative features, including structures, levers, sliders, layers and spacers.

RHSE (Relationship, Health and Sex Education)

This term, we will look at the following topics: Calming the storm, Under pressure, Do you want a piece of cake?, and Self-talk.  For further information you can visit the Life to the Full portal.

We will also participate in a series of workshops ‘Together as One’ with a focus on equality and diversity.

Educational Visits

Information about Educational Visits will be confirmed shortly.  

How you can help your child at home

• Daily reading.
• Freckle Maths.
• Times Tables Rock Stars.
• Comprehension Homework.
• Practising the weekly spellings and Year 5 word lists.
• Talking about topics of interest.