Class Four – Years 5 & 6

Maths: This term begins with place value, where pupils read, write, compare and order increasingly large numbers. We also study rounding, negative numbers and Roman numerals. We then develop fluency in addition and subtraction strategies before moving on to multiplication and division, including finding factors, multiples and prime numbers. Later in the term, pupils deepen their understanding of fractions through equivalence, ordering, calculation and problem solving.

English: Our writing is inspired by a rich range of texts including The Adventures of Odysseus, Way Home and a selection of poetry by Michael Rosen and Pie Corbett. Pupils will retell Greek myths and legends, write diaries and missing posters and develop performance poetry skills. Linked to our Remembrance work, we will also produce non-chronological reports and letters written in role from the trenches. Grammar teaching focuses on word classes, punctuation and building cohesion within sentences and paragraphs.

Guided Reading: Guided reading takes place in small groups using carefully selected novels matched to pupils’ reading ability. Through discussion and written response activities, children will develop fluency, vocabulary, inference and comprehension skills whilst exploring a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.

Science: Our science topic is Materials. Pupils investigate the properties of solids, liquids and gases, explore dissolving and recovering substances and learn how mixtures can be separated by filtering, sieving and evaporation. We also study reversible and irreversible changes through practical investigations.

History & Geography: This term’s humanities learning focuses on Ancient Greece. Pupils learn about Greek life, beliefs and mythology, as well as the importance of city states, warfare and seafaring. We also explore the lasting influence of Ancient Greece on modern society, including education, language, architecture, government and the Olympic Games, supported by a trip to the Liverpool World Museum and Walker Art Gallery.

SCARF: Our themes this term are Me & My Relationships and Rights & Responsibilities. Children develop skills in communication, collaboration and conflict resolution, whilst also considering friendship, negotiation and emotional wellbeing. Later in the term, we explore topics such as fact and opinion, spending wisely, local government and responsible decision-making.

PE: Swimming lessons take place in Autumn term, helping pupils improve their swimming strokes and develop self-rescue skills. We also take part in teambuilding activities, creative invasion games and gymnastics.

Computing: We begin by learning how computers connect to form systems and how information is transferred across the internet. Pupils consider the importance of working together online before moving on to a unit exploring search engines, how results are selected and ranked and why this matters when finding information online

RE: Our Christian value this term is Service. We begin by exploring the story of the Exodus and why it remains such an important event in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Later in the term, pupils learn about Advent and how Christians prepare for Christmas, making links between belief, worship and daily life.

D&T: In design technology we study Food & Nutrition by developing a recipe. Pupils learn where different ingredients come from, investigate how food is grown, reared and processed, and evaluate the nutritional content of recipes.

Art: Our artwork this term explores colour, pattern and form. Inspired by artist Carolee Clark, pupils create expressive animal and pet portraits using line, colour and pattern. Later, they draw on themes from Ancient Greece to create detailed three-dimensional mythical beast eyes using a variety of sculptural techniques.

Music: We begin by exploring Looping & Remixing, using body percussion and repeated rhythmic patterns to build layered performances. In the second half of the term, pupils study Songs of WWII, developing confidence in singing, following melodies and scores and performing pieces with increasing accuracy and expression.

French: This term's French learning focuses on school life and the home. Pupils learn vocabulary for school subjects, classroom objects and opinions before using French to describe their classroom. Later, we explore the names of rooms and furniture and learn to describe different parts of a house using simple spoken and written French.