Class Four – Years 5 & 6

Maths: This term we extend our understanding of shape, beginning with angles, polygons and the properties of 3D shapes. We also study position and direction, including translation, reflection and symmetry. After the SATS, Year 5 will continue to build confidence with decimals, negative numbers and converting units, whilst Year 6 focus on consolidation and preparation for secondary school through revision and themed problem-solving projects.

English: Our writing this term is inspired by our class novel Floodland and we will produce narrative adventure writing. Later units include explanation texts on light and shadows, information leaflets on electrical safety and report writing linked to our history topic. We also study a short sci-fi animation as a stimulus for story writing and film reviews. In performance poetry, pupils develop speaking and listening skills. We continue to revise GPS content, including verb tenses, active and passive voice and clause structures.

Guided Reading: Guided reading continues in small groups using a mixture of fiction extracts and engaging non‑fiction texts. Year 6 also complete targeted SATs preparation and comprehension practice, while Year 5 deepen their understanding of vocabulary, inference and structure through discussion and written responses.

Science: Our science themes for the term are Electricity and Light. Pupils investigate how voltage affects components and develop accuracy when constructing and drawing circuit diagrams. In the second half term, we explore how light travels, how shadows are formed and how we see objects.

History & Geography: We begin with a fieldwork study linked to our residential, observing and recording the human and physical features of the local environment. In history, we examine the transatlantic slave trade, developing an understanding of social change while evaluating a range of primary and secondary sources.

SCARF: This term’s themes are Keeping Myself Safe and Growing & Changing. Children learn strategies for staying safe online, managing peer pressure and recognising the impact of media influence. They also explore changes during puberty and, for Year 6, prepare for transition to secondary school.

PE: PE this term focuses on athletics, with pupils developing accuracy, control and speed in a range of events. We also cover striking and fielding skills through rounders and cricket, with an emphasis on precision, teamwork and tactical understanding.

Computing: Our first unit explores variables in programming, where pupils modify and improve simple games before designing and coding their own. We then move on to sensing, using Micro:Bits to investigate inputs, design simple devices and create their own working step counters.

RE: We begin with the story of Daniel, exploring what Christian teachings reveal about God and how these ideas influence people today. Later, pupils consider how individuals can ‘change the world’, drawing inspiration from figures such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Our multi‑faith focus is on special times and celebrations, and our Christian value this term is Koinonia.

D&T: In design technology we study Structures: Playgrounds, creating model apparatus using a range of materials with secure joins and stability. Later, in our Come Dine With Me unit, pupils research recipes, follow multistep instructions and help prepare a three course meal.

Art: Our art work focuses on local landscapes. Inspired by artists such as Heaton Cooper and Libby Edmondson, pupils experiment with mixed media to create layered landscape pieces linked to our Ullswater visit.

Music: We explore the concept of theme and variation, experimenting with rhythm and instrumentation to create contrasting versions of a musical idea. Later in the term, pupils take part in musical theatre, combining acting, singing and movement in preparation for our end-of-year performance.

French: This term’s French learning focuses on health, revising body parts and introducing the verbs ‘avoir’ and ‘être’. We also practise ordering in cafés and develop spoken and written confidence ahead of transition to KS3 language learning.