Year 5 marks the start of the pupils’ journey into upper Key Stage 2. In Year 5, pupils continue to build on their learning from previous year groups and consider a range of global issues and the impact we have on the world.
Please view the Year 5 Meet and Greet presentation for this academic year. The video provides you with key information regarding your child’s curriculum for the academic year.
If you have any questions regards the presentation, please email the school office so the questions can be collated and added to the Frequently asked Questions.
Autumn Term
Our BIG question for the Autumn term is ‘Are We Destroying Our Planet?’
Pupils will learn about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the devastating impact of plastic in our oceans. They will also learn how we recycle materials by visiting the Ford Materials Recycling Centre and will debate and suggest how we can dramatically reduce the amount of plastic damaging our environment. Through reading the text ‘Varmints’ by Helen Ward, pupils will then write their own narrative. The children will also read the text ‘The Lost Whale’ to learn about the impact of humans on the ocean and different species. The children will create their own whale collage using single use plastic materials.
Pupils will also explore the text, Tin Forest:
Pupils will continue to learn about pollution and explore different ways of producing energy through renewable energy sources.
In considering the positive impact of electric cars, pupils will use a computer programme to design their own electric cars before creating a proto-type that includes an electrical circuit.
In Science, pupils will be learning about the movement of the Earth and other planets within our solar system. A class visit to Chichester Planetarium will help to deepen pupils’ understanding in explaining the Earth’s rotation and how this causes day and night.
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Spring Term
In the Spring Term, pupils will investigate their BIG question, ‘How successful were the Maya as a civilisation?’. This term sees a focus on the rise and fall of the Mesoamerican civilization, the Mayans. In learning about the Mayans, they will research many of their traditions, gods and significant achievements. Pupils will also make comparisons of the Mayan’s pyramids to those of the Ancient Egyptians.
In English, pupils will explore the text ‘The Explorer‘ and will consider the characteristics that were needed of young explorers.
In Art and Design, pupils will create their own Mayan masks using paper mâché.
Spring 2
After half term, pupils will then reflect and consider the impact of tourism on Chichen Itza as part of their BIG question, ‘What Is It Like To Live In Mexico?’. As part of this, they will learn about modern day Mexico. In doing so, pupils will make comparisons between England and Mexico.
In art, pupils will learn about the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and create their own self-portraits.
To conclude the term and building on the theme of chocolate, pupils will learn about the foundation Fair Trade during our topic ‘Should we buy Fairtrade products?’. Pupils will organise, prepare and facilitate their own Fair Trade café with the key purpose of raising the communities’ awareness of the foundation and the role it plays in improving trade deals and working conditions for farmers. Pupils will plan, design and create their own products to sell in their Fair Trade Café, supported by their own TV advert.
Summer Term
To begin the Summer Term, pupils will look into the BIG question, ‘How Did The Ancient Greeks Change The World?’. Pupils will deepen their understanding of chronology by identifying when the Ancient Greeks lived. Through drama and other creative approaches the children will explore some key myths and write their own Greek myth style story.
Pupils will use clay to design, create and evaluate their own Greek pottery.
Pupils will deepen their understanding of Democracy.
In computing, pupils will further develop their programming abilities by creating their own game linked to the Greek myth ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’.
Summer 2
To conclude the year, during our topic ‘Are all coastal locations the same?’ pupils will learn how erosion affects our coastline. As part of the topic, we will develop our understanding of coastal erosion and the measures humans put in place to prevent it. To support this, we will go to Bognor Regis beach to see examples of coastal defenses as well as use Google Earth to look at other measures in place in different coastal locations. In addition, we will be looking at ways to increase tourism by designing and making an automate toy.
Enrichment Day
As part of the school’s Learning for Life Curriculum, Year 5 pupils take on a wider range of responsibilities including Peer Readers, Sports Ambassadors and Mental Health Leads. In addition to this, to develop their communication, team work and resilience pupils spend a day at Out of Bounds.
