Welcome to Year 5!
Year 5 is a year of challenge, growth and discovery. Children build upon the strong foundations established in lower Key Stage 2 and deepen their understanding across all subjects. Through the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC), pupils develop a rich body of knowledge that enables them to make connections, think critically and engage confidently with the world around them.
Our curriculum encourages curiosity, resilience and ambition, helping every child to achieve their full potential.
English
Reading and writing are central to learning in Year 5 and support success across the curriculum.
Reading
Children will:
- Read a wide range of challenging fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
- Develop fluency, expression and confidence when reading aloud.
- Explore themes, characters and authors’ choices.
- Use evidence from texts to justify their opinions.
- Develop a rich vocabulary through high-quality literature.
Writing
Children will learn to:
- Write for a variety of purposes and audiences.
- Use increasingly sophisticated vocabulary.
- Select appropriate grammar and punctuation for effect.
- Organise writing into cohesive paragraphs.
- Edit and improve their work independently.
- Produce narratives, reports, explanations, persuasive writing and poetry.
Mathematics
Year 5 mathematics develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through increasingly complex concepts.
Topics include:
- Place value
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Perimeter, area and volume
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Measurement
- Ratio and proportion
Children are encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
Science
Science lessons develop pupils’ understanding of the world through investigation, observation and enquiry.
Topics may include:
- Earth and Space
- Forces
- Properties and changes of materials
- Living things and their habitats
- Animals, including humans
Children will learn to:
- Plan fair tests and investigations.
- Collect and interpret data.
- Use scientific vocabulary accurately.
- Draw conclusions from evidence.
- Explain scientific concepts with increasing confidence.
History
The PKC History curriculum helps children understand how historical events have shaped the world today.
Topics may include:
- Ancient Maya Civilisation
- Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
- Significant historical turning points
- The development of societies and cultures
- Historical sources and evidence
Children develop chronological understanding and consider how historians interpret the past.
Geography
Children continue to explore the physical and human features of our world.
Topics may include:
- North and South America
- Climate zones and biomes
- Rivers and mountains
- Population and settlements
- Environmental issues and sustainability
- Mapping and fieldwork skills
Children develop a deeper understanding of how geography influences people’s lives and communities.
Art and Design
Art encourages creativity while developing technical skills and knowledge of significant artists.
Children will:
- Refine drawing, painting and sculpture techniques.
- Experiment with different media and materials.
- Study influential artists and artistic movements.
- Develop sketchbook skills.
- Evaluate and improve their own work.
Children are encouraged to express ideas creatively while developing an appreciation of art from different cultures and periods.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology promotes innovation, creativity and practical problem-solving.
Children will:
- Design products for real-life purposes.
- Develop technical and practical skills.
- Explore structures, mechanisms and electrical systems.
- Use tools safely and accurately.
- Evaluate and improve their products.
Through design projects, children develop resilience and learn from the design process.
Music
Music provides opportunities for creativity, performance and appreciation.
Children will:
- Sing confidently as part of a group.
- Develop their understanding of rhythm, pitch and notation.
- Explore music from different cultures and traditions.
- Perform using instruments.
- Compose and evaluate their own music.
Y5 African American Spirituals
Computing
Computing equips children with the knowledge and skills needed in an increasingly digital world.
Topics include:
- Online safety and digital citizenship
- Programming and coding
- Data handling and databases
- Digital media creation
- Computer systems and networks
Children learn to use technology safely, responsibly and creatively.
Religious Education
Religious Education encourages children to explore beliefs, values and worldviews whilst developing respect for others.
Children will learn about:
- Christianity and other major world faiths
- Sacred texts and teachings
- Worship and celebrations
- Moral and ethical questions
- The role of religion in communities
Through discussion and reflection, children develop empathy and understanding of different
Y5 Christianity Though History
Physical Education
PE encourages healthy lifestyles, teamwork and personal achievement.
Activities may include:
- Athletics
- Dance
- Gymnastics
- Team sports
- Outdoor and adventurous activities
- Fitness and leadership activities
Children develop physical skills alongside perseverance, cooperation and confidence.
French
Year 5 pupils continue to build their language skills through engaging speaking, listening, reading and writing activities.
Children will:
- Develop conversational French.
- Learn new vocabulary and grammatical structures.
- Read and understand short texts.
- Write simple sentences and descriptions.
- Explore French culture and traditions.
Language learning helps children develop confidence and cultural awareness.
Personal Development
Personal development is embedded throughout school life and supports children in becoming responsible and respectful citizens.
Children explore:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Positive relationships
- Online safety
- Diversity and inclusion
- British Values
- Leadership and responsibility
- Healthy lifestyles
These experiences help prepare children for the opportunities and responsibilities of modern life.
How You Can Help at Home
You can support your child by:
- Encouraging regular reading and discussion of books.
- Practising key mathematical facts and times tables.
- Supporting homework and independent research.
- Discussing current events and world issues.
- Visiting libraries, museums and cultural attractions.
- Encouraging organisation, resilience and independence.