Autumn Term 2024 

Maths

This term in Numeracy, we will begin by recapping on the four operations, learning and consolidating new methods to solve more challenging calculations. During the term there will be an emphasis on improving our mental maths skills and abilities in problem solving. Children will be expected to continue to learn their times tables in order to rapidly recall these facts. Other areas to be covered are fractions, shape, data handling, patterns and sequences. Children will work hard to embed and master all their times tables.

English

We will use books and texts, linking with our topics to create cross curricular links. This will allow the children to practise a range of different text types for different purposes and audiences. Throughout the term we will continue to work on our reading skills, placing a further emphasis on inference. Spelling, grammar and punctuation will be a key focus within writing and lesson time. We will pay attention to spelling rules and patterns to help us build our confidence in using ambitious vocabulary in our independent writing.

Science

This term the children will be investigating materials and how they change. First, we will begin by testing the properties of a range of materials, before looking at how some dissolve, what a solution is, and evaporation. Finally, the children will compare reversible and irreversible changes. We will be conducting many experiments and investigations and consider what speeds up the processes of dissolving and evaporation. We will also look at ways of reversing a process.

Topic

Our Topic lessons start with a history focus looking at the Victorians, beginning with a timeline to understand the chronology of the period. The children will then consider a range of primary and secondary sources to find out about Britain in the 19th century. We will then move on to an investigation of the British Empire and how it reached its peak during the time of Queen Victoria. Meanwhile in Geography pupils will focus on a study of Peterborough looking at a range of human and physical features in the area that we live.

RE

We begin our RE focus this term by investigating the Buddhist religion considering the core beliefs and how followers use their faith to guide them through their lives. We will consider the idea of karma and rebirth and what Buddhists mean by a state of enlightenment. We will then investigate why prayer is important to people of many faiths. This will include considering how and where people pray and the ways in which this supports them.

PSHE

We will be focusing on the topic of peer pressure, thinking about how it affects our actions in a positive and negative way. Pupils will consider the importance of resisting peer pressure when it results in negative outcomes. There will then be a focus on smoking, understanding the health implications as well as the laws and rules that control its use.

Art

Our Art lessons this term will link to our Topic of Victorians. Children will research William Morris, the famous Victorian artist, looking at his work and producing their own pieces of art based on his repeated patterns. There will be a particular emphasis on his floral designs and the way in which his work reflected a love of the natural world.

PE

Our PE lessons will provide opportunities to develop our skills in basketball. We will practice and improve our individual technical skills while also considering ways to improve teamwork through communication and team tactics. Meanwhile, we will work on our fitness through a range of activities. Year 5 will also be going swimming this term. Finally, there will be a unit on dance, creating individual and group routines.

DT

In our Design Technology unit this term we will be looking at Great British dishes considering a range of food types enjoyed in this country. Pupils will explore some sweet and savoury national dishes of England, Scotland and Wales, before moving on to developing an understanding of how cuisines from other countries have influenced what is eaten in Britain today. Finally, children will practise the important life skill of how to plan and shop for a meal.

Computing

Beginning with a refresher on considering the importance of e-safety, the children will move on to looking at Computer Systems and Networks. This will focus on ways that systems work and also ways to search for what you need. Pupils will then move on to creating their own media with a focus on video production.

Music

This term Year 5 will look at “Programme Music”, music that creates a story or image in your mind. They will use a range of instruments to create their own piece to represent an animal, as well as listening to some famous orchestral pieces including “Peter and the Wolf”, “The Planet Suite” and “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”. They will use a variety of instruments to create a group performance of a famous piece, adding their own interpretation.

French

Pupils will develop their use of French by looking at a range of vocabulary based around the playground. The children will then move on to learning the names of different animals including pets. There will be an opportunity to hold conversations in French based around these topics.