This term’s topic is Geography-based. We will explore and understand the world around us, looking at the relationship between people, places and the environment by studying human and physical features. The children will analyse different types of maps and will use compass points and grid references to help identify symbols and locations on digital and paper maps. Geography will teaches the children about the connections between different regions, cultures, and ecosystems, helping us appreciate the diversity and complexity of our planet, in relation to global challenges, such as climate change, urban development and resource management, ensuring that we can create a sustainable future.
Our local geography study will look at Belthorn/Blackburn and how these areas promote climate change and prevents global warming.
Explore
Do we always appreciate everything we have?
How we'll be doing it...
Authentic outcomes
Produce an information booklet to share with parents about our Explore topic.
Wow day
A walk around the village using a compass and map as directions
Spring Trip
Blackpool zoo
Core Subjects
Maths
This spring term, Year 5 pupils will continue to develop their maths skills following the White Rose Maths scheme. Children will deepen their understanding of multiplication and division, including written methods and problem solving, before moving on to fractions, where they will learn to add and subtract fractions, find fractions of amounts and work with mixed numbers. Later in the term, pupils will explore decimals and percentages, making links between all three and applying their learning to real-life contexts such as money and measures. Throughout the term, there is a strong focus on reasoning and explaining mathematical thinking, helping children to become confident, independent mathematicians.
Science
Materials
During this unit of work, children will consolidate previous learning by revisiting the properties of solids, liquids and gases; learn to describe the properties of materials using scientific language; investigate which materials make the best thermal insulators; and which materials are magnetic. Children will be introduced to key scientific vocabulary to describe the properties of materials (e.g. soluble and insoluble) and investigate how to separate materials using these properties. They will be able to name separation methods (filtering, sieving, evaporation, magnets) and decide on the most efficient method for separating a mixture of materials.
Animals
During this unit of work, children will learn about the different stages of the human life cycle. They will discuss a simple timeline first before going into more depth about what happens in the womb, during puberty and when you are older.
English
Hugo Cabaret
This will be the first book that the children explore during the spring term. Children will look at aspects such as vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, for example clauses and using commas to avoid ambiguity.
The children will use this fiction books to innovate an alternate ending to the story, write a letter linking to our explore topic of climate change, non-chronological report about Paris and finally a setting comparison.
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom
The second book of the term will allow for the exploration of spelling, grammar and punctuation. They will also use this text to write an alternate ending to the story and write and informative text about Northcote Road.
PSHE
Health and wellbeing
During the spring term, Year 5 pupils will be focusing on their health, wellbeing and personal development through PSHE lessons. Children will explore ways to look after their mental and physical wellbeing, including practising simple yoga techniques and learning about the importance of a good night’s sleep. They will discuss feelings and emotions, develop strategies to manage challenges and understand why it is important to embrace failure and persevere when things feel difficult. Pupils will also set personal goals and consider how they can work towards achieving them. In addition, children will learn about healthy lifestyles, including understanding calories, planning balanced meals using the different food groups, and recognising how to keep safe in the sun now and in the future.
Safety and the changing world
This term in PSHE, Year 5 pupils will learn about keeping themselves safe, both online and in the real world. Children will discuss what is appropriate to share online, how to think carefully before sending messages, and how to recognise potential dangers when using the internet, including researching ways to stay safe. Pupils will also learn about the human body and puberty, accurately naming body parts and understanding the physical and emotional changes they will experience as they grow. In addition, children will be introduced to basic first aid, learning how to assess a situation, comfort and reassure someone who is bleeding, and seek medical help when needed. Throughout the unit, there is a strong focus on making informed choices, understanding that others may influence our decisions, but that we have the right to make our own.
PE
This term in PE, Year 5 pupils will be taking part in Hockey, Fitness, Netball and Dodgeball. Through these activities, children will develop a range of physical skills, including agility, coordination, throwing, catching and striking. Lessons will place a strong emphasis on teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, encouraging pupils to support one another and persevere when challenges arise. Children will also learn how to look after their bodies, exploring the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of eating a balanced diet to support an active lifestyle. All lessons will be active, engaging and fun, with new skills introduced and built upon each week to help children grow in confidence and ability.
RE
Through our RE days at school, children will continue to learn about their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, developing respect, understanding and curiosity about the world around them. This year, our key question is “Where can people find guidance in their lives?” Over the term, pupils will explore this question through the study of Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Children will learn about sacred texts, important teachings, religious leaders and how faith can guide people’s choices and actions in everyday life. They will be encouraged to reflect, ask thoughtful questions and make connections between religious beliefs and their own experiences
Computing
This term in Computing, Year 5 pupils will be developing their understanding of programming and data handling. In the unit Programming, children will learn how to write programs that use selection (if/then decisions) to control physical devices, helping them understand how computers respond to different inputs. In the Data and Information – Flat-file Databases unit, pupils will learn how information can be organised, searched and sorted using databases. They will design and use their own databases to answer questions and make comparisons. Throughout both units, children will build their computational thinking, problem-solving skills and confidence in using technology safely and effectively.
MFL
This term in French, Year 5 pupils will be learning to talk about the weather and clothing. Children will learn and practise key vocabulary to describe different types of weather and appropriate clothing, as well as how to form simple sentences to give opinions and make choices. Pupils will develop their speaking and listening skills through songs, games and short conversations, and will also begin to use reading and writing to reinforce new language. Throughout the unit, there is a strong focus on building confidence, accurate pronunciation and an understanding of how language is used in everyday contexts.