Key Stage 2 – Year 5
Autumn Term
The Cradle of Civilisation
Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding
The main focus of this topic is Ancient Greece and why it is known as the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’. We will
learn about the location and climate of Greece and its affects on trade and everyday life. We will explore
how we can learn about ancient times from looking at artefacts. We will learn about the influence of the
Greeks on architecture around the world as well as how the Greeks entertained, including the creation of the
Olympic Games. The beginning of democracy and the influence of Greece’s great philosophers will also be
studied. We will also study Greek gods and goddesses.
EPR (PSED, SEAL, PSHE, Citizenship)
Religious Education:The topic titles this term are
We will follow the SEAL programme and cover the
Ourselves, Life choices and Hope. We will also be
following topics: Our Lives, Say No to Bullying and
studying Judaism. A separate newsletter will be
Getting On and Falling Out. Anti-bullying week falls
in November and the children will explore the issues
sent out this term with information on these topics.
involved.
Understanding English, Communication and Languages
In English during the first half of the term the focus will be the features of the
following text types: poetic style, fables and Greek myths. In the second half of
term we will be focusing on the features of persuasive writing. Grammar is a
focus of the New National English Curriculum and we will be revising all types
of sentence punctuation. Sentence level work will also relate to the level the
children are at e.g. using conjunctions and/or creating complex sentences.
MFL: With a specialist French teacher children will be learning conversational
French and some basic written sentence structures and vocabulary.
Mathematical Understanding
We will be extending pupils’ understanding of the number system and place
value to include larger numbers. We will encourage the children to develop
their problem solving skills further and to work in a systematic way when
applying their knowledge to a wider range of tasks. The children will build on
prior learning of place value; understanding the four rules of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division; using efficient written calculation
methods; shape; measures; time and data handling. There will be a greater
emphasis on the use of correct maths vocabulary and pupils will be expected to
explain their maths’ thinking.
Scientific and Technological Understanding
During Year 5 we will be taught to use a range of practical scientific methods, processes and
skills. We will plan different types of scientific enquiry, take measurements, record data and
results and use test results to make predictions and set up further tests. The children will also be
expected to present their findings and draw conclusions. Our science topic this term is Properties
and Changes of Materials. We will explore reversible and irreversible changes and study the
work of modern day scientists.
Understanding the Arts
Our Art focus this term is Surrealism. We will primarily be looking at the work of Salvador Dali and
identifying the unusual features of his work. Over the term, children will learn how to draw everyday
things, such as eyes, in a Surrealist style. They will learn a range of collage skills and will work
towards a mixed media collage inspired by a Greek myth or one they have planned themselves in
their English topic.
Understanding Physical Development, Health and Well Being
Outside PE will include invasion games. Indoor PE centres on gymnastics.
Swimming will take place over one half of the term.
Enhancement
Home learning: Alternate Maths and English homework set on Fridays to be handed in
the following Wednesday. Spellings sent home Friday for a test at the end of the
following week.
Weekly learning of times tables in preparation for a challenge each week.
Regular reading to an adult, preferably daily. Children should talk about their reading
and be able to find parts of the text to help them explain their understanding.