Autumn Term 2026 

Maths

This autumn, our mathematics curriculum will support pupils in developing confidence with place value, including reading and writing numbers up to 1,000,000 and finding 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 more or less than a given number. Building on this foundation, we will consolidate addition and subtraction skills through a range of problem-solving and reasoning activities. A strong emphasis will be placed on the regular reinforcement of times tables to develop fluency and recall, supporting our work on multiples, factors, square numbers and cube numbers. Our final unit focuses on equivalent fractions, improper fractions and mixed numbers, as well as ordering and comparing fractions. Weekly arithmetic tests will further strengthen core calculation skills and help identify areas for additional practice and support.

English

Our English curriculum will build on and consolidate the core skills developed in Year 4, strengthening pupils’ confidence in reading, writing and communication. Through the engaging texts Street Child and Tom’s Midnight Garden, linked to our history learning, pupils will develop their understanding of characters, themes and vocabulary. Spelling, punctuation and grammar skills will be embedded across a range of writing genres, including informal letters, newspaper articles and non-chronological reports. We will develop oracy skills by encouraging pupils to express their ideas clearly, listen carefully and build on or respectfully challenge the viewpoints of others when discussing our texts. Reading will focus on developing fluency, stamina and inference, helping pupils to become confident, thoughtful and enthusiastic readers.

Science

This term, children will investigate materials and how they change, exploring dissolving, solutions, evaporation and reversible and irreversible changes through practical experiments. In the second half, they will explore Earth and Space, including planetary movement, the Moon’s relationship with Earth, and how Earth’s rotation causes day and night.

History

This term, children will explore the Victorians and place this fascinating period within the wider historical timeline. They will research Queen Victoria’s life, explore key inventions and developments, and compare their lives with those of Victorian children. Using real census documents, pupils will investigate evidence about Victorian families and develop their historical enquiry and interpretation skills.

Geography

Pupils will develop their geographical understanding through a focused study of Peterborough, exploring a range of human and physical features in the local area. They will use maps to identify UK counties, practise four- and six-figure grid references, create sketch maps and use scale to plan routes and estimate distances around Hampton.

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.