Summer Term 2023 

Literacy

Along with a focus on reading comprehension and grammar we are putting an even greater emphasis this term on independent writing. We will base our writing on a whole range of different texts including Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. We will further develop a range of writing styles, including non-chronological reports, explanation texts, instructional texts as well as narratives. Meanwhile we are continuing with weekly spelling tests, helping the children develop different strategies for accurately spelling tricky words.

Maths During the summer term we are adopting a balanced coverage of arithmetic, problem solving and applying calculations. We will continue by preparing the children for Year 6 by ensuring they are able to use quick, compact and reliable methods of calculation. There will also be time to develop a range of strategies for reasoning questions, giving the children a toolkit for looking at problems. We have also have a focus on further securing our times tables.

Science

Our Science themes this term are Earth and Space and will include an in depth look at the solar system. We will look at the scale of the planets and the relative size and position of each. We will also consider ways in which we can prove the shape of the Earth as well as the way in which its orbit and motion affects night and day. There will also be an opportunity to learn why there are different amounts of daylight at different points in the year.

Topic

Our Topic lessons have a history focus as we look at ancient civilization and ancient worlds. We will compare the way in which ancient peoples such as the Ancient Greeks lived and consider how these differ from our own way of life. We will develop our skills in research and self-directed learning to build up our knowledge. After half term we will begin a Geographical study of Mexico, looking at its physical and human features. We will also consider its position within the South American continent.

Music

In music this term Year 5 will look at “Gamelan”, the sacred music of Indonesia. “Gamelan” refers to both the instrument and the styles of music, and students will

learn how the music is an essential part of everyday culture in Indonesia. They will listen to examples of music and how they are structured, whilst understanding the cultural and historical influences on the style. Students will break down the music and learn to play a piece using glockenspiels. Students will perform in a group, listening to each other and developing their ensemble skills. Students will also compose their own version, ensuring they use the structures and style of the music they have studied.

RE

Our RE focus this term is Islam and we will begin by considering how the faith relates to the natural world. We will ask some key questions including how does climate change affect Islamic communities and what are Muslims doing to tackle climate change? Answering these questions will help us to understand why nature and the natural world is so central to Islam and why Muslims feel the need to protect it. We will then move on to investigating the role of art in religion.

PSHE

In PSHE this term our topic is ‘Growing and Changing.’ We will be finding out about how our body changes throughout our lives and exploring the changes we will experience in the coming years.

Art

Our Art lessons this term link to our topic of Ancient Worlds. We will begin by researching Greek Column art, looking at the different styles employed by this ancient civilisation. We will then explore different drawing techniques and employ tonal shading to achieve a range of effects. Our journey in the ancient world will next take us to creating artwork based on Greek vases. Later in the term we will investigate the artist Frida Kahlo, using oil pastels to create work inspired by this famous Mexican.

PE

We will be developing our hand-eye co-ordination this term, improving our ability to throw, catch and work as a team. This includes playing games of cricket and rounders. Meanwhile we will focus on gymnastics and athletics, with our fingers crossed that Sports Day can go ahead this year as planned!

DT

In DT the children will have a chance to design and create moving and mechanised toys. We will focus on an understanding of mechanisation including the use of cams. The children will consider different ways to make their toys move and then work together to decide the best way to achieve this. Once the building process is done, there will be a chance to fully evaluate the finished toy and establish ways that it could be improved if made again.

Computing

In Computing we will begin with ways of staying safe online, considering all aspects of e-safety. The children will also learn to become computer programmmers, creating our own quizzes which automatically say if answers are correct. We will then move on to physical computing, learning how to program a tiny electronic controller called a Crumble. This will give the children a chance to use their coding skills in an even more hands on way.

Modern Foreign Languages.

The children will continue to develop their French language skills, including recalling the alphabet and replying to basic questions using the language. They will be expanding their French vocabulary, including the increased use of adjectives to describe everyday objects.