In English, we are following the Pathways to Write programme with our core text The Lost Happy Endings by Carol Ann Duffy. This imaginative story provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to explore rich descriptive language and to develop their narrative writing. They will focus on creating atmosphere, using figurative language such as similes and metaphors, and building cohesion across paragraphs. Pupils will also refine their use of grammar and punctuation, including complex sentences, dialogue, and commas for clarity. 

Key Vocabulary: narrative, atmosphere, description, figurative language, simile, metaphor, dialogue, cohesion, prediction, inference, imagery.

In Maths, we will continue with the White Rose curriculum, moving into Block 2 where pupils will focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and fractions. They will build confidence in using both written methods and mental strategies, applying their skills to increasingly complex and multi-step problems. Pupils will be encouraged to think carefully about choosing efficient methods, to explain their reasoning, and to develop accuracy and fluency in calculations. Fractions will form an important part of this block, with children learning to recognise equivalent fractions, compare and order them, and begin to add and subtract fractions with different denominators. Throughout the block, problem-solving and reasoning will remain at the heart of our approach, helping children to apply their knowledge in a variety of real-life and mathematical contexts.

Key Vocabulary: addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions, equivalent, denominator, numerator, regroup, exchange, efficient method, inverse, operation, estimate, accuracy, multi-step problem, reasoning, fluency.

In Humanities, our History focus is Who were the Vikings? Pupils will explore where the Vikings came from, why they travelled, and how they became both raiders and settlers. They will investigate aspects of Viking daily life, including homes, clothing, and beliefs, as well as their longships and achievements as explorers. Children will also examine the impact of Viking raids and settlements, asking questions about whether the Vikings should be remembered more as invaders or as contributors to culture and trade. This unit will develop historical enquiry skills, such as analysing evidence, distinguishing between fact and opinion, and considering different perspectives. 

Key Vocabulary: Viking, raid, settlement, invasion, longship, saga, Norse, trade, exploration, conquest, monastery, artefact, legacy.

Our Science topic this block is Properties of Materials (White Rose). Children will investigate the properties of everyday materials, including hardness, solubility, transparency, conductivity and magnetism. They will explore how materials can change through processes such as dissolving, mixing, and heating, and they will consider which changes are reversible or irreversible. Pupils will carry out practical investigations, developing their skills in predicting, planning fair tests, recording results, and drawing conclusions. This topic helps pupils understand the importance of material properties in real-world contexts, such as designing objects for specific purposes. 

Key Vocabulary: properties, materials, hardness, solubility, transparency, conductivity, magnetism, dissolve, solution, mixture.

In PSHE, we follow the Jigsaw curriculum, and this block’s focus is Celebrating Difference. Children will explore diversity in the world around them, learning to value and respect similarities and differences between people. They will discuss topics such as culture, appearance, ability, and family structures, while also considering the impact of bullying and ways to stand up for themselves and others. Pupils will develop empathy and learn strategies to resolve conflict positively, strengthening their understanding of inclusion and respect. This unit helps children to build confidence in expressing their views, while appreciating the perspectives of others.

Key Vocabulary: diversity, difference, similarity, respect, empathy, inclusion, culture, bullying, stereotype, prejudice, conflict, resolution, acceptance.

In Year 5, we continue to develop ambitious vocabulary to strengthen reading, writing, and discussion skills. During Block 2, our vocabulary lessons link closely to our English text The Lost Happy Endings by Carol Ann Duffy. Children will explore the meanings of new words, consider how authors use them for effect, and practise applying them in both speech and writing. We encourage parents to talk about these words at home and use them in everyday conversation. This helps children deepen their understanding and feel confident when using new vocabulary in their own work.

Key Vocabulary: drifted, skywards, villainous, vicious, hobbled, hysterical, wailing, sorrow, seized, thorniest, hideously, sullen, remains, kindling, spittle, oak tree, silver birch, walnut (face), cinders.

In Spelling, children will be following the Pathways to Spell programme for Year 5 for Block 2. They will review key word lists from Years 3–6, practise using singular and plural possessive apostrophes, and explore a range of prefixes (anti-, un-, dis-, mis-, il-, im-, ir-, de-, re-, over-). Later in the term, pupils will focus on homophones and commonly confused words, while using Personal Spelling Logs to track and practise individual targets.

Key Vocabulary: accompany, aggressive, conscience, mischievous, neighbour, nuisance, recognise, sufficient, variety, children’s, women’s, disqualify, miscalculate, irregular, rehydrate, oversimplify, heard/herd, led/lead, past/passed, guessed/guest

In Year 5, home learning is designed to reinforce key skills while promoting independence and positive learning habits. Reading remains our top priority, and children are encouraged to read at least five times per week, recording each activity in their Reading Log. They are also asked to complete one entry each week in their Writing Log, which will be checked at the end of each block. In Mathematics, a MyMaths task will be set every Tuesday, with pupils encouraged to also practise regularly on MyMaths and TT Rockstars to strengthen fluency. Home learning is encouraged but not compulsory; instead, effort and commitment are celebrated through Reading Star and Writing Star awards at the end of the year.

In Computing, our topic for this block is We are Cryptographers. In this unit, pupils explore the history of secret communication and discover how messages were created and protected in the past. They experiment with early ciphers, practise encrypting and decrypting codes, and learn how secret messages can be kept safe. The unit develops problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

Key vocabulary: Cipher, Codes, Cryptanalysis, Cryptography, Decrypt, Encode

In art lessons, children will explore typography and maps as creative tools for expression. They investigate how letters, words, and symbols can become visual art, experimenting with scale, texture, and layout. By combining typographic design with map imagery, children develop skills in drawing, composition, and creative communication. The block encourages imagination, problem-solving, and personal response, culminating in inventive artworks that blend language and landscape.

Key Vocabulary: typography, map, symbol, letter, word, scale, texture, layout, composition, design, communication, drawing, imagination, response, artwork

In this block, children are introduced to jazz through listening, improvising, and performing. Using pieces such as Three Note Bossa and The Five Note Swing, they explore rhythm, swing style, and simple melodic patterns. Children practise improvisation on tuned instruments, creating riffs and short solos. Ensemble playing develops accuracy, teamwork, and confidence. The block culminates in a performance that highlights creativity, improvisation, and appreciation of jazz as a unique musical style.

Key Vocabulary: jazz, swing, bossa, riff, improvisation, solo, ensemble, performance, rhythm, melody, structure, style, pattern, creativity, confidence

In this block, children explore the question Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else? through drama and performance. Using role play, improvisation, and historical enquiry, they examine Viking life from multiple perspectives, including warriors, settlers, and merchants. Children develop empathy, critical thinking, and performance skills while debating evidence. The block culminates in either a recorded video documentary or a class debate performance, allowing pupils to share knowledge creatively and persuasively.

Key Vocabulary: Vikings, raider, trader, settler, warrior, merchant, exploration, invasion, evidence, perspective, role play, improvisation, empathy, debate, documentary, performance

In this block, children explore the world of the Vikings through creative dance. Using stimulus such as voyages, raids, settlements, and Norse myths, they experiment with powerful travelling actions, group formations, and contrasting dynamics to show strength, conflict, and community. Children work individually, in pairs, and in groups to create sequences that build into choreography. The block culminates in a performance, expressing the drama, energy, and spirit of Viking life through movement.

Key Vocabulary: Vikings, voyage, raid, settlement, myth, strength, conflict, community, travelling, formation, dynamics, sequence, choreography, energy, performance

Football: Pupils build on their skills with more emphasis on combination play, positioning, and teamwork. They learn to use basic tactics, show awareness of space, and begin to play in larger-sided games.

Key Vocabulary: combination play, positioning, tactics, awareness, passing, shooting, teamwork 

All students will take part in a fortnightly swimming lesson designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Alongside stroke development, children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments.