In English, we are following the Pathways to Write programme with our core text “Kai and the Monkey King” by Joe Todd-Stanton. This vibrant and beautifully illustrated story takes children on an adventurous journey through myths, legends, and morality tales. Pupils will explore key narrative features, including building tension, developing character motivations, and using precise vocabulary to create atmosphere. They will learn to vary sentence structures, use dialogue effectively, and apply a range of grammatical features to enhance their writing. Reading lessons will support comprehension skills such as inference, summarising, and analysing how authors use language to influence the reader.

Key Vocabulary: myth, legend, quest, folklore, adventure, betrayal, bravery, determination, transformation, trickster, temple, guardian, magical, illusion, journey, moral, courage, loyalty, confrontation, obstacle

In Maths, we are moving into White Rose Block 3, where children will develop their understanding of multiplication and division, including formal written methods and applying these skills to problem-solving. They will begin working with larger numbers, deepen their understanding of factors, multiples, and prime numbers, and use reasoning to identify patterns. This block also introduces further work on fractions, focusing on multiplying fractions and linking fractions to decimals and percentages. Pupils will be encouraged to explain their thinking clearly and choose efficient strategies when solving increasingly complex problems.

Key Vocabulary: factor, multiple, prime number, square number, cube number, product, divide, remainder, long multiplication, short division, inverse, mixed number, improper fraction, simplify, integer, numerator, denominator, multiply fractions

In Humanities, we are studying the Shang Dynasty through the Plan Bee scheme. Pupils will learn about one of the earliest recorded Chinese civilisations, exploring its achievements, beliefs, social structure, and leadership. They will investigate archaeological evidence, including oracle bones and ancient artefacts, to understand how historians find out about the past. Children will examine daily life during the Shang Dynasty, compare it with modern China, and consider the dynasty’s place in the wider timeline of world history. This unit strengthens historical enquiry, critical thinking, and interpretation of evidence.

Key Vocabulary: dynasty, oracle bones, ancestor worship, emperor, noble, warrior, bronze, chariot, civilisation, sacrifice, archaeologist, artefact, tomb, afterlife, evidence, inscriptions, palace, settlement, social hierarchy, ancient China

Our Science topic for Block 3 is Reversible and Irreversible Changes. Children will build on their previous learning about materials and investigate how substances can change through heating, cooling, mixing, and chemical reactions. They will explore real-life examples of reversible changes such as melting and evaporating, as well as irreversible changes including burning, rusting, and chemical reactions that produce new materials. Through practical investigations, pupils will develop key scientific enquiry skills, making predictions, planning tests, recording results, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Key Vocabulary: reversible change, irreversible change, chemical reaction, reactant, new material, burning, rusting, dissolving, melting, evaporating, condensing, filtering, sieving, mixing, heating, cooling, solution, substance, state change, gas formation, residue

In PSHE, we continue to follow the Jigsaw curriculum, and this block’s theme is Dreams and Goals. Pupils will explore their aspirations for the future, reflecting on what they would like to achieve both in and beyond school. They will discuss the steps needed to reach a goal, consider the challenges they may face, and develop strategies for staying motivated and resilient. Through collaborative activities, children will learn how teamwork, perseverance, and a positive mindset can help them succeed. This unit encourages pupils to recognise their strengths, celebrate others' achievements, and understand the value of supporting one another in working towards shared goals.

Key Vocabulary: dreams, goals, ambition, aspiration, challenge, resilience, perseverance, strengths, teamwork, motivation, achievement, steps to success, encouragement, responsibility, problem-solving, determination

In Year 5, our vocabulary lessons continue to build ambitious, meaningful language that supports both reading and writing. During Block 3, our vocabulary choices are closely linked to our English text Kai and the Monkey King, allowing children to explore rich, descriptive words that appear within myths, legends, and adventure narratives. Pupils will investigate the meaning of each word, explore how the author uses it for effect, and practise applying the vocabulary accurately in their own sentences and spoken language. They will also revisit spelling patterns, use context clues, and develop strategies for remembering new and unfamiliar words, helping to strengthen both comprehension and expression across the curriculum.

Key Vocabulary:  quest, observe, phenomena, yearned, reluctantly, exasperated, ventured, agility, garments, invincible, immortal/immortality, foiled, reckless, imprison, trek, triumphant, daring, stalk, muster, recoil, awe

In Spelling, children will follow the Pathways to Spell programme, reviewing key words from Years 3–6. They will explore patterns such as endings -sure/-ture, the /i:/ sound spelt 'ei' after 'c', -gue/-que endings, Greek 'ch', silent letters, and -cious/-tious endings. Through investigation and practice, pupils develop accuracy and confidence in applying spelling rules.

Key Vocabulary: attached, category, committee, definite, exaggerate, interrupt, privilege, rhythm, stomach, yacht, achieve, believe, deceive, receive, climb, thumb, knee, knife, conscious, delicious, vicious, ambitious, cautious, anxious

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 Architects. In this block, pupils explore how architects and designers create functional and artistic spaces by researching real-world art gallery buildings. They then use Trimble SketchUp to design and build their own virtual gallery, beginning with sketches and moving into a 3-D digital environment. Pupils learn how to model structures, create sculptures, and add furniture and fixtures to bring their gallery to life. Finally, they display their own artwork inside the virtual space and create a guided tour of their completed gallery.

Key Vocabulary: Computer-aided design, Creative Commons, Photorealistic, Render

Children explore the art and symbolism of China’s Shang Dynasty through drawing, design, and clay modelling. They study decorative motifs and vessel forms, using carving and impressing to create their own symbolic artefacts. The block develops cultural awareness, craftsmanship, and understanding of texture, pattern, and form in historical art.

Key Vocabulary: line, shape, form, texture, space, pattern, carve, impress, symbol, design, vessel, clay, relief, culture, motif

In this block, children study the ballad Make You Feel My Love, exploring expression and musical phrasing. They refine their singing technique, focusing on breathing, tone quality, and pitch accuracy. Listening activities develop awareness of chords, accompaniment, and the emotional impact of dynamics and tempo. Children may play simple chord patterns or melodic lines on tuned instruments. The block emphasises sensitivity, ensemble listening, and reflective performance skills.

Key vocabulary: ballad, melody, harmony, chords, accompaniment, phrasing, dynamics, tempo, expression, verse, chorus, arrangement, balance, ensemble, performance

Children explore beliefs, traditions, and daily life in the Shang Dynasty using tableaux, freeze frames, role play, and guided narration. Working from archaeological discoveries and myths, they create short scenes that bring ancient China to life. The block deepens historical understanding and performance skills, culminating in a dramatised “museum tour” where groups present living exhibits.

Key vocabulary: Shang Dynasty, oracle bones, emperor, ancestor, ritual, tableau, artefact, museum tour, narrator, myth, civilisation, ensemble

This block, classes 5A and 5C will be taking part in dance lessons designed to build confidence, creativity, and enjoyment through movement.

This vibrant block takes children on a global dance journey, sampling movements inspired by traditional styles from different cultures. They explore rhythmic African footwork, lively Latin patterns, and elegant South Asian gestures, focusing on rhythm, formations, and expressive quality. Short improvisations and group choreography build coordination, musicality, and cultural awareness. The block culminates in a colourful showcase where blended “around the world” dances celebrate diversity and shared enjoyment.

Key vocabulary: culture, tradition, rhythm, pattern, footwork, gesture, formation, unison, canon, improvisation, sequence, musicality, respect, diversity, performance

Netball: Pupils improve passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and shooting consistency. They begin to understand positional responsibilities and demonstrate communication and strategy during play.

Key Vocabulary: accuracy, movement, consistency, communication, positions, strategies, decision-making 

This block, classes 5B and 5D will be taking part in swimming lessons designed to build 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. 

Key Vocabulary: swimming, stroke, water safety, survival skills, confidence, progression