In English, we are following the Pathways to Write programme using the inspiring text The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield. This autobiographical story encourages pupils to explore themes of fear, perseverance, ambition, and achievement. Children will develop their narrative and descriptive writing skills, focusing on building atmosphere, using powerful vocabulary, and expressing thoughts and emotions clearly. They will refine their use of sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation, while reading activities will support inference, prediction, and reflection on how real-life experiences can be transformed into powerful writing.

Key Vocabulary: atmosphere, emotion, description, ambition, perseverance, inspiration, narrative, viewpoint, reflection, inference, author’s intent, imagery.

In Maths, we will continue with the White Rose curriculum, moving into Block 4. Pupils will further develop their understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages, making connections between these concepts and applying them to problem-solving and reasoning tasks. They will practise efficient calculation strategies, explore equivalence, and interpret mathematical information in different contexts. Throughout the block, children will be encouraged to explain their thinking clearly and justify their answers.

Key Vocabulary: fraction, decimal, percentage, equivalent, convert, compare, order, simplify, rounding, estimate, reasoning, accuracy, efficient method.

In Humanities, we will study The History of Space Exploration using the PlanBee scheme. Pupils will learn about key milestones in space travel, including early rockets, the Space Race, the Moon landing, and modern space missions. They will explore the achievements of significant individuals and consider how space exploration has developed over time. Children will use timelines, analyse historical evidence, and discuss the impact of space exploration on science and society.

Key Vocabulary: space exploration, astronaut, cosmonaut, rocket, spacecraft, satellite, Space Race, Moon landing, NASA, mission, timeline, achievement, exploration, technology.

Our Science topic this block is Space. Pupils will explore the solar system, learning about the Sun, planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. They will investigate how the Earth, Moon, and Sun move relative to one another, and how this results in day and night as well as the apparent movement of the Moon. Children will also learn about gravity and how it affects objects in space. This topic encourages curiosity and scientific questioning, helping pupils to develop a deeper understanding of our universe.

Key Vocabulary: space, solar system, planet, moon, star, Sun, Earth, orbit, rotation, gravity, axis, universe, astronaut, celestial body.

In PSHE, we follow the Jigsaw curriculum and this block’s theme is Healthy Me. Pupils will learn about making healthy choices and understanding how lifestyle decisions, such as diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol, can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. They will explore the influence of peer pressure and media, and develop strategies to make informed decisions and keep themselves safe. Children will also learn basic emergency aid procedures, including how to remain calm and seek help in emergency situations, while developing a positive body image and respect for themselves and others.

Key Vocabulary: healthy choices, informed decision, pressure, influence, media, smoking, vaping, alcohol, emergency, recovery position, wellbeing, body image, self-respect, balanced diet, physical activity, healthy lifestyle, resilience, safety.

In Year 5, our vocabulary lessons continue to develop ambitious language that supports reading, writing, and discussion. During Block 4, our focus words are closely linked to our English text The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield, allowing pupils to explore language connected to space, exploration, and personal ambition. Children will investigate the meanings of these words, consider how they are used in context, and practise applying them accurately in their speaking and writing. They will also develop strategies for understanding unfamiliar vocabulary, helping to strengthen comprehension and confidence across the curriculum.

Key Vocabulary: declared, depended, gathered, experiment, darkness, explore, exploration, resilient, aspiration, impossible, astronaut, gravity, lunar, atmosphere, universe, galaxy, spherical, moonless, orbited, military.

We encourage parents to talk about these words at home and use them in everyday conversation to help deepen understanding and support children in confidently applying new vocabulary.

In Spelling, children will follow the Pathways to Spell programme, revising Years 3–4 statutory words and extending into the Years 5–6 word list. Pupils will practise adding suffixes (-ing, -ed, -er, -est, -en), convert nouns and adjectives into verbs using -ate, -ise, -ify, and revisit homophones and commonly confused words. Children will also develop independence through the use of a personal spelling log.

Key Vocabulary: suffix, homophone, near-homophone, convert, verb, noun, adjective, -ing, -ed, -er, -est, -en, -ate, -ise, -ify

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 Web Developers. In this unit, pupils develop an understanding of how the school network and the wider Internet work, including how information is shared online. They explore how websites are created by examining and editing basic HTML using Chrome Developer Tools. Pupils then apply this knowledge by planning and building their own website about online safety using Google Sites. As the unit progresses, they create web pages, add links and media, and organise content to communicate information clearly and effectively. By the end of the unit, pupils will have developed key skills in web design, digital literacy, and safe online communication.

Key Vocabulary: Creative Commons, Hyperlinks, Hypertext mark-up language, Hypertext transfer protocol, Internet, Internet Protocol, Network switch, Web server, World Wide Web

Exploring Shadows In Year 5, pupils investigate shadows as an artistic tool, exploring light, silhouette and contrast. Children create shadow-based artwork, experimenting with cut-outs and layered shapes to produce dramatic effects. They test how distance and angle change shadow size and clarity, using these discoveries to design purposeful compositions. Pupils refine their work through repeated trials and thoughtful adjustments. 

Key vocabulary: shadow, silhouette, light source, contrast, tone, shape, outline, opaque, translucent, layer, scale, space, projection, composition, refine.

Fresh Prince of Bel Air 

In Year 5, children explore rhythm, performance and style through The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Pupils practise rapping with clear diction and accurate timing, developing confidence with syncopated rhythms and repeated patterns. They perform as a class ensemble, combining voices and instruments to maintain a steady groove. Listening activities focus on identifying texture, structure and the musical elements that create energy and character. 

Key vocabulary: rap, groove, syncopation, rhythm, pulse, tempo, structure, texture, timbre, dynamics, perform, ensemble, lyrics, pitch, expression.

The Darkest Dark + Monologue Podcast / Space-Themed Shadow Performance 

In Year 5, pupils explore fear, courage and imagination through drama inspired by The Darkest Dark. Children create scenes and monologues to show inner thoughts and changing emotions, using pace, pause and gesture to build tension. They extend performance work by creating a monologue podcast or space-themed shadow performance, focusing on atmosphere, storytelling and audience impact. Pupils rehearse collaboratively and refine work using feedback.

 Key vocabulary: monologue, tension, atmosphere, courage, fear, pace, pause, gesture, narration, soundscape, shadow, silhouette, staging, character, refine.

Outer Space 

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

In Year 5, pupils explore dance inspired by outer space, using movement to represent planets, gravity, orbit and exploration. Children develop control, balance and flow, experimenting with slow-motion, suspension and sharp actions to show contrasts in space. They create group sequences using formations, canon and mirroring, building patterns that suggest rotation and travel. Pupils rehearse with precision and refine performance quality through timing and focus. 

Key vocabulary: flow, suspension, canon, mirroring, formation, pathway, levels, balance, dynamics, contrast, rotation, sequence, timing, precision, performance.

Striking & Fielding (Teeball/Cricket): Pupils enhance their batting technique, bowling action, and fielding accuracy. They learn simple tactical decisions such as when to run and where to place the ball.

Key Vocabulary: batting, bowling, accuracy, tactics, placement, decision-making, teamwork 

This block, classes 5A and 5C will be taking part in swimming lessons 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.