In English, we will be using The Brilliant Deep as our core text. This powerful non-fiction narrative tells the inspiring true story of marine conservation and ocean restoration. Pupils will explore persuasive and informative writing, developing their ability to write with purpose and clarity. They will focus on organising ideas effectively, using ambitious vocabulary, and applying accurate grammar and punctuation. Reading activities will support comprehension skills such as summarising, inference, and identifying the author’s message and viewpoint.

Key Vocabulary: conservation, restoration, marine, ecosystem, biodiversity, habitat, pollution, persuasive, informative, viewpoint, impact, environment, sustainability, climate, protection.

In Maths, we will continue with the White Rose curriculum, focusing on shape, position and direction, and decimals. Pupils will develop their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, identifying properties such as angles, lines of symmetry, and parallel and perpendicular lines. They will also explore position and direction, learning to describe and plot coordinates in the first quadrant, as well as translate and reflect shapes on a grid. In addition, children will deepen their understanding of decimals, including reading, writing, comparing, ordering, and solving problems involving decimal numbers. Throughout the block, pupils will be encouraged to explain their reasoning clearly and apply their learning to a range of problem-solving contexts.

Key Vocabulary: polygon, 2D shape, 3D shape, parallel, perpendicular, angle, symmetry, reflection, translation, coordinates, axis, quadrant, decimal, place value, tenths, hundredths, compare, order, reasoning.

In Humanities, we will explore the question “Why do oceans matter?” Pupils will investigate the importance of oceans for climate regulation, biodiversity, trade, food sources, and human survival. They will examine environmental challenges such as pollution and overfishing, and consider how individuals and communities can protect marine ecosystems. This unit encourages geographical thinking and global awareness.

Key Vocabulary: ocean currents, climate, biodiversity, ecosystem, trade routes, pollution, overfishing, sustainability, conservation, marine life, resources, environmental impact, global.

In Science, our focus this block is Animals Including Humans and Life Cycles. Pupils will explore the stages of life in mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects, identifying similarities and differences in how different species grow and develop. They will learn about reproduction, gestation, and metamorphosis, and examine the human life cycle from infancy through to old age. Through discussion, research, and scientific enquiry, children will deepen their understanding of how living things change over time and the processes that support growth, development, and survival.

Key Vocabulary: life cycle, reproduction, fertilisation, gestation, metamorphosis, development, growth, adolescence, adulthood, ageing, offspring, mammal, amphibian, insect, species, survival.

In PSHE, we follow the Jigsaw curriculum and this block’s theme is Relationships. Pupils will explore what makes a positive and healthy relationship, beginning with developing self-awareness and building self-esteem. They will learn how to make and maintain friendships, resolve conflicts, and help others feel included. A strong focus will also be placed on online relationships and digital responsibility. Children will discuss online communities, gaming, screen time, and staying safe when using technology. They will explore rights and responsibilities in digital spaces, recognise unsafe situations, and developrategies to protect themselves and others. Through discussion and reflection, pupils will build confidence in making safe choices and maintaining respectful, healthy relationships both online and offline.

Key Vocabulary: characteristics, personal qualities, self-esteem, responsibility, online community, social network, age restriction, grooming, risky, rights, responsibilities, screen time, mental health, physical health, personal information, safety, respect, choices.

In Year 5, our vocabulary lessons continue to develop subject-specific language that strengthens reading comprehension, scientific understanding, and confident expression. During Block 5, our vocabulary is closely linked to our learning about oceans, marine life, and ecosystems across English, Science, and Humanities. Pupils will explore the meaning of these technical and descriptive terms, understand how they are used in context, and practise applying them accurately in both discussion and writing. This will help children build precision in their explanations and deepen their understanding of environmental themes.

Key Vocabulary: algae, exoskeleton, invertebrates, bleaching, symbiotic, spawn, gametes, polyps, predator, urchin, temperature, environment, pollution, existence, tropical, microscopic, nutrients, colonies, reef, vibrant.

We encourage parents to discuss these words at home and look for opportunities to use them in conversation, helping children to strengthen their understanding and confidently apply new vocabulary in their learning.

In Block 5, Year 5, revise the statutory word list and focus on words ending in -able/-ably and -ible/-ibly, learning key rules such as when to drop the final e, change y to i, or recognise when a full root word can be heard. Students compare -able and -ible patterns, identify exceptions, and apply these in context. They also revisit endings that spell -cial and -tial, recognising common patterns and exceptions. Spelling rules are practised through investigation, application in writing, and personal spelling logs.

Key Vocabulary: comfortable, dependable, reasonable, changeable, noticeable, reliable, possible, terrible, sensible, visible, social, official, special, essential, partial, confidential.

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 Adventure Gamers. In this unit, pupils design and create an interactive, non-linear adventure game using presentation software. They learn how stories can branch in different directions based on player choices by linking slides using hyperlinks. Pupils develop their creative writing skills by producing engaging descriptions and narratives, and enhance their digital literacy by sourcing appropriate images and recording audio narration. Throughout the unit, they focus on planning, testing, and improving their games, as well as giving and receiving constructive feedback. By the end of the unit, pupils will understand how presentation software can be used as a powerful tool for interactive storytelling and game design.

Key Vocabulary: abstraction, Creative Commons, hyperlink, pixel, safe search

In this unit, Year 5 pupils explore the ocean as inspiration for mixed media artwork. Children experiment with combining materials such as paint, collage, textured paper and drawing to create layered seascapes and sea creatures. They investigate colour, texture and pattern to represent movement and life under the sea. Pupils develop creativity by planning, constructing and refining their artwork while responding to the ocean theme.

Key Vocabulary: mixed media, texture, collage, layer, pattern, composition, tone, colour, materials, evaluate.

In music lessons, Year 5 pupils learn and rehearse the songs from Ocean Commotion, developing pitch, rhythm and vocal control. Children practise singing as an ensemble, focusing on dynamics, tempo and clear diction to communicate the story of the ocean. Through repetition and rehearsal, pupils build confidence performing together while responding to the mood and character of each song.

Key Vocabulary: pitch, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, diction, melody, rehearsal, ensemble, performance, audience.

In Ocean Commotion, Year 5 pupils explore storytelling through drama by bringing an underwater world to life. Using role play, narration, dialogue, movement and expression, children develop characters such as sea creatures, explorers and ocean guardians. They practise projection, stage presence and teamwork while building scenes that show the beauty and challenges of the ocean.

Key Vocabulary: character, dialogue, narrator, projection, expression, movement, staging, scene, teamwork, audience.

Pupils explore Sri Lankan cultural dance, developing coordination, rhythm and expressive movement. They learn traditional steps inspired by Kandyan and folk dance, using gesture, posture and formations to communicate meaning. Children respond to Sri Lankan music, keeping a steady beat and performing short sequences with control and confidence. They learn how dance reflects celebration and identity. 

Children have been allocated to either swimming or dance based on the preference indicated on the returned forms. Final allocations will be confirmed during Week 1 of Block 5.

Please note that pupils allocated to swimming are expected to participate fully in all sessions. If a child misses three swimming sessions, they will be reassigned to dance for the remainder of the term.

Thank you for your support in ensuring consistent participation.

Key vocabulary: rhythm, beat, gesture, posture, formation, sequence, travel, expression, perform, tradition, culture, coordination, timing, movement, audience.

Basketball: Pupils develop dribbling under pressure, lay-ups, and defensive positioning. They apply attack and defence strategies in small-sided games, with an emphasis on team cohesion.

Key vocabulary: dribbling, lay-up, defence, attack, positioning, pressure, cohesion 

Swimming lessons are 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. 

Children have been allocated to either swimming or dance based on the preference indicated on the returned forms. Final allocations will be confirmed during Week 1 of Block 5.

Please note that pupils allocated to swimming are expected to participate fully in all sessions. If a child misses three swimming sessions, they will be reassigned to dance for the remainder of the term.

Thank you for your support in ensuring consistent participation.