St John's C of E Primary - Nurturing Excellence

Red Kite Class

Welcome to Our Red Kite Class Page!

English

In English, Year 5 pupils will study the novel Holes by Louis Sachar, developing their reading comprehension, inference and vocabulary skills. Children will explore a variety of writing styles, including non-chronological reports, narratives, character descriptions, letters and diary entries. Throughout the year, pupils will deepen their understanding of grammar, focusing on advanced elements such as parenthesis, embedded clauses, semi-colons and cohesive devices. They will also engage in regular spelling practice, applying new patterns and rules to enhance the accuracy and cohesion of their writing.

Mathematics

In mathematics, Year 5 pupils will work on developing a solid understanding of multiplication and division. They will strengthen their recall of multiplication facts and apply them to solve increasingly complex calculations and word problems. Children will also focus on mastering written methods for division and multiplication and develop problem-solving skills, learning to select the most appropriate strategy for each task. Pupils will be encouraged to explain their reasoning and approach, building their confidence in both independent and collaborative problem-solving.

Science

In science, Year 5 pupils will study living things and their habitats, with a focus on the life cycles of different plants and animals. Children will observe how the environment changes throughout the year and learn about the interconnectedness of organisms within an ecosystem. They will explore how animals grow and mature in different ways, including studying processes such as metamorphosis in insects and amphibians. Pupils will also examine how flowering plants reproduce through pollination and fertilisation, while learning about the important work of scientists like Sir David Attenborough and Dame Jane Goodall.

History

In history, Year 5 pupils will study the French Revolution, a pivotal event in European history. Children will explore the causes of the Revolution, including social inequality and the absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI. They will learn about the storming of the Bastille, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and key events such as the Battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo. Pupils will examine the significance of these events and explore the ideas of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, while considering the broader impact of the Revolution on France and the world.

Geography

In geography, Year 5 pupils will explore the regions of East Anglia, the Midlands, Yorkshire, and Humberside. They will study the physical and human geography of these areas, learning about key features such as the flat Fens, the hills of the Yorkshire Dales, and important cities and transport links. Children will investigate how human activity has shaped the landscape, exploring historical and contemporary changes. This unit will help pupils develop a deeper understanding of how people interact with the environment and how different regions of the UK contribute to the country’s economy and culture.

Art

In art, Year 5 pupils will explore the art traditions of West Africa, focusing on Malian antelope headdresses and the Benin plaques from Nigeria. Children will learn about the cultural and ceremonial significance of these artworks and engage in discussions about ownership, restitution and the historical context of these pieces. Pupils will develop their drawing, painting, and sculpture skills, using techniques inspired by the Malian headdresses and Benin plaques. They will create their own cardboard relief sculptures, focusing on the simplification of shapes and the use of colour to represent natural forms.

Physical Education

In PE, Year 5 pupils will focus on developing their gymnastics skills, particularly in the area of travelling. Children will practise moving with control, balance and fluency, exploring different pathways, speeds, levels, and directions. They will learn how to link movements smoothly to create short, dynamic sequences, while also developing confidence in performing these sequences with precision and poise. Pupils will work on improving their coordination and body awareness, performing with increasing independence and confidence.

PSHE

In PSHE, Year 5 pupils will learn about conflict and peaceful ways to resolve disagreements. The unit focuses on helping children understand the causes of conflict in everyday situations, such as disagreements between friends or arguments in the playground. Pupils will explore conflict resolution strategies like listening, negotiating, compromising, and finding ‘win-win’ solutions. They will learn how to manage their emotions and solve problems calmly and independently, helping to build and maintain positive relationships at school.

Religious Education (RE)

In RE, Year 5 pupils will explore the concepts of good and evil through the lenses of Christianity, Hinduism, and Humanism. They will study key religious stories, including the Christian parable of the Good Samaritan and the Hindu story behind the festival of Holi, to understand how different faiths approach morality and ethical decisions. Pupils will reflect on their own values and beliefs, comparing them to those of others. They will explore how faith and belief systems can shape people’s ideas of good and evil and discuss how people can work together, regardless of their beliefs, to create a better world.

Music

Year 5 are exploring African American spirituals this term, learning about their history, meaning and musical importance. They are listening to well-known songs including Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Go Down Moses, and discovering how spirituals influenced later music styles such as blues, gospel and jazz. The children are building their singing confidence and skills by performing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, When the Saints Go Marching In and Michael Row the Boat Ashore in two vocal parts, using simple harmony to create expressive, layered performances.