Welcome to Year 5
Year 5 Curriculum Overview
Year 5 is an exciting year of discovery, independence, and deeper learning. Children build on their Key Stage 2 knowledge while developing critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills across all subjects.
English
Year 5 pupils explore a wide variety of engaging texts that stretch their imagination and analytical skills. In the Autumn term, children read Floodlands by Marcus Sedgwick and The Viewer by Gary Crew and Shaun Tan. Later, they enjoy A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton, developing narrative skills, comprehension, and reflective writing. Across the year, pupils strengthen their ability to write detailed descriptions, explanations, and creative stories, while exploring character, theme, and structure in texts.
Mathematics
Mathematics lessons focus on reasoning with large numbers, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, percentages, and measures. Pupils develop fluency with 2-D and 3-D shapes, angles, perimeter, area, and volume. Problem-solving, calculations with decimals, converting units, and understanding transformations are integrated across the year, supporting logical thinking and practical application of maths in everyday contexts.
Science
Science in Year 5 encourages observation, investigation, and critical thinking. Topics include materials—properties, changes, mixtures, and separation—Earth and space, forces, and living things, including life cycles, reproduction, and the human timeline. Children engage in hands-on investigations and a longitudinal study exploring whether we all share the same sky, developing a scientific understanding of the world and the universe.
Computing
Children develop digital literacy and computational thinking through online safety, programming with Scratch and Micro:Bits, data handling, networks, and touch typing. Safer Internet Day and creative projects allow pupils to use technology responsibly and confidently.
History & Geography
History lessons explore life in Tudor England, the achievements of the Greeks, and the Mayan civilisation compared with the Anglo-Saxons. Geography encourages children to conduct independent fieldwork, investigate oceans, and explore life in the Alps, helping them understand both local and global environments.
PE
PE develops physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork through dance, gymnastics, volleyball, football, rounders, tennis, cricket, and athletics, combining skill development with enjoyable, active challenges.
Art, Design & Technology
Art projects include sculpture, 3D installations, drawing, and painting portraits. Design and technology incorporates electrical systems, structures such as bridges, and cooking and nutrition projects, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills.
Religion & World Views
Children explore big questions about belief, morality, and the significance of sacred places. Lessons address standing up for beliefs, the diversity of Christianity, life after death, leadership, and the importance of sacred spaces, fostering empathy, reflection, and ethical reasoning.
French
French lessons develop speaking and listening skills, covering topics like monster pets, shopping, space exploration, the French-speaking world, verbs, and family life, using interactive activities to build confidence in communication.
Music
Music in Year 5 develops pitch, rhythm, timbre, texture, and composition. Pupils participate in whole-class ukulele lessons, singing, performing, and composing. Themes include American music, Tudor songs, Greek-inspired compositions, space encounters, and world music, integrating performance and creative expression.
PSHE
PSHE supports social, emotional, and personal growth. Lessons cover family and relationships, health and wellbeing, safety, citizenship, and economic awareness. The year concludes with transition activities that focus on roles, responsibilities, and preparation for the next stage of learning.
Year 5 is a year of independence, curiosity, and challenge. Children deepen their skills in English, maths, science, and the arts while developing critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. By the end of the year, they are ready for Year 6, equipped with a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth.
To find out details of life in Year 5, please take a look at the curriculum map that details learning across the year for each subject.
Here are our wonderful Year 5 classrooms!
