2023/24

Year 5 Curriculum Overview Term 1 and 2

In History, we will be exploring our Dynamic Dynasties project.  This project teaches children about the history of ancient China, focusing primarily on the Shang Dynasty, and explores the lasting legacy of the first five Chinese dynasties, some of which can still be seen in the world today. We will explore the historical evidence found through archaeological excavations and learn about the religions of the dynasties and the significance of bronze, jade and silk to their culture.  As we move into Term 2, we will find out about the hierarchies, warfare and the end of the Shang Dynasty.  We will also compare this period of Chinese history with what was happening in other Bronze civilisations around the world.

In Science, we will look upwards and outwards to the vast realms of space to learn about our solar system and beyond. Journey through space, the final frontier. Navigate beyond the Sun, the magnificent, blazing star at the centre of our Solar System. Investigate the eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Take a look at the Moon, a celestial body that orbits Earth. Programme a rover to traverse a lunar landscape and work scientifically to investigate gravity, and what happens when there is none. Compare the times of day at different places on the Earth and use GPS satellite navigation systems to track hidden treasure. Get in a spin making simple models of the Solar System and listen to the haunting sounds of space themed songs. Then it’s 3, 2, 1, blast off. Build and launch a rocket for an important test mission. Exploring space is probably the greatest adventure that humankind has ever undertaken. Are we alone? Or are there other life forms out there?

As part of our wider curriculum learning, we will explore a range of topics within each subject. We will be learning the ways of Samba in Music. The children will have regular visits to the Forest Area whereby they will learn key life skills and develop their understanding of the natural environment. In Computing, we will focus heavily on internet safety as the children learn to use their own e-mail accounts. What an exciting term of learning we have ahead; we can’t wait to share your child’s development with you.

 

Year 5 Curriculum Overview Term 3 and 4

Sow, Grow and Farm is the project for Year 5 in Term 3 and 4. This project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas. They will learn about the meaning and benefits of seasonal eating, including food preparation and cooking techniques. Within Science, they will find out about animal life cycles, including the human life cycle and plant life cycles. During art lessons they will use pencil and ink to investigate creating light and shadow in their sketches exploring the work of Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt.  

The children will learn how to identify notes on a keyboard and play simple tunes in music. In computing, the children will learn how to create a detailed picture using google draw and plan and film a video using a range of filming techniques. Within PE lessons, the children will practise their gymnastic skills and create routines to perform.  

 

Year 5 Spelling Cards - Please See Side Tab

 

Homework - Please See Side Tab

Homework at Herne Bay Junior School

Opinion is often divided on homework. Our intention is that the homework we set is effective and, importantly, manageable for all. We are very aware of the increased expectations as the children move from the Infant School to the Junior School and beyond. Research from the Institute of Education carried out several years ago found that homework can often cause friction at home.

The analysis, which examined seventy-five years’ worth of studies into homework, concluded that schools needed to focus more on the purpose and quality of homework, and not the amount. With this in mind and with the introduction of the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) in Year 4, which will check whether the children can understand and recall all times tables up to 12 x 12, we want to make this a key focus.

This knowledge is key to securing success as they move through their Maths careers. Without a secure understanding of these facts, concepts that are developed in Years 5 and 6, will not embed fully and therefore cannot be built upon further when they reach secondary school. 

Therefore, practising the multiplication tables is a key part of the homework we set weekly. In addition, we consider it important that every child reads widely, can spell words from the statutory and high frequency word list with confidence and we greatly value the wonderful Home Learning Projects that parents complete with their children at home.

Every child will receive a sheet outlining the expectations for the current term in their particular Year Group.  Should you have any queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your child’s class teacher.

 

Please click here for some ideas and games to try.

Homework Expectation 2023/24

Home Learning Project	There will be three Home Learning Projects set over the course of the academic year and the Projects will be based on the topic being studied over two terms. These will be shared at open mornings where parents and children can celebrate the work created at home.	Three times a year
Maths	Each week multiplication tables will be set to practise the current week's tables focus.	Weekly
Spelling	Children will be given a set of spellings to focus on for the week. The list will include words that fit a given spelling rule and/or words from the statutory list linked to their year group. The children will be tested on these spellings weekly.	Weekly
Reading	Children MUST read independently or with an adult.  The reading diary needs signing three times a week so we know children are reading.	Three times a week as a minimum
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) – Years 5 & 6 only	Exercises in the GPS book will be sent home weekly in preparation for the KS2 GPS tests in Year 6.	Once a week on a Friday